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INFANT BAPTISM (II)
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Genesis 17:7-14
Acts 2:38-39
 
“The promise is unto you,
and to your children.”
 
INFANT BAPTISM (II)
 
Why were Jewish babies circumcised? And why are babies born to Christian parents baptised? It is because God is interested in the family unit. When God saves one in the family, He also desires to save all. God’s covenant promises are given not only to the individual but also to those who are part of his household (Gen 17:7-14). This household concept is very important.
 
In the Old Testament we find the following instances where God saved not only a person, but also his family from destruction. Consider the Old Testament teaching on household salvation as found in the case of Noah (Gen 7:1), of Abraham (Gen 17:12-13, 23, 27), and of Lot (Gen 19:16). God included their respective families in His work of salvation or deliverance.
 
The same household salvation teaching is found in the NT. When Peter and Paul preached the gospel, they called not only individuals to salvation but also their family members (Acts 2:38-39; 16:31). Consider the following examples of household salvation: (1) Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1), (2) Cornelius and his family (Acts 10:44-48; 11:14-16), (3) Lydia and her family (Acts 16:14-15), (4) the Philippian jailor and his family (Acts 16:31-33).
 
It must be said that salvation is not automatic. It does not mean that if one member of the family becomes saved, the rest automatically become saved. Each person of age must confess and believe in Christ for salvation. When we talk about household salvation, we are saying that God is deeply interested in the eternal destiny of our dear ones. We have a moral responsibility to preach the Gospel to them, and bear a Christlike testimony at home. When we prayerfully and diligently do our part, God will be faithful to do His part to bring them eventually to a saving knowledge of Himself.
 
THOUGHT: “Those who are baptized when mere infants, God regenerates in childhood or adolescence, occasionally even in old age.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Lord, I thank Thee for Thy covenant promises to me and my children.

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