The Catechism (CCC 1261) emphasizes the importance of baptism for children who have died without baptism. It is necessary to bless the body, as it is given to the child by God and will be returned to them in a glorified state at the resurrection. However, a person cannot baptize a child if they are too young to have explicit faith on their own. When a child is baptized, the parents’ faith speaks for the child who is too young to have explicit faith on their own. The Church requires a reasonable hope that the parents will raise the child’s faith.
A living infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay. If a priest or deacon is not available, anyone may be baptized. The pastor will baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Parents should not just “say” the Apostles’ Creed; they profess it. Many parents are distressed when their children abandon the Faith and no longer receive the sacraments.
Household baptisms are an argument from silence. Place in saline solution and preserve in a refrigerator until burial. If able, take time to say good-bye and talk to the baby that has died. Parents with minor children need to have a Will specifying who will be the child(ren)’s guardian in case both parents die at the same time. Anyone who baptized a child after direct refusal from the parents should be sued.
A baptism in a clear danger-of-death situation would be considered licit and valid, provided the baptism was conferred with the correct form. Involvement of parents, guardians, and godparents is essential. Canon law has never required the consent of a parent before a child is baptized.
📹 “What happens to infants who die without baptism?” – Jan 22 – Homily – Fr Matthias
_TODAY’S HOMILY IS AVAILABLE IN AUDIO ONLY_ On the 47th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing …
Is baptism a guarantee to Heaven?
The doctrine of salvation is not contingent on the sacrament of baptism; rather, it is contingent on the act of believing and confessing, as outlined in Romans 10:9-10. This passage states that one can attain salvation by confessing Jesus’s status as Lord and believing in His resurrection from the dead.
What happens to a child whose parents died?
If you die without a will naming a guardian, the probate court will appoint one for your child. This person is called a testamentary guardian and is appointed by the court if both parents are deceased. The surviving parent usually gets custody of the child, unless there is a good reason not to. If the person named in the will refuses or is unavailable, the court may appoint someone else. If both parents are dead and there is no will naming a guardian, the probate court will appoint a permanent guardian who serves the best interest of the minor. The court looks for an adult who is the preference of the minor, if the minor is 14 years of age or older.
What happens to a child who dies before baptism?
The Catechism (CCC 1261) underscores the significance of entrusting children who have passed away without receiving the sacrament of baptism to divine mercy, conducting funeral rites tailored to children, and the divine desire for the salvation of all humanity.
Is baptism required to go to Heaven?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and an act of obedience. It signifies that we have died to our old lives and are raised to live new lives in Christ. Romans 6:4 states that we are buried with Him through baptism into death, and we should walk in newness of life. We lie back as a picture of death and go under the water as a picture of burial. Then, we come up out of the water as a picture of His resurrection. This act of obedience shows that we are ready to obey the call of Christ to a new way of life.
Jesus was baptized Himself, and it is the same for us. We receive salvation, get baptized, and then begin ministry as children of God. This act of obedience is a reminder of the importance of living a new life in Christ.
What does God say about baptism for the dead?
The power of Christ’s Resurrection is a central theme in Christian theology, as it explains the salvation of the unbaptized dead and the potential for God to be a perfect, just, and merciful God. Christians are baptized for the dead because they know they will rise, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ has led to a better understanding of the destiny of the billions who have lived and died without knowledge of Jesus. Jesus prophesied that he would also preach to the dead, and President Joseph F.
Smith witnessed this in vision. The Savior visited the spirit world and appointed messengers from among the righteous, commissioned them to carry the gospel to those in darkness. This understanding of the resurrection and the resurrection of Jesus Christ has profound implications for the lives of those who have lived and died without knowledge of Jesus.
Is baptism a guarantee to heaven?
The doctrine of salvation is not contingent on the sacrament of baptism; rather, it is contingent on the act of believing and confessing, as outlined in Romans 10:9-10. This passage states that one can attain salvation by confessing Jesus’s status as Lord and believing in His resurrection from the dead.
What happens after a parent dies?
The probate process involves distributing assets and settling debts after a parent’s death. If the parent had a will, it outlines who gets what and names an executor to oversee asset distribution. To begin probate, file the will with the probate court in the parent’s city. If the parent died without a will, the court will decide on asset distribution based on state laws. If handling the parent’s estate, obtain letters of administration or representation from the probate court to access non-joint financial accounts. If the parent died with debt, debts will be settled during the probate process. If the parent had a trust, no probate is required. Contact the parent’s attorney to discuss the necessary steps.
Are you still a parent if your child dies?
As a parent, you are always one, knowing that your love for your child or children will never go away. However, when an only child has died, the emptiness within your heart can be even more profound. The loss not only leaves a gap in the present relationship but also affects future hopes and dreams. The absence of a child can lead to feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose. It can be difficult for childless parents to hear stories of surviving children, even from other bereaved parents.
They may have a greater need to talk about their child who has died, but it can be painful to have no living children to relate to. Christmas and birthdays can be particularly painful, and there is no one to remember and acknowledge your role on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
What does the Bible say about baptism for the dead?
Baptism for the dead, also known as vicarious baptism or proxy baptism, is a religious practice that involves baptizing a living person on behalf of a deceased person. It is a doctrine of the Latter Day Saint movement, which has practiced it since 1840. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) currently practices this rite in dedicated temples and other factions. Those who practice this rite view baptism as an essential requirement to enter the Kingdom of God and practice baptism for the dead to offer it by proxy to those who died without the opportunity to receive it. The LDS Church teaches that those who have died may choose to accept or reject the baptisms done on their behalf.
The exact meaning of the phrase is an open question among scholars, with some arguing that Paul approved of the practice or that the verse truly refers to an actual physical practice among early Christians. Early heresiologists, such as Epiphanius of Salamis and Chrysostom, attributed the practice to the Cerinthians and Marcionites, while Ambrosiaster and Tertullian affirmed that the practice was legitimate and found among the New Testament Christians. The practice was forbidden by the Councils of Carthage in the last decade of the fourth century AD, and is not practiced in modern mainstream Christianity.
Does an unbaptized child go to Heaven?
The Roman Catholic view of salvation is that baptism is necessary and frees the recipient from original sin. However, the official position of the Catholic Church is that unbaptized infants go to Limbo, an afterlife condition distinct from Hell. The Church can only entrust children who have died without baptism to the mercy of God, as stated in the 1992 Catechism. The great mercy of God and Jesus’ tenderness towards children allow us to hope for a way of salvation for children who have died without baptism.
In 2007, the International Theological Commission published “The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die without Being Baptized”, distinguishing between the “hope” mentioned in the Catechism and “sure knowledge”.
Can a child be baptized after death?
The Catholic Church believes that baptizing deceased infants is not necessary for salvation, and hospital chaplains should emphasize this point when faced with requests to baptize deceased infants. The church is clear that it is improper and impossible to baptize a deceased person. The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs) indirectly address the issue, stating that requests for baptism should be referred to the chaplain of the institution, except in cases of emergency.
If a priest or deacon is not available, anyone can validly baptize. However, there is no clear, direct statement on the church’s position on baptizing the deceased, but the inappropriateness of it is implied. It would make little sense to speak of an “emergency” where someone other than a chaplain may perform a baptism if doing so after a person has died was an accepted sacramental practice.
📹 The Bible Supports Infant Baptism (here’s why)
A long-standing disagreement between Catholics and Protestants is whether or not infants need to be baptized. Joe Heschmeyer …
Thank you for this explanation of the faith of the fate of the unbaptized infants. I am so glad that I was taught in Nurses Training, many years ago, that if an infant was in danger of death that any one with the intent to Baptize may do so using the Trinitarian formula. I have baptized two little babies in just such circumstances; when no priest was available. I am so glad I knew to do this. It gives me great joy and comfort. I am also quite sure these little ones who are unbaptized, are in a place of natural happiness and peace.
God is a million times more merciful than the most merciful human…He will bring the innocents to him, baptized or not. Our prayers and daily sacrifices (like the Morning Offering prayer says… we offer our works, joys, sufferings of this day) and worship uplift the unbaptized innocents to God. Jesus is The Way
St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote to a couple that had a miscarriage. In response to their question, “What is going to happen to my child? The child didn’t get baptized,” St. Bernard said, “Your faith spoke for this child. Baptism for this child was only delayed by time. Your faith suffices. The waters of your womb — were they not the waters of life for this child? Look at your tears. Are they not like the waters of baptism? Do not fear this. God’s ability to love is greater than our fears. Surrender everything to God.”
God can do anything. He forgave the good thief from the cross. He promised him salvation. I believe that God is not tied down by any law .Their always exceptions because He is beyond anything we know. His unbounded forgiveness is greater than the Universe. Has no end nor limits. Praise God. This is just a thought.
Thank you for this talk. There is actually a lesser known theological position on how the possibility of infants without water baptism could enter heaven. St Bernard mentioned the possibility of a child receiving the baptism of desire through the will of the parents. This is based on the fact that parents will their babies to have baptism of water, so it does make sense that they could will baptism for their babies by desire when water baptism is not possible. Blessed Anne Catherine seemed to believe that baptism of desire by parents could also be done by others through spiritual adoption. Although this is not the majority opinion of the doctors of the Church it is still sometimes the case that the minority opinion is true. God bless.
Good morning this is the question bugging me daily. I was not born Catholic but by Gods special Blessings I was Baptized (just trying to explain briefly) and xtrely Blessed and fortunate I am Proud Roman Catholic my kids are Baptized but they got married to Hindu spouses my daughter tried to baptized my grand kids but unfortunately her in laws are deadly against they played very dirty. I am very much concerned I pray almost every day. Kindly help me to find some solution Thanks 🙏
This why it is so important that parents pray for their unborn children, that they may be born alive and receive baptism. This is also why abortion is such a capital crime, since it is not only murder, it is denying the child the happiness of the Beatific vision forever. On the question is it impossible for unbaptised infants to enter into Heaven, we must say yes, it is impossible. Sacraments can only be received by the living. These children will live a life of perfect natural happiness, but not super-natural happiness, although they will be united with God forever by the bond of Love. They go to Limbo which is a place in the belly of the earth, where there is no suffering whatsoever, and when the day of Resurrection has arrived, and the final Judgement comes, theologians more or less agree, that these children will live on a renewed and beautiful earth, as the gift of Jesus Christ for these innocent souls who committed no sin of their own, and who have already paid for their debt of original sin, by their natural deaths.
Through the Maccabees the holy Grail of Baptismal oil of the fulfillment of the blood covenant by christ is found to the path in him of him by his all times all knowing all present unconditional love an in the life of truth in trust of his sword an sheld to teach the path to everlasting life in his holy righteousness of everlasting life. We Bowe our heads in reverence rase our hands in praise an give thanks in his holy name of spirit an go forth by the light of truth all over the world to save the new temple of the soul in christ name.
There is healing Rachel’s Vineyard offers healing for women that have had abortions. as well as the sisters for life you may connect with the pain of the loss of your child pray for your child and offer small penances as well as being in a living environment where you are supported through the difficulties. then in the end if you are open to the full process you can go home with a lighter heart and then work even harder on your connection with our Lord.Please receive help so that you can pray in your daily intentions for the unborn and for the poor souls in purgatory
“With God all things are possible. ” No need to be overly curious about it. It is quite possible that God knows the hearts of those who would commit such a terrible crime, and say, “It was better for my child to be with God than to be born into the world”, and thereby deceive many others into the same error.
Father… could it be that God, in his infinite mercy, by knowing those babies would become adults who would fall into mortal sin and die… and be lost to hell? Rather, did God allow the abortions so that those very persons could then be saved? And this would be a kind of ‘reverse sting’ against satan?
Thank you Father for being honest and clear. Too many people satisfy themselves with falsehoods that we can offer sacrifices for their souls (there is nothing in Scripture or Tradition to agree with this) or that we can spiritually baptise aborted babies. I know they do this with good intentions, but I think we should focus on Truth, on what has been revealed and defined, and on fighting for the ability too have all children baptised as God permitted. I have lost two children before birth and I sorrow for them, but, in Faith, I can do no more than to surrender to the Will of God, and leave the fate of my children in His Merciful Hands, giving thanks to God for their brief lives.
Any natural happiness must by its nature be temporary, not eternal. Yet the souls of those who die without baptism are eternal. What happens to them in eternity? Only those who have sinned gravely and die without repentance go to hell. If heaven is ultimately the only alternative to hell, we should conclude that those who do not go to hell must go to heaven. This is not to say that there is not a real Limbo, only that Limbo is not eternal. But if theology may not provide an answer to this question, perhaps revelations from approved mystics could be helpful. These are available.
But… An evil person (like all of us) who believes in the last minute is saved!! Or better… The parent who kills their baby BUT repents and dies praying The Divine Mercy is Saved (immediately)!! Yet…. Their Baby is deprived? Let’s just Love each other until it hurts, for that is The Greatest Sin these days. God bless all. Previous Blood of Jesus, Save us and the whole world! Amen
Remember that Jesus taught in Jerusalem when asked Master who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven? He called a small child & placed him in their midst. He taught us to become as little children (humble) for of such is the Kingdom of heaven. Children live in Christ they are received in His Glory in Heaven. He IS the Redeemed of the World (everyone). His atoning sacrifice & blood redeems these little ones Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. \t\t\tAnd their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. \t\t\tBut little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!
The Babylon sin of child sacrifice of murder in the womb, murder of the creator creation in the Miracle of life of a new soul in the womb in sacrifice to heath an wealth of self made gods of Babylon murder in the womb is the highest standards of sin PLEASE read the drop below an bow your head in reverence rase your hand in praise an by the sword an sheld of our creator all times all knowing all present unconditional love an mercy by his life of truth in trust in him of him by him of his mercy in the path of everlasting life fight with all your soul for the Miracle of creation the new soul of life in the womb, that child in under your trust as a man of the Cross by the blood covenant to the lord.
Babies are innocent, they haven’t reached the age where they either believe in Jesus or reject him. The Bible doesn’t teach that Babies must be baptized, it’s another false teaching of the Catholic Church. When we believe in Christ Jesus, we are baptized as a confirmation of our faith. Putting water on an infant as a baptism is not in the Bible. The Bible teaches immersion in water. The Lord will hold the Catholic Church accountable for all the false claims they’ve made that are not biblical!
They can never ever enter heaven as being in original sin without baptism as only baptism removes that sin no such thing as innocent before GOD with sin on it’s soul baptism removes original sin this is hard hearing but the truth they crucified CHRIST because he told the truth compared to the damned the number of the saved is small GOD HELP US
Gen. 17:12, Lev. 12:3 – these texts show the circumcision of eight-day old babies as the way of entering into the Old Covenant – Col 2:11-12 – however, baptism is the new “circumcision” for all people of the New Covenant. Therefore, baptism is for babies as well as adults. God did not make His new Covenant narrower than the old Covenant. To the contrary, He made it wider, for both Jews and Gentiles, infants and adults. Job 14:1-4 – man that is born of woman is full of trouble and unclean. Baptism is required for all human beings because of our sinful human nature. Psalm 51:5 – we are conceived in the iniquity of sin. This shows the necessity of baptism from conception. Matt. 18:2-5 – Jesus says unless we become like children, we cannot enter into heaven. So why would children be excluded from baptism? Matt 19:14 – Jesus clearly says the kingdom of heaven also belongs to children. There is no age limit on entering the kingdom, and no age limit for being eligible for baptism. Mark 10:14 – Jesus says to let the children come to Him for the kingdom of God also belongs to them. Jesus says nothing about being too young to come into the kingdom of God. Mark 16:16 – Jesus says to the crowd, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” But in reference to the same people, Jesus immediately follows with “He who does not believe will be condemned.” This demonstrates that one can be baptized and still not be a believer. This disproves the Protestant argument that one must be a believer to be baptized.
I was baptized Catholic as a toddler then my Dad left the Church (Mom was never Catholic). I now wish I had been brought up Catholic. Instead, I spent all childhood and most of my adult life as a Protestant. It wasn’t until a few years ago at the age of 63 did I realize I had been worshipping God wrong. I know there are going to be some Protestants who will tell me I’m wrong, but not according how the early church taught and believed. I feel God led me to Catholicism.
We easily forget Baptism is not required for salvation. Evidence shows the early church practiced immersion, pouring water and sprinkling. Churches practicing infant baptism usually require it be “completed” upon “confirmation” when 10-12 years of age, when old enough to be tutored, to understand, and to make that volitiinal commitment to Christ. I appreciate and had all, infant baptism, confirmation and adult baptism, only asking “Don’t denigrate my infant baptism, but you can “dunk me” any time and I will profess my faith again.
The church began baptizing babies because St. Augustine taught that unbaptized babies who die go to a special place reserved for them in Hell. Later, St. Thomas Aquinas taught that unbaptized babies don’t go to Hell but to Limbo, which is nice but it’s not heaven. Pope Benedict XVI realized the absurdity of it all and proclaimed that Limbo is nonsense. As a result, Catholics don’t have to worry about their dead children: they’re in Heaven!
As a Protestant (Methodist) I believe in infant baptism. There are proofs from scripture you can use, but they aren’t quite as strong as another fact. Baptism (immersion) comes to us from Judaism. Baptism is actually required for all Jewish converts, and this is where Christian baptism comes from. Like Jewish baptism, Christian being baptized were naked until the 8th century. Anyways, something significant about conversion to Judaism is that parents can convert their kids and have their kids immersed to become Jews before they are able to speak up. Those kids will be considered to be Jewish until their bar mitzvah. At that point, if they wish to not be Jewish they would be deconverted with no penalty. Otherwise, they would be recognized as Jewish. If you look at Christian practice, this is what we did in the west basically. The laying on of hands/investiture of the Holy Spirit (confirmation) was delayed until the age of 13 or so, whereas baptism became largely for infants. Those born in Christian families would have already been baptized, and confirmation would have been their time to affirm their faith. Or if they chose not to, they could turn their back on it. The parallels when you read about them are striking.
Infant baptism is mandatory because God’s covenant with the nation is mandatory. To celebrate a true and lively faith after a credible confession of faith, anything further would be a completion of baptism. But for that to be complete, it must be covenantal with the people, which must be conferred as the promise to children of the people.
There are so many discrepancies in this article. The headline is “infant baptism” His reference was to children. An infant is a child, a child is not always an infant. Nothing definitive in that scripture to support infant baptism. He quotes Acts 2 where it states Repent and be baptised. How many infants do you know that are capable of repentance? Zero is the right answer! He then goes on to state that those that repent and are baptized will receive the Holy Spirit. An infant cannot repent, so how can an infant receive the Holy Spirit? He then goes on to quote Acts where 3000 souls were “added to the church” His claim is that they became added to the church through baptism. What about the repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit part that he read earlier? He ignored those things because they don’t fit his doctrine. The rule is you alter your doctrine to fit with scripture, you NEVER ignore scripture to support your doctrine!
I’m Catholic and agree that infants should be baptized, but I don’t think the arguments in this article argue well for that position. The quotes from Acts just show that Peter tells the people listening that they should be baptized. When it says that the promise of baptism applies to “you and your children,” that doesn’t automatically mean infant children. One could argue that: 1) Peter is saying that this promise applies to the people’s children *when they’re old enough to decide for themselves*. He doesn’t mean infants because, how could he, given that just a few verses later in Acts 2:41 it says, “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Since babies obviously couldn’t accept (or reject) Peter’s message, the passage is not talking about infant baptism here. 2) Peter is saying that this promise applies to the people’s chldren and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, etc. In other words, he isn’t talking about infants in particular, or even the people’s living children in particular, but just all the offspring for generations. 3) Peter is saying that the promise applies to the people’s “children” (Gk. “teknois”), but he doesn’t use the word “baby” (Gk. “moro”) or “infant” (Gk. “vrefos”). If he wanted to make it clear to the crowd standing there, which almost certainly had infants in it given that there were thousands present, then he would have used the word “moro” or “vrefos” (baby or infant). As for the reference to Ezekiel, all that proves is that the propechy concerning baptism is fulfilled in Christian baptism.
You answered my belief in that the initial verse you mentioned “struck in the heart” is a personal conviction. Babies, as far as I know, have not had that or made the personal decision to follow Jesus. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. I have had my children christened and taken an oath to raise them knowing the Lord, but it is their choice to follow Him.
“8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me. 9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children. 10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. 11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.” -Moroni 8 (Scripture we have thanks to the restoration of the fullness of Christ’s gospel and church)
Justin Martyr wrote about 150AD that because we could not choose the parents to whom we were born and how we were raised, that baptism is “so that we might become children of choice and knowledge”. Baptizing infants denies leaves them in the same position of ignorance. Infant baptism is completely unknown in all of scripture, yet the pagan world used it en masse (Romans, barbarians, Hindus, Aztecs, etc). Interestingly, Augustine’s idea for original sin comes about partly because in his time infant baptism was quite common and he thought there must be a reason for it since babies haven’t sinned, and this the doctrine of original sin was born.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Peter, and Paul were not Roman Catholics. They were all Jewish. The first non-Jewish believer in the gospel is Cornelius in Acts chapter ten. Every believer before Acts chapter ten is 100 percent Jewish. When the LORD commanded Peter to go preach the gospel to Cornelius Peter didn’t want to go because he knew that Cornelius was not Jewish. The Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, was written by Jews. The LORD commanded Peter three times, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17). Therefore, Peter gave the keys to the kingdom directly to the sheep and not to the magisterium. And Peter wrote to the sheep (2 Peter 1:5-11) and said, “…add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-11). In other words, Peter says that if we (the sheep) do what he says to do that this will open the doorway to heaven “abundantly” to the sheep.
It’s like you didn’t even read the verses. First you repent, then you are baptized. First they received the Word, then they were baptized. That’s the correct order. And it’s not just “for you and for your children” but for all who are near (Jews) and far off (Gentiles). This promise of the Gospel must be responded to first in repentance and faith. Baptism comes after that. Just take God at His Word please. He didn’t make this hard to understand. 🙏
Ignorance abounds. The Greek word there is tenon. Offspring. Not infant. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. An infant has never sinned therefore cannot be lost. Baptism is for the remission of sins first and can only be performed on the one who can confess and repent of sins. Infants are incapable. The only way you can justify this is believe in the original sin theory. But the Bible clearly states the child does not inherit the sins of the father
Jesus said, ” He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” a baby cannot believe. Acts 2:38 ” Repent and be baptized…” a baby cannot repent. Romans 10 :9 confess with your mouth, a baby cannot confess. In Col 3:1 it says, ” If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above…” how can a baby seek things above? Baptism is also a burial, so do you totally immerse a baby?
to you and your children and all who are far off…..meaning…not just this generation, but the next, and next and next….it is clear all throughout the new testament, that belief of the gospel precedes baptism. and that baptism always was by immersion, picturing burial and resurrection. the old man is crucified, buried, risen a new creation in christ jesus. there is no evidence of infant baptism in scripture. as far as whole households, that’d be those who heard the message and received it. we are saved by faith. confess with your mouth that jesus is lord, and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead. now therefore, obey jesus in the believers baptism, and receive the promised holy spirit. believe, repent, be baptized, receive. infants need not apply. dedicating your child to the lord means that you are committing to raise them in word of God’s truth. sprinkle them if you want, it is of no account, like blowing out candles on a birthday cake. as soon as they are old enough to hear and believe the gospel, with all their heart, they should be baptized, as all believers.
Raised very Catholic very Italian. To make my parents happy I got both my kids baptized before they were 6 months old. I found out I’m allergic to the oil they rub on a baby’s head during the ceremony. My eyes swelled up skin covered in hives. So when my second baby was born kindly gently asked the priest not to use that oil. Omg! he would have been less shocked if I told him I worshipped the devil. Seriously to think that an oil has some kind of magical powers to rid a innocent baby from evil just ridiculous.
You are reading the Scripture through the lense of Eseigesis sir. According to John The Baptist in the Gospel of Mark that people are to be baptized to show that they are sorry for their sins and that to show that they want to change their lives. Babies can’t do that. You were out of context when you quoted those verses sir.
Regarding the practice of baptism, The Encyclopedia Britannica states: “The whole early period knows baptism only for ADULTS, who join themselves of their own resolve to the Christian community.” The religious historian Augustus Neander writes of the first century Christians: “Faith and baptism were always connected with one another; and that the practice of infant baptism was unknown at this period (in the first century).” Christian baptism is for those old enough to understand and believe in “the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 8:12) It’s linked with hearing God’s Word, accepting it, and repenting—actions that an infant cannot take! In addition, the Bible shows that God views the young children of Christians as being holy, or clean in his sight because of the parents’ faithful course. (1Corinthians 7:14) If infant baptism were valid, those children would not need to have the merit of someone else extended to them.
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. “Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me. Wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism! Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
There is no scripture in the Bible that supports infant baptism and the apostles didn’t baptize infants.. Water Baptism is for believers who believe in the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.. Water Baptism is not for unbelievers..In Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise and a infant can’t understand and believe the gospel..The Bible say that water baptism doesn’t put away the filthiness of the flesh the blood of Jesus Christ does…In Hebrew 9:22 without the shedding of blood is no remission of sins that means no forgiveness of sins it doesn’t say without water….The Bible say that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins water can’t do that…. Infant Baptism is not biblical… Getting water baptize doesn’t saved you it by simply believe the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Somehow I missed the part in this article about how infant baptism makes sense. I’m skeptical myself, because after reading the early church fathers, it didn’t seem like they agreed on the best way to do it. Seems to me following the Example of Christ’s baptism would make sense, but also I’m a little concerned because babies don’t have discernment and they can’t choose to be baptized, so why would we force them to be baptized? Should it be their choice?
In the Bible it’s a symbolical act of repentance. We are born with sin, but nobody can make another person repent by baptizing them or blessing them. Salvation is a gift, but GOD does not force anything on anyone, it’s totally up to us to receive. This teaching is totally distort from the word of GOD. Baby baptism can’t do any good to anyone. Ultimately it’s your choice. NOT BIBLICAL at all.
Infant Baptism does absolutely nothing. No OT Jew was baptized with water, and I am pretty sure Moses, Abraham Isaac and the rest are probably in Paradise right now. The thief on the cross which at first rejected Christ, then had a change of heart and accepted Him, never had time to get baptized of water and Jesus assured they would be in Paradise this day. Jesus, throughout His ministry NEVER EVER baptized anyone of water. No, infant baptism does nothing, there is not even ONE mention of Infant Baptism in Scriptures.
The promise “to your children” does not mean infants who are incapable of repenting (which is the first part of that whole statement). It refers to the Promise extending not only to that generation, but to all generations, and not only to the Jews, but to all those who are far off, too. Furthermore, as I said in another comment, the opposite of Infant Baptism, is not Adult Baptism, it is Believer’s Baptism, and that can include small children as young as 3 or 4 years of age. So even if someone was to interpret Acts the way you do, it still doesn’t get you to Infant Baptism. As St. Gregory Nazianzus teaches in his Oration on Baptism, Oration 40, chapter XXVIII: “Be it so, some will say, in the case of those who ask for Baptism; what have you to say about those who are still children, and conscious neither of the loss nor of the grace? Are we to baptize them too? Certainly, if any danger presses. For it is better that they should be unconsciously sanctified than that they should depart unsealed and uninitiated … But in respect of others I give my advice to wait till the end of the third year, or a little more or less, when they may be able to listen and to answer something about the Sacrament; that, even though they do not perfectly understand it, yet at any rate they may know the outlines; and then to sanctify them in soul and body with the great sacrament of our consecration. For this is how the matter stands; at that time they begin to be responsible for their lives, when reason is matured, and they learn the mystery of life (for of sins of ignorance owing to their tender years they have no account to give), and it is far more profitable on all accounts to be fortified by the Font, because of the sudden assaults of danger that befall us, stronger than our helpers.
I totally believe in all the catholic teaching on everything. But I wonder if a child is being baptised in a Lutheran church in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit but the parents and godparents are non-believers. It’s is very common in Sweden. Is that baptism walid? Sametimes the Lutheran priest is even a women who is a lesbian atheist. Is that child then really “saved”?
“even a child who has not committed sin does not naturally enjoy the indwelling of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”… right. Do all three Persons of the Godhead indwell the believer? It seems a bit of a stretch to say that a child who does not yet have the ability to put their faith in Christ can be indwelt by the Spirit simply because they were baptized. We are saved through faith in Christ. If what you are saying is true, surely everyone who has been baptized would have received the seal of the Holy Spirit and be saved?