Question:  Dear Greg,

            I was baptized as an infant by my grandfather.  I confirmed my faith in the Presbyterian Church when I was 15 years of age.  My wife was baptized in the Baptist Church by immersion.  She does not believe in infant baptism and does not think that our son should be baptized at birth.  This is embarrassing, but I am having problems explaining infant baptism to my wife.  I thought that it came from God sprinkling his blessings on homes.  Is this true?

            Second problem: my wife and I joined a non-denominational church.  When we joined they asked if I had accepted Jesus Christ and if I had been baptized.  I said yes to both questions and we were members.  They later realized that my baptism was at birth.  They pulled my membership and would like for me to be immersed in order to become a member again.  I am really struggling with this.  I know that any relationship with God could be improved, but I do not feel compelled to do this.  Luckily, my wife supports me no matter what.  I find it hypocritical that a church is “non-denominational” but will not allow a fellow Christian to join “their” church without “their” accepted baptism ritual.

            Your thoughts are appreciated!

            David

Answer:  Dear David,

            Your question concerns the mode of baptism—an issue that has divided Christians for hundreds of years.  Before discussing the issue, may I suggest that it seems that you and your wife have knowingly and intelligently joined a non-denominational church so that minor, non-essential issues will not cause the two of you to lose sight of your common heritage (marriage to each other and members of the body of Christ).

            Even on physical issues, friendships and marriages can be troubled by insignificant issues.  If allowed to grow, these minor issues can morph from molehills into mountains.  Your reasoning seems to be sound, reasoned and based on the Bible.  Please do not allow those who want to turn your freedom in Christ into religion and ritualism to succeed.

            There is no direct command to baptize infants but neither is there a prohibition.  The biblical example is that God works in families and thus we have whole households being baptized (Cornelius in Acts).  Jesus blesses children, Jesus is conceived of the Holy Spirit and John the Baptist is filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb.  Jesus warns against offending the little ones (while it has a spiritual meaning, there is much in this passage for our child neglecting and abusing society).

            Immersion has many biblical precedents: Jesus himself, the meaning of the Greek word translated baptism (to immerse), word pictures that Paul offers of the grave and of baptism as we come out of both to new life, etc.

            Central to this issue, however, and extremely important is the fact that baptism does not save.  We are commanded to be baptized but the act of being baptized does not save.  Salvation is intimate and personal between and individual and his/her God.  No church administers baptism that saves versus an inferior baptism of another denomination.  No pastor or church has the biblical right to demand re-baptism when someone who is already baptized joins their church.

            Thus, you are correct.  The non-denominational church that has pulled your membership and wants you to be immersed in order to be a member is in fact not non-denominational.  They should not advertise themselves as being such a thing when they are making such denominational demands.

            Paul is clear in Galatians about those who impinge on our freedom in Christ.  Pastors and churches are not empowered by the gospel of Jesus Christ to insist that members be re-baptized.

            As for a child being baptized or not, it is not a critical issue if the child is not baptized as an infant.  It is equally wrong to assume that children will not be saved unless they are baptized—which is a popular view of what infant baptism confers.  The family of both parents and the parents themselves are usually the center of the controversy.

            May God bless you and your wife as you sort through this issue and for being concerned enough about your faith to do so.  At the same time, may he guide you not to let this minor issue disrupt your faith or marriage in any way.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht