After the birth of their child, many Christian parents face the decision of whether or not to dedicate or baptize their babies. Some Christian denominations or churches believe that infant baptism is acceptable, and some churches practice baby dedications.
But what does God say about these practices and what does the Bible teach us when it comes to whether to baptize or dedicate your baby?
Dedication
My husband and I recently had our 6 month old dedicated at church and I spoke about the story of Samuel being dedicated to God. Dedication is simply the parents agreeing to raise their children to know and follow the Lord. This means that the parents are promising to do their part in raising a Godly child.
But they are not taking away the child’s choice on whether or not to follow Christ later in life. “after the boy is weaned. I will take him and present him before the Lord and he will live there always.”(1 Samuel chapter 1 verse 20)
Baptism
Baptism involves being submerged in water to symbolize the outward washing away of your past life and making room for the new life that you are publicly declaring that you tolive for Jesus Christ from that point onwards.
“And this water symbolizes Baptism that now saves you also. Not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience towards God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”(1 Peter chapter 3 verse 21)
Personal experiences
I was baptized by my own choice, 6 months after accepting Christ into my life. This taught me the importance of being able to choose whether or not to be baptized. Because I wanted to share my commitment to Christ to my friends and family.
I had been christened as a baby and I did not feel like that was a true display of my personal commitment to Christ because it had been my family’s choice and not my own.
Biblical examples
I have already mentioned how Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord after his birth. But baptism isn’t properly mentioned until John started baptizing people in the river Jordan in the book of Matthew.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I. Whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the holy spirit and with fire.”(Matthew chapter 3 verse 11)
John baptized many people who were adults when they made the commitment to change their ways and follow God.
What’s the right choice
So now it comes down to what is the best option? Should we do what Hannah did and dedicate your baby? Or should we have them baptized before the age of accountability? Ethierway, it comes down to what is best for us and our family with your relationship with the Lord.
I prefer to follow the examples of the Bible and leave my daughter’s baptism until she is able to make her own personal decisions on whether or not to follow the Lord.
My name is Kate and I love gardening, exercising, and being involved with my church social groups. I have loved to write from a young age, and took up poetry as a teenager. I have recently got married and am enjoying getting used to married life.