Many religions teach that babies of the unsaved go to hell. What do you think? Will baptizing a baby “save” it?
This is a complex question, as it involves answers to 3 questions:
a. What is baptism?
b. Is there a hell?
c. Are babies who die responsible for their sins?
Let us briefly answer all these questions.
a. What is baptism?
The concept of baptism washing away sin stems from Acts 22:16, TEV. “And now, why wait any longer? Get up and be baptized and have your sins washed away by calling on His name.”
Does this mean you can was away your sins through baptism? Let us look at Biblical evidence. How is baptism described in the Bible?
Romans 6:2-7, NIV. “We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don ‘t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Col 2:12: “Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Mark 16:16-17: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Baptism represents a decision to believe in Jesus as our Saviour. Through baptism we publicly demonstrate that we believe in our salvation obtained through Jesus, who died for us and rose on the third day. Similarly we symbolically indicate that by accepting Jesus in our lives, we are experiencing a rebirth, our old self has died, we are a new creation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus made this clear when discussing the importance of baptism with a scholar named Nicodemus. John 3:3-8: “‘In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’
‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’
Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'” NIV
It is clear here that baptism doesn’t wash away sin, but is an outward declaration that we want to live with Jesus who is the only one who can forgive our sins. It cannot be intended that the external rite of baptism was sufficient to make you pure, but that it was an ordinance appointed by Jesus as a public expression of the washing away of sins, or of the purification of the heart.
Forgiveness of sins is obtained solely through faith in the Lord Jesus, Acts 10:43: “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Baptism is the visible sign of this. Paul summarizes this beautifully in 1 Cor 6:11: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Babies cannot make that kind of decision. They cannot declare (even less talk) their decision to follow Christ. To baptize a baby is to try to force our decision on them and is valueless.
However you can make that decision. What a wonderful Saviour we do have! Would you like to accept Him in your life now? He can and will forgive you of your sins, no matter how horrible they are. He can transform your life from an ugly charcoal into a radiant butterfly. You can overcome your sins through our Lord and Saviour. Why wait any longer? He is waiting for you!
b. Is there a hell?
All over the Bible there are references concerning a real place called hell. E.g.
Ps 9:17 “The wicked shall be sent away to hell; this is the fate of all the nations forgetting the Lord.” TLB
Isa 14:9-10 “The denizens of hell crowd to meet you as you enter their domain. World leaders and earth’s mightiest kings, long dead, are there to see you. With one voice they all cry out, “Now you are as weak as we are!” TLB
Did you know that Jesus spoke about hell (over 70 references), more than for example the Sabbath? Read the gospels and notice how often he warns humanity about this place. If hell did not exist, why would our Saviour talk about it?
Here is one sample of what Jesus said about hell (as the answer to this week’s Bible question is already so long!):
Luke 16:22-28 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ ” NIV
Some people will proclaim that this is just a parable and is not reality. But notice that Lazarus is mentioned by name in that parable. None of Jesus’ other parables mention names! Lazarus did come back to life (see John 11) and as true as what Jesus said, the skeptics did not accept his message and plotted to kill him (see John 12:10) Hell is real my friend!
Another proof of the reality of hell can be found in Rev 19:20 “But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” NIV
If hell was just a burning up of people who were thrown into, why are the beast and the false prophet still alive in hell, after the millennium? Read Rev 20:10 “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” NIV
Notice too that most texts about hell are explicit like this one, and stress the duration of those who are in hell “for ever and ever”.
My friend, which way are you heading? Heaven or hell? It isn’t too late to make the right decision. You can stop being miserable and accept Jesus right now. Will you accept Him now? Go to this ministry’s altar’s call and take the first step to invite Jesus into your heart.
c. Are babies who die responsible for their sins?
First of all, babies are quite innocent in nature. They were born in a world of sin, but can we hold them accountable for that? Who among us would accuse a baby to be a sinner and deserving to die? If none of us would do this (in fact those who would, would be considered “crazy”), why do we even think that God would do such an abominable act?
Jesus confirms this notion in Matt 7:9-11 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” NIV
How could our God who is holy even be able to entertain such thoughts? There is no way!
Ps 99:9 “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.” NIV
Secondly, when David lost his infant child, he uttered these words: 2 Sam 12:23 “But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” NIV
Some may say that David was expressing himself that eventually he would die as well. But the Biblical notion to believers is that there is a hell and there is a heaven. We can be assured that David was referring that he would be with his infant baby in heaven once he died.
Thirdly, in Jewish circles a child is considered not responsible for his actions until his Bar mitzvah (around 12 – 13 years old).
God is just and holy. Babes who die prematurely go to heaven. They are covered by the blood of the Lamb. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus.
Rob Chaffart
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Baptism does not earn anybody salvation. You may experience baptism correctly. Without salvation and go to hell fire. It is would just amount to getting into water as a dry sinner and coming out a wet one after all!
Baptism is identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and proclaiming same to the public that you are following Him as a disciple.
A number of people who were baptized immediately after the ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ before commencing his earthly ministry on the earth were people who were matured and have confessed Him and Lord and Savour. It is also important to stress that if you do not have the opportunity to be baptized before death knocks on your door, that does not mean you will not go to heaven. Jesus did baptism as an ordinance in order to fulfill all righteousness. It should not however, replace salvation.
Now, I like to refer to the issue of children. I have the following scriptures to quote for our enjoyment:
Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven”.
Mark: 10:13-14 “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them, But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:15-17- “And they brought unto Him also infants, that he would touch them; but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosever shall not receive the kingdom of God, as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”
Infant’s baptism is not a prerequisite for them to making heaven. It is not even in the Bible. It is an idea of men. Children who are not yet matured, who don’t know the meaning of sins and are not committing it will get to heaven when they die. Baptism or no Baptism!. The scripture is very clear about this. Theirs is the Kingdom of God!. The question that should bother us today is what are your doing about your life as a parent. Have you surrendered your life to Him. Are you still sinning, taking communion after baptism and are in sin? You must repent and be saved. Sin shall not have dominion over you. Jesus loves you in your present state and would like you to come unto Him TODAY!
Summarily, babies will not go to hell if they die!
Baptism is for adult and not infants.
Read more from the article copied from Panorama of Prophecy “QuickVerse7.0″ Published by Project End Time, 15585 N. Haggerty RD, Plymouth, MI 4810.
“Baptism, Christian
An ordinance immediately instituted by Christ (Matt. 28:19, 20), and designed to be observed in the church, like that of the Supper, “till he come.” The words “baptize” and “baptism” are simply Greek words transferred into English. It means to dip a thing into an element or liquid. In the LXX, the Greek version of the Old Testament, it is used of the ablutions and baptisms required by the Mosaic law. These were effected by immersion, and the same word, “washings” (Heb. 9:10, 13, 19, 21) or “baptisms,” designates them all. Moreover, all of the instances of baptism recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:38-41; 8:26-39; 9:17, 18; 22:12-16; 10:44-48; 16:32-34) suggests the idea that it was by dipping the person baptized, i.e. by immersion.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two symbolical ordinances of the New Testament. The Supper represents the work of Christ, and Baptism the work of the Spirit. As in the Supper a small amount of bread and wine used in this ordinance exhibits in symbol the great work of Christ, so in Baptism the work of the Holy Spirit is fully seen in the water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The apostles of our Lord were baptized with the Holy Ghost (Matt. 3:11) by his coming upon them (Acts 1:8). The fire also with which they were baptized sat upon them. The extraordinary event of Pentecost was explained by Peter as a fulfillment of the ancient promise that the Spirit would be poured out in the last days (Acts 2:17). He uses also with the same reference the expression shed forth as descriptive of the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2:33). In the Pentecostal baptism “the apostles were not dipped into the Spirit, nor plunged into the Spirit; but the Spirit was shed forth, poured out, fell on them (Acts 11:15), came upon them, sat on them.”
The subjects of baptism. This raises questions of greater importance than those relating to its mode.
The controversy here is not about “believers’ baptism,” for that is common to all parties. Believers were baptized in apostolic times, and they have been baptized in all time by all the branches of the church. It is altogether a misrepresentation to allege, as is sometimes done by Baptists, that their doctrine is “believers’ baptism,” Every instance of adult baptism, or of “believers’ baptism,” recorded in the New Testament (Acts 2:41; 8:37; 9:17, 18; 10:47; 16:15; 19:5, etc.) is just such as would be dealt with in precisely the same way by all branches of the Protestant Church, a profession of faith or of their being “believers” would be required from every one of them before baptism. The point in dispute is not the baptism of believers, but whether the infant children of believers, i.e., of members of the church, ought to be baptized.”
Rev Debo Adeyemo
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As we read the Bible, we come to understand that there is a point in life, whereby, we are held accountable for sin; prior to this point, however, we’re not (this point in life is commonly referred to as the age of accountability). As salvation is a deliberate act of faith on the part of individuals, in order for one to turn to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus as their Savior, they must have reached a point in life whereby they are capable of doing this. They must have reached a point in life whereby they are capable of knowing that there is a God, able to turn to Him through faith in Jesus as their personal Savior, aware that they are sinners before God and able to repent of their rebellious lifestyle.
As little children are obviously not capable of doing this, they are not held accountable before God for sin. Although the age of accountability is not directly mentioned in the Bible, it is a concept alluded to in Scripture. When King David’s baby son died, he believed that he would once more see his son in the next life for David said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘ Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 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.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23) Jesus also said of little children, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) Those who die having never reached the age of accountability go to be with the Lord upon their death.
As to baptism and salvation, it’s important to understand that Christian baptism does not wash sin away (or it’s consequences), but, rather, is a public testimony of what has taken place in the life of the one being baptized; one who has turned to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus. In Christian baptism, the one being baptized is testifying that they were in Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary when sin was judged (2 Corinthians 5:21), that they died with Jesus, were buried with Him, and have arisen to a new life in Him (Romans 6:3-4).
Jim Futral http://www.biblepath.com (Answers to questions from a Biblical perspective)
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I’ll address each of these questions along with the Scripture verses I believe are relevent. “Many religions teach that the babies of the unsaved go to hell. What do you think?” First, I feel that this belief is unscriptural. Numbers 14:18` “The LORD is slow to anger and rich in unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Even so he does not leave sin unpunished, but he punishes the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations.” (NLT) Can this verse be used to justify a child being condemned to hell for its parents’ unbelief? No.
However, this does mean that the parents’ sin may have consequences that affect their children and granchildren. (For example, children of an abusive parent may become abusive themselves). I don’t believe that a child who dies before they can be baptized is condemned to hell. In order for a person to reject the Gospel, they must first be old enough to understand he message. Also, consider this passage: Ezekiel 18:1″Then another message came to me from the LORD: 2″Why do you quote this proverb in the land of Israel: `The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’? 3As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you will not say this proverb anymore in Israel. 4For all people are mine to judge–both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins will be the one who dies.” (NLT) Here, it’s quite clear that God only punishes the one who actually sinned.
A child will not suffer eternity in hell because of something their parents did, and vice versa. God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-4) and He takes no pleasure in the death of a sinner (Ezekiel 18:32) “Will baptizing a baby “save” it?” I think that treating baptism as nothing more than “fire insurance” really shows little regard for God’s saving power. Baptism is a cleansing from original sin (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:12-15; Hebrews 10:22), a means of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:5), and reception into the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13).
From my reading of the Bible, I’ve come to believe that what happens in baptism is primarily something God does, not something we do. A few more things need to be considered: first, we can’t save ourselves or anyone else through our own efforts. We are saved through God’s grace alone. (Hebrews 11:6) Second, a person baptized as an infant needs to be raised in the Christian faith (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6), and lastly, it’s essential that the person believe in Jesus once they are able to understand the Gospel.
John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (NLT) Romans 10:6 “But the way of getting right with God through faith says, “You don’t need to go to heaven” (to find Christ and bring him down to help you). 7And it says, “You don’t need to go to the place of the dead” (to bring Christ back to life again). 8Salvation that comes from trusting Christ–which is the message we preach–is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, “The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.”[1] 9For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed.[2] ” If you haven’t accepted Christ, I invite you to answer the Savior’s Call.
AJ Demers
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This is a difficult question. It is one that major religions are unable to agree on. One learned professor I asked simply said ‘Let God be God; and trust Him to be fair’. In this answer that I give, as always, do not just take my word for it but check into your bibles for yourselves. I have studied the topic over some years and have a position which I will now explain.
I will deal with the topic of infant baptism first as it is the easiest. No, infant baptism will not save a child. Neither will dedication which is the alternative practiced by those who do not use infant baptism. There is no biblical authority to sprinkle water on the head of an infant. All references to baptism are to either the complete imersion of adult baptism, or to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Water baptism is the means by which we make a public witness of the fact we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. Imersion in water, which is a foreign substance for us, and one in which we would surely die if left in, is symbolic of dying to our sins and participating in the death of Jesus. Arising in baptism is symbolic of our new beginning as a Christian and of participating in the resurrection of Jesus. There is no way an infant is able to make such a decision. The other part of the service where the parents promise to bring up the child in the knowledge of God, is the only part of the infant baptisimal service which has meaning. The following will explain how each must make up one’s own mind concerning salvation.
The Apostle Paul muddied the water with this statement:
1Cr 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
All commentators I have read agree that this verse is spoken in the context of divorce and that it refers to the civil laws of the times that children of a single parent were not considered legitimate. He is refering to the customs and laws of the times and is talking about holyness in a civil and legal sense, not of their relationship to God.
If this was not so, it would be in direct conflict with the bible principle that says that every man is responsible to God for his or her own behavior, not that of a son or father.
Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
This principle is that children do not bear the iniquity of their fathers. Therefore if a man was an unbeliever, it would not condemn his child. Only the child’s own unbelief would condemn him or her.
There is another principle that, although we are all born without the saving grace within us, children are innocent up until the time they understand the difference between good and evil, which is also a birthright. God mentioned this when He wanted the children of Israel to enter Canaan after Joshua and Caleb spied out the land; and they refused.
Num 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Deu 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
The exodus is often likened to the resurrection as a ‘type’. In this passage we see that God did not condemn the children of the faithless, but allowed them to enter the promised land. Joshua and Caleb who were in favor of fighting at the time also entered the promised land. The age where a child will know the difference between good and evil will be known to both the child and God.
One more aspect I wish to cover. Some would argue that because the child is unable because of immaturity to make a decision to follow God or not, then if they die without having made this vital decision they will be lost. This to me seems unfair and is not in character with the God I know and love.
The Holy Spirit has appealed to all who have lived; although many of them in remote parts of the world would never have heard of Jesus or the message of the Gospel.
Tts 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Each of us is born with a propensity to sin; and also from a certain age, we develop an understanding of good and evil. This is because Adam ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The choice to do good or to do evil has been made by every man who ever lived. If a man so chooses good, and is unable to make a decision for Christ because he never heard of Him; there is a principle that the blood of Christ will cover the sins he has committed in ignorance. Note that he cannot be saved by the good works he has done, but by the sacrifice of Christ.
This is totally consistent with the promise that the Grace of God, (Holy Spirit) who brings salvation, has appeared to ALL mankind. None have an excuse for not knowing of their creator God.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Num 15:28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
All sin requires a blood sacrifice and that sacrifice is Jesus Christ. There is no other way to salvation. However when a man sinned in ignorance, the priest was to make an atonement for him and he would be forgiven. These laws were a prelude to the reality that would take place when Jesus became our High Priest. We can therefore understand that Jesus now offers His blood as a sacrifice for those who sin in ignorance and who; if they knew Him; would not do so. Jesus Himself alluded to this principle.
Jhn 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
Jhn 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
This must refer to sins of ignorance, which would include the sin we have as a birthright. Because they now knew of the Son of God, and rejected Him, they had no more cover.
It is expected there will be some in heaven who do not know Jesus. The following refers:
Zec 13:6 And [one] shall say unto him, What [are] these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, [Those] with which I was wounded [in] the house of my friends.
I believe from my study that this establishes that God does not condemn children who, through their rite of birth, are sinners; but who because of their tender age, have no knowledge of good or evil, and their sin is in ignorance. I also believe that the same applies also to the unborn dead, but that is another study and my answer can be found under the topic of abortion on either my own website http://embark.to/lance or in our answered questions of the week.
Readers of this study will not be in a position to claim ignorance because you have heard of the Son of God and His offer of salvation. You must either accept or reject Him. If you try and sit on the fence, so to speak; it will be counted as rejection.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Should any reader need to make a decision please answer ‘The Savior’s Call’ in this newsletter.
Lance Wearmouth
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No, I do not believe that baptizing a baby ensures his/her salvation!
Babies are under the age of accountability, and baptism must be the conscious choice of the one being baptized; babies are far too young to comprehend and understand what’s going on……..Although I believe nothing is wrong in a Christian couple having their baby baptized at birth, as a sign that they plan to raise him/her a Christian.
Truly though, there can be no salvation without an understanding of the gospel message. Acts 8:32-39 says……. 32 – Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER; AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH. 33 – “IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY; WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION? FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.”
34 – The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” 35 – Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 – As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 – And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 – And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 – When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. Scripture here shows that the Eunuch made his own conscious decision to become baptized in the name of the Lord. Matthew 3:6 says: and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins………..
By confessing their sins, this shows that they must be informed and of age enough to be aware of what they are doing. BUT, also because the gospel tells us…. “Whoever will turn from his sins (repent) and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of his sins will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”…….this is stating that a baby is also as unconscious of sin as righteousness. I believe that the Lord protects the innocence and unknowing uneducated part of babies. He is certainly not going to send them to hell unsaved because they died as a baby before they became of age to understand baptism and the Holy Spirit. He will not condemn them to eternity in hell simply because they were not old enough to become educated about Christianity, WHICH is why I believe that parents choose to baptize their babies at birth until they are old enough to become baptized later in life of their own choice and religion. If a baby dies at a few months of age, it will certainly comfort the parents knowing that they had their baby baptized in the name of the Lord before he went back home to be with Him. MAY ALL BE BLESSED!
DeeDee
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I do not believe that an unbaptised baby goes to hell. The age of reason is seven in my Faith. A baby cannot reason nor has he/she been given the capacity to know right from wrong as a child of seven who has been indoctrinated in Christian Doctrine, the Ten Commandments. Such babies are innocents that cannot be held accountable. Vatican II clarifies writings which were easy to misinterpret prior to John Paul, XXIII’s papacy.
We have been taught that baptism removes original sin, as descendents of Adam and Eve. We then receive other sacraments depending on our Faiths.
Babies are saved by virtue of having no ability to sin.
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To be sure that a baby would, or would not go to hell is to embrace with obedience the scriptural conditions for this subject, and walk in the light of God’s Word, disregarding man’s thoughts or viewpoints. Remembering that God is merciful, and that His plan, and promises for the world are based upon repentance and believing the gospel (Mark 1:15). Thereby knowing that the seed conceived in the wife is holy. Would someone reject the gospel if they felt that their baby would go to hell?
(God’s Word Translation) 1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
There is a seed of the righteous and there is a seed of the unrighteous. It takes a righteous man and/or a righteous woman to produce a righteous seed
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(KJV) 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Here only the righteous seed was saved
(KJV) Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Moses speaking by command of God
Deuteronomy 3:6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.
Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
The infants were brought to Jesus. an act of faith and of obedience
(KJV) Luk 18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
(GW) Luk 18:16 But Jesus called the infants to him and said, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God.
(GW) Luk 18:17 I can guarantee this truth: Whoever doesn’t receive the kingdom of God as a little child receives it will never enter it
Paul
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The answer is no. The Lord teaches us that their is a certain age of discernment. The Lord doesn’t tell us what age that is but you can be certain that a baby certainly isn’t of that age. A baby can not make decisions, nor take care of itself and therefore does not have the ability of discernment or accountability. Discernment: Heb. 5:13-14 “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of fall age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” just my humble opinion and maybe as a mother I also have a warm heart for babies and children.. I do not believe that babies go to hell nor do I think the bible says the do in fact it states the opposite.. God would never put a baby in hell.. a baby hasn’t had time to make a choice yet..
God Bless
Laura (a single mom who is saved)