Infant Baptism

Whose idea was it to perform baptism? Jesus said, "Go and make disciples baptizing them..." He didn't say wait until they reach a certain age. Jesus also said, "You must be 'born again'". The individual who is born had nothing to do with the first birth. There was no conscience decision about when and where and to whom they would be born. The person who was born was entirely passive. The decision was made for him or her by someone else. This is no small reality. Life was given to that child. Now that child must be protected, nourished, nurtured, taught and provided an environment for growth, otherwise the child will die. Even an adult needs an environment for growth in order to live. Many elderly people have died needlessly because they were left in an environment which did not provide these things. An example of this very reality happens in the summer heat or the frigid temperatures of winter, or because some one falls and can't get up and can't get up to the phone to call for help.

We need to understand that just as God gives life to an individual seed, whether of corn, wheat, soybeans or even maple trees, God gives life to each of us. He gives physical life at our birth. He gives spiritual life, renewed life in our baptism. This second birth is not our choice, just as the first was not our choice.

However, once the gift of spiritual life is bestowed it MUST be placed in an environment where it can be nourished, protected, nurtured and provided a place where that life can thrive. This reality is where the congregation, the church, the living, breathing, life-sustaining Body of Christ comes into play. It provides the environment for growth. This truth can not be taken for granted. We need to see how God supplies us with the resources for life and continued growth. These resources are in His Word (Bible Study) and Sacrament. Cut off from these is like a tree up-rooted and left to die.

We have a wonderful gift in this relationship God gave us in Baptism, now we play a part in keeping it alive and healthy. God's children need to recognize the value of worship and Bible Study and their relationship of service within the local congregation so that they may be a part of the environment of growth for others.

Blessed to be a blessing,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21