Q:Why do we baptize infants? Why don't Baptists believe you should be baptized until you are old enough to understand and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior?

A:Great questions. Let me ask another question, does the Biblical teaching on Baptism "divide" one Christian from another, or one Christian denomination from another?

There are certainly "distinct viewpoints" on baptism. These "distinctions" are as real as each of us having "distinct" appearances and abilities. What is important to remember is that while we have distinctions in appearance and ability, as a people, we are not "divided". We rather share a common trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, and a trust in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.

The same is true when we look to the various Christian denominations - while there are "distinct viewpoints" on the topic of baptism, rather than saying "those distinctions divide us" ... it is better to focus on that which unites us. We have a shared trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and a shared trust in the authority of God's Word.

As far as "why baptize infants" ... God's Word and the history of the church has always encouraged this.

Acts 2:39 says that when it comes to baptism, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call." In addition to the adults, children are invited to receive the promises and blessings of baptism.

Matthew 28:19 says that "disciple making" (baptizing and teaching) is to be done for "All Nations." All nations meaning all people, young and old.

In Acts 16:14-15 - "the members of Lydia's household" were baptized.

In Acts 16:33 - the Philippian jailer and "all his family" were baptized.

In 1 Corinthians 1:16 - Paul states that he baptized the "household of Stephanas."

That "everyone is invited to be baptized" is confirmed by the history of the church. Here is what some disciples of the first disciples had to say regarding baptism.

Origen (185-254 AD) and Cyprian (215-258 AD) and at the Council of Carthage in 254 66 bishops stated: "We ought not hinder any person from Baptism and the grace of God ... especially infants ... those newly born."

Origen wrote in his Commentary on Romans, "For this also it was that the Church had from the Apostles a tradition to give baptism even to infants." Then in a message based on Luke 14, Origen said, "Infants are to be baptized for the remission of sins."

Hippolytus (170-236 AD) said, "First you should baptize the little ones. All who can speak for themselves should speak. But for those who cannot speak, their parents should speak for them, or another who belongs to the family." (Apostolic traditions, 21.3)

Augustine (354-430 AD) declared, "The custom of our mother Church in baptizing infants must not be counted needless, nor believed to be other than a tradition of the Apostles."

If we look at every verse in the Bible that discusses baptism we will see that baptism is always about God's action. It is never about a person's confession of faith (as the Baptist or Community churches teach). You might be saying, "What about the words 'Repent...and be baptized' in Acts 2? Does that not mean that we need to do something before baptism should occur?"

Rather than something we do, the Bible tells us, "Baptism and Repentance" ... are God's doing as He works through the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:31 says, "God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel."

2 Timothy 2:25 also says, "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."

Repentance, which means a changed heart, happens by God's power, not our action.

You also might be thinking, "but a child cannot understand" what is happening at baptism. You're right. The Bible teaches, however, that baptism is not a "cognitive action", rather baptism is about God's work.

Matthew 28:19 - Baptism makes us a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 - Baptism forgives sins and gives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 3:27 - Baptism clothes us with the holiness of Christ.

Titus 3:5-7 - Baptism is a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 3:21 and Romans 6:3, 5 - Baptism saves us by linking us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As with our salvation ... so with baptism ... it is not about our work, but by God's grace.