What is Baby Dedication?

When parents dedicate their child, they are showing a desire to commit their son or daughter to the Lord and His service. They are also promising to do everything in their power to help their child grow to understand Christ’s love and experience a life-giving relationship with Him.  “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) 

This vow of dedication should be taken with great sincerity and commitment.   “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) 

Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart salvation to a child. We know that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives God’s grace and forgiveness because of His death and resurrection. Yet, these dedications can serve as a memorial to the parents to raise their children up as Moses writes, in Deuteronomy 6:5-9