When Should my Children be Baptized?

Good Question!! When our youngest asked Jesus Christ into his life at 8 years old, we were excited and willing to help him to grow as a christian, but we honestly were a little apprehensive when he asked to be baptized. I guess we should not have been surprised since we raised him to know the Word of God and to live it. "Don't be just a hearer of the Word, but a Doer", we said! 

My husband and I needed to re-research the Word on this. In Matthew's gospel, it is clear that making disciples includes baptizing them and teaching them to observe all things that Jesus commands (Matthew 28). Well...the Bible also mentions children reaching the age of accountability when they can answer for themselves before God, but how old is that exactly? (Isaiah 7:15, Ezekiel 18:2-20, Matthew 18:3, Romans 14:10,12). 



The Bible also mentions to "forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:14). We are not Catholic, so they had never been sprinkled or dunked or submerged in any water unless they were taking a bath or in a local pool or something. This was much more serious. As parents, God will hold us responsible for the actions of our children until they did so for themselves. This is similar to the warning about taking the Lord's Supper unworthily. We would not be good parents if we did not instruct our children to not take part of the Lord's table unless they were right before God. The Bible says that many are sick or even dead because they do not take the warning seriously! We certainly were not going to risk it in any church ordinance. We decided instead to allow the boys to take the four required classes necessary to "prove" their knowledge about these ordinances of The Lord's Supper and Baptism. We would only deny them until they did the work.

We would not say No to baptism, but we could not say Yes until they proved their accountability.

They did it!! They finished every class and explained the entire process to the Deacons in charge of preparations. They were even quizzed and passed with flying colors. Our confidence in our sons and in our church was now established. I am proud of our church for being thorough (because it is really the parent's job to ensure that the Church is teaching their children correctly). They were ready and anxious to let everyone know that they were obedient to Christ and willing to be associated with Jesus as His disciples. 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4






Proud is not a great enough adjective to describe our emotions at that moment! I thank God for allowing me to see this day and for my children to stand as witnesses to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ as His disciples! *tear*


Comments

  1. I can remember accountability classes that I went through and my children did so after they asked for forgiveness. No sprinkling and yes baptism very important

    coming by from annies home http://shopannies.blogspot.com come see us if you find a chance

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    1. It is such an important thing for anyone to be baptized, whether young or older. Thanks for your comment Angie!

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  2. I was born a Catholic so I was 'sprinkled' lol However, I grew up as a Christian and was baptized (submerged in water) when I was 12. It was life-changing. You are doing so magnificent raising your children and I am sure God guided you and your husband through it all.

    www.KatrinaJeanCarter.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks so much Katrina!! That means a lot. Appreciate your comment :)

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  3. So much scripture that is interpreted differently. You have to listen to God's will in your life. Hear Him.

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    1. Yes. He definitely speaks through His Word. That is sure! Thanks for reading.

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  4. I wish you all the best, seems like you have a beautiful family! :)
    Personally, I'm not religious but consider myself spiritual. Still, I see how this means so much to you!

    https://inspirationellablog.wordpress.com/

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    1. It means so much to us Dina! Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

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  5. It's so nice that you blog about something you are so passionate about. Keep up the good work!

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  6. I think it is responsible to go through all of these checks to make sure your child understands what they are committing to. Well done.

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    1. We are doing our best with God's help! Thanks for reading Laura!

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  7. What a great milestone! You sure did dig in and make them work for it! Congratulations and you sound like a great family that is parenting great!

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  8. I am not a Christian, but I do believe every child should have a spiritual practice. Always wise to be sure they "get it."

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  9. What an amazing milestone in their life. Congratulations and I know how great it feels when are children are "Saved." Baptism is very serious and I think it is great you made them show their accountability. It is very important to make sure they understand what they are doing.

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  10. every parent needs to decide what is right for them. It is so exciting when children reach this milestone!

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  11. Best wishes to your beautiful family.

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  12. My daughters are 5 and 4 and have yet to be done. I am thinking maybe after my son is born all three of them get done together!

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  13. It definitely depends on you on when you'd like to have your kids baptized. I think it's nice that you and your husband did the research and talked about it.

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  14. Oh, baptism in our church has a different practice. My sister who is a Baptist, told me about this kind of baptism.

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  15. This is a good read. I am not familiar with how kids are baptized in a Christian church. In ours, its a different one.

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  16. I was born and raised a Catholic so myself, the hubs and all our kids were sprinkled :) at a very early age. We get confirmed when we are in our early teens and that seems to be the same time for your family to choose to Baptism. It is good for the young people to be able to choose to be Baptized.Congratulations and many Blessings to you all!

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  17. This is just amazing to hear that you are doing your best to make sure your child understands what & where they are getting in to. Best wishes for your family and thanks for sharing your wonderful story!

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  18. Happy to see that you were not apprehensive about their decision, children are clever and know/nunderstand more than we as parents give them credit for. It is also wonderful to see that they are eager to have a relationship with God.
    XO, MJ
    http://www.lush-fab-glam.com

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