Posted by ienling (202.166.126.234) on January 27, 2003 at 13:52:37:
In Reply to: Baptism of Infants. posted by Khew Chee Keong on January 22, 2003 at 19:41:52:
:
: Hi, Elder Yong. Would like to ask about the signifiance of baptism of infants.
: I once heard from my Pastor that sins can be classified into two kinds: Original sin( inherited from Adam) and i do not know what is in in English but in Mandarin, the other is called "ben3 zui4" ( i.e. sin that is committed when one has the will or consciousness, in this case, infant do not develop that ability yet)
: He mentioned that by letting an infant be baptised, we are giving a precious gift in advance to the infant i.e. Salvation. By doing this act, the infant is not prone to the effects of the original sin.. ( i can't recall the actual verse my Pastor uses)
: Yesterday i brought out the matter to my fellow bros and sis and we had some different opinions.. i myself have not found an answer yet.
: Another question is: Some churches are against the baptism of infants as they claim that infants do not have the will or consciousness yet, so it is inappropriate to do so. Is that correct? i mean, in accordance with the Bible?
: Would hope you could enlighten me. Thks and Take care.
: God Bless,
: zhiqiang
Dear brother Zhiqiang:
Just like to share my personal understanding on this issue. First of all, baptism of an infant does not secure his/her salvation. Just like not all circumcissed Jews are saved Rom 9:6 We have to see water baptism as a sign and covenant that God had made with us, substituting with the physical circumcission with the Jews (Colossians 2:11,12) Gen 17. (Buswell, 1962). Hence this thought actually originates from covenant theology. Our God is a True and Living God who makes covenant with His children and their generations to come (Acts 2:38,39). He does not only stops there but He keeps them.
When a Christian parent or parents have a child, it is an act of faith by baptising the baby to claim God's blessing on this child. This is because if even one parent is a Christian, they are in a holy relationship 1Cor 7:14). It is also a public testimony that this child will be brought up in the fear of the Lord by the parents. This child will be given the Gospel message as early as he/she can understand. When this child has truely believed, she/he will only need to testify publicly his/her conviction, testimony of their salvation. Once again, water baptism infant or adult does not equal salvation. The Roman Catholics are practising a totally different believe on this issue, and many christian today still think that those who baptise infant are actually agreeing with the Roman Catholics.