Today my wife and I celebrated the baptism of our our daughter, Anna Elizabeth; an event I've been yearning for ever since her first breaths. Watching the pastor sprinkle water on her little head and pray for her, reminded Lizz and I of the wonderful love of our God, and the hope we have in the promises of His Son.
Although baptism is a tradition in the Christian church, it is not rooted in tradition but in the very Word of God, and although it is an outward sign, a spiritual element is involved as well. The Westminster Confession of Faith describes baptism as "a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized in to the visible Church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace." Much more than a symbol, baptism is a sacrament ordained by Christ himself:
Although baptism is a tradition in the Christian church, it is not rooted in tradition but in the very Word of God, and although it is an outward sign, a spiritual element is involved as well. The Westminster Confession of Faith describes baptism as "a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized in to the visible Church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace." Much more than a symbol, baptism is a sacrament ordained by Christ himself:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising then in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." - Matt 28.19
Unfortunately, baptism is too often viewed as a sign of an individual's commitment to live a Holy life, versus a sign of the commitment of God to save and care for His children.
In regards to why Lizz and I have decided to baptize our children as infants, our convictions (once again) don't rest in tradition but in the Bible. First of all, we don't believe that the child is regenerated during baptism. In other words, we don't believe that baptism makes the child a Christian. Instead, we believe that baptism serves as an outward sign of the individual entering into the covenant community (i.e. visible Church).
In addition, we believe that there exists a strong link between the Old Testament sacrament of circumcision and the New Testament sacrament of baptism. As a matter of fact, we believe that baptism fulfills the sacrament of circumcision. As believing parents were instructed to have their sons circumcised in the Old Testament, believers are now called to baptize their children. In fact, there are several instances in the New Testament where all members of a believer's household are baptized (Acts 16.15, Act 16.33, 1Cor 1.16).
Finally, although baptism is, in part, a dedication, the basis of this dedication rests not in the ability of the parents, but in the promises of God. Although it is our responsibility to raise Colin and Anna "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph 6.4), we realize that their salvation rests not in our dedicated effort, but in the love of our gracious Savior. This is where our hope lies, and this is what we are reminded of every time we witness a baptism.
Below is a clip of Anna being baptised. Before playing it, make sure your volume is turned up (high), and get comfy...it's a long 'un but a good 'un.
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