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.
It wasn't my intention to imply that the Lord doesn't honor the efforts of godly parents in bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We are repeatedly taught that the Lord honors those who honor Him and I believe that there is a reasonable expectation the the Lord will honor the efforts of parents to raise godly children.
However, as my and Steve's and the scripture I cited point out, ULTIMATELY, salvation is of the Lord.
My concern is that we move, without our even seeing ourselves doing it, from relying on the electing grace of a Sovereign God to our own efforts to bring about salvation in our family. I beleive we must love a God who is sovereign in election and that includes His right to choose which of our parents, children, brothers and sisters, etc. believe and to love Him and trust Him in the matter no matter how much it hurts.
The same Christ that taught us to love one another also taught us, in no uncertain terms:
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Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
I believe we have to honestly come before Him and while pleading that it not be so, in our family, as it is described in this verse, yet saying, "Thy will be done", and love and respect His decision in the matter regardless of what it is.
That was my only point, Wes, not to negate the validity of the Lord's working in godly families, for I believe He does, but like Steve, my heritage is one of many ungodly, many Roman Catholic at the Great Grand parent level, my paternal Grandfather being converted in mid life after a great economic affliction. My grand parents on the other side were both unbelievers as far as I can tell.
Salvation is of the Lord, and is based on the "eternal covenant, ordered in all things and sure, in this is all my salvation and desire". Earthly covenants, and credo baptisms, are of respect and obedience but they are a second cause and an outward sign, in my view, and this is to always be kept in view, that He gets the glory.
I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear that your family has been blessed to know "the light of His countenance" in succeeding generations. What a wonderful provision and blessing this must have been for you and your children and I praise Him that it is so.
