JUN 10

Genesis 17:7-14
Memorise Genesis 17:7
“…a token of the covenant…”

WHY DO WE HAVE INFANT BAPTISM?

As Bible-Presbyterians, one of the practices we have is to baptize infants. If you have friends from other denominations, you may know that some, like the Baptists do not practice this. They might even go so far as to say that this is an unbiblical practice that is related to Roman Catholicism. So we ask, what is its biblical basis, and why do we practice it?

First of all, we must understand that God is a covenantal God. In Old Testament times when God instituted His covenant with Abraham, His promise of blessings extended not just to Abraham personally, but to his children and descendants through all generations. To Abraham, God said that the covenant was “between me and you”. But He didn’t stop there – God went on to say that it was also to “thy seed after thee” (v. 10)! That is why God instituted the rite of circumcision, for it was to be a sign that children were most certainly included in His covenant. In the New Testament, baptism has taken the place of circumcision, but the principle remains the same. When Christian parents bring their children before the Lord to be baptized, they are claiming God’s covenant blessing for their children. It is a sign of faith in God’s promise of blessing. This is clearly taught in 1 Corinthians 7:12-14. The presence of a believer in a household has a sanctifying effect on the rest of the family members, even if they are not yet saved.

Another reason why we practice Infant Baptism is because it signifies a commitment on the part of the parents to bring up their children in the fear and knowledge of God. When they bring their children for Infant Baptism, they are presenting their newborn infant before the Lord and making a promise to do all that is within their power to instruct him in the teachings of the Bible.

Dear teen, if you have been baptized as an infant, may you come to understand the significance of it. At the same time, be reminded that just because your parents are Christians doesn’t mean that you are one too. Salvation is still always about a personal relationship with God. When the time comes for you to seek reaffirmation of your faith, may you be ready to do so.

Thought: Infant baptism is a sign of God’s covenant with His people.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a covenantal, promise-keeping God.