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Don’t feel the pressure to have all the answers, it’s okay to say “I don’t know, let me get back to you on that.” Also, be sure to empathize with their question. A great way to lead into a convo like this could be by saying something like… “That’s such a good question, I’ve wrestled with that one as well.”
Don’t answer their questions immediately. Sounds backwards right? It’s a little bit of hyperbole, but the point is, ask them what they think about it before you give an answer. Force them to wrestle with it themselves before spoon feeding them an answer. This will help them flex spiritual muscles and help them learn to think critically for themselves.
Let's talk about Baptism!
For children through 5th grade, we recommend working through the booklet below. This can be downloaded and/or printed at home. You may also request a print copy from any CCKIDS Team Member. Contact hello@christs.church for assistance.
Becoming Part Of God’s Family
Baptism in the New Testament comes from the Greek word “Baptizo” which is a word that means to immerse or submerge something in water. Specifically, to cleanse or wash. Between the verb form and the noun form of this word, it pops up over 100 times in the New Testament. Baptism is the beginning of someone’s life devoted to Jesus. It’s where following Jesus starts. In one moment, someone chooses to believe in Jesus, repents of their sins, is baptized, and receives the Holy Spirit. Baptism is not the end goal of a Christian. It’s not the gold medal or final test to make it. Baptism is where following Jesus starts.
Why is it important?
First of all, if Jesus did it, we want to do it as well. More than that, 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4, are just a few examples that talk about the importance of baptism. Baptism is a moment of surrendering to Jesus, repenting of our sin, and publicly declaring our faith in Him. People love to get distracted with “When is the exact moment of salvation or the exact moment one receives the Holy Spirit?” The Bible isn’t clear on the exact millisecond all of that takes place, but it happens through a process of belief, repentance, and baptism. 2,000 years after Jesus, we tend to separate belief and repentance from baptism, but they are all one event! The moment of belief and repentance should also be the moment of baptism! (Acts 2:38. Acts 8:12-13.) Baptism is important because: Jesus did it. For the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the forgiveness of sins. For the promise of eternal life.
At what age should someone be baptized?
The Bible does not directly address this question. However, belief in the Gospel, repentance of sins, and faith in Jesus are the starting blocks. There isn’t a standard age that a child might be able to comprehend these things. Kids must understand the importance of this decision without believing that there are things they must do to “earn” it. Using the above packet is a good way to help determine if your child is ready to make this decision.
What about re-baptism?
There is no Biblical precedent for re-baptism. Usually when people ask about re-baptism, what they really need is repentance. Since their baptism, their relationship with Jesus has grown, and they have become more aware of sin in their lives. Because of this people often feel a need to be re-baptized to re-commit to Jesus. If we had to be baptized every time we sinned, or when we gained more understanding, we would be getting dunked weekly! If someone believed in Jesus, was repentant of their sins, and desired to follow Jesus when they were baptized, then that person does not need to be baptized a second time. They simply need to repent and turn back to Jesus! If, however, when they were baptized the first time, they didn’t believe or weren’t repentant of their sins (often we see this with younger kids who got baptized because “everyone else was doing it”) then that person was never baptized, they simply got wet in some water. Baptism is always tied to the decisions of belief, repentance, and faith.
There is much more conversation to be had on this subject, our team would love to partner with you as you continue to have these conversations with your kids and students!