Topical Bible: Children and Sin

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Introduction

The topic of children and sin is a significant subject within Christian theology, addressing the nature of sin, the innocence of children, and their moral and spiritual development. The Bible provides insights into the inherent sinfulness of humanity, the innocence attributed to children, and the responsibility of parents in guiding their children in the ways of the Lord.

Original Sin and Human Nature

The doctrine of original sin, rooted in the fall of Adam and Eve, suggests that all humans inherit a sinful nature. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This passage implies that children, like all humans, are born with a propensity toward sin due to the fall.

Innocence of Children

Despite the doctrine of original sin, the Bible often portrays children as symbols of innocence and purity. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of childlike qualities in the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 18:3 , Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement highlights the innocence, humility, and trust that children naturally exhibit.

Accountability and Age of Understanding

The Bible does not explicitly define an "age of accountability," but it suggests that God holds individuals accountable for their actions when they reach an age of moral understanding. Deuteronomy 1:39 refers to the children of Israel who "do not yet know good from bad," indicating a recognition of their innocence and lack of moral culpability.

Parental Responsibility

Scripture places a significant emphasis on the role of parents in the spiritual upbringing of their children. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the importance of instilling biblical values and teachings in children from a young age.

Ephesians 6:4 further advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This passage highlights the responsibility of parents to nurture their children in a godly manner, guiding them away from sin and toward righteousness.

Jesus' Love for Children

Jesus' ministry demonstrated a profound love and care for children. In Mark 10:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." This invitation reflects Jesus' recognition of the value and significance of children within the faith community.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a nuanced view of children and sin, acknowledging the inherited sinful nature while also recognizing the innocence and purity of children. Parents are called to guide their children in the ways of the Lord, nurturing their spiritual growth and understanding. Through Jesus' teachings and example, children are affirmed as integral members of the kingdom of God, deserving of love, care, and spiritual guidance.

Topical Bible Verses

1 John 2:1-29
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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Library

Whether the Children who Died in Original Sin were Delivered by ...
... no one can come except through grace; according to Rom.6:23: "The grace of God is
life everlasting." Therefore, since children dying in original sin had no ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the children who died.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. ... 1 John
2:1.""My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi my little children.htm

Even the Children of the Regenerate Born in Sin. The Effect of ...
... Book II. On Original Sin. Chapter 44 [XXXIX.]"Even the Children of the Regenerate
Born in Sin. The Effect of Baptism. This concupiscence ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 44 xxxix even the children.htm

Whether if Eve, and not Adam, had Sinned, their Children Would ...
... Therefore if Eve, and not Adam, had sinned, their children would contract original
sin. Objection 3: Further, Damascene says (De Fide Orth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether if eve and not.htm

Therefore all Men are Conceived in Sin, and are by Nature Children ...
... Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine Article 3 Therefore all men are conceived
in sin, and are by nature children of wrath? Therefore ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/article 3 therefore all men.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... Chapter IX.""That Those Grievously Sin Who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious Calling ...
God to men, but as a father, does the Lord gently admonish his children. ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

Salvation from Sin.
... have departed also. He came to make us good, and therein blessed children.
One master-sin is at the root of all the rest. It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/salvation from sin.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... I might speak of other offices discharged by little children; of the influence upon
us of ... highway of life, in the midst of its toils, its cares, and its sin. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm