----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Fuchs (on MSN)" <SteveF_MS@...>
To: <soundofgrace@...>
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2003 5:41 AM
Subject: RE: [soundofgrace] Infant Salvation


> It might make a grieving parent feel better for the moment, but assuring
> them extra-scripturally that their child is guaranteed in heaven won't
> ultimately be doing them a favor.


[Chris] That is, if you don't believe you have biblical warrant to do so,
and many do. As I said, if the Scriptures always speak of hell as a place
where individuals are tormented for their wicked deeds, and if our Lord told
us "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:16),
many brethren, even Calvinists, believe that is sufficient proof of the fact
that very little children and infants won't be there (even though they do
deserve to be there, as we all do whether we're elect or not). Charles
Spurgeon was not an inspired author, and he must never be considered our
infallible guide, but he was a mighty preacher of the Gospel that most
Calvinists (and even non-Calvinist Christians) have a very high regard for,
and he *strongly* believed all children dying in infancy will be in Heaven.
I say that not as proof that this belief is true, but only to remind all
that someone most of us view as one of the greatest preachers of Sovereign
Grace in history did not believe he was inconsistent with the Doctrines of
Grace by adopting this view. I appreciate the fact that you found your peace
in the truth that our Sovereign God is in control, and ultimately we all
must find our peace there above all else during whatever trial we face, but
God also inspired Paul to give us 1 Thes.4:13-18 for a reason. I don't
believe it is "shallow" faith to cling to this promise when an infant dies
if you are biblically convinced that infants enter Heaven upon their death.
Obviously, if you're not convinced about this you cannot lie to a grieving
parent just to comfort them. I obviously rejoice in the fact, however, that
you and your family are at peace with God's will, and may you always be.