John was announced as the forerunner to Christ (Lk 3:4) before and was six months older than Jesus (Lk1:36)

Infant Baptism; until age of Responsibility

Jesus wants us to water baptize infants;

Until they reach their age of Responsibility

1. What water baptism is

2. Understand babies are spiritually mature enough to know God

2a. Our spiritual being is created eternal

2b. Our spiritual being is created holy

2c. Our spiritual being created mature enough to know God

3. Believing parent makes their baby a holy child of God

3a. All babies and young children are not saved

4. The blessings a believer’s baby receives in infant baptism

4a. The blessings believing parents receive

4b. The blessings the family of God receives

4c. The potential blessings unbelievers can receive

4d. Why wait to water baptize infants

4e. Very important reason to water baptize infants; to bring them to Jesus

5. Another very imporant reason for infant baptism:

Believers’ baby’s original sin can be forgiven in infant baptism ceremony

5a. Believers’ babies can be saved before their original sin is forgiven

5b. Believers’ baby’s original sin should be forgiven before their minds mature

5c. Circumcision helps explain how our original sin is forgiven

5d. How believers’ babies can receive the renewing of the Spirit

Believing parent can speak on behalf of their baby

5e. How non-believers babies original sin can be forgiven

1. What water baptism is

Water baptism saves no one, for we are not saved by works. We are saved when our Father spiritually washes away, forgives our original sin, all our others sins; by the blood Christ shed on the cross as atonement for them. And then gives us the indwelling of the Spirit, which makes us children of God. Although we will receive spiritual blessings when we obey our Savior, and receive water baptism.

*according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 1Pe 1:2 ESV+

*But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation Col 1:22 NIV+

Jesus first gave the indwelling of the Spirit to some of His disciples on the day of His resurrection; when He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

*And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Jn 20:22 ESV+

*He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5 NASB+

Water baptism is being washed with water (See 7 Different Baptisms) to show how our sins are spiritually forgiven, are washed away by the blood Jesus shed on the cross for us. While the words Jesus gave us to be baptized with; “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” are read over us. Telling all that we have received the indwelling of the Spirit; and our Father and Jesus have made Their home within our spiritual being, making us children of God.

*Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19 ESV+

*Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Jn 14:23 ESV+

Babies should only have the water poured or sprinkled on their foreheads; showing their hearts and minds have been renewed (see 5d. 2 paragraph). They should not be immersed.

Poured:

*I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Mk 1:8 NKJV+

*'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. Ac 2:17 NKJV+

Sprinkled:

*Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Eze 36:25-26

We must understand there are many different ways each of us can receive the Spirit, at different times in our lives. It depends on our situation, knowledge, and maturity. Yet in the New Covenant of Christ’s grace; we are only saved, made children of God, when we receive the indwelling of the Spirit, and then let the Spirit lead us.

*For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Ro 8:5 ESV+

Water baptism is usually received after one has received the indwelling of the Spirit; though it can be received before or during baptism (See Baptisms of the Spirit 5e). Since there will be many different times and situations in which we can receive the indwelling of the Spirit; so likewise there will be many different times and situations in which believers should receive water baptism.

*For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1Co 12:13 NASB+

2. Understand babies are spiritually mature enough to know God

The Holy Spirit creates a holy, eternal, mature spiritual being within us after conception. We all have a soul and spirit (heart), our spiritual being. We all have a mind and body (strength), our physical being.

*And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mk 12:30 ESV+

*And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Lk 10:27 ESV+

*Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, Yes, my soul and my body! Ps 31:9 NKJV+

Our Father allows a man and woman to physically conceive through sexual relations. He uses our parents’ genes to physically design us as a new and different mortal physical being, made in the sinful likeness of Adam, made in the physical image of Adam. Our physical being which is born of the flesh, is procreated, needs to grow to get understanding, and will die. Note: Not worth arguing over which word (image or likeness) means holy and which word refers to our spiritual being created like the angelic beings.

*"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Jn 3:6 NASB+

*When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. Gen 5:3 ESV+

Our physical being is sinful from the time we are conceived, for we will inherit Adam’s original sin, which is passed through the seed of all men. This sin brings death to all who are conceived by a physical man; our physically being, our bodies and our mind are mortal.

*Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Ps 51:5 NIV+

*Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—Ro 5:12 NKJV+

When our physical being first attaches to the uterus in our mother’s womb, our Father sends the Spirit to create our holy, mature, and eternal spiritual being. The Spirit creates our soul and spirit, our inmost being, and knits it within our physical being, which has been conceived by our parents, and has attached to our mother’s womb. And as the Spirit gives life to our eternal spiritual being, our spiritual being brings life to our physical being; as a tiny baby attached to our mother’s womb.

*For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Ps 139:13-16 NIV+ Inmost being; soul + spirit Ps 103:1

*The burden of the word of the Lord concerning Israel. Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him, Zec 12:1 NASB+

*When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Ps 104:30 NIV

*I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me-- the breath of man that I have created. Isa 57:16 NIV+

Our God can make us a viable servant to Him, even in our mother’s womb. Jeremiah was consecrated by God in his mother’s womb; and likewise Paul was separated, set apart by our Heavenly Father to bring the gospel to the Gentiles from his mother’s womb.

*“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jer 1:5 ESV+

*But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, Gal 1:15 ASV

2a Our spiritual being is created eternal

The Holy Spirit alone can create all eternal spiritual beings, including our spiritual being. And when our mortal physical being dies, our eternal spiritual being returns to our God who gave it; believers to Heaven, unbelievers to Hades. No physical being can conceive or reproduce an eternal spiritual being; for everything conceived by man is sinful and therefore mortal.

*and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Eccl 12:7 NIV+

*For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1Co 15:22 ESV+

2b Our spiritual being is created holy

The Holy Spirit can only create spiritual beings which are holy; for our God is holy, cannot create anything which is evil.

*Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor. Why do You look with favor On those who deal treacherously? Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up Those more righteous than they? Hab 1:13 NASB+

*For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. Dt 32:3-4 NKJV+

*"So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. Job 34:10 NIV+

2c Our spiritual being is created mature enough to know God

Our Heavenly Father announced His new creation to all the angelic spiritual beings who sit around His Heavenly Council. The words “our image and likeness” refer to 2 special spiritual attributes of God, which were also shared by all of the Heavenly beings who were created before we were.

Adam and Eve were:

a. Created in the image of our God and the angelic beings; with a mature eternal spiritual being, our soul and spirit, which has a free will to choose.

b. Created in the likeness of our God and the angelic beings; holy, without sin

*And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Gen 1:26 KJV

This describes our Father’s Heavenly Council where our Father announced His new creation:

*And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 1Ki 22:19- 21 KJV Also see Gen 11:7, Isa 6:1-8, Jer 23:18, Mt 18:10 in NIV or KJV

Our spiritual being is an image of the angelic spiritual beings; who are mature enough to live by themselves from the time they were created by the Spirit. They do not procreate, or reproduce.

*Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. Ps 148:5 NKJV+

*At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Mt 22:30 NIV+

Our spiritual being is like the angelic spiritual beings; who are mature enough to accept our God or reject Him like satan did, from the time they were created by the Spirit. Though our spiritual being is mature like the angels, and capable of accepting our God, it lives within our physical body, is not exposed to God like the angelic beings are.

*Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Ps 103:20 ESV+

*You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Jn 8:44 NKJV+

David tells us our spiritual being has the ability to accept our God, trust in Him from our mother’s womb. And Jesus tells us infants praise Him as their King.

*Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Ps 22:9-10 NIV+

*and said to Him, "Do You hear what these children are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself'?" Matt 21:16 NASB+

Note: Paul confirms this when he tells us that he can speak with his spirit, and he can speak with his mind. Showing a believer’s spirit has the ability to communicate with our God, without our physical mind. And since the Spirit creates our spiritual being mature, our spirit can communicate with our God right after our spiritual being is given life. See Soul + Spirit; body + mind

*For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 1Co 14:14-15 ESV+

A believer’s baby spiritual being, even in their mother’s womb, can be filled with the Holy Spirit and know Jesus, love Him, react to His presence. Spiritually (not indwelling but spiritually guided by the Spirit) John knew Jesus was a small unborn baby in Mary’s womb.

*for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Lk 1:15 ESV+

*And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, Lk 1:41 ESV+

*For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Lk 1:44 ESV+

3. A believing parent makes their baby a holy child of God

From the time we were given life by the Spirit after we were conceived by our parents, until the moment before we physically die; either the Spirit has introduced us to Jesus, spiritually lives within our hearts, and we are a child of God. Or we are a child of satan. There is no middle ground!!!

*Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed "; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:3 NASB+

*But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2Thess 2:13 KJV

*You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Ro 8:9 ESV+

Our Father gives a great blessing to a believing parent. He keeps the spiritual being, the soul and spirit of their babies and young children holy; and puts the Spirit in their hearts, as a seal that they are His children. Until their physical mind is mature enough to make their own decisions; and they can accept or reject our God on their own.

*For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 1Co 7:14 NKJV+

*who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2Co 1:22 NKJV+

Note: Only the children are made holy when there is one believing parent, the unbelieving spouse is not made holy 1Co 7:16

*But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 1Co 7:15-16 ESV+

This blessing is also given to a parent who is born again, receives the indwelling of the Spirit after they have had children. Our Father will spiritually keep all of their babies and young children holy; until they are mature enough to make their own decisions. The mature children of a believer who has just been born again, must also be born again; accept the will of our Father, and have Him forgive their original sin, all other sins. So they can become spiritually holy, and receive the indwelling of the Spirit; and become children of God. Our Father often included the households and families of those He called to be His own. Together they received the indwelling of the Spirit and together they were water baptized.

*And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ Ac 11:13-14 ESV+

*And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days. Ac 10:48 NASB+

We can also assume from the verses above that a baby or young child is made holy by having one believing parent who adopts them, or who has legal authority over. And this probably includes grandparents, other relatives, or people who raise young children in their household, or take the responsibility of raising them in the Lord.

3a All babies and young children are not saved

There are many children who are given life in the womb by the Holy Spirit just after being conceived. There are very many of these who do not reach the age of 5.

In China around 13 million children are aborted each year.

In the U.S. around a million children are aborted each year.

And estimates for how many miscarriages there are in the world per year vary; from 25 – 40% of the babies who have been given life in the womb.

In the world around 21,000 to 27,000 children to the age of 5 years die each day.

This is 7.6 to 9.6 million a year.

Our Father has mercy on any who He wants to have mercy on; including those He foreknows will love Him above all things. Yet we do not know what is in a baby’s heart; except that a believing parent’s baby is holy and we should water baptize them. And let our hearts guide us on who can take the parental responsibility for the baby.

*And the Lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Ex 33:19 NIV+

*who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: 1Pe 1:2 NIV+

Note: All who will repent after committing an abortion, will be forgiven by Christ’s grace, will become children of God. And they have hope in the mercy of our Father, that they will be reunited in Heaven with the children they aborted.

We must also realize that God’s Word tells us parents’ attitudes, their sins, can carry over to their children; even children who have just been given life in their mother’s womb. Parents’ sins can make their babies and children go astray, away from the love of our God; and when they physically die, their eternal spirit being can go to Hades.

*You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Ex 20:5 NIV+ Part of 2nd commandment

*You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, Jer 32:18 NIV+

Even in the womb babies’ spiritual beings can reject God, become evil, become children of satan.

*You have never heard, you have never known, from of old your ear has not been opened. For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously, and that from before birth you were called a rebel. Isa 48:8 ESV+

*The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. Ps 58:3 NKJV+

If you cannot say your baby has the indwelling of the Spirit, you cannot say you know that your baby is a child of God, is saved.

If you believe your baby has the indwelling of the Spirit, they are a child of God and saved, they are part of the body of Christ, are spiritually equal with all in the body of Christ, and should receive water baptism.

*For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Ro 8:14 ESV+

*For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Gal 3:27-29 ESV+

4. The blessings a believer’s baby receives in infant baptism

Water baptism shows a believer’s baby is part of the body of Christ, His one, holy, spiritual, invisible church. They are spiritually one with every person who is a child of God; those living on earth, and those who are in Heaven above. They are spiritually equal with all believers on earth, and likewise should receive water baptism soon after they are born; allowing believers to meet their new brother or sister in Christ.

*so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Ro 12:5 NKJV+

*For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1Co 12:13 NASB+

While believers’ babies and children are spiritually equal with all; a congregation should use mature believers to make their decisions

Paul and other early evangelists, saved those who would receive Jesus as their Savior, along with their households and families. Our Father gave them the indwelling of the Spirit and the evangelists would then water baptized the new believers. This would include all in the household or family; adults, older children, workers, servants; and probably babies and little children, since Paul told us their believing parent made them spiritually holy.

*So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Ac 16:31-32 NKJV+

*And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Ac 16:33 NKJV+

*(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 1Co 1:16 ESV+

Believers’ babies are precious, they draw everyone’s attention. They receive blessings as they are given infant baptism; for they are a light which shows the glory of God. How He loves, cares, protects, and saves His little ones; and makes them His children.

* You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 NKJV+

All believers present at an infant baptism, should promise to pray for, and help the baby grow in the in the love and knowledge of our God. What a great blessing these babies and little children will receive if the believers will remember to do this.

*First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 1Ti 2:1 ESV+

*"So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. Matt 18:14 NASB+

4a The blessings believing parents receive

Believing parents will receive blessings from our Father when we give our babies to Him; with praise and thanksgiving for He has made our baby His holy child, and an heir of Heaven. We are also blessed by our Father with joy, peace, and assurance; by knowing He has saved our babies until their physical mind is mature enough to accept or reject our God.

*Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Heb 13:15 NASB+

4b The blessings the family of God receives

The Spirit will be present at the baptism of an infant, drawing believers together in Christ with joy; as they watch the family of God being rejuvenated with another child. Believers are also reminded of how our loving Father has saved their children, the children they are helping raise.

Infant baptism also gives comfort to believers who have lost babies, young children; for they know by Christ’s grace they will see them once more in Heaven. And believers, who have had a miscarriage, have the blessed assurance they will be able to meet their unborn child for the first time in Heaven above.

*For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 6:23 NKJV+

4c The potential blessings unbelievers can receive

The Spirit is present at a believer’s water baptism, trying to open the hearts of unbelievers, so they will give up their will and ask our Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. For some will see, be able to feel the glory of God around them as they watch a baptism; and others will want to know more about what is happening, giving us a chance to tell them about our Savior.

*"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" LK 11:13 NASB+

4d Why wait to water baptize infants

Why would we want to postpone infant baptism; for none of us knows when we will be called home to Heaven? And then the many blessings our Father wants to give us, when we water baptize believers’ babies, will be lost. This poem by CT Studd explains it best.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

As well as this Bible verse.

*but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:20-21 ESV+

4e *The most important reason for infant baptism; bringing little babies to Jesus.

Jesus would have us bring all babies to Him; for the Kingdom of God belongs to babies and little children who come to Jesus. Notice when Jesus says children, He was referring to babies through young children.

*And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Lk 18:15-16 NASB+

No one can spiritually hinder believers’ babies from being with our Savior. For all who have been made spiritually holy by the blood of Jesus, receive the indwelling of the Spirit, are spiritually united with our Father, Jesus, and the Spirit; are spiritually in our Father’s Kingdom. Why then should we physically hinder believers’ babies from receiving water baptism; and becoming part of the physical body of believers here on earth?

*nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." Lk 17:21 NKJV+

*for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Ro 14:17 NKJV+

Note: Believers’ babies do not need to be dedicated to God, for they are already spiritually one with our God. And no one is dedicated to God in the New Covenant; instead we are given the Spirit and blessings from the Spirit. Laying on of hands can help fill a believers’ baby with the indwelling of the Spirit, and can be done in conjunction with giving them water baptism.

The Spirit had earlier shown Jesus; what His Father had revealed to infants, yet had hidden from the wise and the intelligent of the world. When Jesus used the word infants, we believe was Jesus referring to young babies, not His disciples who were just learning about Him. He was referring to those with the most intelligent human minds on the earth; then to mere babes, whose minds were still immature.

*At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. Lk 10:21 NASB+

For after our Father revealed to Mary; that His Son would become man, become Jesus in her womb. The next person our Father revealed this great secret to was the baby John, who was still in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. Our Father reveals truths to infants, but not to the wise and intelligent of this world, whose human intelligence would keep them from believing it.

*for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Lk 1:15 ESV+

*For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Lk 1:44 ESV+

Jesus knew that out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants our Father had perfected praise; believers’ babies will praise our Savior. And a little one can believe in Jesus; while anyone who causes a little one to sin, will face the wrath of our God.

*and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" Matt 21:16 NKJV+

*Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. Ps 8:2 NKJV+

*"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt 18:6 NKJV+

Nothing would bring the sparkle to Jesus’ eyes, and give Him more pleasure that the little babies and children who came to Him. And He would take in His arms, bless and lay His hands upon.

*But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mk 10:14 ESV+

*And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mk 10:16 NASB+

Now that Jesus has died for our sins, His grace allows believers’ babies spiritual beings to become one with Him. They are spiritually united together with our Savior, and our Father raises them up with Jesus; to come before His heavenly Throne.

*and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:6-7 NKJV+

While on earth Jesus would have us physically water baptize believers from all nations. And all nations includes all people who believe in Jesus; includes all believers’ babies for they are holy, love our Savor. Peter likewise tells us baptism is for believers’ children, which includes their babies.

*Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19 ESV+

*For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Ac 2:39 NKJV+

Whoever takes the time to receive babies and little children, the least powerful, the most dependent on earth; in the name of our Savior. Receives blessing from Jesus and His Father; and becomes great in Their eyes. This includes water baptizing believers’ infants, praying for them, and instructing them as they grow up.

*An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." Lk 9:46-48 NASB+

5. Last reason for infant baptism:

Believers’ baby’s original sin can be forgiven in infant baptism ceremony

We were all physically conceived with original sin. Our physical body and mind were reproduced in the image of Adam. We were also created in Adam’s likeness, sinful; our physical minds have Adam’s sinful nature, his original sin embedded in them.

*Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Ps 51:5 NIV+

*When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. Gen 5:3 ESV+

All men carry the original sin of Adam in their seed, and pass this sin on to the physical being, the body and mind of all of their children. That is why our physical bodies will grow old and die. Note: because Jesus was not conceived by a man, but the Holy Spirit, and since women do not carry original sin, it allowed Jesus to be born without sin, explains how Mary was just a devout woman who loved God.

*Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—Ro 5:12 NKJV+

*For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Ro 5:19 NKJV+

Paul confirms there are 2 kinds of sins; regular transgressions and the uncircumcision of our flesh; our original sin. Yet Jesus’ atoning death on the cross can forgive all of our transgressions; both our original sin, and all of our other sins.

*When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, Col 2:13 NASB+

5a Believers’ babies can be saved before their original sin is forgiven

Believers’ babies’ spiritual beings can be righteous; though their physical being, their body and mind still have Adam’s original sin embedded in them. A baby’s physical mind is conceived immature, has no power or control over their thinking process. A baby’s mind is too immature to believe in God; likewise to immature to make one sin, to immature to control the babies spiritual being with sinful thoughts, which push the Spirit out of their hearts.

*But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. Ro 8:10 NIV+

This is proven by King David’s son, who was born after his father had committed adultery with Bathsheba. David repented of his sins of adultery and murder (David had Bathsheba’s husband killed to save him the embarrassment of his adulterous act). Yet because of these sins, the Lord took David’s son from him as a baby.

*David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, "I am pregnant." 2Sa 11:4-5 NASB+

*So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." 2Sa 12:13-14 NKJV+

Our Father took David’s son to Abraham’s Bosom 7days after he was born. This is before he would have been circumcised, had his original sin forgiven; on the 8^th day after he was born.

*Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!" 2Sa 12:18 NKJV+

*He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. Gen 17:12 NKJV

We know David’s son died before the 8^th day of his life because he was not named; and boys were not named until the 8^th day when they were circumcised.

*And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” Lk 1:59-60 ESV+

David prayed and fasted for God to spare his baby son’s life. Yet when his son died, he grieved no more, for David knew God had taken his son’s soul and spirit to Abraham’s Bosom. David knew his faith in God had made his baby son spiritually righteous; until his son’s mind would be mature enough to believe in God.

*But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." 2Sa 12:23 NKJV+

David also knew the children of those who hated God, would likewise hate God; from the time they were given life as a baby in their mother’s womb. When they died they would not be saved, their soul and spirit would go to Hades. David even hoped the babies of those who hated God would die in their mother’s womb, as a stillborn baby who never saw the sun.

*The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. Ps 58:3 NKJV+

*Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. Ps 58:8 ESV+

5b Believer’s baby’s original sin should be forgiven before their minds mature

We must all have our original sin, the sinful nature we were conceived with, forgiven; or when our minds mature they will be hostile towards our God, we will be unable to submit to Him or please Him.

*the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Ro 8:7 NIV+

*So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Ro 8:8 NKJV+

David also knew that he would go to see his son in Abraham’s Bosom when he died. For he had been set apart to be a child of God, had his original sin forgiven when his parents circumcised him when he was 8 days old; under the covenant God had made with Abraham. Then when David matured (boy consider mature 13 years old, Bar Mitzvah; girl 12 years old Bat Mitzvah); he still loved God, tried to obey Him, follow his ceremonial laws; and when he fell short he repented of His sins. And because David was a child of God, he knew his spiritual being would go to Abraham’s Bosom when his physical being died.

*But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." 2Sa 12:23 NKJV+

*"This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. Gen 17:10 NASB+

After Jesus atoned for our sins, He would spiritually take both David and his son from Abraham’s Bosom to Heaven, along with all other Old Covenant believers.

*For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Heb 9:15 NASB+

Jesus tells us we must accept Him like a child or we will not receive the Kingdom of God. And our Father tells us our heart becomes evil in our youth.

*Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mk 10:15 ESV+

*The Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. Gen 8:21 NASB+

Spiritual Being: always mature from being created.

Physical Mind: Immature – Understands – Mature: There is no set time for our minds to mature; our minds will all mature at different times; but a very rough idea on these times is:

Immature: From given life in the womb to 5 years old; Mind can begin learning about Jesus; Mind cannot overrule spiritual being

Understands: 5 to 8-13; Mind can love Jesus, want to obey Him, have original sin, other sins forgiven by Him; Mind cannot overrule spiritual being

Mature: 8-13 up; Mind strong enough to overrule spiritual being, will be hostile to God unless our original sin, our sin nature has been forgiven.

All who have the Spirit living in their hearts must have their original sin forgiven before they mature; to allow the Spirit to remain in their hearts; so they can remain children of God.

If anyone does not have the Spirit living in their hearts; they must be born again; have their original sin forgiven so the Spirit can come into their hearts; and they become children of God.

*The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1Cor 2:14 NIV+

*For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Ro 8:6 ESV+

*Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jn 3:3 NKJV+

Believers’ babies can have the Spirit living in their hearts all of our lives. If before their mind becomes mature enough to push the Spirit from their hearts; our Father through the Spirit, washes away, forgives their original sin which their minds where conceived with. Thus renewing their minds, so they will not become hostile to our God; which allows the Spirit to control our minds and make us a new person.

*He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5 NASB+

*and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:23-24 NKJV+

*Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Ro 8:5-6 NIV

5c Circumcision helps explain how our original sin is forgiven

Paul tells us in the Old Covenant circumcision put off a believer’s sinful nature; forgave their original sin. But in the New Covenant, when we accept the will of His Father, He spiritually forgives our original sin, other sins; through Christ’s atoning grace on the cross. Then gives us the indwelling of the Spirit; and the Spirit helps us love our God above all things.

*In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, Col 2:11 NIV+

*But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Ro 7:6 NIV+

Old Covenant circumcision of males, the removal of skin from the organ which carried the seed of man, which contained his original sin; signified man’s original sin had been removed, had been forgiven. And set apart those who were circumcised as the children of God. This also included women, wives, and daughters who likewise loved God, and believed in circumcision, and were also under its sign. All alien males living with Israelites, often servants, likewise had to be circumcised.

*"So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer. Dt 10:16 NASB+

*"But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." Gen 17:14 NASB+

Our Father authorized a believing parent (Moses wife circumcised their son; Ex 4:25) to act on behalf of their 8 day old sons and circumcise them (or have a priest do it). Through circumcision these baby boys, together with all of the 8 day old baby girls who had a believing parent and were under the sign of circumcision; were set apart as God’s children. Circumcision was a seal of righteousness that their original sin had been forgiven. Though their physical minds were immature, did not understand what was happening. If Mary and Joseph did not have Jesus circumcised on the 8^th day, He would have been unclean, would have sinned.

*He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.

Circumcision in the Old Covenant symbolized how in the New Covenant our Father would give a believing parent the authority to have their babies original sin forgiven; have their babies set apart, sealed, and given the Spirit as a pledge that they are children of God. For the Spirit gives a believing parent the faith and knowledge through the Word, to know their babies are children of God; and have our Father’s authority to speak these truths on behalf of their baby, or little child.

*The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, Ro 4:11 ESV+ Referring to God’s Covenant to Abraham

*so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Gal 3:14 ESV+

*Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2Co 1:21-22 NASB+

5d How believers’ babies can receive the renewing of the Spirit

Believing parent can speak on behalf of their baby

A believing parent can speak on behalf of their baby; for if they have faith, they know their baby is spiritually holy, has the Spirit living in their hearts. They know their baby loves Jesus; know their baby wants to renounce their original sin, so the Spirit can remain in their hearts. And a believing parent can truthfully answer these questions on behalf of their baby, before they are water baptized.

When a believing parent confesses their babies faith for them; our Father sets these babies apart as His children; while He forgives, washes away their original sins, so their minds are renewed, and will accept the Spirit as they mature. Then the baby should receive water baptism, which physically shows our Father has washed away their original sin, and has given them the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

*For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 1Co 7:14 NASB+

Note: Only the children are made holy when there is one believing parent, the unbelieving spouse is not made holy 1Co 7:16

The baby should receive water baptism, be washed with water, either by having it sprinkled or poured on their foreheads; to show how our Father has renewed their minds, by forgiving their original sin. While the words Jesus spoke are read over them; “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. Telling us this baby is spiritually one with our God and will inherit Heaven.

*and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:23-24 NKJV+

*Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19 ESV+

After a baby has received infant baptism, when their physical mind becomes mature enough to understand what happens at the Lord’s Supper; they should speak for themselves in professing their love for our God, and renouncing sin; then be allowed to come to the Lord’s Table.

* For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 1Co 11:29 NKJV+

Notice in the Old Covenant believers’ babies received circumcision which corresponds to our baptism of the Spirit as babies; then had a ceremony (Bat Mit or Bar Mitzvah) as they matured confessing their faith in God.

The same way believers’ children can have their original sin forgiven, because they have a believing parent and receive infant water baptism; then when they have enough understanding, they confess their love for our God and are welcomed to the Lord’s Table.

There are many who believe that one must have understanding, or be mature and responsible so they can profess their faith in Jesus; before our Father forgives their original sin. Yet we still believe these babies should receive infant baptism to show they are part of our Savior’s one Holy Church. And then when they are more mature, understand the Lord’s Supper; profess their faith as they celebrate the first time they come to our Lord’s Table.

5e How non-believers babies original sin can be forgiven

Those babies who our Father is merciful to, who are not believers’ babies, yet have been given the Spirit when they were first given life; can likewise have the Spirit live within their hearts all of their lives. If they accept our God when their minds are old enough to believe in our Savior; and before their minds are mature enough to be hostile to Him. When they confess their faith, they should be given water baptism, and if they understand the Lord’s Supper, receive it also.

Must be born again

Any who do not have the Spirit living in their hearts, must give up their will, have their original sin, all of their other sins forgiven; and spiritually be born again, receive the Spirit into their hearts to become children of God. Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, the Jewish people, all other people at this time; none who had the indwelling of the Spirit, for it was not given until after Jesus died on the cross to make our spiritual beings perfectly holy.

*Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Jn 3:5 ESV+

It is easier to be born again as children, when your mind has understanding, but is not mature, is not hostile to God. After one has surrendered their will to God, received the indwelling of the Spirit; they should be given water baptism. And when they understand the Lord’s Supper, should be welcomed to participate in it.

*Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Ro 12:2 ESV+

The hardest time for any to come to our God, is when their mind has matured and is hostile to God, and must become humble like a little child again; yet with our God all things are possible. When any unbeliever will accept our Father’s will, our Father will give them the baptism of the Spirit; making them His children. Then they should receive water baptism; and be welcomed to the Lord’s Table, when they understand what it means.

*Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Lk 18:17 ESV+

* "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mk 10:25-27 NASB+

Only one water baptism is needed. Paul tells us we only need to be baptized once; with water and Christ’s words. Then we can spiritually receive blessings from the Lord’s Supper, and continually receive gifts from the Spirit; spiritual baptisms. Yet there is no place in the Word which says it is wrong to be water baptized again.

*There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; Eph 4:4-5 NIV+

Many love Jesus, yet do not realize they have received the indwelling of the Spirit. Some have not received water baptism, others have not participate in the Lord’s Supper; though they will receive blessings when they do. Other times when crowds of over a million receive the outpouring of the Spirit, it might take a couple of years for all of them to receive water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Yet they have been saved when they gave up their will, accepted the will of God, received the indwelling of the Spirit, confessed Jesus as their Lord. The indwelling of the Spirit makes us a child of God, saves us. Obedience to Jesus in receiving water baptism gives us His blessings.

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