Child Dedication – Parents' recognition of God’s gift and desire to raise the child in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord." Psalm 127:3
What is the Purpose of a Parent/Child Dedication?
In dedicating our children to the Lord, we are really committing ourselves as parents to the biblical task of raising them in a way that is pleasing to God. Families with new children are strengthened when they publicly dedicate themselves to raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Our promise, or covenant, with God is a very solemn and serious commitment that we should not take lightly. In our Parent/Child Dedication Service we are promising the Lord that with His help we intend to
• Teach the Scriptures to our children
• Pray for and with them regularly
• Model a life of holy living that is pleasing to God.
The dedication of babies started in the Old Testament. It was based on God’s command for the Israelites to bring their firstborn sons for consecration in a ceremony (Exodus 13:1-13). In 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Hannah committed her son Samuel to the Lord. Furthermore, we see Jesus brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph, fulfilling the Jewish purification laws (Luke 2:21-40).
The Parent/Child Dedication is a special time to declare to others that your child is given over to the Lord. As parents, you are committing yourselves in the presence of many witnesses to be the parent that God, through His Holy Spirit, will lead you to be. This Dedication Service is an indication of your desire for your child to one day make that personal commitment to Jesus Christ and to follow the Lord in a life of service for Him.
The benefit of a public dedication of children is the accountability it provides for us as parents. It is also a regular reminder to our church family of the importance of children and our shared responsibility in their spiritual growth. The church is an extended family for these children. Today’s children are tomorrow’s church leaders who will carry on the work of ministry.
What is the difference between a Parent/Child Dedication and Infant Baptism?
A baby is not able to understand the commitment that is being made…however, we as parents do. It is the faith of the parents, not of the child, that is the focus of the Dedication Service. Therefore, as we dedicate our children to the Lord we are dedicating ourselves to love, nurture, and train our precious ones in the principles of Christian living.
We do not baptize babies at Rock Valley Chapel because the Bible teaches that baptism is only for those who have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Very young children cannot make that decision. Baptism is a public testimony of an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit in the life of an individual (Acts 2:41). The dedication of a baby does not guarantee a baby’s salvation, but is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your desire and willingness to teach your child the truths of God’s Word that one day may lead to their salvation.