Should a Child of 10 Years Be Baptized?

Should a Child of 10 Years Be Baptized?

Dear Bro. Waddey:
A Christian lady ask me to baptize her 10 year old son. I did so. Now I wonder if I did the right thing? Could you help me?
-James

Dear James:
Christian baptism is not for infants, very young children and those who are unable to think and make choices for themselves. Faith can only come by hearing the word of Christ (Rom.10:17). Repentance is a conscious decision to turn away from sin. Confession is an action that flows from a recognition that Jesus is God's Son and the Lord whom we must follow (Matt. 10:32-33). Baptism is a personal request of one who had resolved to follow Jesus (Matt. 16:24; Acts 2:37-38). All of this suggests that the candidate for baptism must be old enough to make this decision on his own. In our society some children are sufficiently mature to make this decision for themselves. This is especially true for the child who has been raised in a Christian home or who has attended Bible School and worship for a period of time.

When a youngster who is less than 13 or so in years responds I try to take a few moments to speak with them to be sure they understand what they are doing and what it means for the rest of their earthly life. If they have a reasonable understanding of what they have requested I do not hesitate to proceed with the baptism. If they do not demonstrate the requisite knowledge, I commend their decision and have a prayer for them and make an appointment to visit in their home where we will have sufficient time to properly instruct them. The one thing we do not want to do is discourage the young and tender soul who is reaching out to Christ for salvation.

Sincerely,

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