7. The practice of infant baptism was well established and universally accepted in the Christian Church from apostolic times, according to the church fathers.

ORIGEN (185-254 A.D.) “Therefore children are also baptized.” (Homilies on Luke XIV, 2.22a). Baptism is given “according to the custom of the Church, to infants also.” (Homilies on Adult and Infant Leviticus VIII 3 on 12.2). “For this reason, moreover, the Church received from the apostles the tradition of baptizing infants, Baptism as Taught by too.” (Commentary on Romans, V9 on 6.5-7) Scripture HIPPOLYTUS (170-236 A.D.) “First you should baptize the little ones. All who can speak for themselves should speak. But for those who cannot speak, their parents should speak for them, or another who belongs to their family.” (Apostolic tradition, 21.3)

TERTULLIAN (160-220 A.D.) In De Baptismo 18 he argues against the infant baptism of pagan children and thus gives evidence that the practice existed in the church in Africa between 200 and 206 A.D. In De Anima (circa 210 A.D.) he argues in favor of the existing practice of infant baptism of children coming from the families of Christians.

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1. Jesus commanded the disciples to 3. We have recorded evidence in Scripture 5. Baptism is not an action of man baptize “all peoples.” See Matthew 28:19. itself that states it was the practice of the toward God but of God towards man. Apostles to baptize “whole households” ~ There is power in the sacrament! a term indicative of the presence of both “Nations” here is “ethnos.” See John 11:51,52 for Romans 6:1-11 ~ It mysteriously joins one to all-inclusive nature. young and old. Jesus in death and resurrection....to His benefits (forgiveness) and its power for new Acts 2:38,39 Peter’s Pentecost Day sermon Peter’s Pentecost Day sermon ~ the living. forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Acts 16:14,15 Lydia’s household Spirit through baptism is again stated Acts 16:33 The Philippian jailer’s household Galatians 3:26-27 ~ It is called “putting on as being for all, even children. 1 Corinthians 1:16 The household of Stephanas Christ.” Acts 2:39 A Septaugent usage of “household” (oikos) defines it 1 Peter 3:21 ~ It saves! as children and adults of one or more family.

Numbers 16:27,33 Ephesians 5:26 ~ It is how Paul says Jesus

cleanses the Church of her stain.

4. To deny that it is possible at infancy to Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38,39 and Titus 3:5 ~ It is a 2. Children have as great a need for have lifesaving faith implies that man washing away of sin and renewal of Holy Spirit. must cooperate in conversion. salvation as do adults. John 3:5,6 ~ Jesus contrasted it to being born Matthew 19:25,26 ~ Jesus said that it was impossible of flesh (earthly) and being born from above Scripture speaks of no state of “inaccountability.” for anyone to be saved except by the direct action of (spiritual) God. It, then, is no more a miracle that a child be In Numbers 16:27 & 33 you will notice that God saved than that God save me! passed damnable justice upon Korah and his 6. The Bible compares baptism with whole household ~ which specifically was said to Ephesians 2:8,9 ~ Salvation is a free gift of grace not have contained “little ones.” contingent on man’s maturity or capabilities. circumcision ~ an action typically performed on the eighth day Psalm 58:3 and Psalm 51:5 both speak of an 1 Corinthians 2:4,5 ~ It is not the naked or effectively according to levitical law. preached Word that converts a man but rather the estrangement of man from God due to man’s sin at birth and even conception. Holy Spirit who works in the Word. See also 1 Thessalonians 1:5. Colossians 2:9-12 ~ made without hands Luke 1:58,59 and Leviticus 12:3 ~ No one Man in his natural state is described as a child of Matthew 18:3-6 and Luke 18:15 ~ Jesus should put off being received as a part of God’s wrath. See Ephesians 2:3. acknowledged the “Mikrone” and “Brephos” were family through this means.

accepted as members of His kingdom and should not Every man born of flesh is in need of rebirth in the be hindered from receiving His blessing. spirit. Jesus stressed the word born in John 3:6. Mikrone ~ Greek for microscopic ones God considers none to be without sin and any who Brephos ~ Greek for a child yet on the breast feel differently are said to be “calling Him a liar.” Teknon ~ Greek for a child of older age who 1 John 1:10, Romans 3:10ff, Genesis 8:21 might freely run about