On the Urgency of Baptism

We've decided not to schedule when we are baptizing our soon to be born baby, but instead to baptize the baby on the closest Sunday after the baby is born.

Why?

Very simply because baptism is for the baby and the sooner the child can be baptized, the better.  The baptism of a baby isn't for the parents, it isn't for the sponsors, it isn't for the congregation or relatives or anyone else, but it is for the baby.

If we take Scripture seriously (and we should) then we must acknowledge that we are...

• all born sinful (Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5), 

• and in need of rebirth (Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:5-6 and [We] were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:3).

Since we are born sinful and in need of rebirth, why would we want to wait to bring a child to the waters of baptism, that is to Christ Himself?

In baptism...

• the child receives the forgiveness of sins (Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38)
• the child is united with Christ and His saving work (Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:3-5)
• the child is clothed with Christ. (For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27)
• the child receives the gift of salvation. (Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1Peter 3:21 and He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5)

Because of the babies need and because of the gifts that Christ delivers in baptism, we simply do not wish to wait any longer than necessary to bring the child into God's family and have him receive the benefits of baptism.

 A few questions may arise from this post and I'll try to anticipate some of them now.

• Can a baby who dies before being baptized be saved?

 I like how Valerius Herberger, a Lutheran Pastor in the late 1500's and early 1600's, answered this question.   
If a man rejected circumcision, his soul was cut off from God's people.  Likewise, whoever through unbelief rejects his Baptism, in no wise seeking Christ or His Word and Holy Sacraments, shall be erased from the Book of Life and eternally condemned. 
When there is an emergency and the Sacrament cannot be availed of, it does no harm to salvation.  Despising the Sacrament, however, will bring damnation.  Accordingly, when either a Jewish infant under the Old Covenant died before the eight day, or when a Christian infant under the New Covenant does not reach Baptism, neither is cut off from salvation.

With that being said, it is no excuse to put off baptism since baptism is commanded by God.  Remember that Jesus said, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"  (Matthew 4:7)

• My friends waited several months to have their child baptized, why should I wait?

Many well meaning Christians do many things, but we should be guided by God's Word. Baptism gives assurance of forgiveness, new life, and salvation; why would you want to wait to have your child receive those precious gifts?

• What if people whom I would like to be at the baptism can't be there right away?

I remember my dad hammering this point home to us in confirmation class; baptism is for the baby so don't unnecessarily delay it!  Sponsors can have a stand in and be taken through their vows at a later date in necessary.  The baptism can be filmed for any who cannot be there. But remember that the baptism is for the one being baptized, not those watching.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
(Mathew 19:14)