Furniture in the Church 3 - The Baptismal Font

The third and final major furnishing in the church is the baptismal font (the word font is derived from the Latin fons, meaning “fountain”). For Christians, our eternal life begins at the Baptismal font, for it is here that the baptized are made one with Christ through His death and resurrection, are giving the Holy Spirit, and receive saving faith through the Sacrament. The Rite of Baptism is a public rite usually included at the beginning of the Divine Service, or more anciently, on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter).

In medieval times and in some modern churches, the font is located in the narthex or at the entrance into the nave.  This practice symbolizes that Holy Baptism is the means by which a person enters the Christian community (Matt. 28:18-20; John 3:5; Acts 2:38). We are reminded of this passing it as we enter into church. Another common practice in Lutheran churches has been to place the font near to or in the chancel, uniting it with the other major liturgical furnishings.  There it serves to remind us of the importance of our Baptismal life and that we approach our God by virtue of what He has done for us through Baptism. By placing the font in a location where we see it often, we are reminded that “the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever” (Luther’s Small Catechism: Baptism, What does such baptizing with water indicate?).

The size design of the font has varied throughout history and place. At most Lutheran churches, the font is designed for pouring or sprinkling baptismal water on infants and adults. Others are larger and designed for full immersion.  The amount of water applied at Baptism is not defined in Scripture, for “Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word (Luther’s Small Catechism: Baptism, What is Baptism?).  Hence, Baptism is an act of God upon a person in which God “works the forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declares” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Baptism, What benefits does Baptism give?).

A common design of the baptismal font is an octagon shape representing the connection to the practice of circumcision (traditionally occurring on the eighth day); that Noah and his family, eight in all, where saved from the flood which foreshadowed Baptism (1 Peter 3:20-22); and even more importantly of Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week (the eighth day), thus the beginning of a new creation.  This directs our attention to our baptismal regeneration, our rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-8). Within the font lies the bowl to hold the water and shell (an ancient symbol of Baptism) used to apply the water upon the Baptized.

note: post 3/11 adapted from my brother's writings