The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "We sometimes allow children to die unbaptized. ."

The two sections from the WELS Q&A that you have highlighted were the very sections that immediately jumped out at me as being inadvertent mistakes (or at least problematic).

"We do not teach an irresistible grace or an irresistible working of the Holy Spirit through the gospel in word and sacrament." This statement is problematic for Lutherans because it seems to imply that one child resists the grace offered more or less than another child. The statement might be acceptable to the Reformed because they disconnect the general and effectual call.

The use of the phrase "given in baptism" which respect to a child who despises the gift of faith is also problematic. The gift of faith is truly offered and promised in the sacraments but how can faith be "given in baptism" if it is not received?


A good question although off-topic. How does man fall from the grace actually received in baptism? Perhaps a new thread should be started to explore this subject.


I hestitate to say whether saving faith first received before, in, or after baptism is normative. We follow God's command to take our children to divine services as soon as possible after they are conceived to hear preaching and we have them baptized as soon as possible after they are born. When and where God works faith through word and sacrament is according to God's good and sovereign pleasure.