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In this episode, Brett, Brian, and Jason continue their discussion on the Sacrament of Baptism. At the beginning of the episode, they take up the question, “Why do we baptize?” It is in God’s nature to have mercy and it is in God’s nature to save.
Two babies, one baptized, one not , both saved, I believe.
Here is my story. Baby Joel Peter was born in Ecuador on Thanksgiving day. We did not know immediately that he had heart defects. He ended up going unconscious and dying three days later. At that point he was in a hospital and we were not with him at his death. We had hoped to be able to get back and be with him before he passed, however we were at home with our four older children. As we grieved and tried to understand a little more about faith and baptism, one pastor quoted Luther as saying,”it is not the denial of baptism, but the rejection of it” that condemns. I also realized that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Seven years later, this time in Menomonie while expecting Andrew Joel, I was told that he had not developed lungs and that he would live until birth as until then his body would receive oxygen from me. This time we were forewarned and we had a plan. Sure enough when he was born, he could not breathe, but his heart beat for 31 minutes. During those minutes we baptized him, anointed him with oil, prayed for him, sang to him and told him we loved him. He had a very short life. Andrew went home to Jesus.
I believe that both Joel and Andrew are with the Lord…one was baptized, one was not. I also do not ascribe to the belief that every new born or every miscarried baby automatically goes to Heaven. I believe that babies shoud be taken to church 9 months before they are born. They should hear the word at home as much as possible since faith comes by hearing. If the Word is not present in their life, God still can do as He pleases. That is not for me to argue about. God is gracious and does not desire that any should perish. But,we as Christian parents do have a role to play in presenting that word to our dear children.
Thanks for your pod cast. I’ve been listening to it from the beginning.
God bless you,
Josie Pillman
Thank you for your comments and for sharing your stories, Josie.