South End Church of Christ :: Article: Infant Baptism

South End Church of Christ 4001 Taylor Blvd Louisville, KY 40215

	Infant Baptism Aaron Erhardt As someone who was sprinkled as a baby, I was surprised to learn that men and women are to be baptized (Acts 8:12), not infants and toddlers. New Testament baptism is for those who are capable of hearing and heeding the message. They must be taught (Matthew 28:19), believe (Mark 16:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess (Acts 8:37), and be sinners (Acts 22:16). Infants are untaught, unbelievers, unrepentant, non-confessors, and sinless. Hence, they are not proper candidates for baptism. Perhaps we should take a moment to address the “household” conversions in Acts since they are often used to defend infant baptism. (1) Cornelius. His household feared God (Acts 10:2), heard the message (Acts 10:33), believed the message (Acts 11:17), and had their hearts purified by faith (Acts 15:9). Infants cannot do those things. (2) Lydia. Although we are not told much about her household, one would have to assume that she was married, had children, had infant children, and that her infant children were with her at the time of her conversion. You cannot build a doctrine of mere assumptions. (3) Philippian Jailor. His household heard the message (Acts 16:32), believed the message (Acts 16:34), and rejoiced that they were saved (Acts 16:34). Infants cannot do those things. (4) Crispus. His household believed the message (Acts 18:8). Infants cannot do that. (5) Stephanas. His household devoted themselves to the service of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15). Infants cannot do that. There is no evidence from the “household” conversions to support the practice of infant baptism. There is neither precept nor example of infant baptism in the New Testament.