If I baptize my young child, what happens when they make the decision for themselves about following Christ? Isn’t it unfair?

In my (Mike’s) experience, this is usually the biggest hangup people have about infant baptism. It’s not a biblical debate, but rather a beautiful desire to provide milestones and celebrations for our kids’ spiritual growth in a way that is special to them. We live in a pluralistic society in which kids will be exposed to many different worldviews and faith (or non-faith) options; why not seize on every opportunity to affirm their devotion to Christ? And since (at least in South Denver), the baptistic view is predominant among evangelicals, there is incredible social pressure to do it this way. As a parent of 4 kids, I get it! I want to celebrate and affirm my kids growth in faith and commitment to Christ.

However, there is a cost to that mentality. By waiting until they’re able to demonstrate evidence of their faith and make the decision fully, we are subtly communicating a works-righteousness message to our kids. Rather than “God chose you before the foundations of the world and sent his Son Jesus to die for you before you were born,” the baptist view risks conveying, “if you have strong enough faith and remain pure to him, you can be saved.”

Typically, in our culture, we don’t wait to celebrate a child’s birthday until they understand it - each year they understand this party a bit more (not always a good thing, but this isn’t about birthday parties). Birthday parties are one of many ways we say “you’re a beloved part of this family.” In the same way, a robust covenantal view sees regular celebration of Communion as a celebration of someone’s baptism: the “birthday party” remembering that we came into being in the family of God through the waters of baptism. Parents would be wise to find regular, at least annual, ways to commemorate and celebrate their kids’ baptisms.

Finally, when your child does come to the point of intelligent conversion, this is worth great joy! The prodigal son was his father’s son before he left, while he was gone, and when he came home. But when he did come home, his father threw a party. Jesus says there is great rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents… if heaven is partying, why wouldn’t we? For baptized children of believers, the party is that the promise of their baptism has been fulfilled. Hallelujah! One option we have at Littleton Christian Church to throw this sort of party is through the ceremony of footwashing.