Infant Baptism

[Ron_Conte]

Salvation is a free gift from the Cross of Christ; it is not earned.
Therefore, baptism, which is the ordinary means to salvation, can be given even to infants.
The infants have not done anything to deserve to be saved, but neither have we.

 

[Nathan_Wagar]

Thats an excellent point, Ron. If anything, waiting until you are an adult makes your “acceptance” of grace even more of an act, instead of a free gift.

 

[panevino]

Matt 19 :13-14 NIV
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

some protestants belive that the words “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”
means that the children will automatically go to heaven if they die. (i guess if they die before some determined age of reason)

i posted this in another current thread on the same topic, in hope of more of a response

 

[veegriffin]

Thank you all again so much, you’re so wonderful. Thank you Randy and Nathan for all of the wonderful Bible verses, that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve found some on my own, but you’ve definitely given me a complete list and with excellent commentary too.

I should be able to have him convinced by the time the baby is born in May. God bless

 

[Bluegoat]

Also, it is sometimes a good idea to tell some types of Protestants that in a more traditional understanding, conversion and commitment to Christ is not a single event, but a continuous infusion of grace from God which we continulally choose to accept (or not) and act on (or not). Thus, though baptism itself is a one time action, it’s effects remain, allowing us to continually receive grace through the vine of the church.

 

[Carlan]

Thank you all for your replies, I agree with everything you’ve said. With your help I’ve been able to better organize my thought so and now know where to look. Thank you for your help and your prayers. God bless.

Hello Vee, Just one simple but true lesson I was taught a long time ago that stuck with me about Baptism.
Catholics believe that the power is in the sacrament of Baptism even though the Power can not be seen. We are Baptized with water and the Holy Spirit in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. That is why we Baptize babies. It stays with us forever.

The way I understand some Protestant’s belief on Baptism is that for them they have to have the faith before they can believe in the power, that is, before they can believe they have rec’d Power. So they only Baptize adults.

For Catholics- the faith is in believing the power in the sign of Baptism.

I hope that make sense… Carlan

 

[Carlan]

Also, it is sometimes a good idea to tell some types of Protestants that in a more traditional understanding, conversion and commitment to Christ is not a single event, but a continuous infusion of grace from God which we continulally choose to accept (or not) and act on (or not). Thus, though baptism itself is a one time action, it’s effects remain, allowing us to continually receive grace through the vine of the church.

Very good Bluegoat,Carlan

cas