Having a baby can cause people to begin to consider God. A sense of awe and wonder that can't be described often accompanies a baby being born into the world. Its normal to have a deep concerns for what is best for your child. Sometimes mixed into a number of different emotions is a concern for your child, that he or she be right with God and will end up in Heaven. Its for this reason that some loving parents insist upon having their baby baptized. Often today, parents have been told that they had been baptized as babies them selves, and therefore naturally they should continue their family tradition and have their own babies baptized. Surely infant baptism is a Christian ceremony isn't it. The quick answer is no.

People have different reactions when hearing this for the first time. Some think. Ok then. I will have my baby dedicated, and let my baby make up its own mind about baptism when they are older and able to understand. Others become angry that their traditions are being questioned, and decide to find a Church that will baptize their baby anyway. Others think, what does it matter and don't really care. Then there are others, and I would have to add, these are the few, they decide to set out to find out from the Bible who's right, so that when the ceremony goes forth they are assured by their own Bible study that they are doing right for their baby.

1) Is infant baptism in our handbook from God. Has our Maker instructed us in the Bible to baptize our babies.
The only way that you can be sure of the answer to this question is to study our Makers handbook. Now this is not such an awesome task as one would first imagine.
The word "baptism"is only mentioned 22 times, the word "baptisms" is mentioned just once. "Baptize" is mentioned 9 times, and "baptized" is mentioned 61 times. "Baptizest" is mentioned once, and "baptizeth" is mentioned twice. And then there is the word "baptizing" mentioned just four times. For a quick study so that you can come to the right conclusion quickly, you will need a Bible Concordance. They are simple to use.
Go into a Christian book shop and purchase a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Using a Bible Concordance is as easy as using a dictionary. All you do is look up the text, then find it in your Bible, using the Bible index.
Once you have found the Scripture, then begin to read at the beginning of the chapter and then read to the end of that same chapter so that prayerfully your understand the context. Concerning baptism, whatever was meant then, the same is meant now. You will love the study. God will be speaking to you through His Word and by the Power of His Holy Spirit. You will begin throughout your study to wonder why any Churches have ever baptized babies, as baptism is clearly for believers.

History reveals that baby baptism didn't begin with Jesus teachings to His disciples for His Church. One of the first recorded instances of "infant baptism" was when the Roman Emperor Valens who insisted his dying son be "baptized" - in the year 370 AD. The Roman Emperor Valens wrongly feared that if his baby son died without being baptized then his son would go to hell. The Roman Catholic Church baptized the infant and still baptizes babies today.

2 Samuel 12:16-23 teaches believers that actually babies/young children go strait to heaven without any ceremony. During the Reformation in the 1600s the Church of England was to have 39 articles of faith, refuting many unbiblical teachings that had grown out of the heretical Roman Catholic Church. Sadly the Church of England did not go quite far enough with it biblical correction, and continued to baptize babies as they do to this day, the Methodist Church came out of the Church of England and mistakenly continued baptizing babies as they still do today. The Roman Catholic Church had misled many into wrongly believing that as a baby was sprinkled in baptism, he or she became born again of the Holy Spirit and therefore part of the Church of Christ. Meaning the baby had become a Christian, and anointed follower of Jesus Christ.

In reality the baby hadn't understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ at all, the baby hadn't repented of its sin, due to only being a baby, the baby had no understanding even what sin was. Of course the baby hadn't become a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. No body who has ever studied the Bible concerning baptism would baptize a baby unless they hadn't really believed God's Holy Scriptures. Hundreds of thousands of babies are baptized every year by ministers who care little about what the Bible actually says. The tragic outcome is that many people grow up being called Christians but in their heart they know they have no interest in following Jesus Christ, reading His Word, and worshiping God. And the worst thing of all is that many who have no inner love for Jesus and the seeking of Father God's Will in their life, still believe that when they die they will go to Heaven. Why do so many think this ?. Well its because the true Gospel as recorded in the Holy Bible was never explained to them.

The Bible teaches that we need to hear God's Word, we need to understand God's Word concerning Salvation in Jesus, we need to acknowledge our sins, repent of them, turn to Jesus and we need to put our faith in Jesus believing Jesus died for our sins and is our risen Savior. In giving up our lives to Christ and confessing Him as Lord, meaning God. We shall be saved by faith and not by our human effort.
John 3 vs 1-7 Jesus teaches that "no-one can enter or see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again" It all starts and ends with faith.

Bible believing Christians for good reason do not "baptize" babies but offer child dedication services for parents to publicly set the child aside to God and dedicate themselves as parents to bring up the child to know the Lord as soon as the child is old enough to make that decision.

Because baby "baptism" and baby dedication are different, this emotional issue can become quite charged and divisive between family members of different beliefs. Often it is impossible to reconcile what parents want and in-laws want. One or the other is sure to get offended if their way is not followed. In the light of this let us turn to the Bible, God's own Holy Word, and see what He says about this subject.

Matthew 28 vs 18-20 sets our order for baptism. Vs 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Vs 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, vs 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ( :Go therefore and make disciples: For anyone to become a disciple of Jesus, they have to first believe.)

Then there is Mark 16 vs 14-16 again setting the correct order for baptism. Vs 14 Later He (Jesus) appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Vs 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Vs 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Then there is Acts 16 vs 25-34 showing the outworking's of Jesus Commands. Vs 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Vs 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Vs 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. Vs 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Vs 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Vs 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Vs 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Vs 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Vs 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Vs 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Then there is Acts 2 vs 37 again showing in a crystal clear fashion, the order that the Almighty has lay ed out for baptism. Vs 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Vs 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Vs 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Vs 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Vs 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2. Every child is born a sinner by nature. Romans 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Every child eventually becomes a sinner by choice. Human nature is bent toward sin and evil. We do not need to teach our children how to do bad. They will do it by nature. We need to teach our children how to do good. As soon as they are old enough, we need to teach them how to be saved. God the Father wants every child to be in Heaven with Him. including yours! It is His will. Matthew 18:14, "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

A child needs to be instructed in the gospel when he/she is old enough. I have seen children as young as three, five and six come under conviction of sin and their need of a Savior. They have turned to Jesus Christ and accepted him as their savior by faith from their heart. A baby can't do that, but some children can at an early age. When they can make choices for themselves they are then accountable for their actions. Parents ought to teach their children God's simple plan of salvation as early in life as possible.

3. Biblical Baptism is For Believers Not Babies.

Let's look at another one of the many different stories of baptism in the Bible that are recorded for us. This story is found in Acts 8:29-38, "Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, ( speaking about Jesus) He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said,
If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

It was adults who were baptized in the Bible. There is not one single story in all Scripture of one baby being baptized.

The person who was baptized was to be a believer first. Of his own free will, he had to receive Jesus Christ as his/her personal savior.

The word baptism is originally for the Greek word Baptizo, it means "to overwhelm, dip, submerge, be fully wet." It does not mean "to pour or sprinkle."

Sprinkling" is unscriptural. The mode of "sprinkling" was not sanctioned until 1311 AD by the Council of Ravenna of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bible is full of warnings from the Almighty for us not to alter the Holy Scriptures in any way, but for us to keep to sound doctrine. One such warning is right at the back of every Bible. Revelation 22 v s 18 For I ( Jesus) testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; vs 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

In this story above (Acts 8:29-38) "they both went down into the water." Who? Two adults.

4. Baby Dedication Implied In The Scriptures.

Luke 2:21-22, "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;"

Mary presented Jesus, her first born son to the Lord in Jerusalem. Jesus being Almighty God in flesh was not baptized till He was 30 years old.

Every parent should realize that children are a heritage from the Lord. They are a reward from God. Psalms 127:3, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

It is wise, for a parent to "officially" dedicate their child to the Lord in a public service. That is between the parents and God.

As a Biblical principle I would recommend that parents take their children to church on a weekly basis. Don't send them, take them. I also recommend that you strive to have a Christian home where each parent is a believer in Jesus Christ, a student of the Bible and a man or woman of prayer. No religious leader or religious ordinance or sacrament can make your child right with God. Only their personal faith in Jesus Christ can save them when they are of age.

Parents should not fear for the child, but for themselves that they will live a good example and testimony before their children while they are growing up so that child will not be turned off by hypocrisy.

Fathers and mothers - face your responsibility! Ephesians 6:4, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."


By you choosing to dedicate your baby to God and raising them as a believer, your are honoring God, and bringing your little one up in the truth. As they grow, you are allowing them every step of the way to make their own choices, to whether one day they will call on Jesus Christ for themselves. Our Lord has given each of us our own free will. We aught to in like fashion, give our children their own choice concerning baptism.

If you would like for us at Life to the Full Church to arrange for a dedication service for your baby or child, then ask Stan Earle to set you a date for one friday night in the Chapel. It will be a joyful occasion for the whole family. Phone Stan in Stan's Gym 01708-227072


Here below is part of the Alpha and Omega Bible Course concerning the subject of baptism. Number six.

6) In believers baptism. Immersion/submerged in water. In the name of the Father and the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Mark 16 vs 16. Matthew 28 vs 18-20. The Greek word for baptized is pronounced baptizo which means to make whelmed, meaning to be submerged, to go completely under the water to be fully wet. Romans 6 vs 4/ Ephesians 4 vs 5/Colossians 2 vs 12.
Matthew 3 vs 16/Acts 2 vs 38/John 3 vs 23. Every single baptism event in the bible states clearly within the context of the chapter that the person was a believer. Infant baptism is not right.
A baby can-not repent or understand the essentials for Salvation. It is biblically wrong and against common sense to sprinkle a baby’s head and call it a baptism. To do so is to practice heresy. It is also biblical heresy to sprinkle a believer head with water and to then proclaim that the believer has been baptized. If you have been sprinkled as a baby or you have been sprinkled as a believer, then you will need to be baptized immersed in water in obedience to Jesus Christ our Savior. If you were sprinkled as a baby then prayers would have been said for you to grow up in the Christian faith. Our Lord God is answering those prayers by now bringing biblical truth to you, for you to follow Christ. Whoever sprinkled you as a baby should have known better, bless them in Jesus name. Remember biblically we are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Baptism is a commandment to those who have already repented and committed their whole lives to Jesus Christ. Baptism is symbolic, representing the burial of the old person who is now a born again believer. The old person is dead, now we are alive in Christ, to live for Him. We are saved to follow Jesus teachings. Concerning babies or young children Matthew 19 vs 14 Jesus said “ Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”. Children are to grow up in the Lord’s word, and to be given their own opportunity by God’s Grace, to believe and repent of sin, and to put their faith in Jesus Christ for themselves. Once they have become a Christian and reached a level of Christian maturity, then they are to be baptized. Biblical baptism is a wonderful blessing from our Lord to His Church.

A) Adult baptism is one of the first steps of obedience in a Christians life. At Pentecost Acts 2 vs 41. They were all baptized on the day they were saved. If you need to be baptized, please ask a bible believing pastor for him to arrange it. If you live near us then come and ask me and I will arrange a day for the filling of the baptism pool. Baptism is an ideal opportunity to invite family and friends to witness an outward sign of your inward faith. The Gospel of Salvation is preached at some time during the baptism service, an ideal time to bring the unsaved to hear the about God's love and their deep need of Salvation.