BIBLE Q&A
Infant Baptism
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A. Scripture does not authorize the baptism of infants or young children. Even in the scriptural accounts of the baptisms of the households of Cornelius, Stephanas, and the Philippian jailer (Acts chapters 10 and 16; and 1 Corinthians 1:16), it is evident that no infants could have been included. For example:
- An infant is incapable of fearing God. (Acts 10:2 states the individuals baptized in the household of Cornelius feared God).
- An infant is incapable of believing God. (Acts 16:32, the account of the baptism of Stephanas' household, says they believed God.)
- An infant cannot hear the gospel. (The accounts of the baptisms of the households of both Cornelius and Stephanas, in Acts 10:33 and 16:32, says they heard the gospel.)
- An infant cannot accept the message of salvation. (Acts 11:12-14 says this is necessary.)
- In the account of the household of Cornelius, it clearly states that all (each member) had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46). This would be impossible for a baby or very young child.
The accounts of the baptism of each of these households clearly suggest that the members of each were old enough to understand and respond to the gospel.