God’s work Baptism is not a guarantee the child will thrive, nor is it a charm to shield the child from danger. It is not essential to salvation, as if a child who were not baptised were condemned by God. But it is the way God has chosen to strengthen us in Christian living, to encourage parents and children in faith. It is Christ’s sacrament and our church administers it in his name. This is what gives it such value for us. It says to us that God loves this child, that Jesus’ love enfolds this child. This child belongs within the Christian family. It declares God’s intention, and ours, that our children should grow to be adult Christian believers, knowing God’s way to live and receiving help for their whole lives. Baptism carries the promise that Jesus’ blessing is upon our children as it was upon the children of Jerusalem in the gospel story.
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God’s work Baptism is not a guarantee the child will thrive, nor is it a charm to shield the child from danger. It is not essential to salvation, as if a child who were not baptised were condemned by God. But it is the way God has chosen to strengthen us in Christian living, to encourage parents and children in faith. It is Christ’s sacrament and our church administers it in his name. This is what gives it such value for us. It says to us that God loves this child, that Jesus’ love enfolds this child. This child belongs within the Christian family. It declares God’s intention, and ours, that our children should grow to be adult Christian believers, knowing God’s way to live and receiving help for their whole lives. Baptism carries the promise that Jesus’ blessing is upon our children as it was upon the children of Jerusalem in the gospel story.