The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Question regarding infant baptism

OK then, Does not God regenerate infants and convert young children?

Though we have some arguable texts in which some children were converted from the womb (Luke 1:41-42) we also have examples of God not regenerating covenant infants from the womb (on top of ‘ol baldly, 2 Kings 2:23-24; the sons of Eli, 1 Sam. 2:22-25; Esau, Rom. 9:13; Ishmael, Gal. 4). Oh, don't forget that "all" Israel is not Israel as another example.

What I find interesting is Matthew 18:11-14 which states,

Did you notice the use of the phrase “little ones” (micron). Our Lord states that these elect (they are sheep not goats) “little ones” are “lost.” Now just in case you don’t get it, Matthew uses this term in 14th chapter (vss. 6, 10) interchangeably with paidion (vss. 2, 4, 5). Paidion means very young child or infant. Though Christ looked at these particular Jewish children as being in the covenant and had some VERY stringent rules concerning them, he also considered them “lost” until they were found by the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25). Moreover, in light of the first examples given, this text may not be biblically interpreted that all covenant children are saved -- only the ones that God blessed in his decree of election will be saved.

William,

God certainly can regenerate infants and convert children no less than He can regenerate and bring adults to conversion. But the Lord's ability to do something is not to be taken as a warrant to presume that He will do that which He can. Using your "logic", would not a husband or wife be justified in presuming the salvation of their mate since both are considered in the covenant? (1Cor 7:13, 14) If not, then you are therefore in need to give evidence that "infants and/or children" of believing parents have some special standing before God upon which parents can justify a presumption of election, or regeneration, or salvation, which supersedes or obviates the clear texts which consign ALL human beings regardless of age, nationality, gender, heritage, etc., to be under the wrath of God and at enmity with Him. Simply put, on what basis can a believing parent presume the salvation of a child which is consistent with the Doctrines of Grace? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

OK guys thanks for the feedback. I think that a reason I cannot percieve your point of view is do to what I believe the covenant is. I am not sure that I can see from the scripture that the reprobate are truly included in the covenant other than by administration. I believe the covenant promises are only to the elect. Perhaps I'll let the issue rest to consider other reasonings

William

William,

I am sure that the problem here is your not allowing for the "elect" to be born in a condition of depravity and as such are under the wrath of God. God's decree of election must not cloud nor negate the application of it in history. The "elect" are not automatically saved by virtue of their election. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/nope.gif" alt="" /> They are born dead in sins just like everyone else who is born into this world. Their salvation is secured via means and in God's good time. Thus we read in Romans 8:28, 30:

Do you notice that although there is a foreordination (decree to predestinate and elect) certain individuals they are "called" (regeneration and Irresistible Grace) and thus "justified" (conversion to Christ by repentance and faith) and finally "glorified". . . . aka: "Ordo Salutis". Again, I believe you are diminishing, ignoring or even perhaps denying the temporal outworking of God's eternal decree of election. Although it was done in eternity it is brought to pass in history and time.

Who the elect are we can never be infallibly sure. And what we are given to know in our fallible state comes by means of observation, i.e., "by their fruits ye shall know them". UNTIL there is observable fruit, we have no basis nor warrant to presume who the elect are including our own children. For the promise (of salvation) is given ONLY to those who are called (inwardly by the Holy Spirit which infallibly results in conversion).

I hope this helps you to better understand. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,