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Gerry wrote:

I also appreciate your pointing out the error of salvation normally or usually in generational lines. Yes, the Lord does honor His promises to hear the prayers and honor the efforts of parents who bring their children up in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord", but He does it, like all else he does, SOVEREIGNLY. Essau and Jacob, it seems to me should be our teacher, as I believe it was meant to be, in this matter.

After reading your comments and Steve's it apprears you believe children that come from a Christian household who trust the Lord for their salvation are the exception rather than the norm. Certainly many exceptions could be sighted but I wouldn't go to that extreme. This makes me wonder how many of the members who participate on this discussion board came to the Lord from unbelieving families.

I think this can have an impact of one's view. For example I happen to believe that my paternal Grandparents loved the Lord, my parents loved the Lord, my children love the Lord and recently my oldest grandchild made her public profession of faith declaring her love for the Lord. Each of these lives as I've observed them has given evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. As I've said before there are many exceptions to this rule but I believe it is God's primary plan to work within covenant households. His promises were given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Isaac was Abraham's child of promise and even today I believe we need to look at our children in this way. Trusting that God will bring our children to repentance and faith even as He has us by His marvelous grace.

Certainly this is not a matter of the will of man nor of the flesh but when God is active in a person's life the evidences of God's grace will have impact on all those who grow up in that household. This provides a means of grace whereby the children are exposed to the gospel and discipleship through a believing parent. This doesn't insure the children's salvation but it is a means the Spirit uses along with a families participation in the life of the church. As you know the gospel is the power of God to salvation and He makes this known through the foolishness of preaching. We bring our children under this teaching and pray that the Spirit will work in their hearts. Praise God He does!


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts