More on the Baptism of Children

Why do we baptize children?

"Unless a man be born again of the water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven" (John 3:5). Neither gender nor age is specified in this passage, despite the rendering of this English translation. Such a fact is important because the suggestion that this passage is a repudiation of infant baptism would be far from the mark. Indeed, given the necessity of baptism, it would point to the latter. Nevertheless, accepting that the passage is addressed to those who have reached the age of reason, we can explore what it means, "to be born again." Just as we receive biological life in the womb, so too can we receive supernatural life from the womb of Mother Church; the water of the baptismal font; and the Holy Spirit. We do not deny that adults need to be taught and to accept the faith prior to baptism. Jesus says as much in his commission to spread the Gospel: "Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." However, in reference to children, the faith of parents and the believing community suffices. St. Paul was converted by God's grace at a time when he did not believe in Christ and persecuted the Church. St. John the Baptizer was sanctified prior to his martyrdom, even though he knew little about the faith of Christ. Precedent for such an early initiation into the People of God can be found in the practice of the Jews, the first people called forth. Almighty God can wash children clean of original sin and give them a share in divine life, just as he presumed faith in the Jewish children circumcised on the eighth day as a step toward justification. Jesus would have none hinder the baptism of children. He said: "Suffer these little ones to come to me for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." While something of God's mercy toward children who die while still in their innocence might be implied here, the main point is the inclusivity of God's kingdom and Church. The gravity of baptism should not be dismissed. Jesus tells us that unless one be born again of the water and of the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Do we actually believe that a little baby is infected by the sin of Adam and Eve and has consequently forfeited supernatural life?

Well, the Scriptures speak for themselves. St. Paul tells us: "By one man sin entered this world and by sin death, and so death passed on all men, in whom all have sinned . . . and for as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners, so also by the obedience of one, many were made just" (Romans 5:19). He also states: "And if one died for all, then all were dead, and Christ died for all" (1 Corinthians 5:14). As a testimony from the Old Testament, we read in Psalm 50: "In sin did my mother conceive me." Returning to Paul, he tells the Ephesians: "We were by nature children of wrath." Original sin afflicts us, even upon the very day of our conception. Baptism restores supernatural life through Jesus Christ. As for happens to a child who dies prior to baptism, we can take consolation in the fact that God's justice to every soul is perfect and accompanied by a boundless mercy.

Does the Bible actually teach that all sins are forgiven by baptism and that a new life is given us?

St. Paul says: "Be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This is prefigured in Exechiel 36:25 when God states: "And I will pour upon you a clean water and you shall be cleansed from all your iniquities." As for regeneration, we read in Galatians: "For you are all children of God . . . For as many of you as have been baptized in Christ have put on Christ." There can be no doubt about it in Titus 3:5,7: "God saved us by the laver of regeneration and renovation [re-creation] of the Holy Spirit, whom he has poured forth on us abundantly . . . that we may be heirs of life everlasting."

Is there any evidence of the Apostles baptizing children?

Yes, they baptized whole households. We read in Acts 10:48 that they baptized the household of Cornelius and in Acts 6:15 that of Lydia. Also do not forget Paul's reception by Stephana, keeper of the prison. It is most probable that there were children in his home, too.

Were children baptized in the early post-Apostolic period?

Early authorities like Origen, Cyprian, and St. Augustine make clear that the baptism of children as soon as possible constituted a tradition handed down by the apostles themselves. The reasoning was that divine grace should not be withheld from anyone.

Is it wrong to presume faith in a small child or infant?

No, just as a child can be made an heir of earthly property, long before they have the faculty of consenting to receive it, so too in baptism, infants can be made heirs of heaven.