How can I get him to understand Baptism?

Question

My son who is 10 and I have been attending a great church for 3 months and we love it . I have signed him up to be baptized. I worry so much about my only child being harmed that I realized I needed to give him back to the LOrd and he would cover him. He can protect him way better than me. My son dont quite understand this and how can I help him to as this is a wonderful gift a parent can give a child and he dont understand . What else shoud I tell him about this experience or do you think he is too young?

Answer 1

Dear Sister,

I commend your conviction, but it would have so much more meaning to him if he was able to take the step himself. Why not teach him about Jesus, If he has not given his life to Christ, then his baptism, although symbolic would have little meaning. remember, it is by faith that we are saved not works, works are a result of faith. Why not consider a deication instead until he is a little older and understands?

God Bless

Answer 2

I don't think your child is too young at all, but then again as far as I'm concerned, you waited about 10 years too long to get this done! My own explanation to your child would simply be that you know what you're doing, and he doesn't have to understand it yet. That's because baptism is much more than just an outward sign of one's own belief. It is a covenant that is owned by God, not by you, marking you out for His kingdom, and children are just as much a part of that covenant as they were in the Old Testament under the rite of circumcision. Without it, there is no distinction between your son and an atheist's child, and this might not bother other credo Baptists that believe in an age of reason, but if circumcision was tied that closely to converting to Judaism, I would think it would have just as much of a tie to salvation as a New Testament believer for you. Therefore it applies to all of your household, and you are in charge of that household.

Now for the "Baptist" side, because I get the feeling that you're asking from that viewpoint rather than what I've just presented. Since each person needs to make their own decision for Christ first and prior to baptism, you are doing the wrong thing and I don't think your pastor will allow a baptism from someone that does not understand the saving faith that is required for this rite to take place. Obviously since the pastor will be talking to your son about that saving faith, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Your son will either give the right answers or he won't, and the pastor may or may not make him wait a little while.

So, one school of thought will tell you that it's your call, and the other school of thought will tell you that it's your son's call. My bet is on the latter for your particular denomination.

Answer 3

Here is a great study that walks you through the significance and reasons for baptism. Please sit with your son as some of this will be over his head and he will need guidance. I hope it blesses you.

Significance:
Romans 6:1-11
1 Cor. 12:12-13
Gal. 3:24-27
Titus 3:3-6
1 Peter 3:18-21
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15-16
John 3:3-7

Command
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15-16
John 3:3-7
Acts 10:47-48
Acts 22:16
Acts 2:37-41

Examples & Method
Acts 2:41
Acts 8:12
Acts 8:36-38
Acts 9:17-18
Acts 16:14-15
Acts 16:30-33
Acts 18:8
John 3:23
Luke 7:29
Acts 19:1-5

Answer 4

My personal opinion is that being baptized and belief should be his choice especially at his age. Maybe he wants to discover more things for himself about religion before baptism. He may never decide to get baptized and I think that's legitimate too. You are devaluing yourself as a mother far too much. I'm sure you are a wonderful mother and the best gift you can give to him is your love (it seems you have that in abundance) and the right to choose if he wants to be baptized or not.

Trust me, I've wondered many times if my stepson isn't being given enough 'spiritual' information as he has a Jewish mom and an atheist father and I used to be Catholic and am now Buddhist. It isn't easy to let go.

Answer 5

A child should only be baptized when he is old enough to make a decision to have the Lord to be his Savior. It is easier for him to want to follow Jesus if you can demonstrate how Jesus has changed your life and made you better mother to him. If he is too young to know Jesus personally you can dedicate him to God in church and ask God for His blessing and protection for him. Churches which do not baptize young children have dedication service for such children to God.

Answer 6

Baptism is not fire insurance. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change in a person - that they have committed their life to Christ.

The best way you can influence your child is to be a model of the love of God. Let him see God working in your life.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 says that we teach our children by honoring God in every aspect of our daily life - morning, noon and night.

“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Answer 7

With the exception of infant baptism which is performed by some denominations the other posters are right a person (at least at his age) should make that choice himself.

Answer 8

It's not that he is too young, but if he hasn't made the choice to be baptized and you are making it for him, then he is too young. I have decided that my children need to come to me when their ready, and I have faith that God will lead them to Him when the time is right. I want it to be their choice, not mine. The problem with your son is it's not a choice he is making, that tells me he isn't ready. There is nothing wrong with waiting, God will reveal Himself and urge your son's heart when the time is right. Tell him you think he is mature enough to decide for himself if he is ready and support whatever decision he makes.

Answer 9

Baptism is when a person makes their own decision to follow a faith. Not their Mother making a decision.

Answer 10

To be accept Christ or not is your sons choice,not yours, you should live a Christian life that would be an example to him of which life on this earth would be best.