Baptism for all including infants

The Bible declares that God claimed humanity as God's own "before the foundation of the world." (Ephesians 1:4)

Both believers and their children are included in God's covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste.

 Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament.

The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith.

Baptism, therefore, usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age.

 Parents bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that he or she be baptized.

When an infant or child is baptized the church commits itself to nurture the child in faith. When adults are baptized they make a public profession of faith.

Baptism distinguishes children of those who believe in God's redemptive power from children of nonbelievers.

The water that is used symbolizes three accounts from the Bible's Old Testament: the waters of creation,

the flood described in the story of Noah,

and the Hebrews' escape from slavery in Egypt by crossing the Red Sea.

All three stories link humanity to God's goodness through water.

When God blesses a Christian household with a child it is right and proper for the guardian/guardians of that child to seek Christian baptism for him/her.  In

so doing, the guardian/guardians are affirming their faith and showing a desire for the child to be brought up in the Christian faith.

        "The parents of those to be baptized, or each believer who is to be baptized will be asked to make affirmation of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

and they will be asked to declare their willingness to be obedient to Christ through serving Christ as a member of Christ's Church.  Parents of children

receiving baptism are also asked to declare their intention to teach their children of the love of God, to instruct them in the Christian faith, and to assist them

to live lives obedient to the gospel." (COF pg. 101)

The question is asked at the time of baptism, "Do you intend to teach your child the meaning of baptism for a person's life, the love of God and the meaning

of Christian Discipline?"

To become a full communing member of the church, the time comes when one baptized as an infant, raised in a Christian environment, and taught by the

church, will be asked to make a public affirmation of faith as their own belief in the gospel and their own desire to live the Christian life in fellowship with

Christ's Church.  Preparation for this time is often done in Confirmation classes.