There is a lot of controversy between Christians on this topic. Many believe that infants should be baptised. I myself was baptised as an infant. I don't knock anyone who holds to this, though I personally think that baptism should be the choice of someone who gives their heart to Jesus. Baptism itself does not save you but what it represents, a heart washed by the blood of Jesus (see 1 Peter 3:21).
So for many Christians there is an alternative: dedication.
Where does this come from? 1 Samuel chapter 1. There we read about Hannah who was barren. She prayed to God and he granted her a son: Samuel. Hannah said that if she were to have a son that "then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..." (1 Samuel 1:11).
There is no Scriptural mandate to dedicate children in this way. But it is a great story that acknowledges that 1) children belong to the Lord and that 2) we should create an environment where our children can serve the Lord all of their days.
Ephesians 6:4 tells us to bring up our children in the training and admonition of the Lord. Many Christians find it a blessing to have the pastor, themselves, and the congregation of their church pray for this effort as they publicly dedicate the child to the Lord.
Again, nothing mystical about it and nothing really happens, except perhaps that the Lord hears and answers the prayers!
Pastor Tom
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2 comments:
What happens to children/people that die before they get baptized? Will they go to Hell?
God is just and fair. He wouldn't send anyone to hell who doesn't deserve to go there.
I think that children reach what you might call an "age of accountability" where they can make decisions for or against Jesus Christ.
At that point then, and the Lord only knows that for each person, they should be baptised.
Again - I don't believe that baptism saves you - water baptism that is - but being washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Want evidence? One of the thieves on the cross was promised heaven but there was no opportunity to get down off the cross and be baptized.
Tom
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