Why I Changed My Mind about Infant Baptism

Why do some churches baptize infants? What are the biblical and theological reasons for this practice? In this video, Chad Bird walks us through questions such as "What is wrong with us as sinners? How does God deliver the saving gifts of Jesus to us? And how does circumcision relate to baptism?" In the end, whether you agree or disagree, you will hopefully have a better understanding of infant baptism.

[Texas_Knights]

I recently left a Southern Baptist church to join a confessional Lutheran Church. The main reason I did this was over the Sacraments, Baptism and Communion. When I sat down with my Baptist pastor, he had no problem with everything I said, EXCEPT infant baptism. This is a very high hurdle for anyone raised in the reformed tradition. You explain this so well. I hadn't thought of the connection between original sin and the infant's need for salvation, but it makes perfect sense. Thank you for your clarity, and for your faithful teaching, constantly clarifying New Testament lessons by their Old Testament antecedents.

[bofferius]

Chad, I've been listening to your commentaries for several months now and want to let you know that I appreciate the careful thought and deep perspective that you provide, similar to that of my own pastor but with many additional insights. May God continue to bless your ministry.

[WhitneyR.]

Thanks, Chad. Listen, I disagree. But the older I get, the less I’m willing to get distracted by our differences in these types of issues. Christ prayed for our unity in John 17, and I can’t wait for us all to truly be united in eternity one day.

[allenyoung]

That was great! Thanks. I am one who disagrees on this particular point, but I greatly respect and am built up by your ministry. I won't get into why I disagree because it is not important. Keep doing what your are doing and I will keep learning and enjoying. Blessings!

[Λουθηρανισμός]

Υπέροχη διδασκαλία. Ευχαριστούμε, Τσαντ. Σε αγαπάμε. Στον ελληνικό κόσμο, η γλώσσα του οποίου είναι η γλώσσα της Καινής Διαθήκης, πάντα βαπτίζαμε και βαπτίζουμε νήπια. Η βάπτιση είναι δώρο.

[ralf]

Thank you for being careful and thorough. One of the beautiful things about confessional Lutheranism is the trust in God's Word without feeling a need to understand how God does it.

[pdyt]

I was baptized as a baby. I was baptized as an adult. The first was not my choice. The second was. But then the first time the Gospel was preached to me wasn't my choice, but I'm glad I heard it. So with my first baptism I realized that it was promise, an effort, a way to try to guarantee I would stay with God and the church. So I do not fault the parents who made that choice, or the Church that followed that practice.
I did not baptize my children as infants, but I did take part in a formal baby dedication ceremony for each of them that was the same as my infant baptism without the water, the intent being the same. So now I respect the intent of the parents, and honour them whether it is a baby dedication or an infant baptism. Because I love them and honour them in Jesus' name.

[susanlynnl]

Thank you. I love the connection between infant baptism and infant circumcision.

[kac]

Since baptism is “for the forgiveness of sins, ” a primary question would be, “Is a child accountable for their “sins?” Or, “Can we even say that God even calls the faults of children “sin?”
Romans 7:5-9
Deuteronomy 1:39

[olivialouise]

This was my last hurdle too! We joined the EPC recently and had been attending for about a year before becoming members and I really had struggles with this. Thank you. I had been gradually accepting it and trying so hard to understand it for a long time.

[jmh]

Likewise! Arguments against pedobaptism are usually a fusion of the following: 1) a preference towards a symbolic reading of God's Word, 2) an appeal to reason fostered by Western Enlightenment ideals, and 3) a hermeneutic that isn't entirely consistent with the manuscripts or their traditional preserving through church history. So, Scripture is referenced and cited but symbolically read (in places it wasn't before) or argued for a radically anti-historical interpretation (because throwing babies out with their bathwater is preferred over anything remotely seeming "Catholic") or flies in the face of Western Enlightenment reasoning. In the end of it, one's bias inevitably plays a large part in resisting a plain reading of the text because breaking personal biases is difficult.

[growohio]

Chad, thank you, I too have been raised SBC, and have been wrestling with this doctrine. This has been helpful! Perhaps you could do a video, on your journey from memorial to the real presence in the Lord's supper. This would be of tremendous benefit.

[thegoodearth]

Your Fusion Water Bible study gets at the water soaking the Sacred Scriptures with this Baptismal understanding. Thanks, Chad...

[MiaAnstine]

Too often, people try to take the credit away from the Lord, when it is the Lord who chooses us.

[tomwolverton]

Thank you for your thoughtful presentation/argument. I still believe only in a believer's baptism. But, again thank you for your clear, and simple presentation.

[TheBiblicalRoots]

Thank you! This is very helpful. I'm working my way through Luther's Catechism at the moment and wrestling with this very issue.
Blessings,
Rob

[TheKingsOutlaw]

I also come from a background opposed to infant baptism and have found myself Lutheran. Through the years I’ve not been totally convinced, but I’m no longer opposed. I found your point about circumcision particularly cogent. Thanks for all you do. You’ve been a tremendous blessing!

[leemacpeek]

Thank you for a very timely explanation. I am also grappling with the practice of baptism. I was raised Lutheran in the ALC.
I was confirmed at 16. In the late 80s I was in Texas in the midst of the liberal encroachment into what would become the ELCA. My family moved to Utah and through circumstances have ended up in a Southern Baptist congregation.
Recently I have started studying and looking into the issue to settle my mind on the teachings.
Just thank you. Your insights are very helpful.

[pastorrich]

I was baptized as a child not knowing why. I lived apart from God until age 37 when I started to seek God. Later, on Pentecost, 2011 I was baptized knowing full well what it meant. Prior to that day I felt as if God was pursuing me — even as I looked the other way. Did my infant baptism make a difference? I would say no. God loves me as much now as when I was born. Christ died for me no matter what I say or do; but with that said being baptized as a child held no sway in light of my adult baptism. At least for my limited vision and understanding. All in held so much more weight than clueless. I will review your points further. Blessings!

[kaymojil]

The last one is the best point I’ve personally heard, thank you.