As we administer the Sacrament of Baptism, we think of the Covenant of Grace which is the means by which God brings sinners into a saving relationship with himself. God becomes their God and they become members of his family. The sacrament recognises that the child of believing parents comes within the sphere of the covenant. It does not make the child a Christian but places him in a privileged position. A scriptural example is Timothy (see Acts 16:1-3). We consider II Timothy 3:14-15 Precious privileges.
1. A godly home
Paul appeals to Timothy to maintain an unwavering witness for the truth in the face of growing unbelief and immorality. One ground for his appeal: ‘you know those from whom you learned it’ (v14). Though this may include Paul, it is chiefly looking back to the home in which Timothy was raised. In 1:5 Paul speaks of the faith ‘which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice’. Although they would not have been Christians before Paul’s preaching of the gospel, they had been devout people who knew the OT revelation which pointed to Christ. The gospel message then completed their faith. Timothy was raised in a godly home and from his earliest years would have seen lives devoted to worship and the service of God. It seems the faith was on the female side of the family. Timothy’s upbringing underlines the vital role of the example set in the home. Such formative influences shape his view of the world.
2. A faithful training
Along with example there must be specific training in the Word of God. Paul has great reason for thanksgiving regarding Timothy: ‘how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures’. Instruction from the Word had begun at an early age (age 5 in Jewish tradition). A child is never too young to receive a little of God’s Word, and as ability grows, the teaching should increase. A unique place in a child’s reading should be given the Scriptures ‘which are able to make you wise for salvation’. In the Word the gospel is set out clearly, and through it God delights to save. This knowledge is true wisdom, instructing us in the way of righteousness (see Psalm 119:99). Such instruction takes time and both parents should be involved, along with the input of the church.
3. A covenant blessing
Neither example nor training can make a person a believer – by the enabling of God’s grace there must be a response of faith to the Good News of salvation. There can be no salvation without ‘faith in Jesus Christ’. Those growing up in Christian homes must beware of assuming they are believers apart from personal faith. Why a ‘covenant blessing’? Covenant children are in a special position, a position of privilege. God makes many promises to them (see his words to Abraham in Genesis 17:7). This does not mean that all covenant children will believe and be saved, but many are brought to faith. We see evidence of God’s covenant faithfulness many times in families. This gives good reason for hope regarding covenant children and should spur earnest prayer.