Which baptismal position does LCC subscribe to? Why?
LCC subscribes to the Covenantal view. We encourage parents to baptize their children as early as possible, but are also willing to dedicate the babies of those who do not agree.
Why?
We are members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and this is the doctrinal position of our denomination (specifically, the Westminster Standards).
We find the biblical support of infant baptism more compelling - it places baptism in agreement with the whole testimony of scripture, as opposed to treating baptism as a rejection of the generations-long belief that children are members of the covenant people. We believe Christian parents should raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, treating them as members of God’s covenant people.
We believe the sacraments (baptism and communion) are primarily God’s means of communicating the gospel to his people, which we simply receive but (like the gospel itself) do not earn. Covenantal baptism is a clearer presentation of the gospel than “believer’s baptism,” because it is administered before someone has done anything to “earn” it. Just as circumcision marked someone as God’s before they’d ever done a thing to obey him (of course they could disobey, reject him, and “opt out”), so too does infant baptism mark someone as God’s before they’ve done a thing on their own to please him. God acts first. The sacraments are a sign of his action, not a celebration of our response.
Infant baptism has much longer, earlier historical support. The earliest overt record of infant baptism was in the 2nd century - and there is evidence that believers did this consistently from the beginning. Conversely, the first time anyone overtly rejected the practice was the 16th century (1552). We affirm many correctives that came about in the reformations, but believe this was an “over” correction.
While each individual must repent and confess, the baptist view supports an individualistic undertone of Christianity that is unbiblical. There is no such thing as a solo Christian. God calls us to be part of his people, and that is something He does for us.
Finally, there is an exception that helps prove the rule. Believing parents of children with significant cognitive disabilities can take heart: Even if your child may never have the cognitive ability to confess Christ, God has not locked your child out of salvation. Baptize your child and rejoice: a day is coming when all will be made new, and he or she will sing praises to the King, fully redeemed. Peter says this promise is for you, and your children.