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
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3 Women ’ s Ministry 5 Student Ministries 8 Family Corner 8 Music Ministry 9 Moral Concerns
10 Announcements and Events
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