Many churches today practice infant baptism. Each year thousands of people have their babies baptized. Possibly many of them never stop to ask is the practice authorized in the New Testament. Many do it realizing that it is possibly nothing more than a rule or regulation of their denomination. The Bible teaches that doctrines which have their origin with man make one's religion vain (Matthew 15:9). This should point out the importance of teaching only the doctrine of Christ.
Please note the following reasons why infant baptism is contrary to the doctrine of Christ.
1. Teaching is a prerequisite to baptism. Christ told His apostles, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Please observe here that those who were to be baptized were those who had been taught. Infants cannot be taught, therefore they are not subjects of Bible baptism.
2. Faith is a prerequisite to baptism. Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). Infants cannot have faith in Christ, therefore they are not subjects of Bible baptism.
3. Repentance is necessary before baptism. Peter told those believers in Acts the second chapter, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Repentance involves a change of one's mind or will with regard to sin. Infants cannot change their minds with regard to sin, therefore infants are not subjects of Bible baptism.
4. The Bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins. Look again at the passage given above, Acts 2:38. Notice that the apostle said that baptism is "for" (unto, ASV) remission of sin." Infants do not have sins, therefore they are not subjects of Bible baptism. "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
—- Cecil Cox