Look to the children...

Mark 10:13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.


If Calvinism's teaching of Total Depravity is true and all men are born in such a state as being totally unable to receive God's appeal to be reconciled, then what is Jesus' intent in this passage?

Did he happen to know all these particular children were "elect?"

If a non-elect child is in the same fallen/depraved condition as the non-elect adult, what would be the significance of one being a child in order to enter God's kingdom?

If it has to do with the "humility" of the child, as referred to in other parallel passages, then again, what does that have to do with being a child when according to Calvinists true Godly humility which might lead to salvation is only a result of regeneration, not youth?

Please explain.

 

That's correct, the wealth of a man wouldn't matter in the least if it was only about the effectual call. It is clear that wealth can hinder in the same way that youth can benefit.

 

The strongest points of one's argument are not typically reflected in the portion that his opponents address, but in the portions ignored.

 

That is the point. If he had you might have a defense by saying "that child was elect," but because he refers in GENERAL to all children it clearly points to Jesus' intent in showing the difference in the nature of a child versus that of an adult. A child hasn't grown hardened by the corruption of the world and rebellion. He may be a sinner, but he is not hardened and calloused. He is open and willing to listen. Kind of like the Gentiles were who hadn't received the revelation of God and grown calloused to it yet .... "the Gentiles will listen."(Acts 28:28).

What makes children more able/willing to have this so called "simple childlike faith" if it is all about regeneration? What does their YOUTH have to do with anything if Calvinism is true?

That doesn't address the argument being made. The question is what does his wealth matter in a system where unconditional election and effectual regeneration are all that determine whether one is saved? Why would his riches make it any more difficult for him to come to Christ or enter the Kingdom if indeed man's will doesn't play a determining role?

Because provoking man's will works. Read Romans 11:14.

 

I never suggested that all children would enter His kingdom. I simply pointed to the nature of a child and the significance of Jesus' intent in pointing to their youth as being of value in entering the kingdom. I've explained why that would be the case in my system of thought (growing calloused etc). What is your reasoning?

You just contradicted yourself. I asked you what does their "youth" have to do with anything, and you say "nothing" and then go on to affirm that Christ does use children (youth) as examples. You did all this while dodging the question as to what their being a child has to do with ANYTHING???

Why didn't he say, look at this old folks? Or look at these middle aged folks? What does their being YOUNG have to do with anything in your system???

Seriously? With the thousands of books written on this subject and even the hundreds of posts I've written on this subject, you think our "entire theology" rests on this alone? I think you know better than that. That is a diversion so as not to answer the clear difficulty this passage presents for your view.

Good to know you distinguish yourself from his form of theology, but my comments have nothing to do with hard determinism. I think they apply to your views as much as they would Luke's. What does wealth have to do with one's being saved in your system? It is same with youth or wealth...in our view they make a difference for the reasons mentioned, but how does that make a difference where unconditional election (wealth and age doesn't matter when chosen) and effectual regeneration (will of man doesn't matter) are the factors that decide if someone will or will not enter God's kingdom?

I get plenty of replies, typically more than I can keep up with as it is, so I'm not too worried about it...but thanks for your concern.

Again with the personal attacks and speculations? Is that necessary? Can you not just talk about the subjects at hand?

As I replied to you in the beginning when you started the personal attacks...I'll repeat it now. This is a Baptist DEBATE Forum. Notice the word DEBATE. Look it up. Study it. If you are NOT ok with that intent then don't come here. And especially don't belittle, accuse and ridicule those who come to the board with the intent of debating opposing views.

You know what is clear to me? When a simple argument is made that has an easy "pat answer" the Calvinists, like yourself, gladly reply and provide argumentation, but when the debate goes beyond your realm of understanding, pat answers, or easy replies, you resort to this line of attack. It is like the cat who gets backed into a corner and must lash out with claws bare. It is so painfully obvious and it only reveals the weakness of your system or a personal lack of objectivity.