Learn about what Baptism means -- why should I be Baptized? -- what does Baptism signify? What do the Scriptures say about Baptism?
At Crossroads, we have developed one service that incorporates both baptism and dedication. We baptize infants for the reasons stated below and we dedicate them to the work of the Lord as Hannah did with Samuel. Baptismal services are scheduled throughout the year. A two-part class is required to participate in a Baptism.

Upcoming Baptism Classes
Sundays, February 3 & 10
Wednesdays, June 11 & 18

Upcoming Baptism Date
Sunday, February 24
Sunday, June 29

Introduction
One of the biggest debates in Christianity centers on Infant Baptism vs. Infant Dedication. Lengthy discussions and extensive studies have occurred throughout the history of Christendom. Both sides of the issue debate the subject with great vigor and passion using the Word of God as their source of authority in proving their belief. At Crossroads, we have developed a service that includes both baptism and dedication. As you will see, it does not compromise the sacrament, but enhances it. Take a look at the reason why.

The Question about Infants
Historical Evidence The majority of Christianity baptizes infants. From the early age of the apostles the Christian tradition has continued to our own time. Origen, born in 185, says 'that baptism of infants was an apostolic tradition.' Augustine, born in 354, wrote learned books against heretics who disapproved of the baptism of children. Tertullion, born about 150, was opposed to the baptism of infants, just as he departed the teachings of the church in many other ways; nevertheless he witnesses to the fact that at his time the baptism of babies was in universal use.

The Apostles Baptized Entire Families
Those who oppose Infant Baptism say: "Show me a single passage in which the Baptism of Infants is commanded and we will baptize babies." However, a single passage cannot be produced about 'Dedication' either. So we glean from Scriptures what we can in order that we may honor the Lord and His commands.

The Bible tells stories of the Apostles baptizing 'entire families.' St. Paul baptized the household of Stephanas (1Cor. 1:16). He likewise baptized Lydia and her household (Acts 16:15). Again, he baptized the keeper of the prison at Philippi and all his household (Acts 16:33). St. Peter baptized Cornelius and all who with him heard and believed the Word in his house (Acts 10:48). So what does this mean? One thing we must remember is that the 'household' in the Bible was not like the typical American single family dwelling with Father, Mother, and two children. Most 'households' were considered the head of the house and his son's, their wives, and families all lived under one roof and the baptism of entire households taking place, an argument can be made that their were certainly infants and small children included. At any rate, the burden of proof to the contrary rests with those who deny the validity of infant baptism, especially as it was the custom in those early days that when a father turned to the Jewish religion, he was circumcised with all males in his household. When Christianity spread and circumcision was abolished, the apostles baptized all members in a household whenever the ruler of the house became a Christian, not only males but also females.

Baptism Takes the Place Of Circumcision
In the New Testament the sacrament of Baptism has taken the place of Old Testament sacrament of Circumcision. In Colossians 2:11-12 St. Paul speaks of a circumcision without hands in v. 11, and then in v. 12 he tells us that he means baptism. In the Epistle to the Colossians, the apostle argues largely against Jewish defenders of the Old Testament ceremonial laws. Oh no, he tells his readers, warding them against such false teachers: in the New Testament we have no longer any circumcision, but we have baptism as the sacrament instated by Christ. And with that we are spiritually circumcised.

To understand the apostle's point of argument, we must remember the similarities between circumcision and baptism. Both sacraments have certain outward signs, and both have the promise of God's grace. "He that believes and is baptized will be saved:" (Mark 16:16). Circumcision had the promise: "This is My covenant [of grace: I will be their God," v.8] "Every man child among you shall be circumcised" (Gen. 17:10). Here, then, is the reason why in the days of the apostles not only the believing heads of the families were baptized, but also their households. They wanted to secure for all their loved ones God's covenant of grace in Christ Jesus, mediated to them by baptism. Those who oppose infant baptism say, "that the old covenant practice of infant circumcision is sometimes adduced as a rationale for infant baptism. However, the Biblical definition of the functions of circumcision and of baptism demonstrates two institutions fulfilling different purposes in their respective covenants.' The equation is never made in the Bible between the circumcision of male infants in the old covenant and the baptism of born-again believers, much less infants, in the new covenant. Thus encouragement for parents to present their children for the ceremony of Dedication, whereby God's blessing is formally invoked upon the children, and the parents publicly commit themselves to raise the children in accordance with the teachings of Scripture. However the ceremony of dedication is man-made and not even eluded to in Scriptures, where Baptism is a clear command of God.

Babies Belong To "All Nations"
Babies belong to "all nations" of whom Christ says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them." "All nations: include every living human being " adults and children, men and women, young and old. There is no indication that children are to be excluded. When a government commands that a census should be taken of all nations in a dominion, that certainly includes children, even the smallest ones. Thus, the command to baptize "all nations," included entire families with babies.

The General Need for Baptism
The obvious need is that all people are sinners. Scripture teaches that sin is universal: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Again: "As by one man sin entered onto the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom 5:12). Or: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6). Likewise: "the imagination of man's heart is evil from youth" (Gen. 8:21). Also: "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). The Bible tells us clearly we were born in sin. In Psalm 51:5 it says; "I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." These are only a few of the many Bible passages which condemn all human beings as sinners.

The Washing of Regeneration
Where there is sin, forgiveness must be bought to bear for the salvation of the soul. Now, since all human beings are sinners and therefore under God's judgment from their very birth, they must be born again, in order that they may enter into the kingdom of God, as Jesus teaches in John 3:5. Baptism is the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, by which new birth can come, as Paul teaches in Titus 3:5. Furthermore, according to Eph. 5:26, Christ sanctifies and cleanses His church, with the washing of water by the Word, that is Baptism.

Baptism is not a mechanical act, nor is new birth brought by mere washing with water. But with the water is connected the Gospel promise of Christ, and through the Gospel comes the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Salvation is all God's doing. St. Paul tells us in Eph. 2:1 "that we were dead in sin." Dead people cannot raise themselves from the dead. Only God can do that…and He has! He created us; He died for us; and He called us to be His own and placed His seal upon us in baptism, saying, "This is my child." God alone does this miracle in people, no matter what the age of the person. That is why St. Paul can write the beautiful words of comfort in Gal. 3:26-27: "For you area all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." By God's power alone, we believe that through baptism, babies put on Christ.

We Should Bring Our Little Ones to Jesus
That is what the Bible tells us. There is no debate, by either side of the issue of Infant Baptism vs. Dedication, that little ones should be brought to the Lord. In Mark 10:13-16, we are told that the believers brought little children to Jesus that He should bless them. When the disciples rebuked those that brought little ones to Christ, our Lord became very displeased and said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter the therein." So the question is not whether we should bring them to the Lord for His blessing, but rather, "how" do we do this? We, of course, cannot bring our children to Jesus in the way in which the believers did, for He is no longer visibly with us. Those who hold to Infant Baptism say, "but, He is present in His World and Sacraments." There the Holy Spirit regenerates them by faith in Christ, and there Jesus takes them up in His arms and blesses them. Those who hold to the Rite of Dedication point out, Jesus held the children, prayed for them, and told His disciples to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them, a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their Baptism is appropriate only for those who have made salvation. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the work of the Lord, so our children should be dedicated to God (1Sam. 1:21-28).

Conclusion
There is strong Biblical evidence that all people should be baptized - including babies. However, a strong argument can be made for the Rite of Dedication as well. At Crossroads, we have developed one service that incorporates both baptism and dedication. We baptize infants for the reasons stated above and we dedicate them to the work of the Lord as Hannah did with Samuel.

What's the Next Step?
Registration Procedures
Call KT Luna 630.585.7777 ext. 16 or email kluna@ccc4Christ.org to register for Baptism or for more information. A two-part mandatory Baptism Class is required before the baptism service.

Click here to download the Baptism information brochure (in Adobe PDF format).