\u201cWhen is my child ready for baptism?\u201d<\/p>\n
This is a great question and one I have been asked many times over the years in ministry. The bottom line is that everywhere Jesus went, He was preaching the gospel and calling individuals to “repent, believe and be baptized.” This is the proper response of a person \u2013 adult or child \u2013 whose heart and mind has been made new by grace, through Christ and His Spirit. Repent, believe, be baptized.<\/p>\n
The question is, however, how we know if a child is ready. How do we know if a child is truly regenerated \u2013 has genuinely surrendered to Christ in heart, mind and will \u2013 and is therefore now ready to be baptized? Practically, we as pastors, along with a child’s parents, need to do all we can to discern whether true repentance and faith is present in this child.<\/p>\n
Here are the four big questions that guide me as I help the child and their parents in this process. (I use these 4 questions in assessing the readiness of an adult for baptism as well.)<\/p>\n
1) Is there knowledge?<\/strong> Does this child have a right and proper knowledge and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of baptism? Can they articulate this?<\/p>\n 2) Is there brokenness?<\/strong> Has this child been truly broken over their sin and not just the consequences of their sin? Are they heartbroken over the fact they have sinned against a holy God and now realize Jesus alone can save them?<\/p>\n