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

They don't need any "interpretation"! The INSPIRED text says that there was an advantage and profit in being a circumcised Jew over others. Now, if you want to argue about this, do it with Paul or with God Himself Who had it written. The texts are clear to those who have eyes to see and who have not prejudiced themselves against the Word of God by the writings of men.

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 are part of the overall covenant community, which circumcision/baptism signifies (among other things), have a great advantage over others because it is within the covenant community that the MEANS OF GRACE are to be found. And it is through these God-ordained means of grace that sinners are called and saved. What was true for the Jew, e.g., they had the oracles of God, the promises, etc. is likewise true for those living after the coming of Christ. They too have the "oracles of God", the Scriptures, the same promises, etc. Now go ahead and disagree if you like, but I'm not going to waste any more of my time arguing with you over matters where the Bible is so perspicuous that even a child can read it and understand its truth.

In His grace,