Near the close of Christ’s earthly ministry, He was teaching the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. People started bringing their little children to Him for a blessing. The disciples tried to send these people away--apparently, they thought Jesus had more important work to tend to. But He surprised them with these words, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16
It is not automatic that every child is a member of the kingdom of God. Nor is it true that baptizing a child makes them a member of the kingdom of God. In fact, infant baptism is nowhere taught or practiced in Scripture. In the Adventist church we dedicate children to the Lord after the example of Jesus in this story. However, it is incumbent upon parents to by faith work in harmony with that prayer of dedication. Parents you can be sure that your children are being drawn to Christ (John 12:32). And you should find these words comforting, “...the faith of the believing parents covers the children, as when God sent His judgments upon the first-born of the Egyptians. . . .” Last Day Events p. 293.
The question for parents to settle is how does the “faith of the believing parents” operate? Are you bringing them up “in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. Do you have family worships each day and do you apply the teaching of the Bible in your home?
It is vain to trust in dedications, church school and Sabbath School to accomplish what God calls parents themselves to do by His grace. Notice, "Some parents allow Satan to control their children, and their children are not restrained, but are allowed to have wicked tempers, to be passionate, selfish, and disobedient. Should they die these children would not be taken to heaven." --Selected Messages Book 3 pp. 314, 315. Those are sober words I know, but we need to take them seriously. Jesus isn’t taking parents to heaven who have an evil unsubdued temper either but thank God He has given us the gospel that transforms evil tempers! And believe it or not your children, even little ones who can understand simple words can understand the gospel and experience its transforming power. We need to believe that--and expect that God will convert their hearts if we are providing an atmosphere and opportunity for them to choose Christ.
I want to share a resource with you that I believe will help you share the gospel with them in a way they can understand. This resource is free online. It is a little book now in .pdf format plus a free dramatized version read by uncle Dan and aunt Sue. Just click here.
