“Child dedication” does not adequately define what takes place during a service. A better description would be to call it “parental commitment.”
The Bible over and over cautions parents to teach their children how to love and obey their God. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Moses said, “Impress God’s commandments on your children.”
The bulk of the book of Proverbs is a zealous plea from a father to a son instructing him to know, live and apply the biblical principles to his life. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:4 says “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Considering such passages, during a child dedication service, the parents of the child or children are publicly declaring their personal commitment to Jesus Christ and their whole-hearted commitment to raising their children in the instruction of the Lord.
Some would say that infant baptism is a form of child dedication, while others believe infant baptism removes original sin and secures salvation. The Apostle Paul instructs us that salvation is secured through faith in the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,”, and Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by faith in Christ alone, not by works of our own.
Because “saving faith” involves one’s mind, will, and emotions and is reflected in confession and belief, baptism is a step that is best taken by someone who understands the significance of the decision. We would like to encourage you to visit our Baptism page for more information about baptism and would love to talk with you further if you have questions about either child dedication or baptism.
For additional information, please contact Pastor Richard Wollard.