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That's a common and difficult question and one which has been discussed here in the past. There are, of course, opposing views. My own view is that the "essence of faith", i.e., that kernel of communication between the soul and Christ is created in all elect infants who are taken out of this world before they would have matured to the point where they would have been called, repented and believed upon Christ. Thus at their death the soul of the elect infant is united to Christ, for faith naturally flows to Him and embraces Him. Immediately/simultaneously, Christ's righteousness is imputed.

Secondly, I'm not totally convinced that David's son "went to heaven". I simply don't find any compelling evidence of that idea. And yes, the interpretation of 2Sam 12:23 has been hotly discussed here as well.

And lastly,

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The question is, by what means does God regenerate them?
Perhaps this is the easiest to answer of the three. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Since there is no participation or even prompting of man in regard to regeneration; it is solely the secret, sovereign and sole work of the Holy Spirit upon them whom God has predestinated to salvation, which occurs at the time determined by God from eternity, infants are regenerated no differently than adults.

In His Grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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