Baptism and the Old Testament

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Sermon Follow Up

Summary

When the New Testament authors seek to shape our understanding of baptism, they shape it around the stories, patterns, and redemptive events of the Old Testament in a way that sheds a great deal of light on the meaning and administration of baptism. If baptism corresponds to Noah’s family being saved from the flood (1 Peter 3:18–22), is understood in connection with circumcision (Colossians 2:9–12), and is used to describe the Exodus (1 Corinthians 10:1–6), then baptism is a family affair that lives inside of God’s “to you and your children” pattern of redemption.

Reflection/Discussion Material

-Read Genesis 17:7, Deuteronomy 30:6, Isaiah 44:3, Acts 2:38–39, and 1 Corinthians 7:14. What recurring pattern do you notice concerning believers and their children? What does this pattern teach us about the character and generosity of God?

-Peter says that Noah and his household being brought safely through the floodwaters corresponds to baptism (1 Peter 3:20–21). How does the flood help us understand baptism as both judgment and salvation?

-Colossians 2 places circumcision and baptism alongside one another. Circumcision and baptism are not identical, but what does Genesis 17 teach us about the assumption that someone must be old enough to understand or personally request a covenant sign before receiving it?

-Paul says that “all” Israel was baptized into Moses in the cloud and sea (1 Corinthians 10:1–4). Picture the infants, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults, and elderly Israelites passing through the sea together. How should that picture shape our instincts about who can participate in baptism?

-In thinking about the flood, circumcision, and the Exodus, who or what is our Ark? What is our circumcision and how do we receive it? What is our Exodus and Promised Land?

-After these first two weeks considering infant baptism, what are your biggest hang ups, questions, takeaways, revelations, and points of excitement? We’d love for you to send them to us!

Family-Friendly Version

Big Idea: God brings our children with us into His family.

When God saved Noah from the flood, He didn’t tell Noah to leave his family behind. Noah’s household went into the ark with him.

When God made His covenant with Abraham, He didn’t tell Abraham to wait until his son was grown before giving him the covenant sign. God told Abraham to circumcise his baby boy.

When God rescued Israel from Egypt, He didn’t open the Red Sea only for the grown-ups. Moms and dads carried their babies and led their little children through the water with them. And the Bible says that all of them were baptized.

Again and again, when God gathers a people for Himself, He includes their children.

That helps us understand why so many Christians throughout the centuries have baptized their children. Baptism isn’t a prize you earn after you become a really good Christian. It is a sign that God has welcomed you among His people and wants you to grow up trusting, loving, obeying, and following Jesus.

Talk About It Together

-Who went into the ark with Noah?

-How old did God say Abraham’s sons should be when they received circumcision?

-When Israel crossed the Red Sea, did the children cross too?

-Did the babies have to understand everything God was doing before He rescued them?

-What does baptism tell a Christian child about where he or she belongs?

-What are some ways you can grow up living faithfully as a member of Jesus’ people?

Remember This

God doesn’t tell Christian parents to leave their children behind. He gathers us into His people together.