Why We Didn't Baptise Our Kids

#Infant baptism has been something that both sides of our family has done, believed in and still practice. With a mix of presbyterian, methodist and church of Ireland on my side, and catholic on Barbara's, the question arose when Jacob was born "When's the christening?"  This has been re-asked since Faith's birth.

Usually our "No" has led to another question; "Why not?"
One well meaning person actually claimed that babies "do not thrive unless baptised." 
Really!

Why no infant baptism?

1. We really do not see it in Scripture.
This part of covenant theology really doesn't make sense to me as i see absolutely no Biblical crossover from circumcision to infant baptism. (You can read my thoughts on where i do believe circumcision flows into New Covenant living here).

2. We want our children to grow with Biblical truth, not traditions (as good as they may be).
As good as it may be to baptise a child, and while i rejoice with those who do practice this, i would rather go with Scripture than anything else. So, while there may be a very good motive behind baptisms, it is in the Biblical mandate of *Ephesians 6:4 that i wish to root my parenting.
This is in the hope that by God's call to Himself and the Holy Spirits work through the Word, they will be circumcised of heart and live transformed lives as the redeemed of Christ. And yes, that in declaration of salvation in Him, they will be baptised.

3. We pray that it may provoke the opening of the Bible & better understanding of the Gospel.
 While i'm genuinely interested in listening to those who've thought this issue through in Biblical ways, i've found that many in our N.Irish/Irish culture(s) have not. When asked about this issue, my return question is generally 'on what Scriptural grounds would you encourage me to baptise my children?'
I don't ask this to start a debate but in most cases some thought and perhaps the opening of a Bible . . .




# This has been hugely debated through the centuries, so you or i debating it will most likely get us nowhere. I wrote this post a while ago & was reminded of it by a surge in the topic among friends. We can & do rejoice with friends who baptise their infants with sincere hearts and motives; not mere tradition. This is merely our reasoning for not having our children christened.


* Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4