Where in the Bible Can We Find Dedication of Babies?
By: Brian A. Yeager

    A common practice that is more and more prevalent today in the denominational world is the dedication of babies.  There are many different twists to this unscriptural practice.  Some baptize the babies and some do not baptize the babies.  The ultimate question must be, where did God instruct us to do this practice?

Do We Need A Verse?

    The Bible clearly teaches us that we are to provide a scripture for all that we do.  (Colossians 3:17) “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  To do something in the name of Jesus is to do something by His authority.  One could search and search the pages of the Holy Writ and they would not find one example in the Law of Christ of a baby dedication.

    The question generally thrown in after such a truth is hammered home is “if there is no verse, does that mean it is wrong?”  The Bible also instructs us that if we add or take away from God’s word we have sinned.  (Deuteronomy 4:2) “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”  (Proverbs 30:5-6) “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”  (Revelation 22:18-19) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”  Once we realize that there is no authority we can then ask other questions.

Can Someone Dedicate You to God?

    Dedication means to be devoted wholeheartedly.  Is a baby really dedicated to God because mom and dad say he or she is?  They might even add that this is a way the baby proclaims the Lord and is dedicated to God in this “Dedication Service”.  Yet, the bible teaches that confession is something we must do for ourselves and not have someone else do it for us (Matthew 10:32-33 and Romans 10:10).  Just think of a voter going to vote for President of the United States.  Think for a moment if a voter would be able to cast their infant’s vote for President.  To serve the Lord we must be able to make up our own minds to forsake all and put Him first (Matthew 16:24-25, Mark 8:34-35, and Luke 9:57-62).  Do these same people believe that they will be able to answer to the Lord for their children?  If so, they should read (II Corinthians 5:9-10 and Romans 14:12).

    Some use baby dedications thinking that it will save a sinful child.  A child is born sinless (Ezekiel 18:20).  Certainly one could not think that they are helping to take away the sins of their sinless child by such a practice.  Sin is the violation of God’s law (I John 3:4).  No child can violate a law.  Could they believe that some sort of protection would be given to the dedicated child?  What of the child that is not dedicated in one of these services?  Are they not protected?  Just what kind of protection are these dedicated children receiving?  Again, where is the idea in God’s word that a child receives protection from God?  God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and all children are sinless.  What kind of protection could be given and God still be a fair God?

    Some use baby dedication in meaning that the child will be part of a certain church.  Yet, the Bible teaches there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4 and Ephesians 1:22-23).  The Bible teaches that the only way one is added to the church is by the Lord (Acts 2:47), upon obedience to baptism (I Corinthians 12:12-13 and Galatians 3:27).  Just to add, baptism is something a child cannot do.  Baptism is an act that is preceded by four other acts.  One must hear the word of God (Romans 10:17), believe it (Mark 16:15-16), repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), and confess Christ (Acts 8:37) all prior to baptism.  Surely any thinking person can realize an infant or even a small child could not do these things.

Conclusion

    There are many things people do to seem more religious to others.  Could this be one of those things?  Religion is not something we show off the way that some do their new cars, new homes, and new clothes.  The Pharisees were guilty of doing things before men to be seen of men and the Lord surely condemned this practice (Matthew 6:1-6).  It is the prayer of all God fearing parents that their children will be faithful to God.  Yet, this is something our children must decide to do when they are at an age in which they can make such a responsible decision.