It offers instruction in what is involved in following Jesus. The essential thing is not to check exhaustively the suitability and maturity of those who want baptism, but to make sure that they can be incorporated into the life and teaching of the congregation. What is needed is faith in Jesus -the rest can come afterward. This principle of baptizing converts immediately and leaving the Spirit to do the teaching after baptism is important. We should not require a high level of understanding and character before we enroll people by baptism.
Maturity comes later, after baptism into the community.
The second-century practice of examining candidates thoroughly and requiring extensive probation before baptism is something of a deviation. Surely the church is a school for disciples and baptism the way of enrolling the new learners. Brow, an Anglican, thinks children should be enrolled by baptism early in life so they can begin learning as soon as possible. Pinnock, a Baptist, believes in dedicating babies and letting them make their own mature commitment when they are older. Supporters of infant baptism appeal to texts that speak of household baptisms, although they do not specifically mention babies.