INFANT BAPTISM. “The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The...

INFANT BAPTISM INFANT

BAPTISM

““The fate of infants who die without baptism The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The Catholic must be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is uncompromising on this point, teaching is uncompromising on this point, that all who depart this life without baptism, that all who depart this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or desire, are be it of water, or blood, or desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of God. perpetually excluded from the vision of God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the Church.” (“Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED the Church.” (“Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” INFANTS,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, The Catholic Encyclopedia, ttp://- ttp://- www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm)www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm)

““The fate of infants who die without baptism The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The Catholic must be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is uncompromising on this point, teaching is uncompromising on this point, that all who depart this life without baptism, that all who depart this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or desire, are be it of water, or blood, or desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of God. perpetually excluded from the vision of God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the Church.” (“Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED the Church.” (“Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” INFANTS,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, The Catholic Encyclopedia, ttp://- ttp://- www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm)www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm)

““Thus we do also in infant baptism. Thus we do also in infant baptism. We bring the child in the conviction We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith; but we do that God may grant it faith; but we do not baptize it upon that, but solely not baptize it upon that, but solely upon the command of God.” (upon the command of God.” (Infant Infant Baptism Baptism by Dr. Martin Luther, http://- by Dr. Martin Luther, http://- www.apuritansmind.com/Baptism/-www.apuritansmind.com/Baptism/-LutherMartinCatechismInfantBaptism.LutherMartinCatechismInfantBaptism.htm)htm)

““Thus we do also in infant baptism. Thus we do also in infant baptism. We bring the child in the conviction We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith; but we do that God may grant it faith; but we do not baptize it upon that, but solely not baptize it upon that, but solely upon the command of God.” (upon the command of God.” (Infant Infant Baptism Baptism by Dr. Martin Luther, http://- by Dr. Martin Luther, http://- www.apuritansmind.com/Baptism/-www.apuritansmind.com/Baptism/-LutherMartinCatechismInfantBaptism.LutherMartinCatechismInfantBaptism.htm)htm)

INFANT BAPTISM INFANT BAPTISM I. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying Truth

““The effect of this sacrament (baptism, sw) is The effect of this sacrament (baptism, sw) is the remission of all sin, original and actual; the remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.” kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.” (“Baptism, I. AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT (“Baptism, I. AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE,” OF DOCTRINE,” The Catholic Encyclopedia,The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm

““The effect of this sacrament (baptism, sw) is The effect of this sacrament (baptism, sw) is the remission of all sin, original and actual; the remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.” kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.” (“Baptism, I. AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT (“Baptism, I. AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE,” OF DOCTRINE,” The Catholic Encyclopedia,The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm


““Baptism is held to be necessary both Baptism is held to be necessary both necessi- necessi- tate mediitate medii (necessary means of salvation, sw) and (necessary means of salvation, sw) and præcepti præcepti (necessary as commanded, sw). This (necessary as commanded, sw). This doctrine is grounded on the words of Christ. In doctrine is grounded on the words of Christ. In John, iii, He declares: ‘Unless a man be born John, iii, He declares: ‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the kingdom of God.’ Christ makes no enter into the kingdom of God.’ Christ makes no exception to this law and it is therefore general in exception to this law and it is therefore general in its application, embracing both adults and in- its application, embracing both adults and infants.”fants.” (“(“BaptismBaptism, “IX. NECESSITY OF BAPTISM,” , “IX. NECESSITY OF BAPTISM,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newad- http://www.newadvent. org/cathen/02258b.htm)vent. org/cathen/02258b.htm)

““Baptism is held to be necessary both Baptism is held to be necessary both necessi- necessi- tate mediitate medii (necessary means of salvation, sw) and (necessary means of salvation, sw) and præcepti præcepti (necessary as commanded, sw). This (necessary as commanded, sw). This doctrine is grounded on the words of Christ. In doctrine is grounded on the words of Christ. In John, iii, He declares: ‘Unless a man be born John, iii, He declares: ‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the kingdom of God.’ Christ makes no enter into the kingdom of God.’ Christ makes no exception to this law and it is therefore general in exception to this law and it is therefore general in its application, embracing both adults and in- its application, embracing both adults and infants.”fants.” (“(“BaptismBaptism, “IX. NECESSITY OF BAPTISM,” , “IX. NECESSITY OF BAPTISM,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newad- http://www.newadvent. org/cathen/02258b.htm)vent. org/cathen/02258b.htm)


"Baptism has been instituted that it should "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) andlead us to the blessings (of this death) andthrough such death to eternal life. There- through such death to eternal life. There- fore fore it is necessaryit is necessary that we should be that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." (Martin Luther, (Martin Luther, Commentary On RomansCommentary On Romans, , p.101, my emph, sw).p.101, my emph, sw).

Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21

"Baptism has been instituted that it should "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) andlead us to the blessings (of this death) andthrough such death to eternal life. There- through such death to eternal life. There- fore fore it is necessaryit is necessary that we should be that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." (Martin Luther, (Martin Luther, Commentary On RomansCommentary On Romans, , p.101, my emph, sw).p.101, my emph, sw).

Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21

INFANT BAPTISM INFANT BAPTISM I. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying TruthI. Misapplying TruthII. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in II. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in God’s SilenceGod’s SilenceII. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in II. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in God’s SilenceGod’s Silence““One of the reasons that Catholics get criticized is One of the reasons that Catholics get criticized is because Catholics baptize infants. One often hears because Catholics baptize infants. One often hears it said, `…There is not one text in the Bible that it said, `…There is not one text in the Bible that says that infants should be baptized!.’ says that infants should be baptized!.’ True, there True, there is not one text that explicitly says that infants is not one text that explicitly says that infants should be baptized. On the other hand, there is not should be baptized. On the other hand, there is not one text that says explicitly not to baptize infants.”one text that says explicitly not to baptize infants.” (THE BIBLE, AND INFANT BAPTISM: WHY DO (THE BIBLE, AND INFANT BAPTISM: WHY DO CATHOLICS BAPTIZE INFANTS? by Matt1618, CATHOLICS BAPTIZE INFANTS? by Matt1618, Matt's Catholic Apologetics Page, Matt's Catholic Apologetics Page, http://matt1618- .freeyellow.com/, my emph, sw)http://matt1618- .freeyellow.com/, my emph, sw)

““One of the reasons that Catholics get criticized is One of the reasons that Catholics get criticized is because Catholics baptize infants. One often hears because Catholics baptize infants. One often hears it said, `…There is not one text in the Bible that it said, `…There is not one text in the Bible that says that infants should be baptized!.’ says that infants should be baptized!.’ True, there True, there is not one text that explicitly says that infants is not one text that explicitly says that infants should be baptized. On the other hand, there is not should be baptized. On the other hand, there is not one text that says explicitly not to baptize infants.”one text that says explicitly not to baptize infants.” (THE BIBLE, AND INFANT BAPTISM: WHY DO (THE BIBLE, AND INFANT BAPTISM: WHY DO CATHOLICS BAPTIZE INFANTS? by Matt1618, CATHOLICS BAPTIZE INFANTS? by Matt1618, Matt's Catholic Apologetics Page, Matt's Catholic Apologetics Page, http://matt1618- .freeyellow.com/, my emph, sw)http://matt1618- .freeyellow.com/, my emph, sw)

"Luther desired to maintain in the Church all "Luther desired to maintain in the Church all that was not expressly contrary to the Scrip- that was not expressly contrary to the Scrip- tures, and Zwingli (a Swiss reformer) to abol- tures, and Zwingli (a Swiss reformer) to abol- ish all that could not be proved by them. The ish all that could not be proved by them. The German reformer wished to remain united to German reformer wished to remain united to the Church of the preceding ages, and was the Church of the preceding ages, and was content to purify it of all that was opposed to content to purify it of all that was opposed to the Word of God. The Zurich reformer passed the Word of God. The Zurich reformer passed over these ages, returned to the apostolic over these ages, returned to the apostolic times, and, carrying out an entire transforma- times, and, carrying out an entire transforma- tion of the Church, endeavored to restore it to tion of the Church, endeavored to restore it to its primitive condition. Zwingli's reformation its primitive condition. Zwingli's reformation was therefore the more complete" was therefore the more complete" ((History Of The History Of The Reformation Of The Sixteenth Century,Reformation Of The Sixteenth Century, J.H.M. d'Aubigne, pp. 401-402). J.H.M. d'Aubigne, pp. 401-402).

"Luther desired to maintain in the Church all "Luther desired to maintain in the Church all that was not expressly contrary to the Scrip- that was not expressly contrary to the Scrip- tures, and Zwingli (a Swiss reformer) to abol- tures, and Zwingli (a Swiss reformer) to abol- ish all that could not be proved by them. The ish all that could not be proved by them. The German reformer wished to remain united to German reformer wished to remain united to the Church of the preceding ages, and was the Church of the preceding ages, and was content to purify it of all that was opposed to content to purify it of all that was opposed to the Word of God. The Zurich reformer passed the Word of God. The Zurich reformer passed over these ages, returned to the apostolic over these ages, returned to the apostolic times, and, carrying out an entire transforma- times, and, carrying out an entire transforma- tion of the Church, endeavored to restore it to tion of the Church, endeavored to restore it to its primitive condition. Zwingli's reformation its primitive condition. Zwingli's reformation was therefore the more complete" was therefore the more complete" ((History Of The History Of The Reformation Of The Sixteenth Century,Reformation Of The Sixteenth Century, J.H.M. d'Aubigne, pp. 401-402). J.H.M. d'Aubigne, pp. 401-402).


II. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in God’s II. A Fundamental Fallacy: Finding Authority in God’s SilenceSilence, Heb. 7:12-14; Gal. 1:9; 2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-, Heb. 7:12-14; Gal. 1:9; 2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-19; Matt. 15:919; Matt. 15:9


III. Household ConversionsIII. Household ConversionsIII. Household ConversionsIII. Household Conversions

““In addition, there are five references in the New In addition, there are five references in the New Testament to the Baptism of entire households. Testament to the Baptism of entire households. Peter baptized the household of Cornelius (Acts 11: Peter baptized the household of Cornelius (Acts 11: 14). In Philippi, Paul baptized the household of Lydia 14). In Philippi, Paul baptized the household of Lydia and the household of the jailer (Acts 16: 15, 33). He and the household of the jailer (Acts 16: 15, 33). He also baptized the household of Crispus, the ruler of also baptized the household of Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. In his first epistle to the the synagogue in Corinth. In his first epistle to the Corinthians, he speaks of baptizing the household of Corinthians, he speaks of baptizing the household of Stephanas (1:16). The Greek word for household is Stephanas (1:16). The Greek word for household is oikonoikon and refers to all the inhabitants of the house and refers to all the inhabitants of the house including slaves, servants, infants and children. Can including slaves, servants, infants and children. Can anyoneanyone seriously suggest that within the households seriously suggest that within the households of Cornelius, Lydia, the Jailer, Crispus and Stepha- of Cornelius, Lydia, the Jailer, Crispus and Stepha- nas there were no children or infants present?” (Don nas there were no children or infants present?” (Don Matzat, Matzat, ibid.) Acts 10:1-2, 34,35, 44; 16:13-16; 16:30-ibid.) Acts 10:1-2, 34,35, 44; 16:13-16; 16:30-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 16:15; Lk. 24:47; Acts 17:3034; 18:8; 1 Cor. 16:15; Lk. 24:47; Acts 17:30

““In addition, there are five references in the New In addition, there are five references in the New Testament to the Baptism of entire households. Testament to the Baptism of entire households. Peter baptized the household of Cornelius (Acts 11: Peter baptized the household of Cornelius (Acts 11: 14). In Philippi, Paul baptized the household of Lydia 14). In Philippi, Paul baptized the household of Lydia and the household of the jailer (Acts 16: 15, 33). He and the household of the jailer (Acts 16: 15, 33). He also baptized the household of Crispus, the ruler of also baptized the household of Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. In his first epistle to the the synagogue in Corinth. In his first epistle to the Corinthians, he speaks of baptizing the household of Corinthians, he speaks of baptizing the household of Stephanas (1:16). The Greek word for household is Stephanas (1:16). The Greek word for household is oikonoikon and refers to all the inhabitants of the house and refers to all the inhabitants of the house including slaves, servants, infants and children. Can including slaves, servants, infants and children. Can anyoneanyone seriously suggest that within the households seriously suggest that within the households of Cornelius, Lydia, the Jailer, Crispus and Stepha- of Cornelius, Lydia, the Jailer, Crispus and Stepha- nas there were no children or infants present?” (Don nas there were no children or infants present?” (Don Matzat, Matzat, ibid.) Acts 10:1-2, 34,35, 44; 16:13-16; 16:30-ibid.) Acts 10:1-2, 34,35, 44; 16:13-16; 16:30-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 16:15; Lk. 24:47; Acts 17:3034; 18:8; 1 Cor. 16:15; Lk. 24:47; Acts 17:30





IV. Original SinIV. Original SinIV. Original SinIV. Original Sin

““The fate of infants who die without baptism must The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is uncompromising on this point, that all who depart uncompromising on this point, that all who depart this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the Church. Moreover, that those who die in Church. Moreover, that those who die in original original sinsin, without ever having contracted any actual sin, , without ever having contracted any actual sin, are deprived of the happiness of heaven is stated are deprived of the happiness of heaven is stated explicitly in the Confession of Faith of the Eastern explicitly in the Confession of Faith of the Eastern Emperor Michael Palæologus, which had been pro- Emperor Michael Palæologus, which had been pro- posed to him by Pope Clementposed to him by Pope Clement IV inIV in 1267,1267, and which and which he accepted in the presence of Gregory X at the he accepted in the presence of Gregory X at the Second Council of Lyons in 1274.”Second Council of Lyons in 1274.” (writer goes on to cite more (writer goes on to cite more sources, “Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” sources, “Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” The Catholic EncyclopediaThe Catholic Encyclopedia))

““The fate of infants who die without baptism must The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is be briefly considered here. The Catholic teaching is uncompromising on this point, that all who depart uncompromising on this point, that all who depart this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or this life without baptism, be it of water, or blood, or desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of desire, are perpetually excluded from the vision of God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, God. This teaching is grounded, as we have seen, on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the on Scripture and tradition, and the decrees of the Church. Moreover, that those who die in Church. Moreover, that those who die in original original sinsin, without ever having contracted any actual sin, , without ever having contracted any actual sin, are deprived of the happiness of heaven is stated are deprived of the happiness of heaven is stated explicitly in the Confession of Faith of the Eastern explicitly in the Confession of Faith of the Eastern Emperor Michael Palæologus, which had been pro- Emperor Michael Palæologus, which had been pro- posed to him by Pope Clementposed to him by Pope Clement IV inIV in 1267,1267, and which and which he accepted in the presence of Gregory X at the he accepted in the presence of Gregory X at the Second Council of Lyons in 1274.”Second Council of Lyons in 1274.” (writer goes on to cite more (writer goes on to cite more sources, “Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” sources, “Baptism, XI. UNBAPTIZED INFANTS,” The Catholic EncyclopediaThe Catholic Encyclopedia))

““For I confess and know how to prove from For I confess and know how to prove from the Scriptures that all men are descended the Scriptures that all men are descended from one man, Adam, and by their birth from one man, Adam, and by their birth received and inherited from him the fall, guilt received and inherited from him the fall, guilt and sin, of which the same Adam, by the and sin, of which the same Adam, by the malice of the devil, was guilty in Paradise, malice of the devil, was guilty in Paradise, and thus together with him are all and thus together with him are all born in born in sin…sin…” ( Martin Luther, 1528 ” ( Martin Luther, 1528 Confession of Confession of FaithFaith, from web site of “Our Redeemer , from web site of “Our Redeemer Lutheran Church,” 407 South Hayes, Emmett, Lutheran Church,” 407 South Hayes, Emmett, Idaho 83617 http://www.scholia.net/Sunday- Idaho 83617 http://www.scholia.net/Sunday- %20Bulletins%20C/03%20Advent%20Bulletins%20C/03%20Advent%203%20C.doc, my emph, sw)%203%20C.doc, my emph, sw)

““For I confess and know how to prove from For I confess and know how to prove from the Scriptures that all men are descended the Scriptures that all men are descended from one man, Adam, and by their birth from one man, Adam, and by their birth received and inherited from him the fall, guilt received and inherited from him the fall, guilt and sin, of which the same Adam, by the and sin, of which the same Adam, by the malice of the devil, was guilty in Paradise, malice of the devil, was guilty in Paradise, and thus together with him are all and thus together with him are all born in born in sin…sin…” ( Martin Luther, 1528 ” ( Martin Luther, 1528 Confession of Confession of FaithFaith, from web site of “Our Redeemer , from web site of “Our Redeemer Lutheran Church,” 407 South Hayes, Emmett, Lutheran Church,” 407 South Hayes, Emmett, Idaho 83617 http://www.scholia.net/Sunday- Idaho 83617 http://www.scholia.net/Sunday- %20Bulletins%20C/03%20Advent%20Bulletins%20C/03%20Advent%203%20C.doc, my emph, sw)%203%20C.doc, my emph, sw)

““WhyWhy dodo babiesbabies needneed toto bebe baptized?baptized? TheThe Bible teach- Bible teach- es quite clearly that with Adam’s sin, all the human es quite clearly that with Adam’s sin, all the human race was infected with sin….Through Adam’s sin, race was infected with sin….Through Adam’s sin, sin touches even the soul of the infant. Psalm 51:5:sin touches even the soul of the infant. Psalm 51:5:

`Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my `Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.’ David shows that when one mother conceived me.’ David shows that when one comes into the world one has sin on the soul… comes into the world one has sin on the soul…

““As the New Testament also confirms, we are born As the New Testament also confirms, we are born unrighteous, through Adam’s sin. Romans 5:12:unrighteous, through Adam’s sin. Romans 5:12:

‘‘Therefore as sin came into the world through one Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned.’ all men because all men sinned.’

““Paul…. applies Adam's sin to all of mankind. This is Paul…. applies Adam's sin to all of mankind. This is original sin.” (Matt1618, original sin.” (Matt1618, ibid.ibid.) ) Ezek. 18:20Ezek. 18:20

““WhyWhy dodo babiesbabies needneed toto bebe baptized?baptized? TheThe Bible teach- Bible teach- es quite clearly that with Adam’s sin, all the human es quite clearly that with Adam’s sin, all the human race was infected with sin….Through Adam’s sin, race was infected with sin….Through Adam’s sin, sin touches even the soul of the infant. Psalm 51:5:sin touches even the soul of the infant. Psalm 51:5:

`Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my `Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.’ David shows that when one mother conceived me.’ David shows that when one comes into the world one has sin on the soul… comes into the world one has sin on the soul…

““As the New Testament also confirms, we are born As the New Testament also confirms, we are born unrighteous, through Adam’s sin. Romans 5:12:unrighteous, through Adam’s sin. Romans 5:12:

‘‘Therefore as sin came into the world through one Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned.’ all men because all men sinned.’

““Paul…. applies Adam's sin to all of mankind. This is Paul…. applies Adam's sin to all of mankind. This is original sin.” (Matt1618, original sin.” (Matt1618, ibid.ibid.) ) Ezek. 18:20Ezek. 18:20






V. Jesus said for the Little Children to Come to HimV. Jesus said for the Little Children to Come to HimV. Jesus said for the Little Children to Come to HimV. Jesus said for the Little Children to Come to Him

““In Mark 10:14 our Lord Jesus said, ‘Let the little In Mark 10:14 our Lord Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ The Greek word for children in this text is The Greek word for children in this text is paidiapaidia, , which means babes in arms. What means other which means babes in arms. What means other than Baptism has God provided whereby little than Baptism has God provided whereby little children can be brought to Jesus? Baptism is the children can be brought to Jesus? Baptism is the only way we know of. If you want to obey the only way we know of. If you want to obey the command of the Lord Jesus concerning your command of the Lord Jesus concerning your little children, have them baptized!” (Don Matzat, little children, have them baptized!” (Don Matzat, op. cit.op. cit.) )







VI. The Old Covenant Includes ChildrenVI. The Old Covenant Includes ChildrenVI. The Old Covenant Includes ChildrenVI. The Old Covenant Includes Children

““In the Old Covenant, the principle of including In the Old Covenant, the principle of including babies in the covenant is babies in the covenant is established. God tells Abraham in his covenant established. God tells Abraham in his covenant (Genesis 17:9-14).(Genesis 17:9-14).

““In the Old Covenant, Abraham, the man of faith, is In the Old Covenant, Abraham, the man of faith, is called to choose circumcision as an adult. Also, called to choose circumcision as an adult. Also, however, men of faith are called to exercise faith for however, men of faith are called to exercise faith for their children. Babies 8 days old would have to be their children. Babies 8 days old would have to be circumcised. That is how babies came into the circumcised. That is how babies came into the covenant. The babies made no choice in the matter. covenant. The babies made no choice in the matter. God even says that those who are uncircumcised God even says that those who are uncircumcised have broken my covenant. Babies who have not have broken my covenant. Babies who have not been circumcised are thus guilty, according to been circumcised are thus guilty, according to God’s own words. Children come into the Covenant God’s own words. Children come into the Covenant established by God through the family. We thus seeestablished by God through the family. We thus see

the necessity of those who love their children who the necessity of those who love their children who want them in the covenant, circumcising their want them in the covenant, circumcising their children…children…

““We thus see that God puts his children into the Old We thus see that God puts his children into the Old Covenant through the faith of their parents and Covenant through the faith of their parents and grace. Are we to assume that even though in the Old grace. Are we to assume that even though in the Old Covenant that children are included in it by their Covenant that children are included in it by their parents faith for them and obedience for them by parents faith for them and obedience for them by having them circumcised, that the children are not to having them circumcised, that the children are not to be brought into the new covenant? Hardly!!! After be brought into the new covenant? Hardly!!! After all, the grace of the New Covenant far exceeds that all, the grace of the New Covenant far exceeds that of the Old Covenant. of the Old Covenant.

“…“…Baptism replaces circumcision in the New Baptism replaces circumcision in the New Covenant.” (Matt1618, Covenant.” (Matt1618, op. cit.op. cit.))

““ELCA Lutherans believe that Baptism is the ELCA Lutherans believe that Baptism is the Church’s entry rite. Baptism brings us into the Church’s entry rite. Baptism brings us into the Church, Christ’s living body on earth. As the First Church, Christ’s living body on earth. As the First Century church baptized whole families, including Century church baptized whole families, including infants, so do Lutherans. In fact, usually ELCA infants, so do Lutherans. In fact, usually ELCA Lutherans bring their infants to the baptismal font Lutherans bring their infants to the baptismal font within the first months – even weeks – of a child’s within the first months – even weeks – of a child’s life. ‘The fact that circumcision (which occurred on life. ‘The fact that circumcision (which occurred on an infant’s eighth day) was replaced by Baptism in an infant’s eighth day) was replaced by Baptism in Jewish-Christian circles may indicate that infant Jewish-Christian circles may indicate that infant baptism was assumed from the first’ (‘Baptism’ by baptism was assumed from the first’ (‘Baptism’ by Martin Marty).” (“The Church and infant baptism,” Martin Marty).” (“The Church and infant baptism,” Web site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Web site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, America, http://www.elca.org/questions/Results.asp- ?recid=29) ) Heb. 8:8-12; Mk. 16:15-16 Heb. 8:8-12; Mk. 16:15-16

““ELCA Lutherans believe that Baptism is the ELCA Lutherans believe that Baptism is the Church’s entry rite. Baptism brings us into the Church’s entry rite. Baptism brings us into the Church, Christ’s living body on earth. As the First Church, Christ’s living body on earth. As the First Century church baptized whole families, including Century church baptized whole families, including infants, so do Lutherans. In fact, usually ELCA infants, so do Lutherans. In fact, usually ELCA Lutherans bring their infants to the baptismal font Lutherans bring their infants to the baptismal font within the first months – even weeks – of a child’s within the first months – even weeks – of a child’s life. ‘The fact that circumcision (which occurred on life. ‘The fact that circumcision (which occurred on an infant’s eighth day) was replaced by Baptism in an infant’s eighth day) was replaced by Baptism in Jewish-Christian circles may indicate that infant Jewish-Christian circles may indicate that infant baptism was assumed from the first’ (‘Baptism’ by baptism was assumed from the first’ (‘Baptism’ by Martin Marty).” (“The Church and infant baptism,” Martin Marty).” (“The Church and infant baptism,” Web site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Web site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, America, http://www.elca.org/questions/Results.asp- ?recid=29) ) Heb. 8:8-12; Mk. 16:15-16 Heb. 8:8-12; Mk. 16:15-16








VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? Jno. 3:23; Jno. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39 VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? Jno. 3:23; Jno. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39

"On this account . . . I could wish that such "On this account . . . I could wish that such as are to be baptized should be completely as are to be baptized should be completely immersed into the water, according to the immersed into the water, according to the meaning of the word, and to the significance meaning of the word, and to the significance of the ordinance…because it would be of the ordinance…because it would be beautiful to have a full and perfect sign of so beautiful to have a full and perfect sign of so perfect a thing; as also, without doubt, it perfect a thing; as also, without doubt, it was instituted by Christ." (was instituted by Christ." ( Luther's Works, Luther's Works, 1551 edition, Vol. 2, p.76, via “Baptism, A 1551 edition, Vol. 2, p.76, via “Baptism, A Reply to a Lutheran Catechism,” by Fred G. Reply to a Lutheran Catechism,” by Fred G. Zaspel, 1988, http://www.biblicalstudies.- Zaspel, 1988, http://www.biblicalstudies.- com/bstudy/ecclesiology/baptist.htm).com/bstudy/ecclesiology/baptist.htm).








VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? Jno. 3:23; Jno. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39 VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? VII. Is Baptism Sprinkling or Pouring? Jno. 3:23; Jno. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39

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INFANT BAPTISM. “The fate of infants who die without baptism must be briefly considered here. The...

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