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To: Southflanknorthpawsis
FWIW, I think you are both very, very wrong about infant baptism but unlike you I don't make a habit of nitpicking fellow believers.

Well, if we're so wrong then why don't you show us where in the Bible it says to baptize infants?

I follow the Bible, not some man-made religion.

255 posted on 11/02/2001 6:48:05 PM PST by RickyJ
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To: RickyJ
I offer the following explanation and biblical support for infant baptism:

Why are infants and young children baptized?

They are baptized for the same reason adults are baptized—because of the command and promise of God. What is promised in Baptism is given to all who receive it; therefore, infants and young children also have the promise of God. They, too, are made children of God. They, too, are included in the words "all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Jesus specifically invites little children to come to Him (Luke 18:15-17). But most important, as sinners, infants need what Baptism gives.

By His word, God created all that is seen and unseen. By His word, our Lord Christ called a dead man from the tomb (John 11:43-44). The unborn child, John the Baptist, leaped in his mother's womb when he heard the word of God (Luke 1:41-44). Why is there any doubt that in and through the Word and the promise of Baptism, God works a similar gift of faith in the infant? If we misunderstand Baptism to be our work, then we will always cast doubt on it. When we recognize that it is not our work, but God's gracious promise and work, we realize that infants are to be baptized and receive the treasures offered in and through Baptism.

Sadly, there are individuals and church bodies that deny Baptism to young children and infants. They do not believe that these little ones need what Holy Baptism gives. They do not believe what the Bible teaches so clearly, namely, that God saves us through Baptism. As a result of these false teachings, they deny both to themselves and to others the power, blessing, and comfort of Holy Baptism. That is tragic, for it is a most serious offense against God to deny what He plainly declares in His Word: "The promise is for you and your children" (Acts 2:39) and "Baptism now saves you" (1 Peter 3:21).

You may surely interpret differently, but your need to take a nasty tone makes me wonder what your purpose is. As for man-made religion..........did it ever occur to you that most people that belong to a particular denomination do so simply because they agree with its doctrine? If it is strictly Bible-based it is no different than you reading the Bible in solitude and taking from it what the Holy Spirit gives. Your need to pounce on the beliefs of others is an odd way of promoting yourself as a Christian. Why the big chip on the shoulder?

I believe in infant baptism but I really have no need to come here and rant at you because you don't or haven't baptized your children.

Lastly, I must ask why you and many others measure what God can do in man's terms. For those who believe baptism should happen at an age of accountability, what is that age? Is it written in the Bible that age X is the proper time? You know it doesn't and as the words above explain, baptism is from God and not our act. God must not adhere to a criteria that man has decided upon.

I don't intend to carry on this debate with you because it is your wish to argue. It's puzzling to me but maybe it is because you feel a need to validate yourself. That's too bad !!!! Consequently I won't reply to you anymore and have only posted this to address your question to me. Good-bye

258 posted on 11/03/2001 9:01:36 AM PST by Southflanknorthpawsis
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To: RickyJ; Tares
I follow the Bible, not some man-made religion.

And yet, you ignored the evidence in my post #218 that once God saves a man, he is Eternally Saved. You also ignore what tares posted to you as well. Here's a question for ya': Does God throw perfected people into hell?

261 posted on 11/03/2001 9:37:09 AM PST by CCWoody
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