Is the consecration of children compulsory?

Question:

Hello! Tell me, please, must children be brought to consecration when they are little, (why must) or is it a religious “ritual”, that is similar to the orthodox baptism of children? The Bible says that children are “a gift from the Lord” … Or does the Lord give gifts that are not blessed? In fact, I see no difference between the “blessed” child and another child until repentance. Thanks. Blessings!

Blessing of the children was a commandment given to the people of Israel

In the book of Numbers we read the following about the blessing of children:

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you,
and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.’ So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” (Numbers 6:22-27)(NASB)

The following things are clear from this text:

  • God asked to bless the children
  • God gave the words for this blessing
  • Those who participate at this consecration put the name of God upon the child

But someone will say that it was only for the children of Israel and it does not apply to the children from other nations, or Christians.

Jesus blessed the children

Here’s what the New Testament tells us:

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16)(NASB)

This text tell us the following truths:

  • Parents understood how important and much needed was the blessing of their children by Jesus
  • The disciples thought it was a thing of little importance and that bothered Jesus, that’s why they rebuked those who were bringing their children to be blessed by Him
  • Jesus was angry with those who prevented children to be brought to Him to be blessed
  • Jesus blessed the children laying His hands on them

Blessing of children is neither a religious rite nor similar to baptism of children in the Orthodox church. The blessing of children is a privilege given to us by God and is calling His name over our children. Yes, children are a gift from the Lord, are a blessing and because they are so God gives us the privilege to bless them and to call His name on them. We, people, humanly see no difference between children who were blessed and those who were not and I think it is because of God’s love and mercy for all of us. God bless all our children and put His name on  all of them.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru