Recently I wrote an editorial about the fact that the Scriptures are clear on infant baptism, even without a specific text stating that infants must be baptized. We all agree, I think, that adults can only be baptized after public profession of faith. But why do we then profess and insist that infants of believing parents must also be baptized? Can a little-bitty baby believe?

Notice that in both cases – adult and infant baptism – faith is required. In the case of adult baptism, it is the faith of the person to be baptized which must first be publicly confessed. In the case of infant baptism, it is the faith of the parents and their sincere commitment that must first be publicly professed. Please note: in both cases faith is required. There can be no baptism without faith.

This must be clear ahead of time. Sometimes those who advocate infant baptism are accused of "jumping the gun." But that is utter nonsense. Public profession of faith is always a requirement for baptism. It is important to state this "up front" to avoid stubborn misconceptions.

The Structure of the Covenant⤒🔗

The baptism of infants finds its origin the way the LORD has sovereignly structured his covenant. When the LORD makes a covenant, he does so with a believer. You may think here of Abraham. In Genesis 17:7 we find this structure clearly articulated,

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

What structure becomes evident here? When the LORD makes a covenant with a believer, this covenant immediately extends to his descendants and the generations to come. This is also the reason why the sign of the covenant had to be administered through the generations, from father to sons.

When God accepts a believer, he also accepts his family, children, and descendants. The promises and obligations of that covenant now also apply to the children of believers. These children are to be taught about and nurtured in that covenant. This is what I call "the structure of the covenant."

Some would have us believe that this structure is in effect only in the Old Testament, which is a physical covenant, while in the New Testament it is a spiritual covenant which an entirely different structure. Bully. Both covenants, the Old and the New, are fully spiritual. Circumcision meant receiving a new heart, just as baptism means receiving a new heart. Check the prophets of old (Jer 31:33-34).

This structure has not changed in the New Testament. On Pentecost, the Apostle Peter says,

 The promise is for you and your children...

Instead of the structure becoming a stricture, it is specifically added that the promise is also for all "who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39). The New Covenant broadens and deepens what was already clear in the old dispensation.

Why does the Covenant have this Structure?←⤒🔗

This structure exists because it is a matter of common biblical sense. When you enter into a close personal relationship with a friend, you also include in that relationship all who belong to this friend. You would not stand idly by if your friend's wife and children were being slaughtered. Would you really turn a blind eye? How much more will the God of righteousness and compassion not fully honour his covenant?

This structure exists especially because the LORD has willed it so. In this way he shows to us his sovereign grace and boundless love. This structure is God's special glory. He makes his covenant with whomever he wills, with those who are least esteemed in this world, and he stands by his word. That is why being included in his covenant from infancy on is such a tremendous blessing and surety.

Please note carefully. A child is not baptized on the basis of his parents' faith. No human faith – not even of sincere Christian parents – is sufficient. The only basis is Christ's sacrifice on the cross. A child is baptized because God promises to children of believers that he is and will be their Father in heaven. He applies to us all the benefits of Jesus Christ. The basis is never our faith but only God's promises in Christ which are always true and sure.

Parents Beware!←⤒🔗

The above does mean that Christian parents have an immense responsibility. When requesting baptism for your newborn infant, you make important vows. Parents beware! Do not have your children baptized out of custom or superstition. The LORD will hold you to each and all of these vows. Let it not be because of unbelief and laxness of apostate parents that baptized children go astray.

Is there a problem with the attitude of today's covenant youth? Sometimes I hear rumblings, even though I live on a dead-end street. Perhaps the problem lies more with parents who are not being Christian examples and offering biblical guidance.

The structure of the covenant also makes us aware of the sanctions in the covenant. God works through the generations, but grace is not hereditary. Those who become unbelievers and break God's covenant also forfeit the blessing of the covenant for their children and the generations to come. Our decisions have great consequences for our children. Faith is passed on through the generations but can also be lost in the generations. The covenant is not a game. Entire generations can be lost for the kingdom of heaven when parents and/or children do not take its structure seriously.

Parents have Hope!←⤒🔗

The structure of the covenant is not only about the grace of God. That structure is designed to involve all of us, young and old, to meet the obligations that come with God's blessings. The simple yet profound fact that the structure of the covenant begins with and rests on God and his promises in Christ gives great hope to Christian parents and covenant children. God also promises to us the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is with us all who work with our baptism.

Is there not one text in Scripture that says infants must be baptized? Do you remember poor Rev. Johan vanderHoeven who postulated this observation? But the whole Bible speaks this language. How could we ever miss this clear biblical line?

I'd really like to see more discussion and reflection on the structure of the covenant of grace. I'd like parents to be encouraged every time they witness a baptism of an infant. I'd like our youth to be positively reminded of the riches of their baptism. We have such a tremendous treasure and motivation in infant baptism. Get the lead out, people.