Such a question is of universal concern to all of us, and it occurs to us all to question it – what happens to infants when they die? It is of particular concern to Christian parents who have lost a child or children when very young – where can they turn but to the Scriptures for answers and comfort? God in his all-wise and gracious purpose has given grounds of comfort to the distressed in such cases, and this address sets out to propound these grounds. It further helps us to see how we are to view children generally; their guilt in Adam and their need of salvation from that guilt. God's sovereign work in regeneration and the false doctrine of man's free-will in determining his salvation, is in part evidenced by the truth of infant salvation – God is able to renew their hearts when he pleases, showing that God is not at all dependent upon man's supposed free-will to save them. This in turn provides a basis for the baptism of infants, and demonstrates the reality of children being within the kingdom, for as the Lord Jesus declares, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14.
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