Passage of the Day - January 11, 2013

Jeremiah 9:25-26

²⁵ “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised— ²⁶ Egypt and Judah, and Edom and the sons of Ammon, and Moab and all those inhabiting the desert who clip the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart.”

I think one of the primary issues with those that argue against the practice of infant baptism is that there are many who abuse the practice and baptize their children and think they are “saved” and will definitely be in heaven.  Perhaps they rely on the act of baptism without relying on Christ’s work for salvation.  Perhaps they get their children baptized because that is what people in their church do.

The abuse of practices of the faith do not diminish their importance or their efficacy.  There are many who falsely claim to be a believer and get baptized through immersion, too.  No credobaptist would say that the practice of baptism should be done away with because some abuse the practice.

This passage shows that God cares about the heart more so than the act.  The same is true of baptism.  Being baptized pleases God when it is coupled with a life of faith and discipleship.  Having a life of faith and discipleship without ever being baptized almost seems impossible.  Being baptized without a later life of faith and/or discipleship will no guarantee of entering heaven.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)