Let the Little Children Come: Why Paedobaptism Is Gospel Rest, Not Legalism

👨‍🍼⛲️Article 18 Let the Little Children Come:

A Final Invitation to Trust the Covenant-Keeping God

> “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 19:14

> “He who promised is faithful.”

— Hebrews 10:23

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There is dust on the road to Galilee.

And in that dust, little feet are running.

Tiny fingers cling to hems and cloaks. Young voices laugh and interrupt.

And the Son of God—the One through whom all things were made—stoops down to gather them in His arms.

That image is not a sentimental footnote in the gospels. It is a window into the heart of our King.

When Jesus says, “Let the children come to Me,” He does not mean when they are old enough. He does not mean once they understand enough. He means now—because the kingdom belongs to them.

The same Jesus who welcomed children to His arms, welcomes them still.

And He has not left us without sign or assurance.

He has given water, Word, and promise—and He has not changed His mind.

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1. The Covenant Is a Comfort, Not a Cage

For some, the idea of baptizing babies feels heavy—like obligation or legalism.

But that’s a distortion of the covenant, not its design.

God’s promises are not weights meant to crush the weary parent.

They are anchors for the soul.

Paedobaptism is not a substitute for faith—it is a signpost toward it.

It does not presume regeneration.

It does not bypass repentance.

But it boldly declares: “This child belongs to God’s people. And God is not silent about what that means.”

God is not asking you to be perfect.

He is asking you to trust the One who is.

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2. God Loves Generations, Not Just Moments

We live in an age of immediacy—of urgent trends, short attention spans, and fleeting headlines.

But the covenant is different. It is slow. It is deep. It is generational.

> “The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17)

When we bring our children to the font, we are not just reacting to today—we are planting for tomorrow.

We are aligning ourselves with the long patience of God.

Your child’s baptism is not the end of a process—it is the beginning of a pilgrimage.

God does not just save individuals; He establishes households.

He writes legacies. He builds generations.

And every drop of water remembers.

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3. Invitation to Trust the God Who Remembers

You may be tired. You may be uncertain. You may be afraid that you’ve already failed.

But here is the truth:

The God who made covenant with Abraham, who remembered Israel, who fulfilled His promise in Christ—He remembers.

He remembers what we forget.

He keeps what we would lose.

Paedobaptism is not a way to control the future.

It is a way to entrust the future to the One who already holds it.

> “For the promise is for you and for your children…” (Acts 2:39)

That promise was not given because Peter knew every child would believe.

It was given because God is faithful through every generation—even when we are not.

So we bring them.

Not because we can see the whole story,

but because we know the Author.

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4. The Children Are Coming—Build Them a Church Worth Receiving Them

Baptism says, “They belong.”

But do our churches reflect that?

If we dare to mark children with covenant grace, then we dare not leave them to spiritual starvation.

We are obligated—joyfully, seriously, covenantally—to raise them in liturgy, truth, and love.

Baptism is not the church saying, “Let’s wait and see.”

It’s the church saying, “We see them now. And we will not forget them.”

Catechize them.

Sing with them.

Feast beside them.

Welcome their noise.

Answer their questions.

Rebuke them when needed—and remind them that they are loved, not because they perform, but because they are baptized into Christ.

Baptism is not magic.

But it is memory.

And it is mission.

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5. End With the Cross and the Kingdom

In the end, baptism is not about water.

It is about a Person.

Jesus died for children.

He rose for children.

And He reigns for children.

Every baptism whispers the gospel:

That Christ receives us in weakness.

That He washes what we cannot.

That He remembers what we forget.

And He is coming again to claim all who bear His name.

> “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” (Isaiah 54:13)

Baptism is not a closing ceremony.

It is an opening salvo.

A declaration that this house, this child, this church—belongs to the King of kings.

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Final Benediction: Walk in the Waters That Remember

So let the children come.

Bring them to the arms of Jesus—not when you feel ready, but because He is.

Parents, your faith may tremble.

But your Savior does not.

He who promised is faithful.

Church, your task is great.

But your Lord is greater.

Baptize, disciple, remember.

And child of God—whether young or old, wandering or weary—look to the water.

Remember your name.

And walk forward in the grace of the covenant that still holds.

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> “These waters are not magic. But they are memory. And they are promise.”

> The Waters That Remember are not just about children.

They are about Christ.

And the Kingdom He is building, one faithful household at a time.