Foundations of Faith – Baptism is the first of a two part look at the sacrament. These means of grace are how God pours his love into our hearts. Through the gospel in word and sacrament God creates and strengthens faith.
The Arrow Points Down
A washing of water and renewal in the Holy Spirit sounds like a good idea? Oh yes, but there are many different view on Holy Baptism. The ultra-short version is that the arrow point down not up. Baptism isn’t something that you do for God. This is something that God does for you. God doesn’t need your Baptism. You need God’s baptism desperately.
Can Babies Die
Babies are little people. One sobering piece of information is that babies can die. The reason babies died is because they are sinful. This truth along with God’s directive that the gospel is for all nations means that we baptism everyone – including babies. The question isn’t – Should I baptize babies? The question is – Why should I not baptize babies?
Can and Cannot
Can babies understand baptism? Babies can’t understand much of anything. They know when they are wet, hungry, thirsty, tired, lonely, and yes loved. Babies understand that they have a mom and a dad. If I – a stranger – go over to pick up a baby they will know that I’m not mom or dad. Just because a baby can’t give you an eloquent explanation of his or her feelings doesn’t mean those feelings don’t exist. While babies can’t understand baptism, they absolutely CAN believe in Jesus. Since God the Spirit is the one who creates faith in the heart of a Christian, we believe and teach that the arrow is pointing down for babies too!
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s study from our series, Foundations of Faith – Baptism.
Please click HERE for the Bible class slides.