Baptism is one of the most important practices in Christianity.
It is an outward expression of faith, a symbol of being washed clean, and a commitment to following Jesus.
But when should a person be baptized?
Should infants be baptized, or is baptism something that should only happen after a person makes a personal decision to follow Christ?
This question has been debated for centuries, with different Christian traditions holding different views.
Some churches baptize infants, believing it brings them into God’s covenant family.
Others believe baptism should only happen after a person is old enough to understand and choose to follow Jesus.
So what does the Bible say?
Let’s explore the Scriptures to find out.
The Meaning of Baptism in the Bible
Before looking at infant baptism specifically, it is important to understand what baptism represents in the Bible.
The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizó, which means “to immerse” or “to dip.”
Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and rising to new life.
Romans 6:3-4 explains this clearly, saying that those who are baptized into Christ Jesus are baptized into His death and are therefore buried with Him, so that just as He was raised from the dead, they too may live a new life.
Baptism is a picture of dying to the old life and being raised to walk in faith.
It is an act of obedience that follows repentance and belief in Jesus.
No Direct Mention of Infant Baptism in the Bible
One of the key points in the debate about infant baptism is that the Bible never directly mentions it.
There is no verse that specifically says infants should or should not be baptized.
However, the Bible does show a clear pattern of baptism.
Every time baptism is mentioned, it follows a personal decision to believe in Jesus.
Acts 2:38 records Peter telling the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Here, baptism follows repentance, which is something an infant cannot yet do.
This pattern continues throughout the New Testament.
Acts 8:12 describes how people believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news and were then baptized, both men and women.
Again, belief came before baptism.
This raises the question: If belief is required for baptism, does that mean infants should wait until they can make a personal decision?
Household Baptisms in the Bible
Some who support infant baptism point to the “household baptisms” in the New Testament.
There are a few instances where entire households were baptized, such as Lydia and her household in Acts 16:15, the Philippian jailer and his household in Acts 16:33, and the household of Stephanas in 1 Corinthians 1:16.
Some argue that because households were baptized, this could have included infants.
However, there is no direct mention of babies or young children in these passages.
In the case of the Philippian jailer, Acts 16:31-32 says that he was told to believe in the Lord Jesus to be saved, and then the word of the Lord was spoken to him and to all in his house.
This suggests that the members of the household who were baptized were old enough to understand and believe.
Jesus and Children
Jesus had a special love for children.
He welcomed them, blessed them, and even said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those with childlike faith.
Mark 10:14 records Jesus saying to let the little children come to Him and not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Some believe this means infants should be baptized so they can be part of God’s family from an early age.
But Jesus did not say to baptize children.
He welcomed them and taught that they should be valued, but He never connected their inclusion in God’s kingdom with baptism.
The Role of Faith in Baptism
One of the strongest arguments against infant baptism is that faith is always connected to baptism in the Bible.
Mark 16:16 states that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Belief comes first, then baptism.
Since infants cannot yet believe, many argue that baptism should wait until they can make a personal decision to follow Christ.
This is why many churches practice “believer’s baptism,” meaning baptism is reserved for those who have personally chosen to follow Jesus.
What About Original Sin?
One of the main reasons some churches practice infant baptism is because they believe babies are born with original sin.
This belief comes from verses like Psalm 51:5, where David says he was sinful at birth, sinful from the time his mother conceived him.
Some believe baptism removes this original sin and brings the child into God’s covenant.
However, the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith, not through baptism.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states that it is by grace believers have been saved through faith, and that this is not from themselves but is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
If baptism were necessary for salvation, then salvation would depend on an action rather than God’s grace.
The Alternative: Dedication Instead of Baptism
Many churches that do not practice infant baptism instead hold baby dedication ceremonies.
This is a time when parents bring their child before the church and commit to raising them in faith.
It is a public declaration that they will teach their child about Jesus and encourage them to make their own decision to follow Him.
One example of dedication in the Bible is Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord.
In 1 Samuel 1:27-28, Hannah prays for a child, and when the Lord grants her request, she gives Samuel to the Lord for his whole life.
Baby dedication does not replace baptism, but it is a way for parents to show their commitment to raising their child in faith.
Should Baptized Infants Be Baptized Again?
Some people who were baptized as infants later come to faith in Christ and wonder if they should be baptized again.
Since the Bible teaches that baptism follows personal faith, many choose to be baptized as believers.
Acts 19:4-5 gives an example of people being re-baptized after coming to a fuller understanding of faith.
Paul tells them that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance and that they should believe in Jesus, and after hearing this, they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
For those who were baptized as infants but later decide to follow Christ, baptism as a believer can be a powerful and meaningful step.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not directly mention infant baptism, but it does give a clear pattern of baptism following faith.
Every example in Scripture shows people believing in Jesus first, then choosing to be baptized.
While some point to household baptisms as evidence for infant baptism, these passages do not specifically mention babies.
Instead, the Bible connects baptism with repentance, faith, and personal commitment to Christ.
Ultimately, baptism is an act of obedience, not a requirement for salvation.
Parents who want to raise their children in faith can dedicate them to the Lord and teach them about Jesus until they are old enough to make their own decision.
For those who were baptized as infants, choosing to be baptized again as a believer can be a meaningful way to declare personal faith.
Baptism is a beautiful and powerful symbol of new life in Christ, but it is a choice that should come from a heart that truly believes.