Is Infant Baptism Valid?
Exploring the Validity and Tensions of Infant Baptism in Church Membership.
Baptism is a sacred practice, deeply significant to the Christian faith, symbolizing union with Christ and entry into the visible church. However, when it comes to infant baptism, questions often arise about its validity, particularly within traditions that emphasize believer’s baptism. This has created ongoing theological tension within many churches, especially Baptist congregations.
Infant baptism, or paedobaptism, is rooted in the belief that baptism serves as the New Testament counterpart to Old Testament circumcision. Proponents, such as Presbyterians and other Reformed denominations, argue that just as circumcision marked entrance into God’s covenant for Israelite infants, baptism should mark entrance into the Christian covenant for the children of believers. It symbolizes the promise of salvation, which will be embraced fully through faith later in life.
On the other hand, Baptist theology emphasizes that baptism is a public profession of faith, following a conscious decision to trust in Jesus Christ. This view holds that only those who have made a personal declaration of faith should be baptized, hence the term credobaptism (from credo, meaning "I believe"). For Baptists, baptism must be performed after an individual has experienced repentance and faith, typically through full immersion in water. This practice, drawn from Scriptures like Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3-4, underlines baptism as an outward sign of an inward change a transformation that infants, they argue, are incapable of expressing.
The tension arises when churches must determine how to welcome individuals baptized as infants into their congregation. Should they require these believers to undergo rebaptism as adults, or should the infant baptism be acknowledged as valid, even if not ideal? Many Baptists grapple with this question because, while they believe paedobaptism is not a proper expression of faith, they also recognize the genuine Christian faith of those who were baptized as infants.
Joe Rigney, a theologian from Desiring God, offers a balanced approach. He suggests that while paedobaptists may misunderstand the full theology of baptism, this should not disqualify them from fellowship or participation in the broader Christian community. Rigney argues that paedobaptists can still be welcomed into membership, although leadership roles within Baptist churches may require a clearer alignment with credobaptist convictions. This distinction allows for Christian unity, recognizing the broader "catholicity" of the church meaning the universal body of Christ while maintaining Baptist practices within local congregations.
A key point that continues to challenge Baptist traditions is the inconsistency this creates in church membership practices. For instance, if infant baptisms are not deemed valid, it raises questions about the church's recognition of paedobaptist churches and whether these congregations can properly administer the Lord’s Supper. Furthermore, it implies a complex relationship where believers from these traditions are seen as part of the universal church, but not fully integrated into the local Baptist congregation unless rebaptized.
At the heart of this debate is the desire for clarity without compromising Christian fellowship. Churches must navigate these waters carefully, ensuring that their practice of baptism aligns with their theological convictions while still embracing the unity of believers who may hold differing views on this secondary matter.
As discussions on this topic continue within many denominations, it is clear that baptism, though a point of division in some respects, remains a deeply unifying symbol of faith in Jesus Christ. The ongoing conversation is essential for fostering both theological integrity and the unity of Christ’s body.
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Al L • 8 hours ago
While we may not know which baptism is “correct”, what we know for sure is that Satan loves the fact that we’re willing to fight about it.
Larry Weldon • 10 hours ago
The entire premise of your article seems to be to deny unequivocally that infant baptism is not error, and to give people some manner of choice as to whether that error is somehow acceptable in a church membership context. Jesus said "You must be born again". That means 'converted' (i.e. the old nature has died and the new nature created in the new believer). In Acts 16 Paul and Silas said "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved", showing that the bar for salvation isn't really high, but neither is it low enough that a baby, as it grows up, should be deceived into thinking he/she is acceptable to God in his/her unrepentant, unregenerate state. Baptism is not, in and of itself, any more than a sign that the believer has been buried with Christ. Consider the middle east where the act of baptism may subject the believer to the murderous rage of Muslims who do, in fact, know what baptism really means.
Infant baptism is performed on the ignorant by the ignorant.
Jan H • 11 hours ago
If we follow the Bible, and use Christ as our example, we see that Christ was dedicated, (presented to the priest) according to Jewish custom shortly after His birth, but wasn’t baptized until just before He started His ministerial service. Luke 2:22-24, Matthew 3:13-17 Therefore, babies in Christian circles may be dedicated by the parents (they “present” the baby to the congregation, and vow to raise them up in the admonition of the Lord); but that individual must make the choice, upon salvation, to be baptized. Acts 6:28-38
Jon Weaver • 11 hours ago
I was baptized as an infant, in the Catholic church. I accepted CHRIST at age 21, & was baptized again. Infant baptism is unscriptural, although if they accept CHRIST, they should be baptized again, although it does not affect their salvation[ACTS.19:1-6]. These believers were baptized, but not thru the holy spirit. They were saved, so entering Heaven upon death was assured, but, now they were infilled with holy spirit, receiving the gift of tongues. REPENTANCE and baptism are 2 different steps[ex. Luke 23:39-43]. Accept CHRIST, then be baptized.
Dan Buchanan • 12 hours ago
If you read your Bible and observe the words it says and interpret it word for word and then MOST OF ALL APPLACTION. I learned a lot from this article you use wotds i never heard of i think trying to cover both sides of belief. But thear is only one and that is the word of God the Bible. I was baptized as a baby went through all the other sacraments offered by the church . It wasn't until I made a comment at 50 years old to have a relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ my life became more spiritual. It's a dad by day walk and more often moment by moment. There is no good iin me pray for me these words come from my heart in love
Ryan Underwood • 12 hours ago
Hogwash. Pedobaptist is not Baptism.
Jim Chiles • 12 hours ago
Both types of Baptism are symbols. Infant baptism indicates that you are dedicating the infant to die with Christ and arise with him. It is up to the parent (?) to train them in the proper path and that is their duty.
Of age decisions, otherwise, when old enough to make the decision to follow Christ in death and resurrection and follow through with it.
Both are symbols of the celebration of the reasons Christ died and arose.
Freddie McNabb • 12 hours ago
Many credo baptisms are performed after incomplete or even false conversions, with young people saying a prayer without fully understanding the requirements of faith, true repentance and making Jesus Lord as well as accepting him as Savior. Should they be re-baptized when they come to a full recognition of what faith means? Some say "yes." Others say, "no." I am not a theologian, so I really can't answer fully, but I don't believe I or anybody else should question someone's faith as long as they make a sincere statement of Jesus the Christ as their Lord and Savior. I feel we should let God sort it out.
Luke Botha • 2 hours ago
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, it is my belief that He will then baptise you with the Holy Spririt. John baptised with water, Jesus baptise with the Holy Spriit (He said it Himself). Which one do you prefer?.
Mike Mishler • 13 hours ago
Joe Rigney is now a paedobaptist and a teaching Elder at a Presbyterian Church, your information is a bit dated.
Tom Mabie • 13 hours ago
I believe that the question comes down to what does Baptism symbolize. Does it symbolize faith or grace? If it symbolized faith then it can only take place after one professes faith in Jesus Christ. However, if it is symbolic of God's grace then it can happen either before or after confession of faith. We often refer to baptism as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace".
Margaret Danes • 13 hours ago
Babies can’t choose Jesus.
Babies can be dedicated to the Lord.
Pamela Julian • 13 hours ago
A person’s christian faith is personal to them. Deeply personal. Faith in God grows and that faith needs to be tended like plant cultivation.
To many Anglicans call that, “Christ ting” I remember mine as I was 6 years old at the time. Not marvellous as the minister’s message was dark and gloomy. The parents did as they were told and just did their best after a gloomy message. It made me think about God but not in a good way as the message was not great for me.
A child’s birth should be celebrated. Baptism, is a personal step, whether you are fully immersed or Christ tined. I chose to do personal full immersion because I wanted to , whether I needed to, is up to the Lord. I am glad I made the choice because the decision was mine. However, that step ordered by the church is confirmation of christ tined..
This is a deeply personal choice for me. However I believe the Lord Jesus looks at our hearts first not our outward actions.
W C Olendorf • 13 hours ago
If the Baptists don’t believe in infant baptism, why do they perform dedications to infants and then tell them they cannot truly join the Baptist convention until they kiss the preachers ring.
Dedication is a form of Baptism to the faith with out accepting the institution of the Baptist convention.
Barbara Borowy • 12 hours ago
As far as I know, only Catholics kiss the priest's ring. Baptists do NOT do this
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