IPC Messenger
A Weekly Publication of The Independent Presbyterian Church O ffi c e 912-2 3 6- 3 3 46 | F a x 912- 236-3676 | E-Mail info @ ipcsav. org | Website www. ipcsav. org
Volume 17 • No 9 MARCH 2017
“ Grace-Based Parenting”
We have urged that understanding the doctrine of original sin is the key to Christian parenting. Mothers and fathers need to understand that their children are from birth both guilty and corrupt; they have inherited both condemnation and depravity. This unsentimental, openeyed view of one’ s children will help to ensure a disciplined home: parents will require first-time obedience; they will forbid backtalk, whining, and tantrums; and they will insist upon conformity to the family schedule and routines. Children will thereby quickly learn that they are not the center of the universe and all things do not exist to serve them. By saying these things we are saying nothing new, as can be seen by the language of the traditional baptismal vows.
Grace needed
Once the reality of original sin truly has sunk in, one is ready to follow through on the second and yet most important principle of Christian parenting: relying on God’ s grace. Weaken the doctrine of original sin and one may settle for“ Pelagian Child- Rearing” or“ Arminian Child-Rearing.” In other words, if the impact of sin is not so bad, grace is not so needed. However, if sin’ s corrupting effects are immediate upon conception and pervasive, an ocean of grace is needed if our children are to be savingly reared. This conviction lies behind the first parental baptismal vow as stated in the Presbyterian Church in America’ s Book of Church Order:
Do you acknowledge your child’ s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?
This vow assumes what we’ ve emphasized thus far: the doctrine of pervasive sin human guilt and corruption. What are parents acknowledging? Their child’ s“ need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit.” Do they, as infants, really need all that? Indeed. Why? Because they are born guilty sinners, born selfish and demanding, born idolaters of self.
John Gerstner tells the story of guestpreaching at a Presbyterian church on the occasion of an infant baptism. He spied a white rose on the font.“ What’ s the meaning of the rose?” he asked.“ It represents the purity of the child,” they answered.“ Then what’ s the meaning of baptism?” he countered. Exactly. Baptism assumes a person, infant or otherwise, needs the poured out and cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and the poured out and renewing grace of the Holy Spirit. Understanding the need of divine grace is vital to faithful Christian parenting. My child needs the grace of Christ: regenerating, illuminating, transforming, and sustaining. Likewise, the second vow:
Do you claim( or trust in) God’ s covenant promised in( his / her) behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for( his / her) salvation, as you do for your own?
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IPC Messenger
CONTENTS
3 Women’ s Ministry 5 Student Ministries 8 Family Corner 8 Music Ministry 9 Moral Concerns
10 Announcements and Events
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