Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Practice: Infant baptism, also known as paedobaptism, is the Christian practice of baptizing infants or young children. This rite is observed in several Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Reformed traditions. The practice is rooted in the belief that baptism is a means of grace and a sign of the covenant between God and His people, akin to circumcision in the Old Testament. Biblical Basis: While the New Testament does not explicitly mention the baptism of infants, proponents of infant baptism argue that the practice is consistent with the biblical understanding of household baptisms and the covenantal theology found in Scripture. In Acts 16:15, the baptism of Lydia and her household is recorded: "And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us." Similarly, Acts 16:33 describes the baptism of the Philippian jailer and his household: "At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized." These passages suggest that entire households, potentially including children, were baptized upon the conversion of the head of the household. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 1:16 mentions the baptism of the household of Stephanas: "Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not remember if I baptized anyone else." Theological Significance: Infant baptism is often understood within the framework of covenant theology. In the Old Testament, circumcision was the sign of the covenant between God and His people, administered to male infants as a mark of inclusion in the covenant community (Genesis 17:10-12). In the New Testament, baptism is seen as the new covenant sign, replacing circumcision as the rite of initiation into the Christian community. Colossians 2:11-12 draws a parallel between circumcision and baptism: "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ, and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." Historical Context: The practice of infant baptism can be traced back to the early church. Church fathers such as Origen and Augustine affirmed the practice, with Augustine arguing for its necessity based on the doctrine of original sin. The Council of Carthage in 418 AD condemned the rejection of infant baptism, affirming its importance for the remission of sins. Contemporary Practice: In denominations that practice infant baptism, the rite is typically accompanied by a commitment from the parents and the church community to raise the child in the Christian faith. It is often followed by a confirmation or profession of faith when the child reaches an age of understanding, affirming their personal commitment to the faith. Criticism and Alternative Views: Critics of infant baptism, particularly those from Baptist and other credobaptist traditions, argue that baptism should be reserved for those who have made a conscious profession of faith. They emphasize the New Testament pattern of belief preceding baptism, as seen in Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, '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.'" These groups advocate for believer's baptism, where the individual makes a personal declaration of faith before being baptized. Topical Bible Verses Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Topicalbible.org Acts 22:16 1 Peter 3:21 Mark 16:16 Acts 2:41 Romans 6:4 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 John 3:5 Acts 8:36-38 Acts 16:33 Library Infant Baptism. Infant Baptism. Circumcision and Baptism. (Written Only for those who Practise ... Children Devoted to God, Gen. 17 7 10 Acts 16 14 15 33 (For those ... Caution Needed in Attending to Pelagius' Deliverances on Infant ... Baptism. Baptism. Baptism Christian Baptism. False Teachings of the Apostasy. Resources What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical understanding of baptism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about hermaphrodites? | GotQuestions.org Infant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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