SUITABLE AGE FOR BAPTISM
*** w06 4/1 pp. 27-28 par. 8 Meeting the Requirements for Christian Baptism ***
Are children in a position to make an intelligent dedication? The Scriptures give no age requirements for baptism. Still, infants certainly could not become believers, exercise faith, or make a dedication to God. (Acts 8:12) Regarding first-century Christians, historian Augustus Neander states in his book General History of the Christian Religion and Church: “Baptism was administered at first only to adults, as men were accustomed to conceive baptism and faith as strictly connected.”
*** w89 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 What Prevents You From Getting Baptized? ***
Clearly, baptism is a serious step. Baptizing an infant is wrong because a
baby cannot understand, make a decision, and become a disciple. (Matthew
28:19, 20) Those baptized during Philip's ministry in Samaria were "men
and women," not mere infants. (Acts 8:4-8, 12) Baptism is for those old enough to learn, believe, and exercise faith.
(John 17:3; Acts 5:14; 18:8; Hebrews 11:6) In this regard, historian Augustus
Neander wrote: "Faith and baptism were always connected with one another;
and thus it is in the highest degree probable . . . that the practice
of infant baptism was unknown [in
the first century C.E.]. . . . That it first became recognised as an
apostolic tradition in the course of the third century, is evidence rather against
than for the admission of its apostolic origin."—History of
the Planting and Training of the Christian
Church by the Apostles (New York, 1864),
page 162.
*** w76 9/15 p. 576 Questions From Readers ***
But is the
child able to make personal decisions, able to decide from his own mind and heart (not that of the parents) the
course in life he wishes to take? Is he capable of comprehending and seeking a personal
relationship with God, one that is not dependent upon his parents? Is he able to stand before a judicial body,
accountable for any wrongdoing he may commit? If not, then such child is
evidently not in position to be baptized
w62 6/1 p. 330 par. 3 Why
Be Baptized?
it would be improper for infants to be baptized. One must know why he is baptized. Very young children would be
lacking in understanding. It is true that Christ Jesus said: "Let the
young children come to me." But there is no record that he baptized any
young children or commanded that they be baptized.
