~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: I have a friend who has been saved. He asked why he should get baptized since he was baptized as a baby. I told him the Bible says so. He asked me a lot of questions about why he should be baptized. I would like to help him to understand the importance of it. Could you help me in this matter?
Answer: The New Testament does not have any instances of infant baptism. All those who were baptized did so voluntarily. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 8:12, 10:48.) An infant is not capable of repentance or faith.
Baptism is important as a testimony to the world, and is outwardly symbolic of the work that the Holy Spirit has done in the heart of the person being baptized. Perhaps the real reason for the reluctance to be baptized is an unwillingness to make a total surrender to God. Romans 6:1-13 describes this inward transaction with God that outward water baptism symbolizes. In baptism, there is a public renunciation of the world and its sinfulness, and a reception of God's grace witnessed before other people. A public stand always helps to solidify one's decision, and is always a test of true sincerity.
