What are new parents to do who are Reformed Christians but fail to find biblical support for infant baptism? That is, what do parents do who look to the New Testament model of baptism and see that only those who made a public profession of faith were baptized? Are they missing out on a blessing? Many face this dilemma and are not certain what to do, or if they should do anything at all. Having become a father for the third time just today, I too am faced with this particular situation. Now, if I were like most Reformed Christians the next step would be to have the infant baptized. But for those of us who are of a different persuasion, we are left with the practice of dedicating infants or as J. I. Packer calls it, performing "dry baptism". Whatever term one wants to use, I firmly believe there are Biblical precepts for conducting a baby dedication and believe that it is necessary for several reasons:
1. Baby dedications serve as an opportunity to thank God for the gift He has given. In a society that is oftentimes openly hostile to the idea of family first, this places the proper perspective of children and the family. Children should not be seen as a burden or a barrier to great worldly achievements, but rather, they are the "rewards" given by God. As the Psalmist succinctly declared, "children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Ps 127:3).
2. Baby dedications give the parents the opportunity to declare their intentions to raise the child in a Christian home. This is not only a promise before men, but it also serves as a covenant with God. Parents commit themselves to biblical principles and promise to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Prov 22:6). By doing this, the parents reaffirm their commitment openly to live and abide by God’s laws.
3. Baby dedications acknowledge God’s sovereignty. Fathers and mothers do not enter into parenthood with infallible knowledge. There will inevitably be times of great stress and uncertainty. Most parents will have to rely on those who have already gone through the process. Many will turn to parents, relatives or friends for advice on how to handle certain situations. But the greatest help will ultimately come from the Lord who will grant grace and wisdom. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matt 21:22).
4. Baby dedications are a time to express publicly the desire for the child to come to a saving faith. It is never too early to beseech the Lord in prayer for the salvation of our children. Nor do any of us know the means by which God has ordained the salvation process to take place. If you have ever heard of St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, it is because of the faith and constant devotion of his mother, Monica. Each day, she pleaded with the Lord to save her son. Despite his concupiscent lifestyle and continuous rejection of her Christian faith, Monica prayed daily for the salvation of her son. And because of her commitment from the earliest stages, her son eventually gave the world doctrinal insights which inspired men such as Martin Luther and John Calvin to contend for the faith. Had not Monica been faithful from her son’s infancy, we might not have had the great Reformation of the sixteenth-century.
If you have never heard about baby dedications you are not alone. This practice seems to be anomalous among many Baptist churches. However, I would exhort you to consider having your child dedicated to the Lord. You will surely be blessed for your commitment, and I can say for certain that you won’t be sorry you did.
