For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Victoria thompson
Is it proper to baptized a new born baby?
Gary Wainwright
Baptism is a ceremony whereby a person publically declares he or she has come to a saving faith in Jesus. Biblically speaking, baptism is performed by immersing a believer in water and not by pouring or sprinkling water on their body. It is important to note that baptism does not save a person as salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9).
As a baby cannot understand what baptism is about nor are they able to confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour, it is evident that infant baptism is not biblical.
Barb Marraro
If baptized as a baby, is it necessary to be baptized when reaching the age of reason?
Jennifer Rothnie
It is not 'necessary', as in required or commanded, to be baptized with water again. However, you can certainly choose to do so if you do not feel the first counted, and wish to personally give a testimony before men. Parents were allowed to baptize their children in the Bible, even if the children did not yet believe (Acts 16:33, I Cor 1:16, Acts 16:15). This is perhaps because it is the head of household that sets the spiritual direction of the household (Josh 24:14-15), and that unbelieving family members are set apart for the sake of the believers and the children counted as holy (I Cor 7:12-14).
As such, whether to get baptized again is a matter of conscience and personal conviction. You can simply declare that the childhood baptism was valid (you agree with the public testimony of Christ that your parents made then), or decide to get re-baptized with a public testimony of your own. You should not feel you "must" get re-baptized for it to count, but neither should you feel that you "have" to accept the infant baptism if you do not feel it was valid or sufficient.
Danny Hickman
I have attended churches that baptize babies, not as a sign that the baby is redeemed or saved from sin, but for the purpose of dedicating the life of the baby to the care of the congregation. It's called christening; to christen is to dedicate; the parents have the idea of presenting their baby to the Lord. The baptism is a request for a blessing on the baby's life. It has nothing to do with redemption from, or the confession of a baby's sin nature. No parent can do that on behalf of their child, every person has to confess their own sin in order to be forgiven and redeemed from the penalty of death. Babies know nothing about that kind of thing.