Baptism is a universally sacred ordinance throughout all Christian denominations. It’s a time when a person enters their committed life for Christ. Baptism is also a symbol of commitment to the church body. While baptism is essential because it’s tied to faith and repentance, it’s also somewhat controversial. When the question of age comes about, the answers are always plentiful. What’s the appropriate age for someone to be baptized? The quick answer to this question is there’s no answer because the Bible doesn’t give a definitive age for baptism.
To explore this topic further, let’s look at the biblical sources for baptism, what the modern Christian’s perspective of baptism is, the various practices of baptism throughout denominations, and some advice if you or a loved one is considering baptism.
Biblical sources for baptism.
As previously stated, the Bible doesn’t give a clear answer about how old you should be when you’re baptized. Instead, the Bible gives us examples of baptisms and shares what baptism means. In Matthew 3, John the Baptist preaches in Judea’s wilderness. People from Judea, Jerusalem, and surrounding areas come to him to be baptized. In verse 13, Jesus travels from Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist at the Jordan River, but he’s hesitant. In verse 15, Jesus says allow it for now because it’s the way to fulfill all righteousness. His words speak to a faithful and consistent relationship with God.
When Jesus rises from the water, the Bible says the heavens opened. Because He expressed His commitment to God through baptism, He reciprocated by giving Jesus the tools for the ministry He was about to start. Paul is in Corinth, and when Timothy and Silas get there, he starts preaching to the Jews. They don’t believe him, so he says he’ll go to the Gentiles. In Acts 18:8, we read that Crispus, the synagogue’s leader, believed in the Lord, along with his household. Most of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized. In Acts 16:25-34, Silas and Paul are in jail. There was an earthquake, and everyone’s chain came loose, and the doors opened.
Paul told the jailer not to hurt himself because everyone was still there. The jailer believed in the God Silas, and Paul preached about, and everyone in his home was baptized. The examples from Acts show a personal belief that led to baptism. There was a personal choice to follow Christ, and that choice led them to be baptized. Romans 6:3-4 and Galatians 3:26-27 show that when we’re baptized, we become children of Christ through faith and join Jesus in His death and resurrection.
What does modern Christianity believe?
Historically, baptism was seen as crucial to removing the original sin all humans have. Infant baptism was popular, and parents were encouraged to baptize their babies. The entire household would be baptized once the head of the household was, but we must remember that salvation was given by God’s grace instead of an individual choice. Across the board, Christians today lean toward baptism as an outward expression of their commitment to a life sold out to Jesus. Being baptized is a way to show a believer’s commitment to their church and faith.
Some Christian churches also teach that baptism isn’t a necessary part of being saved. Instead, it’s a sign of obedience to God and loyalty to the guidelines laid out in the Bible. All believe that baptism is an essential and sacred ordinance that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision to be baptized originates from a place of conviction. It’s not just something you do out of a sense of obligation.
Baptism practices across Christianity.
The Roman Catholic Church has always done infant baptism. Their Code of Canon Law says parents should have their children baptized as soon after birth as possible. Catholics think that baptism is necessary for salvation. Although infant baptism is practiced, the age requirement is optional and adult converts can be baptized as well. Lutheran churches also believe in infant baptism and teach that baptism is linked to regeneration. When baptized, the infant is cleansed of original sin. Lutherans believe that baptism is God’s work. Eastern Orthodox churches perform both adult and infant baptisms. Infants are baptized from the first 40 days of life to a few months old, and the purpose of baptism is to rinse away their original sins.
Adults requesting baptism are required to perform and study catechism before baptism and being received into the church. Reformed and Presbyterian churches teach that baptism is a seal and sign of God’s covenant with man. It’s a sign of God’s grace but not a way to salvation. They do perform infant baptism, but some Presbyterian churches don’t. Methodist churches baptize children, infants, and adults. Infant baptism is a means of grace and entrance into heaven. They believe that an infant who isn’t baptized is delivered to God’s mercy.
For them, baptism doesn’t change you without faith. Baptist churches practice believer’s baptism, meaning they reserve the ordinance for those who have personally come to a saving knowledge of Christ. It’s an outward symbol of an inward transformation. The person must be old enough to recognize what genuine faith is. Non-denominational churches also lean toward believers’ baptism. There’s less emphasis on age and more on the person’s commitment to follow Jesus.
Are you considering baptism?
We’ve established that baptism is a holy and sacred act. It shouldn’t be entered into without serious prayer and thought. If you or a loved one are considering baptism, start specifically praying about this choice. Parents should spend time not only in prayer but in Bible study. Pray over and read passages like Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:19-20, and Romans 6:3-4. Seek counsel from religious leaders, pastors, and other Christians. These people are critical to helping you or your loved one better understand what God is saying to you.
The conclusion is simple. There’s no specific age mentioned in the Bible regarding baptism. What’s shared with us is the importance of baptism. Jesus was baptized, and that should be an instruction that, as believers, we should follow His example. Historically, infant baptism was practiced, but as we’ve seen in the Christian church today, adults can also be baptized. If you or someone you know is considering getting baptized, pray and seek advice as you prepare to take this next step.
