Who should be baptized?
Everyone who repents and believes the gospel, “‘Repent,’ Peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you…’” (Acts 2:38a). The apostle Philip responded to the question of the Ethiopian Official, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?” saying, “If you believe with all your heart you may (be baptized) (Acts 8:36b-37a). The man replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” and was baptized on the spot by Philip. (Acts 8:26-39)
Can my children be baptized?
Yes, if they’ve repented and believed the gospel. In Acts 16:21-34 the apostle Paul baptizes an entire family, including his children, “They spoke the message of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house… Right away he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:32-33b). The family was able to be baptized together because; “he (the father) believed God with his entire household” (Acts 16:34). This is likely the case as well, with Crispus who also believed “along with his whole household” (Acts 18:8) and the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:16).
There is no age given in the bible as to when a child is old enough to be baptized. This is a judgment call I believe parents, especially fathers, need to make as they have the responsibility to bring their children “up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, see also Deuteronomy 6:6). Practically speaking, I believe it is reasonable for parents to hold back their child from baptism until they are old enough to understand the implications of repentance and belief (the biblical requirement for baptism). Loosely, it seems to me that significant development happens around the age of twelve, for example, Jesus by this age demonstrated knowledge of His identity and mission (Luke 2:47).
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you repent and believe the gospel you can and should be baptized (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:13; 8:38; 9:18; 16:34; 18:8; and 19:5. Baptism is the first step of obedience a Christian ought to take and should not be thought of as a measure of spiritual maturity or depth. This is evidenced by the baptism of Simon in Acts 8:9-25. Prior to believing the gospel Simon practiced sorcery (8:9). Immediately after believing the gospel he was baptized (8:13). A short time later Simon was rebuked by the apostle Peter for being “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity”, certainly not marks of spiritual maturity! (Acts 8:23) Simon then repented demonstrating at least a small measure of spiritual growth (8:24).
The same can be said for Paul (Saul). After being blinded on the Damascus Road Ananias is sent by the Holy Spirit to pray with Saul. After being healed “he got up and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). It was days later (Acts 9:19) that Saul began to grow “more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah” (Acts 9:22).
Does baptism save?
No. The Scriptures are clear, “He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Just like wearing a wedding ring does not make you married, so baptism does not save you. Both however are illustrations of a much deeper reality: the ring to the marriage commitment of husband and wife, and baptism to the “regeneration (new birth) and renewal by the Holy Spirit” of the Christian.
Have you been baptized since you repented and believed the gospel? If not, what is stopping you?
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