Baptizing infants is not Biblical. The error stems from a lack of understanding of baptism in general. In the Book of Acts, we learn of three people that were saved and then baptized – the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:27), Lydia (16:14), and the Philippian Jailer (16:27).
In each case, nothing happened after they were baptized. It was simply a public expression of what happened to them spiritually. The symbolic act of baptism represents the believer’s death in Christ, burial (under water), and resurrection (coming up out of the water). This is explained very simply in Colossians, “Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (2:12)
Baptizing Infants is Not Biblical
The prerequisite to baptism is being born-again in Christ. Infant baptism cannot save, because the child is unable to have faith. Being baptized doesn’t save us. We’re saved by trusting in Christ. “They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'” (Acts 16:31)
Catholic.com in it’s typical misuse of Scripture quotes Luke in support of infant baptism: “And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.” (Chapter 18:15)
Apostolic Teaching
First of all Jesus never baptized anyone, infant or adult (John 4:1). The above verse clearly states that people were bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to “touch” them. No mention or implication is made about baptism.
Catholic.com also offers up Acts 2:38 as support that baptism saves: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The key word here is repent. It was usual for someone to be baptized (the outward expression) after repentance and belief.
Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Notice that nothing is said about baptism here.
Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) There is no mention of the word “baptism.” The thief received salvation based solely on his faith in the Lord Jesus. Catholic.com has taken Acts 2:38 out of context by claiming that baptism results in the forgiveness of sins.
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