Baptism Vs Infant Baptism
UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM THROUGH MODE, PURPOSE, AND BELIEF
Daniel L. Vinculado
Theology 350 Fundamental Theology Issues
September 22, 2014
When it comes to baptism within Christianity, there are several views regarding the purpose, the mode, and who is qualified to receive baptism. Through this research paper I will be discussing the viewpoint of Believer Baptism as well as Infant Baptism, both of which are popular within specific dominations and are still practiced in our present time. Although both sides will be closely discussed, the bigger emphasis will be on which of the two views is biblically correct. It is my understanding throughout the Holy Bible that the Believer Baptism is the appropriate …show more content…
A great working definition for this specific position can be found through Theopedia.com as, “Believer 's baptism is the Christian practice of baptism in which the participant publicly professes faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, and as admission into a local community of faith5.” This specific definition has an element that separates it from its opposing view and is something we should be observant of which is “the participant publicly professes faith in Jesus.” An infant, whom is neither cognizant nor has the ability to speak, is unable to acknowledge and profess Christ as their Lord and savior which is why believer baptism is more likely to be a person of an appropriate age. In John Elwell’s Evagelical Dictionary of Theology he states the following, “Baptism can be given only when the recipient has responded to the Word in penitence and faith, and it is to be followed at once by a course of more detailed instruction.6” Again we see Johh Elwell too is in agreement that the baptism is the practice for a believer and not for the infant. The New Testament as well provides a substantial amount of evidence regarding baptism of the believer. In Acts 2:38 we read the following statement by Peter, “And Peter said to them, “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.” Those in support of infant baptism believe this was an inclusive of infants however as stated prior since the infant is unaware of their sin then they do not have the ability of repenting. There are several more examples of Believer Baptisms in the bible as well including the Ethiopian Eunuch who professed his faith and then was baptized (Acts 8:36-39), the household of Lydia whom all professed and believed
Daniel L. Vinculado
Theology 350 Fundamental Theology Issues
September 22, 2014
When it comes to baptism within Christianity, there are several views regarding the purpose, the mode, and who is qualified to receive baptism. Through this research paper I will be discussing the viewpoint of Believer Baptism as well as Infant Baptism, both of which are popular within specific dominations and are still practiced in our present time. Although both sides will be closely discussed, the bigger emphasis will be on which of the two views is biblically correct. It is my understanding throughout the Holy Bible that the Believer Baptism is the appropriate …show more content…
A great working definition for this specific position can be found through Theopedia.com as, “Believer 's baptism is the Christian practice of baptism in which the participant publicly professes faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, and as admission into a local community of faith5.” This specific definition has an element that separates it from its opposing view and is something we should be observant of which is “the participant publicly professes faith in Jesus.” An infant, whom is neither cognizant nor has the ability to speak, is unable to acknowledge and profess Christ as their Lord and savior which is why believer baptism is more likely to be a person of an appropriate age. In John Elwell’s Evagelical Dictionary of Theology he states the following, “Baptism can be given only when the recipient has responded to the Word in penitence and faith, and it is to be followed at once by a course of more detailed instruction.6” Again we see Johh Elwell too is in agreement that the baptism is the practice for a believer and not for the infant. The New Testament as well provides a substantial amount of evidence regarding baptism of the believer. In Acts 2:38 we read the following statement by Peter, “And Peter said to them, “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.” Those in support of infant baptism believe this was an inclusive of infants however as stated prior since the infant is unaware of their sin then they do not have the ability of repenting. There are several more examples of Believer Baptisms in the bible as well including the Ethiopian Eunuch who professed his faith and then was baptized (Acts 8:36-39), the household of Lydia whom all professed and believed