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Infant baptism or christening[1][2][3] is the Christian religious practice of baptizing infants or young children. In theological discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as baptismpt ismedobaptism from the Greek pais meaning "child." The practice is sometimes contrasted with what is called "believer's baptism," or credobaptism, from the Latin word credo meaning "I believe," which is the religious practice of baptising only individuals who personally confess faith in Jesus, therefore excluding under aged children.*** g86 10/8 p. 26 Baptism?Is It for Infants? ***
Church leaders have merely ?indulged in rhapsodies of emotion as a substitute for substantial argument.? (Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace, by Paul K. Jewett) Where, then, can you look for authoritative answers to your questions about infant baptism? These answers must be looked for in God?s Word.
*** g86 10/8 p. 26 Baptism?Is It for Infants? ***
Infant baptizers for the most part attempt to base their case on Jesus? words at John 3:5: ?Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.? They argue that since water baptism is a requirement for entrance into heaven, infants should be baptized to avoid suffering in a fiery hell?or lingering in limbo.
However, the Bible says that ?the dead .?.?. are conscious of nothing at all.? (Ecclesiastes 9:5; compare Psalm 146:4.) Since the dead are unconscious, they are incapable of any sort of suffering. Parents, therefore, need not fear gruesome consequences if they do not baptize their infants.
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