Topical Encyclopedia In the Scriptures, the metaphor of "babes" is frequently employed to describe the spiritual state of believers, particularly in their early stages of faith. This imagery underscores the concepts of innocence, dependency, and the need for growth and maturity in the Christian life.Innocence and Purity The term "babes" often highlights the innocence and purity that believers are called to embody. In Matthew 18:3 , Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike qualities, stating, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Here, the comparison to children, or babes, underscores the necessity of humility and purity of heart in the life of a saint. Dependency and Trust Babes are inherently dependent on their caregivers for sustenance and protection, a characteristic that parallels the believer's reliance on God. In 1 Peter 2:2 , the apostle Peter exhorts, "Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This passage illustrates the believer's need for spiritual nourishment and the importance of a deep, trusting relationship with God, akin to the dependency of a babe on its mother. Spiritual Growth and Maturity While the metaphor of babes conveys innocence and dependency, it also implies the necessity for growth and maturity. The apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 , where he writes, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." Here, Paul acknowledges the initial stage of spiritual infancy but urges believers to progress beyond it, seeking deeper understanding and maturity in their faith. Contrast with Worldly Wisdom The simplicity and purity of babes are often contrasted with the complexity and corruption of worldly wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 14:20 , Paul advises, "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature." This juxtaposition highlights the call for believers to maintain innocence concerning evil while striving for maturity in their understanding and discernment. Role in the Kingdom of God The metaphor of babes also serves to illustrate the values of the Kingdom of God, where the last shall be first, and the humble are exalted. In Luke 10:21 , Jesus rejoices, saying, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." This statement underscores the divine preference for revealing spiritual truths to those with childlike faith and humility, rather than to those who rely on their own wisdom. In summary, the comparison of saints to babes in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the qualities of innocence, dependency, and the imperative for spiritual growth. It calls believers to embrace a childlike faith while pursuing maturity in their walk with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:2 Library Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... A Bundle of Myrrh [Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ... The Feast of the Lord Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ... An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Gethsemane Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden. Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety Resources What are Christian saints according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are patron saints? | GotQuestions.org Is prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Compared To Saints: Branches of a Vine Compared To Saints: Calves of the Stall Compared To Saints: Cedars in Lebanon Compared To Saints: Dew and Showers Compared To Saints: Fruitful Trees Compared To Saints: Good Fishes Compared To Saints: Good Servants Compared To Saints: Green Olive Trees Compared To Saints: Little Children Compared To Saints: Lively Stones Compared To Saints: Members of the Body Compared To Saints: Mount Zion Compared To Saints: Obedient Children Compared To Saints: Palm Trees Compared To Saints: Pomegranates Compared To Saints: Runners in a Race Compared To Saints: Stones of a Crown Compared To Saints: Strangers and Pilgrims Compared To Saints: Thirsting Deer Compared To Saints: Trees Planted by Rivers Compared To Saints: Unfailing Springs Compared To Saints: Vessels of Gold and Silver Compared To Saints: Watered Gardens Compared To Saints: Willows by the Water Courses Related Terms |
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