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

Let me add to what J_Edwards wrote in reply by quoting from the apostle Paul in this matter, who was far more knowledgeable on this subject in regard to what blessings the non-elect derive from receiving the sign of the covenant and being included in the "visible" covenant community:

Romans 3:1-4 (ASV) "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision? Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment."

Romans 9:3-5 (ASV) "For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."

Those who belong to the covenant "externally", i.e., they are associated to the people of God in a physical way but have not faith (some of which may at the particular time may in fact be elect) are blessed with the means of grace by which God calls sinners to repentance and faith in Christ. Despite the fact that the reprobate will find that these blessings will be used against them due to their hardness of heart at the Judgment does not nullify nor diminish their temporal benefit to them.

In His grace,