Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of children of God's people who are interested in the promises of God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. Throughout Scripture, the promises of God are extended not only to the immediate recipients but also to their descendants, emphasizing the generational nature of God's covenantal relationship with His people.
Biblical FoundationThe promises of God to His people often include their children, highlighting the importance of generational faithfulness. In
Genesis 17:7, God establishes His covenant with Abraham, stating, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you" . This promise underscores the inclusion of children in the covenantal blessings and responsibilities.
The Psalms also reflect this generational promise.
Psalm 103:17-18 declares, "But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts" . Here, the psalmist emphasizes the enduring nature of God's promises to those who remain faithful, extending to their offspring.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the promises of God continue to be relevant to the children of believers.
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 passage, spoken by Peter during his sermon at Pentecost, reaffirms the inclusion of children in the scope of God's promises, now expanded to include all who are called by God.
The apostle Paul also addresses the role of children in the faith community. In
Ephesians 6:1-4, he instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth'" . Paul connects the obedience of children to the promises of well-being and longevity, rooted in the commandment given in the Old Testament.
Role of Parents and the Faith CommunityThe responsibility of nurturing children in the faith and teaching them about God's promises is a recurring theme in Scripture.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "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 duty of parents to instill the knowledge of God's promises and commandments in their children.
The faith community also plays a vital role in supporting the spiritual growth of children. In the early church, children were considered part of the community of believers, participating in worship and learning alongside adults. The communal aspect of faith is evident in passages such as
Colossians 3:16, which encourages believers to "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" .
ConclusionThe biblical narrative consistently affirms the inclusion of children in the promises of God, emphasizing the importance of generational faithfulness and the role of parents and the faith community in nurturing the spiritual lives of the next generation. Through the covenantal promises, children of God's people are invited to partake in the blessings and responsibilities of the faith, ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong to the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Torrey's Topical TextbookActs 2:39
For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... God has a purpose in sending trial to His children. ... God had commanded that Jerusalem
be rebuilt; the vision of ... which He was accomplishing for His people was to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm
When Thou Feelest Thyself Most Indisposed to Prayer Yield not to ...
... God's usual course not to give His children the taste ... Christ prays through His people. ...
importunate, universal and continuous prayer by God's people, long ere ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter iii when thou feelest.htm
Things Unknown
... he lived, there were not more than a dozen people who knew ... No child of God would
do that. Children do not look into their father's secrets; it is only thieves ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/things unknown.htm
"Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. "
... If your children turn out ungodly, do you wonder at it ... the grace which hath made
you to differ from other people. ... God grant it, for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/thou art now the blessed.htm
Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish ... is recorded.[377] It is the
promise of God that is ... the great Surety; and accordingly, as the children of a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm
How to Promote a Revival.
... for you in your wife, husband, or children; if you ... How many of them have you interested
yourself for, to know ... to draw off the attention of God's people to look ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iii how to promote.htm
Good Friday.
... in short, who fled from sin and from the world to Christ, and to the company of
Christ's people! ... O that all God's scattered and divided children would join ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxiv good friday.htm
The Faith of Little Children.
... seed. GOD'S CARE OVER HIS PEOPLE"THE PRAYING WIDOW. A young widow with
two children was living in the city of Berlin. She ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm
The Spirit of Prayer.
... she prevailed in prayer, and her children were converted. ... in, to lead the minds of
God's people to pray ... individuals, and at those times, when God is prepared ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm
The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... If you have got hold of people's ears, or a bit ... covenant, and tell them they are
not the children of God ... a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the sound in the mulberry.htm
Resources
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about raising children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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