The Five-fold Baptism of our Children

On November 6 of 2011, Rachel and I had the privilege of participating in the baptism of all 5 of our children. I felt like Cornelius who must have watched with great joy as his entire household was baptized by the Apostle Peter. Most families have their children baptized soon after birth; having joined the Church later in life, we had, instead, a marathon baptism.

As I started Bryan College in the fall of 1999, no one could have persuaded me that in 12 years I would be standing in a Catholic Church as my children were baptized. In fact, growing up in a Southern Baptist tradition, I found no place suitable for a child's baptism. Belief before baptism: if there could be a Southern Baptist credo, this is it.

I understand now, in a strange turnabout of doctrine, that credo to derive from a works-based mentality. As odd as it may sound, if belief is required in order to receive the grace of baptism, then even that belief is a type of work. In true Christian doctrine, grace must always be prevenient.

Can there be a greater example of free grace than to offer sanctifying baptism to a baby who has had no time nor ability to do any good thing, to profess any creed, or to believe any doctrine?