WHY SOME CHURCHES REJECT BAPTISM OF INFANTS Some Churches refuse infant baptism because they believe baptism should only happen after a person personally believes in Christ. These Churches are often called “Believer’s Baptism” Churches. Churches That Reject Infant Baptism Examples include: - Baptist Churches - Pentecostal Churches - Seventh-day Adventist Church - Churches of ChChrist They usually baptize only teenagers or adults who publicly confess faith. Their Arguments Against Infant Baptism 1. Baptism Should Follow Personal Faith They argue that the Bible teaches: Believe first, then be baptized Example: Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Since infants cannot yet believe or confess faith, they say infants should not be baptized. 2. Every Example in the Bible Shows Adults Being Baptized They note that in the New Testament people first heard the Gospel, repented, and then were baptized. Example: Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized.” They say repentance requires understanding, which infants cannot yet have. 3. Baptism Is a Public Testimony Many of these churches teach that baptism is a public declaration of faith, showing that someone has already been saved. Therefore they see infant baptism as unnecessary. How Worldwide AnglicanChurch Respond The Worldwide Anglican Church responds with several theological and biblical arguments. 1. Baptism Is God’s Grace, Not Only Human Decision Anglicans teach that baptism is a sacrament—a gift of God's grace. It is God acting first, not just a human declaration. Just as a child does not choose to be born physically, a child can be born spiritually into the Church through baptism. 2. The Covenant Includes Children Anglicans compare baptism to circumcision in the Old Testament, where children were included in God’s covenant. Example: Genesis 17:12 – infants were circumcised at eight days old. Anglicans say baptism is the New Covenant sign replacing circumcision. 3. Household Baptisms in the Bible Several passages show entire households being baptized. Examples: Acts 16:15 – Lydia and her household Acts 16:33 – The jailer and his household 1 Corinthians 1:16 – the household of Stephanas Anglicans argue that households in ancient times normally included children and infants. 4. Jesus Welcomed Children Christ clearly welcomed children into His kingdom. Example: Mark 10:14 – “Let the little children come to me.” Anglicans believe baptism is one way children come to Christ. 5. The Early Church Practiced Infant Baptism Historical writings from early Christian leaders show that infant baptism was practiced very early. Examples include: Irenaeus (2nd century) Origen (3rd century) Augustine of Hippo (4th–5th century) This shows the practice existed long before later Protestant groups rejected it. Conclusion Anglicans teach: Infants may be baptized - Parents and godparents promise to raise the child in faith - The child later confirms the faith personally during Confirmation - Confirmation is usually administered by a Bishops in Churches of the Anglican tradition.- In summary: Churches that reject infant baptism focus on personal belief first, while Anglicans emphasize God’s covenant, grace, and the inclusion of children in the Church. [Worldwide] Anglican Church 2026