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Where'd the practice begin?
so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.”
I am NOT advocating for baby dedication so don't jump all over me, but to be fair, we are the church of the firstborn (Heb 12.23) and if people appeal to the example of Joseph and Mary dedicating baby Jesus, I put it in the category of things not worth dividing over. And no, they didn't leave the baby at the Temple.
What bothers me is the inconsistency of not baptizing babies and then letting little kids take communion in my Baptist experience. But on the other hand, I saw PCA parents who held to Covenantal theology and baptized their babies, and yet would not let their young children who professed the Lord and had tender hearts for the Lord and wanted to take communion, to partake. I'd say both sides have inconsistencies.
Actually Scott, that dedication was 40 days after Jesus birth. It was the time of purification for a baby boy.
But to be fair, in my experience in Calvinist Baptist land, most-not all- people don't do it for any particular reason based on any scripture. It is just what Baptists do so they do it without thinking about it. If you quiz them as to why based on the bible they would have to try to figure out an answer.
It doesn't really bother me the way altar calls do, and use of the word "altar", but I digress. I suppose to answer the OPs original question, he should consult the many many many lengthy PB threads by Baptists as to why babies are not baptized....I could give a short reply of average Baptist thought but he can do better with google on PB.
We could just as easily set you up as carrying over OT circumcision in your theology- but let's not go there now
Scott, I am not squeezing anything because I do not believe in OT Temple worship which has been surpassed/fulfilled by worship in spirit and truth.
You are not going to be able to have an intelligent discussion with a Baptist about this if you can't understand what the thinking is.
And going back to the OP, it is a separate subject from not baptizing babies for a Reformed Baptist. Don't lump them together.
easily set you up as carrying over OT circumcision in your theology
I am not saying all or most paedos have an OT mindset, but I have heard some speak in such a way that it could be construed as such ( not referring to anybody on the PB).
Hum. I did not think you were advocating for anything unbiblical. Sorry if I miscommunicated. I was trying to answer the OP in such a way that if he is involved with relatives or friends dedicating their babies, he could maybe get some thoughts on the subject and approaching it with them.
I've had some success with the "altar" in my old charismatic associations. Jesus said we don't worship in Jerusalem or in Samaria, not in a place. Hebrews says we have an altar, what does that mean, is it the front of the church; is it the communion table? Is the Holy Spirit more present there than in the pew? You'd be amazed at the mystical magical mentality that up front is more holy than the back row.
I've seen a few people give up the use of that word entirely. A light bulb goes off and they get it. But you have to work these things through slowly. You are not going to get anywhere telling happy people with a cute new baby that God hates what they are doing.
I think you should be careful. Proverbs says God hates 6/7 things and lists them. He hates divorce. Amos and Isaiah speak of Him hating the assembly and sacrifices and sabbath keeping when the hearts were far from him. Saying he hates baby dedications is a bit strong. Maybe they grieve the Holy Spirit, I don't know. Maybe they are something where God is patient and merciful.
At any rate OP, take it slow, and talk about what things carry over from the OT in worship and what does not, and is the ceremonial dedication still binding on us today. If you present it right and give them a chance to think about it maybe you will see some fruit.