Good morning and a most blessed Thursday to you.

Baptism is such a wonderful gift of God for us, isn't it? it's such a precious, precious gift that God gives. And one of the questions that can be asked with regard to baptism is, why do we baptize babies? Well, from an historical perspective, from New Testament Christianity to this very day, it is an unbroken line of the church baptizing babies.

Jesus said in Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

So a simple question that we ask… Are babies a part of nations? Well, of course they are.   We see in the book of Acts that whole households were baptized. We see where the Bible talks about babies being circumcised on the 8th day. And then in the New Testament in Colossians the second chapter it talks about how baptism replaces circumcision. There is not one verse in Scripture that says that one can't be baptized because of their age. 

With that background, let look at Luke 18:15-16.

15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

At the beginning of verse 15 it says people were bringing even “infants” to Jesus.  That word means a child from the moment of conception until it is weaned.  So here's the question. How then do people enter into the kingdom? 

Jesus answers that for us in John 3:5

 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

What's water and spirit?... It's baptism. Baptism is for all. 

And we need baptism. The Bible tells us in Genesis the 8th chapter that “the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth.” Psalm 51… “Indeed I was born guilty; a sinner when my mother conceived me.” Romans 3… “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We need baptism! 

And what precious gifts we receive in baptism!  Our sins are washed away (Acts chapter 2). We are born anew; given the gift of faith (John the third chapter). We are made righteous (Galatians 3). We're giving the gift of the Holy Spirit (Titus Chapter 3).  We are saved (1 Peter chapter 3). We are buried with Christ and raised to new life (Romans chapter 6). We are made holy (Ephesians 5).  We are incorporated into the body (1 Corinthians chapter 12).  It's wonderful when a baptism occurs, and the person is introduced as your new brother or sister. That’s family language!

But the question…. doesn't one have to be old enough to be able to make their own decision to be baptized? Is baptism something that we do?  Jesus answers those questions. John the 10th chapter he says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” In John the 15th chapter he says, “You did not choose me; but I chose you.” In baptism God makes his decision about us. 

The great victory at the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, where he died for our sins; that word of forgiveness that comes to us. And the beauty of the empty tomb, proves that sacrifice for sin has been accepted.  We are washed in those promises. That word of forgiveness, and that word of life eternal applied to us as we are washed in that glorious gospel truth. 

Luke 18:16

But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

…even the youngest among us. God's grace for all.

Let's pray. Gracious Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for this time in your Word.  Your Word is truth. And especially today we give you thanks for the gift of baptism. We thank you for washing us in your promises. We thank you for your decision about us. We thank you that you grasp us, and call us your own, and that you are not letting go. As your baptized people, oh Lord, use us today to bring you glory. In Jesus’ strong and Holy name we pray. Amen. 

God bless you today. Encourage someone!

Pastor Eibel