Child of Blessing, Child of Promise

“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise” was written in 1981 by Ronald S. Cole-Turner as a baptismal hymn that reflects covenant theology and the promises of God to His people. The hymn is frequently used in services of baptism, particularly for infants, though its theology also speaks broadly of the believer’s identity in Christ. It emphasizes that baptism is rooted in God’s gracious initiative rather than human merit.

The opening language echoes Genesis 17:7, where God declares His covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants: “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant” (KJV). The hymn connects baptism with this covenantal framework, presenting the baptized child as one included within the promises of God.

Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, commands the church to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The hymn reflects the Trinitarian character of baptism and the church’s responsibility to nurture the baptized in faith and obedience. Baptism is not portrayed as an endpoint but as a beginning within the life of discipleship.

Romans 6:3-5 teaches that believers are baptized into Christ’s death and raised to walk in newness of life. The hymn incorporates this imagery of dying and rising with Christ. It points to transformation through union with Him, grounding identity not in human achievement but in divine grace.

Galatians 3:26-29 states that those baptized into Christ have put on Christ and are heirs according to the promise. The hymn echoes this inheritance theme, affirming that the baptized belong to the covenant community and share in the hope of salvation.

“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise” serves as both declaration and prayer. It declares God’s gracious claim upon the baptized and prays for lifelong faithfulness. Its tone is gentle and hopeful, reminding the church that every baptized believer is called to grow into the fullness of Christ. The hymn directs attention away from human effort and toward the enduring faithfulness of the covenant keeping God.