Infant Baptism

Mike Johnson

There is a lot of disagreement on the subject of baptism. People disagree on the purpose of baptism as well as how to baptize someone. There is also controversy regarding whom to baptize. Some say infants are proper candidates for baptism, while others say a person must be a penitent believer before baptism. Is there authority for infant baptism in the New Testament? We will consider this question.

First, an infant cannot meet the prerequisites for Bible baptism. The Bible teaches there are certain things one must do before baptism. According to the Bible, a candidate must first believe (Heb. 11:6, Mk. 16:16). Infants do not have the maturity and understanding to have faith. Also, a person must repent (Acts 2:38). An infant cannot repent – neither does an infant have sins requiring repentance. One has to confess Christ (Rom. 10:10), and an infant cannot do this.  Baptism is for people who believe, repent of their sins, and confess Christ. An infant cannot do these things and is, therefore, not subject to Bible baptism.

Next, consider Matthew 28:18-20, which records the Great Commission.  Here it says to “teach,” then to “baptize,” and then “continue to teach.” Thus, it is clear the Great Commission (which contains the baptism we are subject to today) does not apply to infants.  Infants do not have the maturity to understand the required teaching before baptism.

Further, consider Acts 8, where we read of the baptism of the Samaritans. Verse 12 says, “. . . they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 18:8 says, “. . . And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.” Thus, those baptized were those who could first hear and believe.

There is no authority for infant baptism in the New Testament. There is no command, example, or necessary inference found in God’s Word allowing it. Look at all of the conversion cases in the Bible yourself, and you will not find a single instance or any authority for infant baptism. It is contrary to God’s Word.