A Look of Innocence But

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You may have thought that my blog has fallen from cyberspace. However, I am back. Because of my academic schedule as well as a needed face lift for my website and blog, I have been delayed in posting anything for a few weeks.

This past summer we had a large portion of our family visit us. We had a wonderful time and especially loved being with our youngest granddaughter, Baylea, who at the time of the above picture was about 2 years old. Her smile and blue eyes give her a look of innocence. Though she is such a beautiful baby and loved by all, her innocent looks are deceptive because behind those blue eyes and innocent looks is a “bundle of total depravity.”

When I have told some people that Scripture teaches that all people are totally depraved and unable to please God, they often object or just attempt to ignore me. However, whether or not they agree with or ignore me is irrelevant for Paul states this position clearly in Romans 8:7: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (to read about this, click this link). To briefly elaborate, all people born through procreation in the line of Adam are hopelessly corrupt and unable to save themselves. This incurable condition of humanity began with Adam and Eve in the the Garden of Eden. When Adam ate from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were eternally condemned and were internally changed into a state of total depravity, including the loss of their original state of unconfirmed creature holiness (to read two posts that I have done on this, click here and here). This truth even includes my adorable granddaughter.

What is a parent to do when he/she recognizes that their children are totally depraved? First, we should recognize that not all children raised in Christian homes are elect. It is only God’s gracious electing purposes that brings salvific life to anyone. Second, parents must resolve to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4). Third, while raising their totally depraved children, they must diligently pray for the Spirit to perform the miracle of regeneration so that their child does repent and believe in Christ. As a grandparent, my wife and I regularly pray that our children are diligent in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and that the Spirit will regenerate our grandchildren.

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