Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Children of God's People, Holy" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the sanctity and distinctiveness of the offspring of those who are in covenant with God. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the special status and responsibilities of these children within the community of faith.
Old Testament FoundationsIn the Old Testament, the children of Israel are often referred to as a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. This holiness is not merely a matter of ritual purity but signifies a unique relationship with God. In
Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is written, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This passage underscores the idea that the children of Israel, as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are inherently holy due to their covenantal relationship with God.
The holiness of the children is also reflected in the laws and commandments given to Israel. Parents are instructed to teach their children the ways of the Lord diligently.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the responsibility of parents to instill a sense of holiness and devotion to God in their children.
New Testament ContinuationIn the New Testament, the concept of holiness extends to the children of believers in Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addresses the sanctity of the family unit within the Christian community. In
1 Corinthians 7:14 , Paul writes, "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy." This verse suggests that the children of at least one believing parent are considered holy, set apart by virtue of their connection to the faith community.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of nurturing children in the faith.
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 directive reinforces the idea that children are to be raised in an environment that fosters spiritual growth and holiness.
Theological ImplicationsThe holiness of the children of God's people carries significant theological implications. It reflects the continuity of God's covenantal promises across generations and underscores the importance of family and community in the transmission of faith. The sanctity of these children is not based on their own merit but on their inclusion in the covenant community, which is marked by God's grace and faithfulness.
Furthermore, the concept of holy children serves as a reminder of the broader mission of God's people to be a light to the nations. As the children grow and mature in their faith, they are called to embody the values and teachings of the Gospel, serving as witnesses to God's love and truth in the world.
Practical ConsiderationsIn practical terms, the recognition of children as holy within the community of faith calls for intentional discipleship and education. Churches and families are encouraged to create environments where children can learn about God, experience His love, and develop a personal relationship with Him. This involves not only formal instruction but also modeling a life of faith and service.
The holiness of the children of God's people is a profound testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant and the transformative power of His grace. As such, it remains a central theme in the life and mission of the Christian community.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezra 9:2For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
God's Commands to the People
... Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God ... visiting the sins of the
fathers upon the children to the ... NOT TAKE THE NAME OF JEHOVAH THY GOD IN VAIN ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/gods commands to the people.htm
Christians are the Holy People Promised to Abraham they have Been ...
... last; for it is a very froward generation, children in whom ... Me to jealousy with that
which is not God, they have ... 2402] But we are not only a people, but also a ...
/.../chapter cxix christians are the holy.htm
The Church, the Place of Worship
... As "God's house," all of His children have a ... This right should be recognized by courtesy
to others, especially to strangers and to people in humble station. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/the church the place of.htm
Conclusion.
... unite the divided branches of Christ's Holy Church, or even to heal the divisions
amongst God's people in our ... to their high calling as God's children"as the ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm
A Child Again
... letter to the Ephesians tells of an armor that God has prepared for His people to
wear ... While he was meeting with the children Sunday after Sunday, he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byrum/how john became a man/chapter x a child again.htm
Joy in the Holy Ghost.
... People are so accustomed to talk just as they like about ... joy of the Holy Ghost make
your covenant with God. ... them all, and your own wife and children and every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/x joy in the holy.htm
A Call to Holy Living
... the nature of the beast; for the children of God ... power of my Spirit, what manner
of people ought ye to ... so signally distinguished by the sovereign grace of God? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm
God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... Who of God's children does not recall the blessed moments when ... of the Holy Spirit,
not to the people of Jerusalem ... stedfastly in the souls of the called of God. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx god the holy spirit.htm
Daily Blessings for God's People
... But then think of what you are, you Christians. You are God's children; you
are joint-heirs with Christ. ... Our God, his chosen people saves,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/daily blessings for gods people.htm
"The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"
... Look again: of the first two children of Adam the one ... to have no longer any trouble
in serving God; and they ... there you have the reason why many people pray for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/the fruit of the spirit.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the evangelization of children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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