False Teachers Say…

 

INFANT BAPTISM WASHES AWAY SIN

 

The churches of Christ Greet You (Romans 16:16)

 

 

Out of the doctrine of original sin came the tradition of infant baptism. According to history, Tertullian (155-223 A.D.) was the first to develop the doctrine of original sin. He taught that man shares in Adam's guilt, is unable to choose right, and would always be inclined to obey evil. Cyprian, as the bishop of Carthage (248‑268), expanded upon this doctrine. He declared that infants having committed no actual sin, needed forgiveness for sin inherited from Adam. This was carried out in what is known today as "infant baptism." Cyprian was recorded as the first to approve such a practice. This practice was not common or generally accepted at this time. These views would naturally rise and fall together.

 

Not until Augustine (460), did this doctrine take a solid hold upon the religious world. This alone would not produce "infant baptism," but com­bined with "baptismal regeneration," the idea began that baptism itself could take away sin. Faith, repentance, and confession of Christ were NOT necessary as being part of the Gospel formula (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15‑16). Many, if not all, of the reformers coming out of Catholicism read Augustine's writings and were persuaded by them.

 

The truth is, children are not born sinful, but become sinful (Rom. 3:12; 9:11; Gen. 8:21). A child cannot inherit the sins of his father (Ezek. 18:20). David stated this truth about his son that passed away, "I shall go to him" (2 Sam. 12:23). Jesus said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). Infants rightly stated, cannot Believe, Confess, Repent, or be Baptized. It is clearly seen that children are safe and have no need of the Gospel. One day, however, obedience to the Gospel is required of all, for all will sin (Rom. 3:23; Acts 17:30‑31; 2 Thess. 1:6‑9).

 


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