Such was the process with determining when to have Reese baptized. It was no shock to me that Dillon was ready for this milestone to occur fairly quickly after she was born. We have had several conversations about the biblical reasons/arguments for infant baptism. In seminary Dillon studied this topic thoroughly and reached the personal conviction that it is in fact, biblical.
Having been baptized as a baby myself, I have often thought that perhaps I would do things differently with my children so that they could make the decision themselves. It has been my prayer that someday Reese would accept Christ's grace, reaching a personal decision rather than feeling it has been forced upon her. I never wanted to "steal" her baptism experience.
Having said that, I recognized that much of my motivation had little to do with biblical truth, and more to do with parenting issues. I also thought about friends I know who were baptized in their adolescence after having said that 'magical prayer of salvation' and saw that many of them still did not truly accept Christ at that moment, only years and years later, in their twenties did they understand a personal relationship with Christ. I don't say that to mock, but to point out that both sides of baptism, Believers Vs Infant, can push an agenda that has flaws.
Dillon never pressured me, but one day he brought up the issue again and explained that his birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and wouldn't it be special to baptize Reese that day... So that kind of gave me the nudge I needed to really examine what the best decision would be.
A few truths that I reached that helped me:
1. Baptism is not salvific. Meaning, this act is not going to get her into Heaven. It is a sacrament, only faith in Christ can lead to Heaven
2. Circumcision in the Old Testament was symbolic of the covenant God made with the Jews. It was done by families to baby boys to show that they were committing to raising their child in the faith. The New Testament symbol of baptism parallels this truth.
3. In the New Testament, whenever a personal converted to the faith and was baptized, it states that that persons entire household was then also baptized. Some of these households must have included small children.
4. A few passages really stood out to me and gave me peace- this is one that I requested be read while she was baptized.
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off- for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38-39
5. I determined that Reese can still chose to be baptized someday if she wants to.
6. Dillon felt/feels strongly on this topic. I realized I could follow his lead on this issue and let him make the ultimate decision since I was having such a hard time with it. I am so glad I did!
I feel that Both infant and believers baptism are biblical. I am not saying this is the only right way. But for our family this is what we prayerfully chose for Reese. It was a special day indeed! Dillon was able to perform her baptism and our families came in. We commit and promise to show Reese Christs love!
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