Making decisions
and promises
The decision to come
for baptism has consequences. An adult seeking baptism will be asked to state publically
that they wish to follow Jesus.
A young child clearly
cannot make a commitment of the same type. So when you bring your child for
baptism, you and the godparents will be asked to declare publicly on the child’s behalf a belief in God. You will
also promise to bring up your
child as a Christian i.e. that you will teach the child by your example to
follow Jesus.
You
will be asked to answer, on your child’s behalf, whether you have decided to
turn away from everything that is evil or sinful, and to turn instead to God. The
declarations made by you and the child’s godparents will be made in front of the
church congregation. The Christian community will promise to support you and to pray for you and
your child.
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The declarations During the service, you will be
asked to make the following declarations: Priest: “Do you reject the devil and all
that is rebellion against God?” Parents and
godparents: “I
reject them.” Priest: “Do you renounce the deceit and
corruption of evil?” Parents and
godparents: “I
renounce them.” Priest: “Do you repent of your sins that
separate us from God and neighbour?” Parents and
godparents: “I
repent of them.” Priest: “Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?” Parents and
godparents: “I
turn to Christ.” Priest: “Do you submit to Christ as
Lord?” Parents and
godparents: “I
reject them.” Priest: “Do you come to Christ, the way,
the truth and the life?” Parents and
godparents: “I
come to Christ.” |
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Living water:
the Bishop of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, baptises
an adult believer in the River Stour in July 2012. |
Back to the Medlock Head main page
Page posted 7 July 2012