Too Young

A French perfume designer produced a fragrance for children. In Europe, the brand quickly became a common gift among people who follow fashion trends. However, the trend has not caught on in the United States, where parents are concerned about the danger of the ingredients in perfumes.

Baptism is much more important than a fashion statement. For this reason, the Bible makes it clear that infants are not ready for this important step. This is clear not only because of the many examples of adult baptisms in the Bible, but also because of the steps leading up to that important decision.

In the case of the Ethiopian, Phillip began to lead him to the important decision by asking him about his level of understanding: “Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ ” (Acts 8:30). It was not until after Philip had explained how salvation comes through Jesus that he offered to baptize the man.

The occasion where small children were brought to Jesus provides a contrast to Philip’s story. When a group of mothers decided that they wanted Jesus’ blessing upon their children, they brought them to Him: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there” (Matthew 19:14, 15).

Other parts of the Bible record that Jesus’ disciples were baptizing people. However, by merely laying His hands on the children in order to bless them, Jesus showed that they were not ready for baptism. If He felt that they were ready, He would have asked His disciples to baptize them.

Apply It:

If you or a family member has a child that has not been dedicated, consider having them presented to the Lord in a special service.

Dig Deeper:

John 3:22; Acts 9:17, 18; John 4:2

Key Bible Texts

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12 KJV)