Is Sprinkling Good Enough?

2012-2 Proclamation!, Dale Ratzlaff, Doctrine, Feature, New Covenant

ASK THE PASTOR WITH DALE RATZLAFF | Pastor and Founder, Life Assurance Ministries (1936–2024)

Does a person who was baptized as an infant by sprinkling need to be re-baptized by immersion when he/she is old enough to make a decision for Christ?

Several things need to be considered. Historically the church has held differing views on baptism. Some see a parallel between infant baptism and infant circumcision practiced in the Old Testament as an entrance sign into the covenant/church. Often those who practice infant baptism have a confirmation program where young members can learn the gospel and what it means to be a Christian. This program gives them the opportunity to confirm personally what took place when they were infants.

There is an interesting—and I believe helpful—teaching on baptism in the Didache (the teaching of the twelve apostles). This teaching was written very early1 in the history of the church:

“Now concerning baptism, baptize as follows: after you have reviewed all these things, baptize ‘in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ in running water. But if you have no running water, then baptize in some other water; and if you are not able to baptize in cold water, then do so in warm. But if you have neither, then pour water on the head three times ‘in the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit'”.

Generally speaking I believe that a person should be old enough to accept Christ knowingly and to be baptized by immersion. I believe this is the method taught in the Bible and best expresses the real meaning of baptism—union with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism also serves as a public declaration of one’s faith.

However, I believe there are exceptions for certain circumstances. I have been teaching a little seasonal church group at an RV Resort in Casa Grande, going through the book of Romans. When we finished the first lesson on Romans 6, one couple who recently accepted Christ wanted to be baptized. About three weeks earlier, the wife had undergone surgery on her neck. The doctor made mistakes, cut an artery, and was unable to finish the operation. She was wearing a neck brace and was unable to turn her head or to put any stress on her neck. Considering their request and their circumstances, we had a little baptismal service in which we poured water on their heads. We sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit as they publicly confessed Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

I believe substance always trumps form, and reality supersedes ritual. He who believes has eternal life. †

Endnote

  1. Between AD 50-AD 80, The Apostolic Fathers, Second Edition, Baker Book House, p. 146-147.
Dale Ratzlaff
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