Argument concerning the baptism of babies!

[godsent]

Peter replied, Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38

If i understand this passage correctly it says that “repent a7nd be baptised”…is that saying that you MUST repent in order to be baptised, or is it saying that 7all can be baptised repentant or not?

 

[Thal59]

It simply means that if one wishes to accept the Gospel and follow Christ, one must repent of their sins before they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism which brings one into the church which is the body of Christ. It would not be proper to wish to be baptised and to become a member of the body without repenting of one’s sins first.

Babies are Baptised because they have no conscious sin to repent of. Since circumcision was administered to babies as the sacrament that brought them into the old covenant, Baptism therefore becomes the sacrament conferred upon infants which brings them into the new and everlasting covenant.

Thal59

 

[martino]

Thal59:

It simply means that if one wishes to accept the Gospel and follow Christ, one must repent of their sins before they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism which brings one into the church which is the body of Christ. It would not be proper to wish to be baptised and to become a member of the body without repenting of one’s sins first.

Babies are Baptised because they have no conscious sin to repent of. Since circumcision was administered to babies as the sacrament that brought them into the old covenant, Baptism therefore becomes the sacrament conferred upon infants which brings them into the new and everlasting covenant.

Thal59

Good post!

In addition to that, most of the new Christians during this early time were adults and therefore must repent of their sins. The Church still requires this of all adults that come to the Church for baptism.

 

[imroc]

Yeah, this is nice to quote and ponder, but honestly there are other verses that actually reverse the order as well. I can’t think of any off hand, but will definitely post them later on tonight or tomorrow. I have to get back to work, but I implore you to search out all baptism and confession quotes and check out the order in which they are quoted.

 

[imroc]

Matthew 28:19-20 Shows nothing about repentence, and actually in gramatical order shows,

1. Baptise
2. Teach them…

With an adult, we teach and then baptise
With an infant or child, we baptise and then teach.

I think is abundantly clear that baptism is important and teaching our brothers and sisters is important. God’s people, of all ages.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

godsent:

Peter replied, Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38

If i understand this passage correctly it says that “repent a7nd be baptised”…is that saying that you MUST repent in order to be baptised, or is it saying that 7all can be baptised repentant or not?

It says that if you are aware of personal sins you must be repentant of them in order to receive the full benefit of Baptismal Grace.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

imroc:

Matthew 28:19-20 Shows nothing about repentence, and actually in gramatical order shows,

1. Baptise
2. Teach them…

With an adult, we teach and then baptise
With an infant or child, we baptise and then teach.

I think is abundantly clear that baptism is important and teaching our brothers and sisters is important. God’s people, of all ages.

Actually according to the original RCIA (see Catechetical lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem) they are to experience the Sacraments and are then taught the meaning of them. This is what today we call Mystogia. Prior to the celebration of the Sacraments they are taught about the Christian life and how to live it and are “tested” in the Christian way.

 

[NotWorthy]

Its evident that the early chuch baptized infants from the quotes of several of the Church Fathers and the 1st century tombstones of children showing that they were baptized in their first months of living.

Notworthy

 

[imroc]

Br. Rich SFO:

…This is what today we call Mystogia…

What a fun term to pronunciate! What is the actual way?

Thanks for the heads up! Good information is always welcome!