Should I have my son babtised or dedicated...(United Methodist)...what is the difference?
2007-01-17 08:58:53 · 7 answers · asked by brownt5 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The difference is that the Bible doesn't say anything about baptizing babies, since there are several things that babies cannot do. For a person to be baptized, they have to: (1) HEAR the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Babies can hear, but that's about it. (2) BELIEVE what you've heard (Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6). Babies can't believe what they've heard, they don't understand it. (3) REPENT (Luke 13:3). Babies cannot repent of sins, since they have never committed any. (4) CONFESS Christ to be the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33). Babies cannot confess Christ, since they don't know who He is. (5) Be BAPTIZED (Acts 2:38, 8:37-38). There is no reason for a baby to be baptized, as you've already seen, because after having done all of those things, you have to be FAITHFUL unto death (Revelation 2:10, Acts 2:42), and a baby cannot be faithful to anything.
Do you see now?
2007-01-17 09:12:34 · answer #1 · answered by kellygirlaj 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my perants were methodist preachers and had be dedicated but I will say it put me off convermation at school as I have to be babtised first but realy babtism should be from choice so when you are old enough to understand I would say dedication is best and you are making the same comitments for your child.
2007-01-17 18:02:20 · answer #2 · answered by Mim 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dedication is dedicating your child to Lord. In a way its giving your child back to God. This however does not mean that from then on they will be saved and go to heaven.....The child will grow up and made his/her own decisions...but when you dedicate your child you are telling God you will do what ever you can to raise your child up they way he/she should go. I believe in dedication....I believe baptisms of babies are usless.....Baptism is an outward expression of an inward expearance. A baby cannot make the decision to accept Jesus into his/her own heart and become a new creation...A baptism represents a person going under water and coming out a new creation. Why would a baby do this if they haven't made the decision to become a new creation in Christ?
2007-01-17 17:08:06 · answer #3 · answered by christain_cali_gur@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Either or neither, all is acceptable Biblically. Baptism is optional and dedication is not realy Biblicaly so whatever suits your own liking. The key is a personal committment to the Lord. The Lord looks on the heart, men look on the outward.
2007-01-17 17:03:43 · answer #4 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Methodists believe in the efficacy of infant Baptism. By all means, talk to your pastor. I don't think even the most liberal Methodist will even allow anything called a "dedication".
2007-01-17 17:02:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Baptism is a symbolic outward sign of Jesus' death, burial and Resurrection. That child has to be old enough to make a willful decision for himself. On the other hand dedication is like an offering, giving back to God that which He has given to you - you want Him to guide and protect your child until that day of reasoning. Like when Hannah offered/dedicated Samuel back to God.
2007-01-17 17:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how about deflowered
2007-01-17 17:02:12 · answer #7 · answered by uncle J 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋