Bible, Baptism, and Babes
“How old should my child be to get baptized?” “My son wants to get baptized, but I just don’t think he’s ready.” My daughter was baptized as a baby, and now that she’s older would like to do it again.” “I just want baptism to be my child’s choice–when he wants to, he’ll ask.”
I’ve heard all of these comments and more during the past month or so during which we’ve been promoting our upcoming baptism service for kids on January 29th. Truthfully, I’ve sensed more confusion from the parents than I have the children, which doesn’t surprise me. With terms like the “age of accountability”, “infant baptism”, “sacraments”, and “ordinances” scattered throughout the belief statements of numerous denominations who wouldn’t be confused?
So, for the sake of getting everyone on the same page, let’s just cut to the chase, crack open the Bible, and dive into the waters of baptism.
First things first – Who gets baptized?
- Jesus in Matthew 3:13. If all that we knew was the fact that Jesus got baptized, we would have more than enough reason to do so ourselves because we are called as disciples to follow in His footsteps (Mark 1:17 “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me…’”). But wait, there’s more! The Bible also gives us numerous other examples of believers being baptized. But don’t take my word it, check out THE Word (Philip and others in Acts 8:12, the eunuch in 8:36, Peter and the early church [including the Gentiles] in Acts 10:43-48, the Ethiopian in Acts 8:38).
- Obviously, we’ve got a plethora of people from different backgrounds getting baptized–the one and only Son of God, Peter, the rambunctious and sometimes obnoxious disciple, Gentiles (people who were NOT God’s chosen people), a eunuch (enough said), and lots more. What’s the common denominator? They were physically, spiritually, and mentally unique, yet they believed. That’s it.
Next - Why do we get baptized?
- Jesus tells us to. Not only did He go ahead and do it Himself to set the perfect example of godly obedience, He takes it a step further by commanding us to be baptized. That’s not a helpful suggestion left up to the decision of our own free will, nor is it something that should be debated after salvation has taken place; it’s exactly what it sounds like–a commandment. Mat 28:18, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”; John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
- The Bible is explicitly clear about water baptism following salvation immediately as a public recognition of the new life that the death of Jesus and His resurrection has provided for us, and as a public pledge to live for Him forever in response to that. (Romans 6:4 “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”; 1 Peter 3:21 “And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”)
- So, how do you know if your child is ready to be baptized? If he or she shows a genuine love for Christ in response to His forgiveness of sins and wants to live for Him forever. No complicated terminology, no age requirement, no determination of spiritual maturity, no “readiness”–just simple belief.
Finally - How do I get baptized?
- The way Jesus did in Matthew 3:16. The fact that He came out of the water implies that He went into it. Full immersion in water was His example, and it is also a symbol of what He did for us on the cross. Romans 6:3,4 “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
Over the past couple of weeks, my quickly beating heart has kept me lying awake in bed on most nights. The thought of a child making the decision to be baptized is absolutely thrilling! It’s my prayer that you and your family will look forward to celebrating with Jesus and the angels as the kids of ET make a public declaration of their faith on January 29th!
Here are some great resources for further study on baptism and kids:
Welcome, Families!
I am immensely elated to role out this blog site for the families of Evangel Temple. This is your new home for all information regarding the Children’s Ministry. No more, “We’re having a special event? Why didn’t I hear about that?” or “Oh…that’s going on RIGHT now?” or “So where do I get that form again?”.
No worries, parents, it’s all right here before you! Please take a look around. I’d encourage you to sign up to receive emails every time this blog is updated (right-hand side of the screen), that way, you don’t have to remember to check this website. Please notice in the lower right-hand area of the screen a widget hosted by “box.net”. This site enables me to upload files for your convenience, so all you tech-savvy people can download forms and email them to me.
Please spread the word about this to your friends so that we can all be united like one big happy internet family! I look forward to communicating with you via this blog. Stay tuned!
Melia Jesch, Pastor of Children’s Ministry
