Riverside chooses to respect the biblical positions of both infant and believer baptism equally. Devoted followers of Christ have held each of these views and there is room for both in the Body of Christ. These explanations are very brief and may prompt additional questions. Please speak to someone on staff if you have any questions or would like to discuss dedication or baptism further. Each is vital to the life of Riverside and our relationship to God.
Child Dedication
Child dedication is offered for parents who want to acknowledge the blessing of God upon their child, but reserve baptism until their child is capable of choosing to be baptized on their own. These parents believe that baptism is a sign of an individual’s choice to follow Jesus Christ. In dedicating their children to the Lord, parents are asking God and Riverside to help them raise their children in faith so that their children will choose a life dedicated to Christ when they are older.
The questions asked during Child Dedication follow.
Will you as parents, by God’s help, dedicate yourselves to the Christian nurture of your child, and bring them up in the worship and teaching of the church, that they may come to know Christ as Savior, be baptized, and follow him as Lord?
We will.
Will you as members of the congregation dedicate yourselves to be faithful to your calling as members of the body of Christ, so that this child and all other children among you may grow up in the knowledge and love of Christ our Savior?
We will.
Baptism in General
Baptism is different than Child Dedication. Riverside recognizes that baptism, along with communion, are sacraments commanded in the Bible by Jesus. We do them because Jesus commands us to do them. The sacraments (Baptism and Communion) are often referred to as outward signs of an inward and invisible grace.
Infant Baptism
In infant baptism, the focus is on the initiative of God. Infant Baptism does not presume salvation. Infant baptism communicates through Word and symbol (water) that a decision has been made by God from the foundation of the world that a way be provided for everyone to be in relationship with God. When an infant is baptized the water that is sprinkled over them symbolizes God’s grace and how even before we are capable of making any decisions, God has offered us an opportunity to be in relationship with Him. Long before we were even here, or thought of, even while helpless like an infant, the Lord knew our need, and has already done what is necessary for our spiritual life. The hope in infant baptism is that as the infant matures they will choose to accept God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life and begin to live into their baptism. Since we believe that there is only need for one baptism, there is no need for re-baptism later on in life when an infant grows up and chooses to follow Jesus.
The questions asked during Infant Baptism follow.
Do you desire that __________ be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
We do.
Proclaiming this covenant with Jesus Christ, do you renounce all the powers of evil and declare your opposition to a way of life in contradiction to the gospel?
We do.
Relying on God’s grace, do you promise to teach the word of God to your child, to pray for and help him/her in every way, so that he/she may become a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
We do.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, do you promise to enable __________ to participate fully in the life of the local body of Christ, to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God?
We do.
Do you as a community of believers promise to pray for and support these parents in the promises they have made, as well as to pray for and help this child to confess the Christian faith as his/her own?
We do.
Believer Baptism
In believer baptism, the emphasis is on the decision of the believer to accept God’s gift of grace. In believer baptism, the believer acknowledges their sinfulness, that Jesus Christ died so that they might be forgiven, and that if they acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept his offer of forgiveness, that they are forgiven and will be with God forever. The believer demonstrates not just their belief in Jesus Christ, but also pledges to live a life of obedience to God’s commands and seek to forever deepen their relationship with God. Since believers who are being baptized have already committed their lives to Christ, the church has the advantage of hearing how they came to that decision through their witness to God’s work in their lives.
The questions asked during Believer Baptism follow.
Do you now desire to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
I do.
Proclaiming this covenant with Jesus Christ, do you renounce all the powers of evil and declare your opposition to a way of life in contradiction to the gospel?
I do.
Do you repent of yours sins, confessing Christ as your Savior and Lord and living as his faithful disciple?
I do.
Will you devote yourself to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer?
I will.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, will you do all in your power to participate fully in the life of this congregation, to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
I will.
People of God, will you promise to uphold and support ____________ in their lives in Christ? If so, say, “With God’s help, we will.”
With God’s help, we will.
Summary
Those who choose infant baptism place more emphasis on Christ’s grace present on behalf of the child and on the faith commitments made by the parents and the congregation.
Those who choose child dedication and believer baptism place more emphasis on the believer’s decision of faith and the public affirmation of that faith through baptism.
Other Resources on Baptism:
- Baptism in the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Theology of the Child
- Riverside Child Baptism/Dedication Covenant
- Talking With Your Kids About Baptism
Selection of Bible References:
Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus welcomes the children)
Luke 2:21-24 (Jesus is presented in the Temple)
Matthew 28:18-20 (Go and make disciples . . . baptizing them)
Acts 2:38-39 (promise is for you and your children)
Ephesians 4:4-6 (one baptism)
Galatians 3:27-28 (baptized into Christ)
Romans 6:3-4 (baptized into [Christ’s] death)