Mar 27

Genesis 17:9-13
Memorise 1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the promise is unto you, and to your children…”

If you come from a Christian home and grew up in church from young, you may have been baptised as an infant. Is this baptism the same as the water baptism which we have been learning about? But isn’t baptism supposed to come after salvation, and not before? How can a mere infant who cannot even walk or talk be saved? Why then do we practice infant baptism?

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 blessing extended not just to Abraham personally, but to his children and descendants through all generations. God didn’t just say that the covenant was “between me and you” – it was also to “thy seed after thee”! That is why God instituted the rite of circumcision as 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 baptised, 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 today’s second reading. 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. The parents are making a promise before the Lord to do all that is within their power to instruct the child in the teachings of the Bible.

Dear teen, if you have been baptised 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 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 alone does not save!
Prayer: Lord, may I have a true personal relationship with You.