Are Children Born Sinful?

     The practice of sprinkling or pouring water over an infant, for baptism, has happened for years. Previously, we considered the scriptural validity of sprinkling as a means of baptism. Now, we ask, why would a parent feel the need to baptize their baby? The answer is simple: some folks believe infants are born sinful, and need baptism for salvation. Do the scriptures teach children are born sinful? Please observe several relevant points from Scripture..

    

      Initially, Ezekiel 18:20 says, “...The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son...” This verse is very important regarding our discussion, because those who believe children are born sinful also believe that sin was inherited from Adam. That is, when Adam fell, by sinning, he passed the guilt of sin on to his posterity. It is true that Adam passed the consequences of sin (disease, sickness and physical death) on to humanity, but not the guilt of sin.

    

     Next, we only need to observe the language of Scripture, to see it is against the idea that children are born sinful. Psalm 58:3 says, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” Notice that they “go astray” after they are born. Again, Ezekiel 28:15 says, “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” You see, the king of Tyre was “perfect” until sin was found in him. Then, Ecclesiastes 7:29 says, “...God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” No explanation needed.

    

    Lastly, the way Jesus viewed children has a bearing on this issue. In Mark 10:14, He said the character of those who make up the Kingdom of God are like children. Question: If children are born totally sinful, like some people assert, why does Jesus use them as models of what the Kingdom is made up of? The fact is, children are born pure and sinless; but very early in life they sin and fall from that state of purity. This is the reason we need Jesus (John 3:16; Romans 3:23).

 

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