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Theological Studies: Infant Baptism and the Sacraments Infant Baptism: As I began to read through the online lecture concerning infant baptism I found myself beginning to share in the obvious passion that is set forth therein. I have often wondered what the major differences between infant baptism and infant dedication are, but rarely, because of the controversy surrounding it, has such ever been defined. While I did not really agree with the strict admonishment of infant dedication, I was very encouraged by the biblical foundations for infant baptism. It is sad that the Nazarene church and others have shied away from infant baptism simply because, according to our understanding, there can be no conscious submission to God or repentance from sin on the part of an infant. What I love about this explanation is that infant baptism is not primarily a human act, but is primarily an act of God in which He confirms the prevenient grace with which we all are bestowed at birth by God. Theologically this is crucial! Baptism is not primarily about our response to God, but rather is about what we are responding to! As such, what we have in infant baptism is the response of a parent on behalf of their child, acknowledging the all-sufficient grace of God in this child�s life that will enable him or her to continually grow and mature and eventually make a faith decision of his or her own. Summarily, infant baptism acknowledges that grace which will save a child from the penalty of sin before the age of moral and spiritual cognition. The one aspect I do appreciate in infant dedication is the emphasis on the role of the church in the upbringing of the child. It recognizes the importance of the body of Christ in nurturing one of its own. What I fail to understand, is why such emphasis cannot or is not placed upon infant baptism as well. Just as we are one body in Christ, so also have we all received the same prevenient grace of God. Should not the public acknowledgement of a parent on behalf of their child inspire each of us, as members of the body, to renew our commitment to responding to the grace of God? And is not the loving and nurturing of a fellow believer a response to God�s grace? I�m not sure how strict the Nazarene church is when it comes to quoting directly from the Manual, but it seems to me that I would likely include something to this affect in any infant baptism I brought before God. I do also especially appreciate this statement by Dunning concerning Wesley�s understanding of infant baptism as sacrament. �Just as infants are circumcised and thereby brought into the covenant with its benefits, privileges, and duties, so does baptism effect the same result. �When the old seal of circumcision was taken off, this of baptism was added in its room; our Lord appointed one positive institution to succeed another�� (548). What is a sacrament? Immediately I relate the word to �sacrifice�. In Christian terms, our sacraments are given in direct relationship to the Sacrifice. For as long as I can remember, I have known the sacraments of the Church as means of Grace. The major sacraments typically administered in the church are the Lord�s Supper�also known as Communion or the Eucharist, and baptism, both in adult believers and infants. We must understand the sacraments in terms of a means of grace because of what the alternative suggests. Chapter three of the Nazarene manifesto states: �With us the sacraments are not ends in themselves but means of grace, and no magic pertains to them. The elements are not objects of worship; they are signs and seals of the grace which they proclaim� (Wesley.nnu.edu). It is tragic that in many circles of Christianity the sacraments have become more about our own well-being then about the wonder of God�s grace. Apart from grace we are lost, this is true. We should not marvel in the sacraments, rather we should live in them. When we see a beautiful prepared sirloin steak on a plate in front of us we don�t say �Wow, what a pretty steak!� No, we dig in! We enjoy that which has been prepared for us and give thanks to the maker. So also should we dwell in the overwhelming grace of God and be in continual thanks, through participation in the sacraments, to our Maker. I love this quote from Wesley concerning the sacraments and our participation therein: �Whosoever, therefore, imagines there is any intrinsic power in any means whatsoever, does greatly err, not knowing the Scriptures, neither the power of God. We know that there is no inherent power of the words that are spoken in prayer, in the letter of Scripture read, the sound thereof heard, or the bread and wine received in the Lord�s supper; but that it is God alone who is the Giver of every good gift, the Author of all grace; that the whole power is of Him, whereby, through any of these, there is any blessing conveyed to our souls. (Dunning quoting Wesley, 542). Word Count: 854 |