Answers
By BGEA Admin • July 8, 2023 • Topics: Jesus Christ
Q:
There’s a new movement stirring some debate claiming that God wants people who love Jesus to remain as little children. This is contrary to Scripture and I believe this group is misinterpreting the story of Jesus speaking of having the faith of a child. Preachers are not speaking out against this, and I wonder why.
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The kindness, understanding, and compassion of God has been demonstrated in choosing to reveal Himself to man by sending His Son on a rescue mission. When Jesus was on Earth He said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). He was making clear that simple childlike faith, rather than the intellect, was important. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Children are dependent upon parents for protection and care. But the Bible tells believers that we are not to remain little children but “come to the unity of the faith … to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro … but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him” (Ephesians 4:13–15).
Throughout Scripture, there are many references to children as babes, children as youth, and children as adults. We read about the three Hebrew children (young men) being cast into the fiery furnace, the children of Israel (a whole nation), and the children of God—all saved by God’s grace—encompassing all ages.
When we come to Christ, we become children of God, dependent on Him to make us into new creations to grow in maturity concerning the things of God. What a tragedy when parents do not help their children grow in maturity and to be useful members of society.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
