Nothing is required of men to be saved, except God's sovereign decree. No oath, no pledge, no sprinkling of holy water, no sign of the cross, no payment rendered, no piety, no persuasion, no effort on man's part in the slightest. We are either numbered among the elect, or we're not. If we are, we will receive Trinitarian faith in Jesus Christ and we will recognize that our salvation lies in the accomplished work of Christ upon the cross...all in due time, according to His will.
Infant baptism reaffirms God's covenant family structure between the child and God, between the family and God, and between the family and the congregation of professing Christians. It is a sign and seal of our birthright as God's children.
And it involves our righteous cooperation not in the slightest. It is all of Him who bestows the blessings.
Now, why aren't we asleep? 8~)
Now you got a little heresy going there sister!!
Baptism is for believers only!!!
Thanks very much, Dr. E.! I was hoping for an answer like this. Since I have spent my entire practicing Christian life as a Baptist, I never knew why (or even if) others of like minds practiced infant baptism. I have read through some of the answers in your most excellent link, and it will take me some time to really get deeply into it. I think it could easily support its own thread! :)
I hope no one is miffed at me for stirring up a hornets nest. :) I figured that since it wasn't salvational that it might be OK to mention. I was obviously under the wrong impression on the topic itself, so I learned something. Thanks again.