Child-Like Faith

Mark 10:13-16 King James Version (KJV)

"And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."

                                                                              

"We see in this portion of scripture the very heart of our Lord.  We see a Lord who is willing and wanting ALL to come to Him for His blessing.  Let me at the very beginning give you the "heart" of this passage.....from the youngest person represented to the oldest person represented....... 
Jesus encourages loving hearts to bring to Him those who can not bring themselves, that they in some way might receive His blessing.
If you are reading this today and at some point, in some way, there are other people that have been instrumental in your desire to know Christ, be very thankful, because Jesus wants to bless YOU, this very day.

Now that you have the "heart" of this passage, let me open it up to you further. 
First of all, this scripture nor this message has absolutely nothing to do with infant baptism in any form...sprinkling, christening, or whatever!  The reason, those who believe in such ceremonies have to use scripture such as this is because the Bible does not teach infant baptism....and certainly not baptismal regeneration.  

Only those old enough to make a profession of faith were baptized in the Bible.  

The Baptism spoken of in the Bible is never by sprinkling or christening (so called)
but, by immersion in water, only.

The Bible does teach that children were brought to Jesus 

to be presented to the Lord, dedicated to Him.  

But understand - that even this in no way assures the child of Salvation.  

Rather, it is the parents (or other responsible person for the child) coming to Christ with the child, thanking God for the child.  This parent pledges or promises to raise the child, God's gift, according to the Word of God and publicly are asking God's blessing upon that child.

The real significance of the Dedication of Children is much more for the parents or guardian.  These individuals feel their deep responsibility in raising the child, to teach them God's Word and lead them to Christ for salvation.

There is no hint of being baptized here in the above scripture. 

 No hint of "godfathers" or "godmothers".  

No sign of The Cross, etc. 

In fact, the Bible says that Jesus baptized not.....but, His disciples... baptized in His name. (John 4:2)  So, if they brought the children to Jesus to be baptized they brought them to the wrong person.  The disciples were not accustomed to baptizing babies/young children or they would not have rebuked the parents for bringing them.
These children were not brought to a sprinkling or christening reception.  In fact, there was not a drop of so-called "holy water" mentioned anywhere.  

These children were brought to Jesus!  

The Fountain of Living Water, Himself simply "took them up in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them."
                                                                       

Jesus was displeased with His disciples because they discouraged those individuals for bringing others to Him....for discouraging those who themselves were anxious to come to Him.
Let me tell you.....it is a sin that brings displeasure from God when someone hinders ANYONE, no matter how young or how mature in years, from receiving the blessings of Jesus!
People better be mighty careful leading others to some meaningless ceremony or gathering rather that to The Living Christ, Himself and His anointed presence and power!!

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."   2 Timothy 3:5-7                                                                                                       

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 19:14  
Later Jesus said, Verily I say unto YOU.....
Yes friends,  He's talking to YOU now.  He's talking to those of you who are not in the Kingdom of God.   He is instructing You how You can enter the Kingdom of God....how You can be saved.

(Matthew 19:13- 30)Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.  And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

How can you be "born again"....."be saved"? 

By simple having child-like Faith.

A child doesn't understand mysteries and controversies.  A child doesn't see all the hypocrisies and prejudices.  They believe what is told to them about God and what is in the Bible.  Children believe without much doubt and not too many questions.  When they pray they believe that Jesus hears them and forgives them.  They believe He will answer their prayers.
When a child talks to Jesus, He is a person and He is near at hand.  Children are quick to forgive and forget.  They are cheerful and love to rejoice.  It makes them so happy when God blesses them and saves their soul. 

 Simple - child-like Faith and Trust.  

If you ask them about asking Jesus in to their hearts they won't say, "I think so" or "I hope so".  They believe and now they are full of joy.
                                                                           

So it is for everyone - just the way a child receives Christ.   

Unfortunately, so many people know so much that they know too much.  
Those individuals who have over active brains are always thinking, often leading them to criticism and skepticism.  But, they along with everyone else must come to Christ and receive His gospel as a little child.  They must come simply believing and trusting in Jesus.

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."  John 6:37

                                                        

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