Is Baptism for Infants or Adults
or for both?

In the Catholic Church, baptism is administered to both adults and infants, signifying its universal importance as the gateway to salvation and membership in the Church. While the process differs slightly for each group, the sacrament’s significance remains the same.

For adults who wish to receive baptism, the sacrament is usually administered alongside the other Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation and the Eucharist. These adults are prepared through a program called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Through this program, they are instructed in the truths of the faith and the responsibilities of living as a Christian.

For infants, baptism is administered based on the commitment of parents and godparents to raise the child in the Catholic faith. Parents take on the sacred responsibility of nurturing the child’s spiritual life. To ensure they understand the importance of this commitment, parents and godparents undergo a pre-baptism preparation course, which helps them embrace the obligations tied to this sacrament.

Common Objections to Infant Baptism

Despite its longstanding practice, some Christians oppose infant baptism. Let’s examine their objections and the Catholic Church’s response:

1. The Bible Does Not Command Infant Baptism

Some argue that the Bible doesn’t explicitly instruct the baptism of infants. However, there is also no scripture that restricts baptism to adults or prohibits infant baptism. In fact, several passages in the New Testament suggest entire households were baptized, including children (Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Corinthians 1:16). The Greek word for "household" (oikos) includes all members of the family, such as servants and children.

Additionally, there is no biblical requirement for a child to reach the age of reason or make a personal decision for Christ before being baptized. Jesus’ words in Mark 10:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," underscore the inclusion of children in God’s kingdom. The Greek term paidia used here refers to infants and young children, emphasizing that they, too, are welcomed by Christ.

Baptism removes both the guilt and punishment of Original Sin. Delaying baptism for children until they reach the age of reason can put their salvation at risk should they die unbaptized. Just as parents make decisions about a child’s physical well-being—such as providing food and education—without waiting for the child’s consent, they should also prioritize the child’s spiritual well-being by baptizing them.

2. Jesus Was Baptized as an Adult

Another objection is based on the fact that Jesus was not baptized as an infant. However, it’s important to recognize that Jesus’ baptism was fundamentally different from ours.

Our baptism is a sacrament of salvation, necessary for the forgiveness of sins and entry into God’s family.
Jesus’ baptism, on the other hand, was the baptism of John, a ritual of repentance meant to prepare people to receive Him.

As the Son of God, Jesus was sinless and had no need of repentance or salvation. He chose to be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15) and to inaugurate His public ministry. His baptism as an adult was not a model for when we should be baptized but a sign of His mission to redeem humanity.

3. Mark 16:16 Requires Belief Before Baptism

Some cite Mark 16:16: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved," arguing that belief must precede baptism. While this was true for the first followers of Christ—who were adults because Christianity was new—this does not mean that only adults can be baptized.

Scripture reveals that when adults converted to Christianity, their entire households were baptized as well (Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33). It’s reasonable to conclude that these households included children and infants.

Furthermore, infant baptism highlights a critical theological truth: salvation is a free gift of God. It is not something we earn or merit by our actions or decisions. In adult baptism, a person’s decision to be baptized reflects their acceptance of this gift. In infant baptism, the parents present the child to God, acknowledging that salvation is entirely God’s initiative.

Why Infant Baptism Matters

Infant baptism underscores the boundless generosity of God’s grace. It emphasizes that salvation is not something we achieve but something we receive. When parents bring their child for baptism, they are giving them the most precious gift: entry into God’s covenant family and the promise of eternal life.

In contrast, when adults choose baptism, they may risk turning it into a moment of self-congratulation, boasting of their decision to be saved. Infant baptism, by contrast, reveals the selfless love of God, who desires to save us before we can even desire Him.

Conclusion

Baptism, whether for infants or adults, is a sacrament of faith, grace, and salvation. It is a beautiful expression of God’s love and a reminder that we are all called to be part of His family. As Catholics, we embrace the practice of baptizing infants as an affirmation of God’s initiative in our lives and His invitation to share in His divine life from the very beginning.

Let us cherish this gift of baptism, celebrating the grace of God that reaches out to us at every stage of life.