Introduction:
The topic of children's salvation is a significant area of interest within Christian theology, focusing on the spiritual status and eternal destiny of children. This entry explores biblical teachings, theological perspectives, and practical considerations regarding the salvation of children.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible does not provide a direct, comprehensive doctrine specifically addressing the salvation of children. However, several passages offer insights into God's view of children and their spiritual status.

1. Innocence and Accountability:
The Bible often portrays children as innocent and pure. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike faith, stating, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This suggests a special status for children in God's eyes, highlighting their innocence and openness to faith.

2. Jesus' Love for Children:
Jesus' attitude towards children is evident in passages such as Mark 10:14, where He says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." This indicates that children are valued in the kingdom of God and are recipients of His love and grace.

3. Original Sin and Redemption:
The doctrine of original sin, based on passages like Romans 5:12, suggests that all humans inherit a sinful nature. However, the Bible also emphasizes God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:18 states, "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men." This implies that Christ's atoning work is available to all, including children.

Theological Perspectives:
The question of when and how children are saved has been debated among theologians. Several perspectives exist within conservative Christianity:

1. Age of Accountability:
Some theologians propose an "age of accountability," a concept suggesting that children are not held accountable for sin until they reach a certain age of moral understanding. This view posits that children who die before reaching this age are covered by God's grace and mercy.

2. Covenant Theology:
Within covenant theology, children of believing parents are considered part of the covenant community. Acts 2:39 states, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." This perspective emphasizes the inclusion of children in the promises of God, often signified through practices like infant baptism.

3. Faith and Repentance:
Salvation is traditionally understood to involve personal faith and repentance. As children mature, they are encouraged to make a personal commitment to Christ. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," underscoring the role of parental guidance in leading children to faith.

Practical Considerations:
1. Parental Responsibility:
Parents are tasked with the spiritual nurturing of their children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This involves teaching biblical truths, modeling Christian behavior, and encouraging a personal relationship with Jesus.

2. Church Community:
The church plays a vital role in supporting families and providing spiritual education for children. Sunday schools, youth groups, and children's ministries are avenues through which the church can impart biblical knowledge and foster spiritual growth.

3. Prayer and Trust in God's Sovereignty:
Ultimately, the salvation of children rests in God's hands. Parents and the church are encouraged to pray for the spiritual well-being of children, trusting in God's sovereign grace and mercy to work in their lives.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not explicitly outline a doctrine of children's salvation, it provides principles that guide understanding and practice. The innocence of children, the love of Jesus, and the redemptive work of Christ form the foundation for considering the spiritual status of children within the Christian faith.Romans 10:13
For whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Topicalbible.org

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.
Topicalbible.org

3807. paidagogos -- a trainer of boys, ie a tutor
... necessary "letter" (, technicalities) needed to establish the doctrines of salvation,
grace, faith ... A servant whose office it was to take the children to school ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3807.htm - 7k

The Scripture Way of Salvation
... are necessary to full sanctification. This is the way wherein God hath
appointed His children to wait for complete salvation. 11. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 43 the scripture way.htm

Divine Songs For Children
... Song 28. For Lord's Day Evening. The TEN COMMANDMENTS out of the Old Testament put
into short Rhime for Children. The Hosanna; or Salvation ascribed to Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine songs for children/

Sermons for the Times
... Fathers and Children Salvation A Good Conscience Names Sponsorship Justification
by Faith Duty and Superstition Sonship The Lord's Prayer The Doxology Ahab and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/title page.htm

Fathers and Children'
... in the world, and following the lowest maxims of the world in everything but what
you call the salvation of your souls, what wonder if your children grow up ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

Assurance of Salvation.
... time or heart to work for God, who are not assured as to their own salvation. ... God
has given us lights or landmarks to tell us whether we are His children or not ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter vii assurance of salvation.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... This was necessary,] too, inasmuch as the whole economy of salvation regarding man ...
rescued by Him who conquered the enemy, but that his children were, "those ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

That as Long as we are in this Mortal Life we May Lose the Love of ...
... his damnation; nor than Adam and Eve, David, S. Peter, who being children of salvation,
fell yet for a space from the love without which there is no salvation. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i that as long.htm

Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation
... Do not those men make light of Christ and salvation that can take so much care to
leave their children portions in the world, and do so little to help them to ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/baxter making light of.htm

Salvation from Sin.
... 'Salvation from hell, is salvation as conceived by such ... He came to make us good,
and therein blessed children. One master-sin is at the root of all the rest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/salvation from sin.htm

When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting ...
... My Gourds wither, my Children die; but the Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock,
and let the God of my Salvation be exalted[f]. I see, in one Instance more, the ...
/.../1 when god takes away.htm

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