Topical Bible: Children: Good: Character of, Illustrates Conversion

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In the Scriptures, children are often depicted as exemplars of purity, humility, and receptivity—qualities that are highly esteemed in the Christian faith. Their character is frequently used to illustrate the nature of conversion and the ideal disposition of believers.

Purity and Innocence

Children are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus highlights the purity of children as a model for entering the kingdom of heaven: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). This verse underscores the importance of adopting a childlike purity and sincerity in one's faith journey.

Humility and Dependence

The humility of children is another key aspect of their character that is emphasized in the Bible. Jesus uses the example of a child to teach about humility and greatness in the kingdom of heaven: "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4). This humility is characterized by a recognition of one's dependence on God, akin to a child's dependence on their parents.

Receptivity and Trust

Children are naturally receptive and trusting, qualities that are essential for conversion and faith. In Mark 10:15, Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" . This receptivity is a willingness to accept the truths of the Gospel with an open heart and mind, trusting in God's promises without skepticism or doubt.

Illustration of Conversion

The character of children serves as a powerful illustration of conversion. Conversion involves a transformation that aligns one's heart and mind with the qualities seen in children—purity, humility, and trust. In John 3:3, Jesus speaks of the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God, which can be understood as a call to return to a childlike state of spiritual innocence and openness.

Biblical Examples

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of children whose lives and actions reflect these virtues. Samuel, as a young boy, serves in the temple and listens to God's call with a pure and obedient heart (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Similarly, Josiah, who became king at the age of eight, is noted for his righteous reforms and dedication to God (2 Kings 22:1-2).

In summary, the character of children in the Bible is used to illustrate the essential qualities of conversion: purity, humility, receptivity, and trust. These attributes are not only commendable but necessary for those who seek to enter the kingdom of God, as they reflect a heart transformed by faith and aligned with the will of the Father.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 18:3
And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... of those certain marks, which God has given us of his own children. ... Christians; but
it is an essential branch of every good man's character; for he is ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

Home Influence.
... and principles of Christianity, what a power for good it would ... Though "the monuments
of Cornelia's virtues were the character of her children," yet these ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter v home influence.htm

Spiritual Growth
... in directing his words to 'little children', 'young men ... of Jesus Christ is pre-eminently
good because it ... produces qualities in the soul and character which are ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xvii spiritual growth.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel ... creature, created in Christ
Jesus to good works; and ... prejudices with respect to the character of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... and the music was all of a solemn devotional character. ... neglecting the religious
education of their children, that the ... for the revival of all these good customs ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

The Mothering Heart
... say, with joy, to her Lord, 'The children whom Thou ... Kate Lee wrestled for; after
giving good promise, he ... inquired anxiously if she knew the character of her ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vii the mothering heart.htm

Repentance
... saying of professed Christians, "I am as good as they ... Even one wrong trait of character,
one sinful desire ... by His tender love the hearts of His erring children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... of grace, is to nullify its character as the ... that he would not recognise them as
covenant children; and declaring of his people,""I am the good Shepherd, and ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Unfruitful Works of Darkness
... and an essential part of 'walking as children of the ... share in fixing that which depends
upon character"viz ... are personified as companions whom a good man ought ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/unfruitful works of darkness.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... a backslider because it is not his predominant character, yet he ... and ways do mischief
rather than good." They would not bring up their children as you do ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm