Can Children Understand Righteousness by Faith?

We want to help children understand the gospel of righteousness by faith. But some Bible words are big for them to grasp--"righteousness," "justification," "sanctification." Does God not care if they understand them or not? Can they understand "justification by faith"? If we say no, then do we unwittingly teach them a "prejudice"? If we avoid teaching them while they are children what it means, is it possible they could carry that "prejudice" all their lives? Could that be a reason why so many grown-ups still can't grasp what justification by faith means?

What does Isaiah 40:11 mean when it says that Jesus "shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom"? What does He mean when He says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them [get in their way?]; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:14)? Does He actually mean that "little children" CAN understand "the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:5, 14)--this true "gospel of the kingdom [that must] be preached in all the world"? Can they see how it's distinguished from those counterfeit gospels of the "false christs" He also warns us against (Matt. 24:14, 24)?

Should children remain spiritual babies eating nothing but "milk" (1 Peter 2:2)? Or, as Paul says, should they start to "grow up" (Eph. 4:13)? "Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who ... have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:13, 14). To re-phrase our question: can children actually become "skilled in the word of righteousness"? (They become "skilled" in computer use!)

Let's not look only to the differing "experts" for answers; some personal fasting with prayer and waiting on the Lord is in order. He will use and bless YOU and YOUR personality! If you come to Him asking for "bread" to give to others (children!), know of a surety that your prayer will be heard and answered (see Luke 11:5-13).

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 24, 2004.Copyright © 2011 by Robert J. Wieland.

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