For 2000 years, most Christians have participated in the ritual of baptism. Yet for many people today, whether they are Christian or otherwise, baptism remains a mystery. What does it mean? Why do many Christians baptize their young children while others do not? Why do some fully immerse in water while others simply sprinkle it upon the head? Most importantly, how does the act of baptism lavish the grace of God upon us, and how is its symbol significant for those who walk the way of Jesus? Consider this work to be an exploration of these questions.
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Bart Garrett. The Mystery of Grace in the Baptism of Our Children (Stapled Booklet)
The Mystery of Grace. in the Baptism of Our Children
Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1. Pastoral Counsel
Chapter 2. An Important Qualification
Chapter 3. Mode and Meaning
Chapter 4. The Meaning of Baptism
Chapter 5. The True Question Behind the Discussion
Chapter 6. Will You Please Summarize?
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Bart Garrett
Thanks to my parents, hands that are steady, character that is deep, and a faith that seems unwavering—I learn from you both. From Corrie, a posture that questions the status quo—thanks for challenging me!
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Finally, it is rare for a day to go by when I do not stop and think: “What would Richard Pratt have to say about that?” Thanks Richard, for your voice that forever remains in the ear of your students.
Likewise, there are many perplexing issues like baptism that create opportunity for sincere church members to submit their confusion and uncertainty to the counsel of the pastoral leadership. On these important, yet non-essential issues, allow the leadership to shape policy—policy that has been wrestled through with a certain degree of theological skill and expertise. Then, be willing to embrace the outcomes. The Bible teaches that teachers will be held to a higher standard of accountability, thus, take the pressure off of your own shoulders and let us bear it for you. Baptism is a very important issue. It is not an essential issue.1 Deference to your leadership and the present community in which you worship is perhaps more pleasing to God than your own personal opinions and premonitions about baptism itself.2
