BreadOfLife
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NOT every Christian doctrine is explicitly taught in Scripture. For example – the Trinity is implicitly taught but is not explicitly mentioned.Since infant Baptism was mentioned in this thread I thought would give some history on it.
There is no mention of infant baptism in the scriptures. But from the 2nd and 3rd centuries on early church fathers, such as Origen and Tertullian and others provide insights into the evolving practices of baptism within the early Christian community. While their views on infant baptism varied fore and against, their writings indicate that the practice was being discussed and implemented within certain Christian circles.
How common was it up to the 4rd century is hard to tell. But once Augustine came up with the false doctrine of Original Sin, around the 5th century people became concerned that babies would go to Hell if they were not baptized. After which infant Baptism became common place. And eventually a sacrament in the Catholic Church and some Protestants practice infant baptism but mostly as a christening.
Sprinkle Baptism for the elderly and ill was occurring very early in the church.
Infant Baptism is also implicitly taught in Scripture.
When Peter baptized Cornelius the Centurion, he baptized his entire household including children and servants (Acts 10:1-49, 11:13-14).
We see the same thing in Acts 16:23-33 with the household of the Philippian jailer and 1 Cor. 1:16 with the household of Stephanas.
We read in Acts:
Acts 2:38-39
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
The plain fact is that households include children of ALL ages – and that includes infants.