Election and Children

What do we do with our children? The doctrine of election as taught by the Reformers and Reformed Baptists in particular have always caused much in house debate. The Reformers recognized that Baptism does not actually save anyone. Baptism is always tied to proclamation and belief in the Gospel that is proclaimed. Yet Lutherans and Presbyterians and Reformed Baptists have different ways of explaining how children are to be included in the fellowship of the local church.

I am a Baptist precisely because I believe in a believer’s baptism. There is much debate between Reformed Presbyterians and Reformed Baptists. Yet I am convinced the consistent Scriptural teaching is Believers Baptism. But what do we do with our children that the Lord has taken. What do we do with those who are not mentally able to hear the Gospel? These questions have even been raised in my local fellowship, and they are difficult ones.

Many in Evangelicalism believe in an age of accountability. This strikes me odd. This understanding of Scripture is formed by a belief of "fairness" and "love" that is not defined by Scripture but by culture. It is also a direct denial of original sin.

Some have cited David’s baby that died. David says he will go to him. What that means is not as clear as so many assume. We again simply read our Traditions into the text to make it side with our preconceived ideas about what God ought to do with our children. I simply believe this is more of a pastoral issue than a clear teaching of Scripture.

The LBCF states:

3. Elect Infants dying in infancy, are (k) regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit; who worketh when, and where, and (l) how he pleaseth: so also are all other elect persons, who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the Ministry of the Word.

I truly believe this is really the most a Christian can say about the subject. We as Christians should constantly recognize the righteousness and mercy and sovereignty of God. We should be constantly humbled in God’s presence. Since Scripture is silent on the subject, this should cause us to trust the wisdom and love of God. He will do what is right.

I have never personally experienced the death of a child. I have had close family and friends who have. I will not however use manipulation or Traditions to offer human comfort. I will offer, through the Proclamation of the Gospel, a God who is righteous and will save His people perfectly. God is the God of all comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort. (NKJV)