Scripture presents the following statements about baptism. First, infants need to be redeemed from their inherited state of sinfulness. The Bible says: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Ps 51:5). Second, no individual (of any age) has a free will in spiritual matters, including the ability to make the decision to come to faith. St. Paul clearly states that by nature, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Ro 3:10-11). Third, the faith of both an adult and of a child is the gift of God (Eph 2:8-9), the work of the Holy Spirit, who accomplishes it through the means of grace. Therefore God’s Word and baptism are obviously more than mere symbols here. But as Peter says, baptism now has the power to save. It is a means of forgiveness to those who receive, and is profitable no matter what the age (1 Peter 3:21).
For more information on baptism or getting baptized e-mail church@stmarkphx.org or call (602) 992-1980.
Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Matthew 28:19-20