Lydia's Baptism

A few weeks ago we were blessed to see our daughter baptized at Christ Community Church. Lots of family came into town for the event (we took up a whole row at church) and we were so excited to share this with them. Lydia did well...no crying till the end. Although, she did fill up her diaper (unbeknown to everyone but Brian who was holding her) right before Pastor Mike took her in his arms!

Lots of our friends and family hold differing views of this sacrament. We wanted to take part of this post to (hopefully concisely) explain WHY we had Lydia baptized. Let us just say up front that we hold this view with humility knowing that we believe we are acting in obedience and being faithful to what God (by His grace) has taught us through scripture. People and churches that do not hold to our view are still loved by God (and us)...we know the gospel is made up of more critical issues than baptism.

So, that being said, here's what we believe. Abraham was commanded to be circumcised once he entered into covenant with God (that is, God promised to make him a father of many nations). He was also commanded to circumcise his male children. These children did not have faith yet (like Abraham did) but were given the "sign" of the covenant and entered into the covenant community (i.e.- the church). Later in life these children would look back to their circumcision as a reminder of God's love for them and His promise to be their God, and so (Lord willing) they would put their faith in Him.

Baptism correlates with circumcision, but in the New Covenant it is open to girls (yay!) and non-Jews (Gentiles like us). We baptize our children because we believe this is an act of obedience. God told Abraham His covenant with him is eternal, so we are STILL under this covenant of grace. Jesus has come as fulfillment of the covenant and He still carried on the practice of baptism. So the simple answer to WHY is because we are commanded to do so.

Baptism is also a means of grace (like the Lord's supper). For reasons only known to God, He chooses to bless the infant who is baptized in a special way. The water is not holy, but God is present in the event of baptism...like when Jesus was baptized we saw the Holy Spirit hovering over Him. She is a "covenant child" who is raised in a Christian home (Brian and I took vows at her baptism to do this) and a member of the covenant body of Christ (church) who all took vows to help and support us in the raising of her.

Let us also say what baptism is not. This act in no way saves Lydia or cleanses her from original sin. It does not make her less sinful. It makes her holy in one sense of the word (that is set apart) but she is still unholy and will be outside of God's presence until she makes a profession of faith. It also is not a baby dedication with water. There are some similarities (like us taking vows and the church promising to support us) but baptism is a sacrament. Being a sacrament means that God is spiritually present and that is a special way that He has chosen to bless His people. It is different than a pledge on our parts or a metaphor...it is weightier, if I can use that word. God ordained this to be done with reverence and to reveal Himself in this way.

We hope one day soon she will come to a saving knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. This is how she will become a Christian, living up to what was done at her baptism. We, as parents, look to God's promise and hope that He will open her heart (like He did with Lydia in Acts 16).

PS: the sweet baptism gown was made by Amy Huff. She has an etsie shop and is very talented!