The Sacrament of Baptism 

As Presbyterians, we believe that the Sacrament of Baptism is one of two sacraments instituted by our Lord (along with Communion). We follow Jesus’ command to go into the world and “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is the sign and seal of the call of God toward a believer. Particularly in the baptism of infants, the sacrament is a powerful symbol of the fact that God’s call is not based upon anything we have done to earn or deserve his love. His call is an act of grace - a freely given gift. Even before we can respond to God’s love, God offers it to us.

You will respond to God’s love by making two promises. First, you will promise to raise your child in a Christian home, to pray with and for her, and to share the love of Christ with her. Second, you will claim on your child’s behalf the love and forgiveness of God. You will accept God’s grace for her, which is the heart of baptism.