Short Answer: Infant Baptism in the Bible?

Dear Apologist, How do I defend our practice of Baptizing infants from Scripture?

Before one begins defending infant baptism, it helps to first defend the Catholic understanding of baptism in general.  Many Christians see baptism as nothing more than an outward sign that shows our individual belief in Jesus, but it affects no change in the believer and doesn't bestow any grace. 

The Catholic (and Biblical) view of baptism is described in passages like John 3:3-7, which says we are “born again” in baptism.  Romans 6:3-5 says we are buried and raised with Christ in baptism.  Galatians 3:26-27 says we are made children of God in baptism.  1Cor 12:13 says baptism is how we enter the body of Christ.  Acts 22:16 says baptism washes away our sins.  Titus 3:4-5 describes baptism as the “washing of regeneration”.  Lastly, in 1Peter 3:20-21, Peter explicitly says that baptism “saves us”.

Regarding infant baptism, a key passage of Scripture is Colossians 2:11-12, which says baptism is the circumcision of the new covenant.  This is a significant comparison because circumcision was the rite which was performed on infants to bring them into the covenant of Abraham.  Entry into this covenant was not seen as a private assent to various doctrines, but the reception into the family of God.  

This is why Saint Peter preached on Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children” [Acts 2:37-41].  And throughout the book of Acts we see whole families being baptized on the basis of the faith of the head of the household [Acts 16:14-15, 30-33].  These passages would get a person started defending infant baptism. For more, see paragraphs 1250 – 1252 in the Catechism.