WHY DOESN'T THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BAPTIZE BABIES?

The New Testament often speaks about water baptism. John the Baptizer taught about it (Matt. 3:1-11), Jesus taught about it (Mark 16:16), the apostles taught about it (Acts 2:38), and first century evangelists like Philip taught about it (Acts 8:35-39). Baptism is, indeed, an important topic.

What about baptizing babies? Is it a scriptural practice? In order for it to be a scriptural practice, it must be authorized by the teaching of Jesus the Christ. He charges all men to observe the things that He commands (Matt. 28:20). As it is written in Colossians 3:17, all that we do is to be done in Christ's name, that is, by His authority. If one were to read the New Testament from beginning to end, from Matthew 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, he would find neither a Bible command to baptize babies nor a statement mentioning the baptizing of such little ones. He would never find in the New Testament an example of baby baptism, nor would he read anything that implies that such a practice is authorized. Thus, the practice of baptizing infants is unauthorized by the Lord. Such a practice owes its origin to men, not God (Matt. 21:25). Here is strike number one against baby baptism: it is unauthorized by the New Testament.

Furthermore, babies are not proper candidates for water baptism. That is strike number two against the baptizing of infants. Biblically speaking, one that is a proper candidate for water baptism is one that believes in Jesus and the Gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37). Infants are unable to possess such faith, thus they cannot be baptized scripturally.

Biblically speaking, one that is a proper candidate for baptism is also one that is a sinner. Simon Peter, acting as Jesus' spokesman, told the Jews assembled on the Day of Pentecost to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). The message of Acts 2:38 shows that repentance must proceed baptism, and at the same time it also shows the purpose of baptism: "for the remission of sins."

In order for babies to be classified as "sinners," and thus in need of repentance and baptism to wash away sins (Acts 22:16), then it must be true that they have in some way violated God's law. This is so because the Bible defines sin as "lawlessness" or "transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). Only those that have broken God's law are "sinners." Pee-wee children may be "guilty" of a lot of things, but breaking or transgressing the law of God is not one of them! Therefore, babies are not sinners, and because they are not sinners, they are not proper candidates for baptism. "Why doesn't the church of Christ baptize babies?" That is a good and fair question. One thought that comes to mind is this: Why should it?

What scriptural reason is there that should cause the Lord's church to baptize infants? The answer is, "There is none!" Through the ages many religious people have practiced and attempted to justify baby baptism. Friends, baby baptism is unscriptural. Such a practice is unauthorized by the Bible, and infants themselves are not proper candidates to receive water baptism. That is just the way it is. If we are going to stick with what the Bible says and allow it to guide us, always speaking as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11), then we will leave off the practice of baptizing babies. Not only will we not practice it ourselves, we will also do our best to help others to see what baby baptism really is: an invention of men that is both unnecessary and unauthorized.

Written by: Roger D. Campbell