How Old Is Old Enough?

by Micky Galloway

Is my child old enough to be baptized? This is a question good parents of good children sometimes ask when their child begins to express some personal interest in what the Bible says. As children grow they move beyond the innocence of childhood to become accountable for choices that they make, both good and bad. During this time of innocence we correctly teach that baptism is not necessary since the child is safe and unaccountable for sin. However, as one becomes more mature and accountability is apparent, then baptism for remission of sins becomes an essential element to their salvation. What are some considerations in answering the question, “How old is old enough?”

That an age of innocence exists is evident from Jeremiah 19:1-9. During this time Jeremiah indicts them with, “filling this place with the blood of innocents” (verse 4). Jeremiah refers to Manasseh’s sin of idolatry and the burning of their children in the fire to Baal (II Kings 21:5-6; 24:4). This was insolent defiance of God. These children are referred to as innocent. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus illustrated the humble attitude necessary to entrance into the kingdom of heaven by calling to him a little child and saying, “Verily I say unto you Except ye turn, and become as little children , ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-4). Contrary to the teaching that man is born totally depraved, Jesus speaks of a time of innocence, when sin is not reckoned.

In Romans 7:7-9, Paul writes of the effect that divine law has upon man’s relationship with God. Paul anticipates that one might conclude that the law is an evil thing. The law is not evil, but it was through the law that Paul had become conscious of sin. Sin is personified in Paul’s writing as using the law to seduce and bring about spiritual death (Romans 7:8-11). In the midst of this discussion Paul declares, “I was alive apart from the law once” (Romans 7:9). The only time Paul was without law was during the time of childhood innocence before the law brought an awareness of sin. Whiteside quotes the Cambridge Greek Testament, “I was living unaffected by law once” (p.150). When Paul was in childhood he was untouched by the numberless demands of law. As he matured with age, the responsibility to law increased and the possibility of sin enlarged. Paul said, “But when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died” (Romans 7:9). The commandment “came” when Paul was conscious of his own individual responsibility to obey God. Then sin became very much alive. It would be interesting to hear those who advocate infant baptism or total depravity explain when Paul was “alive apart from the law” and when he “died” spiritually.

That an age of accountability exists becomes apparent, but at what age does one become accountable? Some attempt to answer this question by referring to Luke 2:40-47. These say the “magic age” for one’s obedience is “twelve” because this was the age of Jesus when he entered into the temple and sat among the doctors, both learning and answering their questions. Yet, it is noteworthy that Jesus was not baptized until several years later by John. Others refer to Numbers 14:29 noting that God held those accountable who were “twenty years old and upward,”that murmured in the wilderness. These were punished as they were forced to wander in the wilderness forty years. Those who were younger were allowed to enter the promised land.

What does the Bible say? When Jesus sent the apostles out into the world, he commanded them to, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16; Cf. Matthew 28:19). A person who is desiring to be baptized must be old enough to be taught and understand (Cf. Acts 8:30,35). After Philip preached “Jesus” to the eunuch, he desired to be baptized. Children too young to understand sin, belief, repentance, confession, etc. are not subject to baptism. Repentance must precede baptism (Acts 2:38). This is produced by godly sorrow, i.e. sorrow that my conduct has been an offence to God (II Corinthians 7:9-11). Genuine repentance produces good fruit in my life (Acts 26:20). Understanding is essential to obedience. In all the conversions in Acts, those being baptized had been taught. One must understand what baptism does and why it must be accomplished. Does one understand that by rendering obedience to the gospel, the Lord adds him to the church (Acts 2:47)? Does he understand what the church is? Does he understand that in baptism, one comes into contact with the blood of Christ (Colossians 2:12,13)? Does he understand his responsibility after baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4; II Corinthians 5:17)? The mental and emotional maturity required to keep one’s commitment to Christ is essential if we are to follow Him in truth.

When is a person ready to accept this responsibility? At what age does this occur? There is no fixed time that can possibly fit everyone. People are different, from different backgrounds, and they will reach the decision to obey God at different times. We must remember that becoming a child of God is a personal decision.

God be thanked for good parents who bring up children in the “nurture…and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), teaching them the sacred writings from a babe (cf. II Timothy 3:14-15). God also be thanked for good children with tender hearts that are easily pricked with the truths of God’s word. May their numbers increase!