🤔 Why do we baptize babies?
Many Christians think it’s a bad idea to baptize babies. They say to wait until the “age of accountability,” when children can confess faith because they don’t yet have the intellectual capacity for faith.
Why this is wrong: 😐
▶First, this is not what faith is. Faith is trust in Christ, which even the very smallest can do. 🧠➡️❤️
▶Second, it treats baptism as an outward act of obedience. This isn’t what baptism is. It’s not just a fancy water ritual.💦✨Baptism is being washed with water and God’s Word for the forgiveness of sins.
What does the Bible say?
1️⃣In Luke 1:41 John the Baptist had faith before he was even born when “he leaped in the womb” when he was in the presence of Jesus, who was in Mary’s womb.🤰
This is an act of faith. 🙌
2️⃣ Jesus says in Matt. 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 👶👑
Jesus is saying that children also need the forgiveness of sins and all the benefits 🎁 that come from his death.
3️⃣ Jesus says in Matt. 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Did you catch that? Jesus says that all nations should be baptized. 🌍 And nations doesn’t just include people age 13 or older.
4️⃣ Peter says in Acts 2:38-39: “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
The gift of the Holy Spirit isn’t just for the grown-ups. It’s also for children.🕊️
So, why do we baptize babies?
First, they’re sinners and they need the gift of forgiveness, which comes in baptism.💖
Second, the Bible tells us to. 📖✅
➡️What’s your take? Do you think we should baptize babies or wait until the “age of accountability?”
Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.
#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #baptism #babies
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