Why we Dedicate our Children

The arrival of a new baby is a time of rejoicing for any family.  Every child born to every parent is an expression of God’s common grace to the human race.  But the scriptures seem to indicate that children born to believing parents are of special significance.  “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.  How blessed is the man whose quiver is full” (Psalm 127: 3, 5).  We believe it is not unreasonable to say that the primary way God establishes His kingdom in the lives of His people is through the covenant family.  This is not to say that salvation is a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation.  Every person must come to saving faith in Christ.  However, the child raised by covenant-keeping parents will be exposed to the faithful preaching and teaching of the gospel during those tender and impressionable years.  The child raised in a Christian home is blessed in a special way.  Dedication is an affirmation of these truths.

Mary and Joseph 

After the time of her purification was complete Mary, along with Joseph, brought Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated.  Jesus’ parents were not starting a new tradition; rather it seems to have been an Old Testament practice.

Hannah, mother of Samuel 

When Hannah, the mother of Samuel the prophet dedicated him to the Lord, she promised to give him up to serve God in the Temple.  The first chapter of 1 Samuel contains the story of Samuel’s dedication.  Hannah realized that Samuel was not only a gift from God but Samuel belonged to God.

It’s important to point out that in neither of these examples does the text say that the priest was the one doing the dedicating.  Undoubtedly, the priest played a role in the ceremony, but the point is—only the parents can dedicate their child.  I believe this is of special significance.

Three-fold dedication—Parent, child, and church 

A baby dedication is not only a time to dedicate ones child to God; it is a time for parents to reaffirm their commitment to fulfill their priestly responsibilities in the home.  It is the time to ask the question, “Are we willing to oversee our child’s spiritual development?”  Are we committed to, “Train up a child in the way he should go?”  (Proverbs 22:6).

This includes meeting together regularly as Christians to encourage one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-24).  It also includes a promise to model a Christian lifestyle at church, at home, and in the community.

Dedication before God and the church means the parents realize that the church plays an important role in the spiritual growth of their family.  It is an opportunity for you to ask the covenant family for their help.  They need to know your child by name, assist in Bible teaching, prayer and support…in short, to fulfill the demands of covenant community.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider setting aside a time to publicly dedicate your child to God.  At Hope baby dedications are scheduled on Sunday mornings at the requests of parents.  For more information contact Richard Hall at 901-831-4466.

For further study:

Deuteronomy 6

Psalm 48: 9-14

Psalm 78:1-8

Mark 10: 13-16

2 Timothy 3