215 – What’s the deal with ‘Infant Baptism’, does that guarantee my ticket to Heaven?
For many, including myself, infant baptism is a very precious ceremony. The ritual is steeped in tradition, fine clothes, the fussing of friends and family and a great meal afterwards. However, despite despite the belief by many that the ceremony fulfills Jesus mandate that “you must be born again“, in this instance, consensus does not dictate the truth.
As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches through careful consideration of the language and context of the verse. We also filter it through what we know the Bible teaches elsewhere on the subject. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation. Unfortunately many cults use the “selective sampling” of scripture technique to the detriment of many, as do many lazy evangelicals.
The Roman Church believes that its Catechism and tradition is as much the “Word of God” as the Bible, this confuses millions of members into believing that God said that infant baptism gives eternal life. I was raised Catholic, and as a result reading the scriptures and setting aside the traditions of men (catechism & tradition) was a painful and radical amputation process.
For more information on Baptism, visit this webpage “Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?“, but come back here afterwards. OK? 🙂