<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]RonD, this is where Susan and others have problems with your presumed regeneration, or presumed election, if you desire (one must be presumed if the other is presumed). How can you know the mind of God? How do you know who the elect are? The simple fact is you DO NOT know who the elect are and neither should you presume it! </font><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>Hi Joe,<br><br>You are correct, I do not know the mind of God. However, you must admit that we are to at least treast certain adults as Christians for whom Christ died -- even without knowing for sure. Accordingly, the question does not hinge upon presuming to know who the true elect are, for nobody knows that but God. Moreover, there is no presumption on my part that one is regenerate. I could understand if someone accused me of presuming that the children of believing parents are elect, but not that they are regenerate at birth, baptism or anything of the like. However, even that assessment of my position would be faulty, for I do not even "presume" that one is elect. I am treating someone as I believe God would have it, no more no less.<br><br>Please think about it this way. Given what you have said above, you should not treat anyone as one for whom Christ died. However, I'm sure you do treat many people as part of the church. I would suggest that you have no problem treating people as sheep for whom Christ died. Your issue is with treating baptized children as such prior to a profession of faith. Moreover, when you treat adults as Christians, are you being presumptious? Certainly not. You are doing what you believe you are instructed to do by the word of God; or, you are acting strictly upon what you believe is enough evidence to persuade you. In either case, you are treating people a certain way without truly knowing the reality of the situation. <br><br>If nothing else, please appreciate that the basis for my practice is the precedence I believe that is set forth in Scripture.<br><br>I think that my position is clearly set forth in this thread, so I would prefer to leave this discussion at this time.<br><br>In His Grace,<br><br>Ron<br><br><br>
