Receiving baptism is necessary for us to attain salvation. But there
are several steps that must be done before a person is baptized. The
Lord Jesus Christ teaches that prior to baptism, one must first be
taught the gospel and believe in it. "And He said to them, "Go into all
the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and
is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned."(Mk. 16:15-16, New King James Version)
Besides listening and hearing the gospel or the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, he is also expected to repent for his sins. "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38, Ibid.). The Bible defines sin as the transgression of the law. "Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. (I Jn. 3:4, Today's English Version)
An infant is not yet capable of understanding and believing in the gospel. Neither could he repent since he has not yet committed any sin. Thus, a child should not be baptized because he is not yet capable of complying with the requisites for baptism. So what must be done? The Lord Jesus Christ laid his hands on them to God:
Besides listening and hearing the gospel or the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, he is also expected to repent for his sins. "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38, Ibid.). The Bible defines sin as the transgression of the law. "Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. (I Jn. 3:4, Today's English Version)
An infant is not yet capable of understanding and believing in the gospel. Neither could he repent since he has not yet committed any sin. Thus, a child should not be baptized because he is not yet capable of complying with the requisites for baptism. So what must be done? The Lord Jesus Christ laid his hands on them to God:
"Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands
on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, 'Let
the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is
the kingdom of heaven.' And He laid His hands on them and departed from
there."(Mt. 19:13-15, New King James Version)
The infants are dedicated to the service of the Lord in the Church of
Christ during worship services officiated by a minister. But as the
child grows older or reaches the age when he can already decide, he must
also comply with the necessary requirements to receive baptism.
Body Parts
With regards to donation of organs or body parts for research or to
save lives, we ought to be guided by the teaching of Christ on the
principle of sacrificing oneself for the sake of others. He said:
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13, New King James Version).
If a love one is in need of a kidney transplant, and the only one able
to donate the needed organ is a close relative with similar genetics,
for example a sibling, then more often than not, the close relative
would gladly donate his body parts. It is acceptable for a living person
to donate his body parts to save another's life, then much more can the
dying decide so since when he dies, he would have no more need of his
body parts.
When Christ was asked which the greatest commandment is He answered:
"Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first
and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.'"(Mt. 22:37-39, Ibid.)
Being a donor of body parts upon death so that others may live is a gesture of love for one's neighbor. For this reason, there is nothing wrong with donating wrong with donating body parts if one chooses to.
Being a donor of body parts upon death so that others may live is a gesture of love for one's neighbor. For this reason, there is nothing wrong with donating wrong with donating body parts if one chooses to.