Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the concept of good children is often presented as a compelling reason for individuals to submit to God's will and commandments. The Scriptures emphasize the blessings and responsibilities associated with raising children who are obedient and faithful to God, highlighting the importance of parental guidance and the spiritual legacy passed down through generations.
Biblical FoundationsThe Bible underscores the significance of children as a heritage from the Lord. In
Psalm 127:3-4 , it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth." This passage illustrates the value placed on children and the potential they hold when raised in accordance with God's principles.
Parental ResponsibilityParents are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the enduring impact of a godly upbringing, suggesting that children who are taught to follow God's commandments will continue to do so throughout their lives.
Obedience and BlessingThe Bible links the obedience of children to the blessings of God.
Ephesians 6:1-3 states, "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.'" This passage not only commands children to obey their parents but also associates such obedience with divine favor and longevity.
A Motive for SubmissionThe presence of good children serves as a powerful motive for submission to God, as it reflects the fulfillment of His promises and the continuation of His covenant through generations. In
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , God 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 directive emphasizes the role of parents in instilling a love for God's commandments in their children, ensuring that His statutes are upheld and revered.
Legacy of FaithThe legacy of faith is a recurring theme in Scripture, where the faithfulness of one generation impacts the spiritual trajectory of the next. In
2 Timothy 1:5 , Paul acknowledges the sincere faith of Timothy, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. This example illustrates how the faith and obedience of previous generations can inspire and motivate subsequent ones to remain steadfast in their submission to God.
ConclusionThe biblical portrayal of good children as a motive for submission to God is deeply rooted in the understanding that children are a divine blessing and responsibility. Through diligent teaching and faithful living, parents are called to guide their children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring that His commandments are honored and His promises realized across generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... if possible, than any we have adduced from Calvin ... to descend from the reformers to
their children's children, as though ... even sin itself, as the means of good. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm
Moral Depravity.
... of infants previous to actual transgression, is adduced as an ... seem to have the idea,
that children affirm themselves ... they have the idea of the good; that they ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiv moral depravity.htm
Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... shown our people by the rulers might be adduced as evidence ... a throne, Constantine
nobly cared for the children of the ... This is perhaps as good a place as any in ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm
Chapter xlix
... Proof for such a claim is not adduced and cannot be ... in the midst of the inheritance
of the children of Judah ... interrupts the thought sequence, but with good reason ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm
Morality and Doctrine
... It must have adduced remedies for this; one is prayer. ... has never promised prayer
only to the children of promise ... for their own safety and their own good, with a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... the Bible," and several instances were adduced to sustain ... established for the education
of the children, and those ... This good work has steadily gone on to this ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm
The Pilgrim's Progress
... report of the good land, saying it was not half so good as some ... Further, they could
call the bread of God husks; the comforts of His children, fancies; the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm
Footnotes
... It is creditable to the good feeling, though not ... them "highly esteemed for his probity,
submission to the ... prisoner," with whom his "mother's children were angry ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm
Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... passage [33] in which he speaks of God the Father ... was, for evil as well as for good,
so marked ... would suffice to terrify the episcopate of Gaul into submission. ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm
Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... If you are the children of God, live together lovingly; if the ... see a soul that has
the image of God in him ... to heaven one day; serve one another, do good for one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .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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