That passage definately says something saves us.Originally posted by JFox1:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by mman:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by JFox1:
The subject of baptism came up in Bible study class. The pastor said that people must be baptized, including children and babies: "Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21 NASB). He emphasized the part of the verse that says "baptism saves you." I said, "It could be argued that you're adding works: Christ and baptism." The pastor responded, "Is baptism a work of God or a work of man?"
You can twist it, ignore or, belittle it, but something saves us. What is it?
Baptism. This is obviously water baptism else his example is meaningless and off target.
But is this all God has to say about baptism? No.
The eunuch asked, "What hinders me from being baptized?" - Acts 8:37.
The reply was if you believe, you may. Can a baby believe?
Peter on the day of Pentecost told those believers to "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins". Can a baby or small child repent? Repent of what?
Baptizing a baby or small child is without precedent and without biblical authority.
Baptizing an adult who believes and has repented, is with precedent and with biblical authority. </font>[/QUOTE]You asked whether or not a baby can believe. The pastor said that they can and that God works faith in the heart of an infant. He also defended infant baptism by quoting 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." He said that babies are part of all nations. He also said that when the jailor from Acts 16 was baptized, he and his whole family were. He said that would have included children. </font>[/QUOTE]First of all, he cannot know more than what is revealed. The jailor and his household may have contained children but their ages are not given.
If God creates faith, why did they have to speak the word of the Lord to them? (Acts 16:32).
God's word says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." - Rom 10:17. Implied in the hearing is understanding. What good are words that cannot be understood? Read I Cor 14:9 "So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air."
A baby cannot understand. A baby cannot have faith, because the source of faith is God's word, not God directly imparting it.
Of what sins would a baby repent? How could a baby repent?
Can a baby confess? With the mouth, confession is made unto salvation - Rom 10:10.
It is not possible for an infant to comply with the instructions and prerequisites for baptism.
There is no biblical authority or precedent for baptizing infants.
There were no infants in the Jailor's house because his whole household was baptized and "he rejoiced along with his entire household" - Acts 16:34, impossible for an infant.