Children’s Baptism Guide
We’re so excited that you’re considering baptism for your child!
Every child can have a personal relationship with Jesus and, in The Rock Kids, we encourage them to make a decision to follow Him. We want children to not only learn about Jesus, but to become wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ!
We advise you to wait until your child is asking to be water baptized. This is usually a good indication that they are ready to be baptized and that it will be a spiritual milestone in their life. While younger children, under the age of seven, can have a relationship with Jesus, they will not necessarily remember or understand the significance of the event.
As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child. The following answers may show if your child understands.
1. When did you decide to follow Jesus and make Him King of your heart?
Your child should have a specific memory of when they understood what Jesus did and that they need Jesus in their life. It may have been at church, at home, or even a time when they were alone.
2. What does it mean to be water baptized?
It means I’m following Jesus. It means I’m a Christian and I want to show everyone that I am. It means that Jesus has washed me from my sins.
3. Why is it important to be water baptized?
Jesus was baptized and he asks us to be also. I’m a friend of Jesus and I want to follow him.
If Your Child Is Ready
If you feel like your child understands what it means to be water baptized then we would love for you to read through the water baptism devotional (below) with them.
If Your Child Is Not Ready
If you don’t feel like your child understands what it means to be water baptized, there’s nothing wrong with waiting. During this time, let your child observe water baptisms and talk to them about what it means. We would love for you to read through the water baptism devotional with them and spur them on in their personal friendship with Jesus.
Water Baptism Devotional
Obeying Jesus’ Commandment
“So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Being baptized in water is one of the first steps you take in following Jesus. A friend of Jesus does not just learn about Jesus, but follows Jesus and does the things that he did. The number one reason you should get baptized in water is because Jesus did and he told us to also.
When you became a friend of Jesus, you were brought in to God’s kingdom under Jesus’ control. That means you have decided to do what Jesus says and follow his example. Take the time to read about Jesus’ baptism in your Bible in Matthew 3:13-17.
What is the number one reason you should be baptized?
An Outward Picture
“When you were baptized, you were buried together with Him. You were raised to life together with Him by believing in God’s power. God raised Jesus from the dead.”
Colossians 2:12
Water baptism is just an outward picture of what Jesus has done for you on the inside. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and then was raised from the dead! When you asked Jesus to be the King of your heart, and Savior, there was a death to sin and a raising back to life as a new creation in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
That’s why you go all the way under the water when you are baptized. You are showing people that your old self and all the bad things you’ve ever done, are buried with Jesus. When you come up out of the water, you are saying that Jesus has given you a new life. Everyone can see a picture of the change that has taken place inside your heart.
What is water baptism a picture of?
A Decision Of Faith
“By being baptized, we were buried with Christ (Jesus) into His death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ, we can also have a new life.”
Romans 6:4
Water baptism does not save you. It has no purpose or meaning until after you have decided to follow Jesus and invite Jesus to be King of your heart and life. Water baptism is a very important step in your new life as a Christian and believer of Jesus. When you decide to follow Jesus, you made a decision of faith to receive Him as King of your heart. When you’re baptized in water, you’re making a decision of faith to follow Him all the days of your life. You’re choosing to let Jesus be in charge of your life. Your water baptism will always be a reminder of your decision to follow Jesus.