Q.
I enjoy & am edified by your articles & answers.
“When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child” (I Corinthians 13) …. Pertaining to Children being “Saved” rather than “Safe” for a time, Do you believe caution is needed before “convincing” a child they are saved? Catholic, Muslim, and Buddhist children grow up believing their religion is right, some to their death.
Do you see any correlation to this subject, and the Lord not holding those under age 20 accountable in the days of Moses?? Would you see any problem with lowering the Legal voting age to say, 14 years old, and if so, why??
Does believing in Jesus mean more than acknowledging he existed, all the while, say, embracing Evolution?
Thank you again for your Ministry!!
God bless you.
David
A.
Hello David,
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your questions.
Jesus made clear the possibility of children believing when He urged the disciples to allow the little children to come to Him because of such is the kingdom of God (Matt. 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). Of course, this is why we speak of “childlike faith.” So, I believe a child can be saved. The Holy Spirit is the one who convinces anyone regardless of age of their need to trust in Jesus. When one trusts in Christ, the sure word of God, through salvation promises, provides the ground for assurance. The caution should be in regard to making sure the “convincing” is from the Word and the Spirit.
The reference to Numbers and God holding those 20 years old and upwards accountable for their choices is significant. However, it is a pattern, rather than prescriptive. Yet, in this light, I wouldn’t mind if the voting age was 20.
Believing in Jesus for salvation is not merely acknowledging Jesus, but depending on Jesus to save you from sin and judgment. Once you are saved, if you walk by faith, you will grow in grace. Through faith we understand the worlds [universe] were framed by the word of God (Heb. 11:3). Faith embraces creation, but this is not a condition for salvation since the natural man does not have the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14).
John
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject in the comments section below! If you have a question on another subject, we welcome you to make a submission by clicking here:
