Does Baptism Avail?

Objection

Baby dedications are a sweet gesture on the parents' part, and an indication they intend to bring the child up in the church and with a Biblical worldview. Nothing more. Infant baptisms mean nothing in terms of spiritual salvation for the child.

Answer

Toward justification that is certainly true, but towards civil sanctification prior to justification later in life & towardw salvific sanctification after justification later in life, that isn’t at all true.

Baptism corresponds to circumcision. It serves the same purpose. Baptism is a highly prophetic act, a means of grace with an inductive component & an intuitive component.    God’s covenantal faithfulness is expressed both in the act of dedication / infant baptism & in word. 

Presbyterians baptize their children in a water ceremony that involves the proclamation of God’s covenant & God’s faithfulness & calls both the family & congregation to publicly express their covenant solidarity with each other, the child, & the child’s parent(s) &/or guardian. The witnesses are reminded to renew covenant privately with the LORD too. This is all a means of grace. God’s grace in word & work do not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11).