The idea of dedicating a child to God can certainly be found in the Bible. As Christians, we are baptized and participate in the Lord’s Supper as outward and public signs of what Christ has done within us. Anyone raising children knows how difficult things can get but also what a blessing the children are. July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report The Bible neither commands nor prohibits the baptism of children in the New Testament, therefore, it is up to churches to discern how they will structure the sacrament of baptism. Proponents of believer's baptism will wait for a profession of faith before baptizing, therefore, baby dedication is a way to present children to the church (outside of sacrament and membership) with the purpose of raising them according to Christian beliefs. The New Testament does not include a specific practice or any commands related to a baby dedication. The story of Jesus began in the family of Joseph and Mary; this young couple had to stand against opposition, community gossip, and grow together spiritually while trusting fully in the promises of God. Pastor and Christian Leadership Resources. What Does the Bible Say About Children? Does the Bible say anything about being a Godparent (God-parent)? When we consider the depth of meaning that comes from such a covenant, baby dedications are no longer just ‘things we still do’, but instead place among the most meaningful moments in the life of a church. This is reinforced by the fact that there is no example in the Bible of infants or children being baptized. It is noted at the time of infant baptism that the parents are responsible for bringing up the child in a godly home and the covenant community of the church; the church also agrees to support the parents and the raising of the child in the church. Baby dedication is a symbolic Christian ritual that is undertaken by the parents of the child to dedicate their child to the Lord. Ma… Copyright 2011-2020 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. 10 False Versions of Jesus People Are Falling For, 3 Reasons the 'Christmas Star' of 2020 Is Bringing So Much Hope, 10 Signs Your Marriage Is Built on Christ, Christmas Light Show Set To 'Mary Did You Know', Violinist Lindsey Stirling Performs 'Carol Of The Bells', Family Bluegrass Bands Sings 'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow', Lost Your Christmas Spirit? What Does the Bible Say about Mental Health? Baby dedication is a tradition practiced in many Protestant churches that includes an infant or child, parents and/or grandparents, a minister, and church congregation. “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”- Matthew 19:14. Just like a Christian wedding ceremony, baby dedications are more than just a pretty event, but the initiation of a covenant relationship. “A Mother holds her child’s hand for awhile, their heart forever!” “There is more power in a mother’s hand than in a king’s scepter.” Billy Sunday “A mother understands what a child does not say.” This first verse shows that you would never disrespect your mother. 2:22-24); since Luke omits mention of a price being paid to redeem the child, he may have intended the incident to be regarded as the dedication of the first-born to the service of God (cf. Answer: You did not mention which Bible teacher taught this belief concerning children and heaven, or which version of Scripture he was using. Half the Church is fully supportive of dedicating the baby because they say that a dedication is the issuing of a challenge to the parents and family to raise the child in a Christian environment. In this book, ‘The Legacy Path’ he refers to this not as a baby dedication, but as a ‘family dedication’. Children and families are at the heart of the Kingdom of God and the gospel message itself. Some churches perform these ce... Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer. However, this is not a result of the Bible presenting a confusing message on baptism. In the Catholic tradition, infant baptism is viewed as an act of salvation, cleansing original sin and initiating the child into the Catholic Church. For those denominations that practice infant baptism, water is involved, and infants become members of the church when they are baptized. The other half of the Church bring up an interesting point though. It is a recognition that the life of the child is a gift from God and an acknowledgment that its … God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. According to his website. Search popularity is shown in blue using the scale below. The Protestant denominations do not view infant baptism as an act of salvation and rather view infant baptism as a biblical sacrament akin to circumcision that requires faith whether at the onset or later. Bible verses about determination As believers we should rejoice that we have the Holy Spirit to help us with determination and strength to continue our walk of faith. The Bible is abundantly clear of what baptism is, who it is for, and what it accomplishes. What Is an Archangel and What Is His Role in the End Times? Children are beautiful, full of happiness, and are a radiant bright light in this world of darkness. It is far worse when they actually are being judged for it. "...Bring [children] up in the training and instruction of the Lord" - Eph. God calls us His children, because the love of a child is so precious and fragile, that we should protect it and defend it. T he word of God contains so many great Bible verses about children. This is often called ‘believer’s baptism,’ as it happens when the child makes a profession of faith. They can be used in your Christian baby dedication ceremonies, christenings, or birth announcements. As such, Jesus was taken to the Temple by Mary and Joseph to be offered to God (Lk. According to the Baptist view, baby dedication is not an act of salvation, baptism, or church membership. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” –. We all know that hard work and dedication is the way to success, but the path isn’t always easy or exactly clear. The act of dedication must not be thought of as a ritual or ceremony that has saving merit to it. One further thing to note is that gospel-centered churches agree that baptism is the sign of the new covenant in the Church established by Jesus Christ. 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