NOT for debate. Infant Baptism in Early Church History

[FreeInChrist]

Each person is held accountable for their own salvation. If you mom and dad are saved that does not mean you are or will be. It's all about personal faith. God is going to judge everyone justly and fairly.

Well my mom and dad were baby baptized.... so that means they are not saved? Good to know. Cant be either because
they are both gone. I am the last of a family that for hundreds of years were all baby baptized. So my entire family
is lost? Also good to know.

Wonder if God will hold those accountable 7 or 8 years ago when I tried, along with my mom to receive an immersion and we
could not make it happen? A story you are not going to hear, but it is on here somewhere... The entire thing.

This is a different subject that the age of accountability.

There is no one age in the Bible at which all children are declared to be “accountable.” Neither is there one chronological age in a person’s life in which a person suddenly and automatically knows right from wrong or is capable of understanding God’s plan for salvation.

Or the reason for His plan of salvation? I do, I wonder if you do also?

Dont worry... you need not answer because you will not be read. I dub you #16.

The condition of accountability is what matters. Every infant or child who dies before reaching a condition of moral culpability goes instantly to heaven at death.

 

[Lions Mane]

Well my mom and dad were baby baptized.... so that means they are not saved?

Not by being baptized as infant.

It is tragic that Christians are so sharply divided about these issues. And yet, the divisions and the controversies show that Christians recognize that baptism is a serious matter. After all, no one can read the New Testament, even in a cursory manner, and not clearly see that baptism is a very important element of the Christian faith. So Christians who take their faith seriously also take baptism seriously, and they want to get it right. They care enough about baptism to debate areas of uncertainty.

 

[Affinity]

Not by being baptized as infant.

It is tragic that Christians are so sharply divided about these issues. And yet, the divisions and the controversies show that Christians recognize that baptism is a serious matter. After all, no one can read the New Testament, even in a cursory manner, and not clearly see that baptism is a very important element of the Christian faith. So Christians who take their faith seriously also take baptism seriously, and they want to get it right. They care enough about baptism to debate areas of uncertainty.

God does not promise any of the benefits of salvation to unbelievers. The promise is only to those who believe, and the promise is absolutely sure for them. Infant are not able to believe in Christ but the go to heaven if they die before the age of accountability.

Although baptism is infinitely valuable it is not necessary for salvation.

 

[Lions Mane]

God does not promise any of the benefits of salvation to unbelievers. The promise is only to those who believe, and the promise is absolutely sure for them. Infant are not able to believe in Christ but the go to heaven if they die before the age of accountability.

Although baptism is infinitely valuable it is not necessary for salvation.

David believed in infants going to be with the Lord.

2 Sam 12:23
But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.

 

[TibiasDad]

I think it's a bit more than that.

At minimum, it's also a declaration by the church that they have accepted the believer as a member of the group.

Really, it's an adoption ceremony.

I think the church accepts people as a part of the group regardless of baptism. Baptism is an act of public declaration by the believer that he/she has accepted Christ. They are declaring their lives have been saved by grace and are declaring their allegiance to Christ and his teachings publicly. Without such declarations, baptism is just a meaningless dunking.

Doug

 

[civic]

I think the church accepts people as a part of the group regardless of baptism. Baptism is an act of public declaration by the believer that he/she has accepted Christ. They are declaring their lives have been saved by grace and are declaring their allegiance to Christ and his teachings publicly. Without such declarations, baptism is just a meaningless dunking.

Doug

ditto- its a public declaration what has already taken place in the heart of the person being baptized in water.

I've always thought of it as the first act of obedience.

 

[Begotten]

Baptism is often described as an outward sign of an inward change. It is a public testimony that you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Your baptism powerfully proclaims what God has done, and is doing, in your life. In addition, as a follower of Jesus, you are publicly saying that you join with Christians from around the world who are unified by faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

 

[TibiasDad]

ditto- its a public declaration what has already taken place in the heart of the person being baptized in water.

I've always thought of it as the first act of obedience.

I almost said that, it being an act of obedience! Thanks for adding your thunder!

Doug

 

[Wick Stick]

I think the church accepts people as a part of the group regardless of baptism.

They do, but it's an error. There should be a period of discipleship to ensure that converts are sincere and not bad actors.

Baptism is an act of public declaration by the believer that he/she has accepted Christ. They are declaring their lives have been saved by grace and are declaring their allegiance to Christ and his teachings publicly. Without such declarations, baptism is just a meaningless dunking.

Doug

The symbolism of baptism is that of death and re-birth. In death the old affiliation is removed, and in the new birth a new Father is gained. Like I said, that's an adoption.

 

[TibiasDad]

They do, but it's an error. There should be a period of discipleship to ensure that converts are sincere and not bad actors.

Discipleship is not, in my humble opinion, about testing the validity of a persons faith, but to strengthen it through learning and discipline of habits. I can see your point, but it isn’t diagnostic in its intent, though such does happen about certain aspects of one’s life, it is formative in its intent.

The symbolism of baptism is that of death and re-birth. In death the old affiliation is removed, and in the new birth a new Father is gained. Like I said, that's an adoption.

I can live with that description. I would say the foundational principle is relationship, of which adoption is the vehicle for establishing relationship.


Doug

 

[Wick Stick]

Discipleship is not, in my humble opinion, about testing the validity of a persons faith, but to strengthen it through learning and discipline of habits.

That's a very fair analysis. Even from its infancy, the church has always been quick to baptize new converts. For comparison sake, Judaism also baptizes converts... but it makes those converts jump through a LOT of hoops first.

I can see your point, but it isn’t diagnostic in its intent, though such does happen about certain aspects of one’s life, it is formative in its intent.

Yet... the idea of bishops (episkopos) seems to have that within its meaning. Perhaps that oversight is administered more AFTER baptism... and before the convert participates in communion/koinonia? Early church literature suggests that to me, anyway.

I can live with that description. I would say the foundational principle is relationship, of which adoption is the vehicle for establishing relationship.

I link it back to Abraham's covenant. What Abraham asked for was a son. The LORD gave him - not only a natural heir in Isaac - but also made him a "father of nations." When we are adopted, we participate in the fulfillment of that promise. Well, Paul puts it that way, and I tend to believe him.

 

[Victoria]

I was baptized as a baby myself. And as an adult, it was full body immersion... which was a wonderful experience!
Question is... was it/is it really necessary? Let's look at what the apostle Paul said regarding baptism


Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe,
that there are contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ
should be made of none effect.
(1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many,
are one body: so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free;
and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
(Ephesians 4:4-6)


I've learned from Paul's epistles that Christ Jesus spiritually baptizes us into His body.
Has anyone else ever stumbled upon these scriptures?

 

[TibiasDad]

I've learned from Paul's epistles that Christ Jesus spiritually baptizes us into His body.
Has anyone else ever stumbled upon these scriptures?

This is the premise of the Quakers (the Friends Church) and one of the reasons why they don’t traditionally baptize. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is thought to be the only necessary baptism.

The Quakers saw (and see) the outward expression of baptism as a false security of those who were told it was necessary for salvation; that if one was baptized, they were necessarily saved because of it.


Doug

 

[JLB]

Irenaeus (130 - 200), some 35 years later in 185, writes in Against Heresies II 22: 4 that Jesus "came to save all through means of Himself - all, I say, who through him are born again to God - infants and children, boys and youth, and old men."

Being born again has nothing to do with water baptism.

 

[JLB]

I've learned from Paul's epistles that Christ Jesus spiritually baptizes us into His body.
Has anyone else ever stumbled upon these scriptures?

Yes.

However, It’s the Holy Spirit who baptizes us into Christ when we are born again.

Then man, a human being, a Pastor or minister baptizes us into water.

Then we are baptized with the Holy Spirit by the Lord Jesus.


Three distinct and different baptisms with three different baptizes.


Paul uses the Old Testament shadows and types to teach this truth.


Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2

• all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Moses = Christ; baptized into Christ by the Spirit.

Cloud = Jesus baptizing us with the Holy Spirit

Sea = Water Baptism

 

[Wick Stick]

Being born again has nothing to do with water baptism.

You might want to give John 3 a read.

 

[Victoria]

@TibiasDad @JLB & everyone!


Here's an interesting list of distinct baptisms found in the Bible.
The ones listed in blue are wet. Notice a common theme among them?


1. Noah’s type baptism
Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water in an ark as a type of a future baptism.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)

2. Baptism unto Moses
Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (1 Cor 10:1-2; Exo 14:29)

3. Israel’s ceremonial cleansings
These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people.
(Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10)

4. Levitical priesthood baptisms
These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses.
(Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7)

5. Traditional Jewish baptisms
These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition.
(Mt 15:1-2; Mk 7:1-9; Lk 11:38)

6. John’s baptism
John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom
to Israel and identify their Messiah. (Mt 3:5-6; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37)

7. Jesus’ baptism by John
Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness under the law.
(Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-10)

8. Baptism with fire
Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation.
This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell.
(Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2-3; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)

9. Jesus’ baptism unto death
Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world.
(Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50)

10. Pentecostal water baptism
Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus.
This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.
(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)

11. Pentecostal Spirit baptism
This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel
with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16)

12. Gentile baptism of Cornelius
Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the
other Spirit-filled Gentiles with water in a different order but for the same reason as Pentecost.
(Acts 10:45-48)

13. Baptism for the dead
This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true,
“for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized.
(1 Cor 15:29)

14. Baptism into Christ
The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer with Christ, his death, and resurrection.
This baptism is performed by the Spirit and does not include water.
(1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4)

 

[TibiasDad]

@TibiasDad @JLB & everyone!


Here's an interesting list of distinct baptisms found in the Bible.
The ones listed in blue are wet. Notice a common theme among them?


1. Noah’s type baptism
Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water in an ark as a type of a future baptism.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)

2. Baptism unto Moses
Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (1 Cor 10:1-2; Exo 14:29)

3. Israel’s ceremonial cleansings
These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people.
(Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10)

4. Levitical priesthood baptisms
These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses.
(Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7)

5. Traditional Jewish baptisms
These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition.
(Mt 15:1-2; Mk 7:1-9; Lk 11:38)

6. John’s baptism
John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom
to Israel and identify their Messiah. (Mt 3:5-6; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37)

7. Jesus’ baptism by John
Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness under the law.
(Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-10)

8. Baptism with fire
Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation.
This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell.
(Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2-3; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)

9. Jesus’ baptism unto death
Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world.
(Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50)

10. Pentecostal water baptism
Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus.
This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.
(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)

11. Pentecostal Spirit baptism
This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel
with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16)

12. Gentile baptism of Cornelius
Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the
other Spirit-filled Gentiles with water in a different order but for the same reason as Pentecost.
(Acts 10:45-48)

13. Baptism for the dead
This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true,
“for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized.
(1 Cor 15:29)

14. Baptism into Christ
The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer with Christ, his death, and resurrection.
This baptism is performed by the Spirit and does not include water.
(1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4)

Excellent breakdown!


Doug

 

[Victoria]

Excellent breakdown!


Doug

I found this list of baptisms here:

List: Baptisms in the Bible

 

[FreeInChrist]

@TibiasDad @JLB & everyone!


Here's an interesting list of distinct baptisms found in the Bible.
The ones listed in blue are wet. Notice a common theme among them?


1. Noah’s type baptism
Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water in an ark as a type of a future baptism.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)

2. Baptism unto Moses
Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (1 Cor 10:1-2; Exo 14:29)

3. Israel’s ceremonial cleansings
These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people.
(Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10)

4. Levitical priesthood baptisms
These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses.
(Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7)

5. Traditional Jewish baptisms
These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition.
(Mt 15:1-2; Mk 7:1-9; Lk 11:38)

6. John’s baptism
John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom
to Israel and identify their Messiah. (Mt 3:5-6; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37)

7. Jesus’ baptism by John
Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness under the law.
(Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-10)

8. Baptism with fire
Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation.
This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell.
(Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2-3; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)

9. Jesus’ baptism unto death
Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world.
(Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50)

10. Pentecostal water baptism
Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus.
This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.
(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)

11. Pentecostal Spirit baptism
This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel
with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16)

12. Gentile baptism of Cornelius
Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the
other Spirit-filled Gentiles with water in a different order but for the same reason as Pentecost.
(Acts 10:45-48)

13. Baptism for the dead
This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true,
“for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized.
(1 Cor 15:29)

14. Baptism into Christ
The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer with Christ, his death, and resurrection.
This baptism is performed by the Spirit and does not include water.
(1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4)

Thanks for posting this....

Looks like we can really get into it with 14 baptisms to consider.

Seriously though , @Victoria.... this is a great list.