Infant Baptism
Presbyterianism holds that infant baptism is said to demonstrate the church’s commitment to “nurture the child in faith.” Presbyterian infant baptism is sprinkling and is a cary over from the Roman Catholic church of which there is no reference to in the gospel.
But the baptism of the New Testament is a burial. Baptism means “immersion from the word it is translated from. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon definitions for baptism.
Strongs number: 907* baptizoo;
- properly, to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge
- to cleanse by dipping or submerging
Strongs number 907
bapti/zw baptizo (bap-tid’-zo); from a derivative of NT:911; to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N. T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism.
Children are used as examples of purity and innocence, Matthew 18:3, 19:14.
And the scriptures teach that one must be able to understand the steps necessary for baptism of which an infant has no sin to repent from and no understanding of which the gospel teaches.
Steps preceding baptism:
- Hear, Romans 10:17
- Believe, Acts 16:31
- Repent, Acts 2:38
- Confess, Acts 8:37-38
- Be Baptized, Acts 2:38
An example of baptism, Acts 8:38-39 (KJV)
- 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
- 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Conclusion
The reformation whith credit is given to Martin Luther for the break away from the dominance of the Catholic Church in the 16th century did nothing to get back to the New Testament, but just established more unscriptural churches.
For those desiring eternal life is promised by God, you must be in the true scriptural church. For a good start read the Introduction, then under the category Church of Christ Doctrine study Salvation.
Become a member of the New Testament church, be baptized into the Church of Christ. Then as you grow in the church attend bible study classes, also gain more knowledge from sermons of the preacher.
Good books increase knowledge, learned Christians can guide you in studying the New and Old Testaments. There is much to gain on this web site, note the various categories and investigate the articles under them.
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