Two of the baby’s relative’s normally read appropriate scripture lessons. These will remind us of the covenant that God made with his people in the Old Testament, when he spoke to Abraham.
The New Testament readings will make a link between the initial covenant, and the one through Jesus in the New Testament.
It is into the New Covenant that a baby is being baptised. The faith of the parents and of the congregation is important, as the faith is seen to have been passed down from generation to generation throughout the church. The parents will renew their faith, and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.
The minister (speaking to the child) says, ”For you, Christ lived, died and rose again.
I now baptise you in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”
The whole of the congregation then sing the Aaronic Blessing
“The lord bless you and keep you
The lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you
The lord lift his countenance upon you,
And give you peace”.
The minister then carries the child around the church, showing him or her to the congregation. On his return to the front, he gives the baby back to the parents, and minister says prayers.
In this type of baptism, the parents agree to bring the child up in a Christian environment, and make many vows on behalf of the baby. They also have to make statements of their own faith.
The congregation is reminded to set good examples for the child, and provide as much support as they can.
The minister is an official representative of God, and after his training, he or she is licensed to confirm vows.
Part B – Symbols and Vows
The symbols used in infant and adult baptism
Both use water. The symbol water is used because it is vital to our lives; it gives us life, and cleanses us.
In a believer’s baptism, the person publicly states, and confirms their faith to God, and promises to turn from their old lifestyles and repent their sins, to turn to god. The person walks into water at one side, to show the ending of their old lifestyle. They take their vows, and are completely immersed under water, to show Jesus’ death. When they come back up, it is to show Christ’s resurrection. The candidate for baptism will do all this in a white gown, and all these symbols are visual.
In an infant baptism, the only real symbols are the white baptismal gown, and the anointing of water to the baby’s head.
In a believer’s baptism, the only real things said by the candidate, are short “yes I do” answers to the ministers questions. This occasion is usually very emotional to the person, and as soon as this is over, they are welcomed into the church, as new members
In an infant baptism, vows are made by the parents, and by the congregation, on behalf of the baby. When he or she is old enough, they can go through the believer’s baptism (as explained above).
Part C
Dear Michelle and Richard, I am delighted to hear from you, and I am very happy to her of your new-born. I cannot make this decision for you, but I will offer you as much advice as I can.
I do truly think that you should not be influenced by the general society to make this choice. Just because most other people are having their babies’ baptised does not mean that you have to. People, who do that, are getting their children baptised for all the wrong reasons. If you do strongly feel that you want your child to grow up as a Christian, then I would urge you to baptise him. If you are prepared to provide him with a Christian upbringing, then by all means go for it!
I do feel that you should give the child a chance to make up his own mind, and by that I mean, if you baptise him now, then he can make up his own mind, and if he wishes take the believer’s baptism when he is old enough to understand.
The final piece of advice I will offer you is to consult the minister of your local church. Sa he or she will be able to explain fully the meaning of baptism and will help you make up your mind.
Nice to hear from you, hope that my advice has been of use to you. And if you do decide to go through with baptism, I would hope to receive an invitation!
Yours sincerely
Stuart
