"Grape-Nuts," "Christian Science" And "Infant Baptism" (II.)
In our first article under the above heading it was established, first, "infant baptism" cannot be established by the Bible, and, second, the examples of baptism in the New Testament demonstrate conclusively that infants are not subjects of baptism.
Third, all subjects of baptism are required to fulfill certain prerequisites before baptism. Infants, being incapable of fulfilling these prerequisites are therefore not proper subjects of baptism.
1. Infants are incapable of being taught and of believing what is taught. Matthew 28:18, 19 reads, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 'Ghost." Notice that the teaching comes before the baptizing. The word "teach" ("make disciples" ASV) refers to the process of discipling people through the process of teaching them the gospel. Infants are not proper subjects for baptism because they cannot be discipled. Men have reversed the Divine order by baptizing first and discipling after.
Those who claim they baptize infants actually practice "faith by proxy." In their ceremony the "Godparent" speaks on behalf of the infant in answer to questions concerning certain doctrines. "All this I steadfastly believe" is the "Godparent's" reply. To be sure the Bible is destitute of examples for such procedure. Faith is always commanded of individuals; never is it by proxy. Christ said, "If YE believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24.) Again he said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16.) Hebrews 11:6 teaches that "without faith it is impossible to please God." The Philippian jailer was commanded to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and in order that he and his family might know what to believe the preachers spake the word of the Lord to them. (Acts 16:31, 32.) When the Ethiopian nobleman asked, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip answered, "If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest." If he believed he could be baptized, if did not believe he could not be baptized. Little infants do not have the mental capacity to believe in Christ and are therefore not proper subjects for baptism.
2. Recognition of guilt of sin and repentance from sin must come before baptism. Acts 2:38 reads, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Thus, as one must recognize guilt of sin before he can repent of it, both recognition and repentance must precede the act of baptism. Infants cannot fulfill this prerequisite because (1) they have no sin to recognize or repent of, and (2) they are incapable of mentally recognizing sin or undergoing the change of mind that is necessary to repentance.
3. Confession of faith must also precede baptism. In New Testament times men were called upon to confess their faith in Christ prior to baptism. When Philip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest" the Ethiopian answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Romans 10:9, 10 states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Can an infant make such a confession before baptism? Some might say, "The Godparents make it for him." But the Scripture says, "confess with thy mouth" and "believe in thine heart." Philip said, "If thou believest thou mayest" not if someone else believes for you, you may.
Surely no one believes that an infant of a few weeks is capable of performing any of these prerequisites to baptism. Someone might ask, "But what of an accountable person who does not perform these prerequisites?" We answer, he is no more a fit subject of baptism than is the infant, but he is at least capable of performing them if he would. Without a penitent heart of faith on the part of the one baptized the act becomes a mere form.
Here are some questions for those who think they baptize infants:
1. Since baptism is the answer of a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21) how can an infant incapable of performing such an act be baptized?
2. Is an infant able to arise to "walk in newness of life"? (Rom. 6:3, 4.)
3. Is infant baptism within the scope of revealed truth? If not, then consider the following: (1) Paul said he declared all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:27.) (2) But Paul did not declare "infant baptism." (3) Therefore, "infant baptism" is not part of the whole counsel of God. Again, (1) Peter said that 'God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3.) (2) But God has not given "infant baptism" unto us. (3) Therefore, "infant baptism" does not pertain unto life and godliness. And again, (1) Paul wrote that the scriptures furnish us unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17.) (2) But the scriptures do not furnish us unto "infant baptism." (3) Therefore, infant baptism is not a good work.
4. Is "infant baptism" an act of faith? Consider another syllogism: (1) Faith comes by hearing God's word. (Rom. 10:17.) (2) But the word of God does not teach "infant baptism." (3) Therefore, it is not an act of faith. Again, (1) "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Rom. 14:23.) (2) But infant baptism is not of faith. (3) Therefore, infant baptism is sin.
5. If infants can be baptized why can they not be given the Lord's Supper? In the New Testament church those who were baptized were given the privilege of receiving the Lord's Supper. Thus baptism and the Lord's Supper were inseparably joined together. By claiming to baptize infants and refusing them the Lord's Supper men have separated that which God has joined together.
6. Does not "infant baptism" ignore the power of choice?
7. Does not "infant baptism" plant a delusion in the heart of the child thus causing many to become permanently disobedient to the commands of God?
8. What spiritual blessing is given to a child in "infant baptism'?
9. Are not infants safe, why then do they need to be baptized? (See Matthew 18:3; Ezekiel 18:20.)
10. If infants were subjects of baptism would sprinkling water on them be baptism? (See Acts 8:3648; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12.)
We sincerely and earnestly urge those who have been putting their trust in this manifestly unscriptural human tradition to believe in Christ, repent of all sin, confess him before men and obey him in New Testament baptism while time and opportunity remain yours.