This article looks at baptism not from a theological view, because this forum has already posted Luther's sermon on Infant Baptism. I don't think I can top Dr. Luther's work. Instead, I wish to look at infant baptism from the eyes of a parent.
Baptism makes us children of God, redeemed heirs of His Promises, won for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. St. Paul speaks of baptism in Romans, chapter 6: "We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." St Peter reminds us in his first epistle about the water that carried the ark during the flood-and how Noah's family were saved through that water. Peter reminds us that "this same water signifies baptism, which also saves." (1 Peter 3:19-21)
But as a parent, these truths come home a little closer.
I see in my arms a human being. Ever since the first ultrasound we saw his outline. We witnessed his movements in the womb. We could hear his heartbeats. He is alive!
When he cries, I see a sinner calling for attention. Granted, it is a mechanism to alert his parents when he is hungry, when his diaper is wet and soiled, when he's in pain. But he also uses it for attention. He has a haltering cry that we have learned means nothing more than "pick me up!" He's not hungry and his diaper is fine. If he were hurt, he'd continue crying even when we pick him up. But he stops crying when we pick him up. If we let him cry that cry, he soon tires and goes back to sleep.
I also see an alert person when I hold my son. He looks around at his environment. He notices colors, movement, recognizes voices, turns when he hears something. He makes faces. His facial gestures can be humorous.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to John L. Hoh, Jr.'s Lutheranism topic, please visit the Discussions page.