Parkstone

Is christening true baptism?

The christening of a child is a happy event, when the family gather together around the font and witness the child receive a few drops of water on the head, in the shape of a cross, and some suitable words are said. We do have to ask though whether this is scriptural.

Consider again those lovely words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We are presented with God, who gave the finest love possible, a Son who would enable man to approach his Creator. Salvation was offered and a glorious vision of the future offered to all who wanted it.

What is meant by baptism? Immersion in water. Every Christadelphian gladly accepts this way of salvation and is completely covered in water after a public confession of faith. It is a tremendous privilege given by the Father. The only way to be born again is through the waters of baptism, to a new life dedicated to God and His Son. When Peter reminded his brethren of the way of belief and repentance, his rousing call was, “Be saved.” The result was a mighty beginning of a Christian crusade as 3000 were baptised. (Acts, 2,40-42.)

In order to be a Christian we must obey His commands. He says, “You MUST be born again.” There are so many examples to consider, but think of the great apostle Paul. The splendid vision of his Lord brought him to his knees. He heard the command, “ Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you MUST do.” (Acts 10,6.) The chapter ended with the question, “Can anyone forbid water that these should be baptised who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he COMMANDED them to be baptised into the name of the Lord.” (Verses 47,48.) He had been three days without food or drink, but for him the essential fact was that he had to be baptised immediately, and he was. Likewise Cornelius was a great philanthropist and devout before God. Was that not sufficient? The instruction was to send for Peter, and he will tell you what you MUST do. (Acts 10,6.)

Time and again the way of baptism is emphasised, “After these things Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptised. Now John also was baptising in Aenon near Salim because there was MUCH water there.” (John 3,22,23.) It was an obvious choice. There was ample water for applicants to be immersed. If only a few drops were needed there were many water bottles that would have sufficed to meet the need. An adult would reason things out, and see that one had to repent, believe and then be baptised. What baby can comply with the conditions, for no sin has occurred in its brief life? What child can understand the great need of baptism? What baby can appreciate so great a love?

Belief and action go together, and an infant is not of sufficient age to appreciate the words of the Master, “He who believes and is baptised will be saved.” (Mark 16,16.) Wherever we look in the Bible at the lives of those saved, after their Lord’s resurrection, they saw their desperate need of salvation, and offered their lives in service, with gratitude and joy.

In the stirring fifth and sixth chapters of the letter to the Romans all the wonder of salvation is explained. We are reminded that we all are sinners in need of redemption. Christ died that we might live. Baptism is a figure of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In baptism our sins are blotted out, and we arise from the cleansing waters to newness of life, that by God’s grace lead us to eternity. The apostle ends his thoughts with the well-known words, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6, 23.)

Let us be grateful when next we are blessed with a new life in the family, that we thank God for the blessing and nurture the child with the news of God’s love, that at a later date he/she may hear the call, “Arise and be baptised,” and respond with joy. At that moment angels will rejoice.