You’ll have noticed that we not only practice infant baptism, we also welcome those baptized children to the Lord’s table. Israel’s example warns us of the dangers of covenant presumption. So, we must not neglect to teach, early and often, what these sacraments mean, and, more importantly, how to receive them rightly. In explaining these great mysteries to our children, we’re to take expansive theological glories, and put them in half-pint sized terms.
The image of a family home assists in explaining these sacraments. If you’re not in the family, you aren’t welcome to burst in and plunder the fridge. That’s called trespassin’. You must be invited in through the door. That door is baptism. The door is the only entrance into God’s household.
Once in the house, the most important piece of furniture is the table around which the family feasts. The table is this Supper. This is the family meal of God the Father with His children. Those who are welcomed through the door of Christ, are then freely welcomed at the table of Christ.
While many in the Reformed tradition agree with us as to the scriptural foundation for baptizing infants, they make those children wait in line for 13-18 years at the spiritual equivalent of the DMV before being welcomed to eat at the table. But even a child can see the problem with that practice. Haven’t I come through the door? Then shouldn’t I come to the table?
After all, here’s the meaning of these sacraments. Jesus is the only doorway to fellowship with God. Don’t stay out on the porch. He invites all who hear His voice to come in and dine with Him. Once inside, don’t act like a beggar hoping for scraps. Come joyfully in faith to this feast. For that is how we are to receive these sacraments. We receive them by believing that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the door, and Jesus is the table.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus…
