Joyful Moments in Christ

I recently came across a thought-provoking article about the complicated history of infant baptism. It led me to ponder the reasons behind the intense debates within the Christian community regarding the method and significance of baptism. Some argue for infant baptism, fearing that failing to baptize a child might jeopardize their eternal fate. Others advocate for infant dedication. Distinctions about the age at which one can choose Christianity further complicate the discussion, and sprinkling versus dunking adds yet another layer to the controversy. Why this ongoing dispute? Are we overly fixated on baptism as the ultimate goal? The truth is, baptism is not the finish line; it is the starting point.

The New Testament teaches us that God values our hearts more than specific rituals. Jesus chose to heal on the Sabbath and do many other things that showed this. Choosing to become a Christian marks the initiation of a transformation within our hearts. While some might cite John 3:3-5 to stress the necessity of infant baptism for salvation, the reality is that some of these baptized individuals led rebellious lives and died with hardened hearts. Can such a baptism be the endpoint that Jesus endorses?

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

John 3:3-5 (ESV)

Rather than fixating on the mechanics and timing of baptism, perhaps our energy should focus on the essence of baptism and belief. Mark 16:15-16 suggests that lack of belief, not lack of baptism, leads to condemnation.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV)

So, what’s the purpose of baptism? It is the commencement of a public relationship between God and an individual. God promises a relationship, and we, in turn, publicly commit to being in a relationship with God. For adults, this commitment is clear. However, when parents make this promise on behalf of a baby, it is more about introducing the child to God and nurturing their knowledge of God. Whether this promise is deemed a dedication or the covenant of baptism, the crucial element is the child’s belief.

During my middle school years, I underwent a very intensive confirmation class that instilled a deep understanding of God before confirming my baptism and taking communion. While my particular class was a bit over the top, in all honesty, I wish more churches that promote infant baptism took their confirmation classes more seriously. Over 2 years, in addition to reading the entire Bible and reciting weekly memory verses, my class also had to memorize the first 10-15 pages of Luther’s Small Catechism word for word, and then take turns answering the remaining 374 questions in front of the board of elders. It was quite terrifying, but it really helped me take my faith seriously. While some might find a class like this quite daunting, this experience played a crucial role in shaping my faith and guiding me back to God during some challenges in my high school and college years.

One thing that really stuck with me was my pastor’s emphasis that communion is a reaffirmation of baptismal vows. As a baby, my parents made the promises, but during confirmation and first communion, I would be the one affirming those commitments. Each communion would became a choice to validate and approve my baptism. I would have frequent opportunity to make a personal commitment to stay in relationship with God.

Viewing baptism and communion in this light makes the division over these practices unfortunate. The finish line isn’t baptism; it’s a genuine, enduring relationship with Jesus. Being a Christian isn’t about a one-time act; it’s about the daily choice to be in communion with Jesus.

Some take this even further and argue against baptism altogether, asserting that only the heart matters. Yet this also seems unfortunate since, Mark 16:16 suggests that baptism should follow a confession of belief. While it might not be strictly necessary to avoid condemnation, I’m a little puzzled as to why a true believer would not want to make a public confession of faith as Jesus ordained, whether through adult baptism or youth/adult confirmation.

Regardless of where you fall on this debate, as Paul urges in Philippians 3:14 (ESV), we must “press on towards the goal.” Baptism marks the beginning—a choice for a relationship with Jesus. The goal is to heed his calling and find ourselves in a heavenly home with him. Our overall belief, not a single act from years past, will lead us there.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Let us move beyond these divisive debates surrounding baptism and instead unite in the joy of our shared journey of faith. Let us have the goal of a real and lasting relationship with Jesus. The next time you enter into a conversation with another Christian who has different baptismal beliefs than you, consider changing the focus of your conversation from the precise mechanics of baptism to the development of real and lasting faith.

Reflection Questions

Consider the following reflection questions:

1. Consider your perspective on baptism. Are you more inclined to focus on the mechanics or the essence of baptism?
2. Reflect on your beliefs about infant baptism, dedication, or related practices. How have personal experiences or theological insights influenced your views?
3. Consider the idea that baptism initiates a public relationship with God. How does this perspective align with your current understanding, and how does belief contribute to a lasting connection with God?
4. Have you undergone an intensive class or program in your faith journey? If so, how did that experience impact your commitment to your beliefs, especially during challenges?
5. Reflect on the concept that communion reaffirms baptismal vows. How does this resonate with your understanding of communion as a choice to validate and approve your commitments?
6. How can Christians with diverse views on baptism unite in a shared journey of faith? Have you engaged in conversations with those holding different beliefs, and how can the focus shift towards the development of lasting faith?
7. In light of the metaphor “pressing on towards the goal,” what is the goal for your relationship with Jesus? How can you integrate continuous belief and daily communion with Jesus into your spiritual practices?

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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.