THE ERROR OF INFANT BAPTISM

Water baptism is one of the Christian doctrines to be fulfilled by all that have been adopted to the family of God through salvation and it is to be administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). The word ‘baptize’ is formed from the Greek word ‘baptiso’ which means to immerse or to dip inside liquid. So, to baptize with water is to immerse inside water.

Baptism by immersion in water signifies identification with the death, the burial and resurrection of Christ; and raised into newness of life with Him (Rom 6:3-5). The immersion is to be done only once and not twice nor thrice. The baptism of Jesus Christ by immersion in river Jordan administered by John the Baptist and that of the Eunuch of Ethiopia by apostle Phillip are examples to follow for correct administration of water baptism.

Water baptism is to be administered on people who have confessed and repented their sins and have accepted the Christian faith centred on Christ. This condition can only be met by adults and not by infants. So, it is an error to administer water baptism on ignorant infants. However, every believer is expected to submit to the ordinance of water baptism in obedience to Christ’s command. He said, ”he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved“ (Mark 16:16)