Thursday, September 22, 2011
WHEN IS BAPTISM DONE?
Some people say, "Infants should not be baptized. They cannot repent, accept Christ, or believe."
But God's Word says, "Let [permit] the little children to come to Me for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14).
Keeping children from Jesus is something we've all been guilty of from time to time. The most obvious form of this is when one skips church or Sunday school for whatever the reason. Another way we can be guilty of this is simply in our daily lives. There are many times each day when we have the opportunity to speak about Jesus and His word to young children, high school, or even college and other adults. When does our godly encouragement in Christ's word stop? If we think about it, all of us have omitted to share what Christ has made us responsible to share with all people, including children!
You don't have to look far today to see Christians not baptizing young children anymore. But Jesus' words are clear! "Permit the little children to come to Me for of such is the kingdom of God." The Greek word here means "small child, toddler, or infant." So maybe the question should be: "Is faith a matter of intelligence, the ability to confess?" Our Lord reminds us in His word that "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You [the LORD] have perfected praise" (Matthew 21:16). Paul too wrote to Timothy: " ... and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).
If faith were based on our intelligence, and not the heart, what about children or elderly who have died? What about when we are sleeping? Faith is not about an understanding or the ability to "make a confession" of belief. Jesus said of the children "for of such is the kingdom of God." Jesus teaches us that His disciples are of every age -- even stressing our faith should be as that of a child! What amazing love, mercy, and grace God gives us whether we are young or old. I've been baptized into Christ! Praise the Lord!
