Being baptized as a baby is symbolic and general is a dedication ceremony of the child by the parents to God. To be baptized is a conscious choice on the part of the individual being baptized. One must repent of their sin, be baptized and then follow in Christ's way. The question is, can a baby decide to follow Christ? Can they repent of their sin? At what age is someone able to do this? There is no age or set time! It is a matter of a conscious decision on the part of the individual and the Holy Spirit who convicts someone telling them it is time.
The Bible does not mention a specific age or group for baptism. Christ simply states, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:20). A general command must be taken generally unless the Bible makes it specific one. When in doubt we must refer back to the Bible. Besides the fact that children are included in this general command, most people baptize for tradition, not knowing really why they are performing the act. The act is one of a conscious decision to follow and lead a life like Christ.
Scripture does not exclude children from baptism but it also indicates that they need to be baptized because they are conceived and born in sin. They need to be born again to enter the kingdom of God (Psalm 51:5, John 3:5-6). Through Baptism the Holy Spirit works to create or strengthen faith and brings the gifts of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation (Titus, 3:4-7, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38-39). On the day of Pentecost when Peter told the gathered crowd, "Repent and be baptized" he also said, "The promise is for you and your children" (Acts 2:38-39). Children were included in the command and promise Peter spoke. Now it could mean your future generations or your offspring. But Peter was general in the inclusion of children. Note that he did not say babies! Also note that Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament circumcision and baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). Babies in the Old Testament were to be circumcised on the 8th day after birth.
Because Jesus was born under the old covenant he was circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21) rather than being baptized. He was following in the old traditions and laws which he was born under. But baptism replaced circumcision in the New Testament and was instituted by Christ for the New Testament Church. Christ himself was baptised. Why was he baptised if he had already been circumcised? Because he was setting up the new law for the New Testament Church after he rose from the dead (Matthew 28:18-20, Colossians 2:11-12, Acts 15:5-21, Galatians 2:11-3:27). No longer are the children of God required to be circumcised as the promise to Abraham and his decedents, But now the requirement is to be baptised.
The Bible also teaches that children can believe (Mark 9:42, 2 Timothy 3:15). In fact our Savior holds up infant faith as model faith -- " People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'" (Luke 18:15-17). The only way anyone enters the kingdom of God and is saved is by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The question is can a baby know Christ by faith and make a conscious decision at such a young age. Children should be baptised as part of the general assembly of the body of Christ, but it is a choice that they have to make for themselves and not one that the parents can make for them.
Many churches are split on this! Some still practice infant baptism with the splashing of water and others believe the Old Testament precedent of dedication, in which they have a ceremony to dedicate the child to the lord.
