Dear
I hope this letter will address your current beliefs about
age, being saved and baptism. There is no set age limit to baptism and being
saved. The Scriptures* say we must believe in the Lord, confess that He is the
Son of God, that we must repent and be baptized. We are baptized by full
immersion under water to be washed of our sins and to be raised again in Christ
Jesus to the newness of life.
The New Testament, or Gospel, which means good news, is very clear on
being saved:
Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)
(37) Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (38) So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down both into the water, and he baptized him. (39) Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
(Acts 8:37-39)“He who believes and is baptized will be
saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
(Mark 16:16)
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
“And now what are you waiting for? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let everyone one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
There is no age limit to be baptized and saved. The following Scripture explains it very deliberately. It is the ability to understand good from evil that is the defining requirement.
But solid food belongs to those that are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:14)What would happen if you did not reach the age of 18 as some faiths or denominations teach (praying, of course, that this might not happen), were improperly baptized as an infant, or were not properly baptized for the remission of your sins?
You would not be saved, but would be condemned!
Once a person reaches the “age of reason”, meaning you fully understand the responsibility you are taking on as a Christian, they are able to become a member of the church.
“The church of the firstborn”…(Hebrews 13:23) meaning the church of the saved.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ…” (Romans 12:5)
“And He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18)
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41)
…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
1 body - the church
1 Spirit - the Holy Spirit
1 Lord - Christ Jesus
1 faith - the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and was raised from the dead
1 baptism - immersion in water
1 God - the Father
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17)
You should look the word doctrine up in the dictionary so that you fully understand what it means. There is only one doctrine in the New Testament we follow, and that is what was given to us through the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, (2 Timothy 3:10)
Remember that it is very important that we believe only what is written in the Gospel and not what some person is telling us they believe is what is written!
(9) But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
(10) As we have said before, so now I say again, If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than that you have received, let him be accursed.
(Galatians 1:9-10)All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)We are talking about where we will spend eternity after we die! Is it worth risking our souls to wait to be saved?
If you have any further questions you can contact me or call the local church of Christ in your area to have the information that I have sent explained in more detail. I look foreword to your lessons and what I am explaining to you here will be completely covered as you progress through these lessons.
His servant,
*All Scripture from the New King James Version