God’s love looks beyond individuals to families. Throughout the Bible, God includes the children of believers with their parents. Consider the following:
- God includes Noah’s family in the ark with him (1 Peter 3:18-22)
- God makes a covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:7)
- God rescues Israel’s children from Egypt through the Red Sea, a symbol of baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-3)
- Jesus blesses the children of believers that are brought to Him (Mark 10:16)
- Peter extends the promise of baptism to believers and their children (Acts 2:39)
- Paul declares that the children of believers are holy, that is, set apart to the Lord(1 Corinthians 7:14)
Because of this, we practice Household Baptism (or Covenant Baptism) where those who declare their faith in Jesus can also receive God’s promise of love for their children. We do not baptize all babies, only the babies and young children of Christian parents.
Household baptism is clearly seen in the Bible:
- “He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’ (Acts 11:14)
- “When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.” (Acts 16:15)
- “He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
- “Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
- “I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas….” (1 Corinthians 1:14-16)
In household baptism, God extends His love and forgiveness to believers and their children, and they together receive the Holy Spirit.
This does not take away the need for these children to respond in faith. God has declared His love, and waits for them to respond in faith. When they are able, they are encouraged to take hold of God’s free love by making a public faith commitment. God’s love for them is not contingent on their response, but it does offer a good reason why they should respond.
