God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

LESSON 2: THE DEDICATION OF CHILDREN 1. WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF THE DEDICATION OF CHILDREN? This sacrament is the solemn presentation of a child to God. This is done when the parents (or guardians) of a child bring the child before the presbytery of the local church and make covenant between themselves and God. Hands are laid upon the child and parents, and the blessing of God invoked upon them. This is in obedience to Christ's command. Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:16. 2. WHAT COVENANT IS MADE BETWEEN GOD AND THE PARENTS IN THIS SACRAMENT? In the Sacrament of Marriage, a covenant is made

between a man, a woman and God. When a child is born from this union, the child is also brought into the covenant of God's blessing through dedication by the parents. Thus the child is placed within the sanctifying

covenant bounds made between GOD-MAN-WOMAN. God promises blessings of peace, health, understanding and protection to the child whose parents promise to rear him for the service of the Lord. l Samuel 1:27, 28; Psalms 127:3. 3. WHAT ATTITUDE SHOULD THE PARENTS HAVE IN THIS SACRAMENT? They must be willing to assume the responsibility of raising and training the child in the ways of God. It does not mean that the parents must dedicate their child to become a minister or missionary but rather that they want the child to fulfill his own destiny in God's

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