Baptism

them into the covenant community. As a result in 90% of the missionary
families that I know off, over half the children are now unbaptized
unbelievers.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen.
In baptizing our infants, the Christian parents are expressing their desire and
their request is presented in concrete actions though the application of the
covenant symbol in faith.
1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Unless we exercise this faith in action we will not receive.
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was
faith made perfect?
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.
This was in fact observed by Billy Graham so that he says:
"I have some difficulty in accepting the indiscriminate baptism of infants
without a careful regard as to whether the parents have any intention of
fulfilling the promise they make. But I do believe that something happens at
the baptism of an infant, particularly if the parents are Christians and teach
their children Christian Truths from childhood. We cannot fully understand
the miracles of God, but I believe that a miracle can happen in these children
so that they are regenerated, that is, made Christian, through infant baptism. If
you want to call that baptismal regeneration, that’s all right with me"
(Graham, interview with Wilfred Bockelman, associate editor of the Lutheran
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