blhowes
Puritan Board Professor
Sometimes, when I look across the street into my paedo brother's theological yard, I see things that look very nice in their yard and think, "I wouldn't mind having that". The idea of presumptive regeneration is one of those things. They have a confidence (though not a guarantee) that their children may be or may get saved, based on promises that God has made. They presume the best until proven otherwise, again, [b:328bfab5ab]based on God's promises[/b:328bfab5ab].
As a baptist, I look in our yard and wonder what we have in this regard. We do have election in common with our brothers- the belief that some of our children may get saved and some may not, and God is justified in that choice. But, beyond that, do we have any other hope or confidence that our children will get saved? Often, I must admit, there's the feeling that if I bring my children to church and if I have daily Bible readings with them and if I pray for them and if I do this or if I do that, chances are they will get saved (though contingent upon God's election). Its I, I, I. All of us, I "presume", would admit that we often fall far short of what we should be as parents. Placing hope on my efforts isn't as reassuring as resting in God's promises.
As baptists, beyond election, what confidence do we have that our children will get saved? How is that confidence grounded in God's promises?
Bob
As a baptist, I look in our yard and wonder what we have in this regard. We do have election in common with our brothers- the belief that some of our children may get saved and some may not, and God is justified in that choice. But, beyond that, do we have any other hope or confidence that our children will get saved? Often, I must admit, there's the feeling that if I bring my children to church and if I have daily Bible readings with them and if I pray for them and if I do this or if I do that, chances are they will get saved (though contingent upon God's election). Its I, I, I. All of us, I "presume", would admit that we often fall far short of what we should be as parents. Placing hope on my efforts isn't as reassuring as resting in God's promises.
As baptists, beyond election, what confidence do we have that our children will get saved? How is that confidence grounded in God's promises?
Bob