Pastor John MacArthur’s views on child salvation are of interest
because they seem to relate to his understanding of Lordship salvation. On
September 25, 1990 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, Maine (Pastor Larry Pawson), Dr. MacArthur was involved in a question and answer session
which was publicly taped. During that session he said the following about child
salvation:
"Now let me say this and I don’t want you
to panic when I say it. Saving faith is an ADULT ISSUE. Saving faith is an
ADULT EXPERIENCE. Salvation is an ADULT EXPERIENCE. Am I saying that a child cannot be
saved? I’m saying that salvation is a conscious turning from sin to follow Jesus
Christ with an understanding of something of the sinfulness of sin, its
consequences and something of who Jesus Christ is, what He has provided and that
I’m committing my life to Him. At what point can a child understand that?... I
tell parents that salvation is an adult decision... There is no
illustration in Scripture of childhood salvation. There is none. People want to
throw the Philippian jailer and his household; well that’s talking about his
servants so there is no reference there about his children. So there is no such
thing as a childhood conversion."
MacArthur is saying that if a child is to be saved he must
understand as an adult, make an adult decision and have an adult experience.
[The
Lord Jesus taught that to be saved adults must become as little children (Matthew
18:3); MacArthur teaches that to be saved children must become as adults]
How does this relate to His teaching on Lordship? If salvation is by simple
child-like faith in the Saviour, then child salvation is no problem. On the
other hand, if salvation involves obedience to Christ’s commands, surrendering
to Christ’s Lordship, fulfilling the demands of discipleship, commitment of
one’s life to the Saviour, etc., then salvation has become a very involved and
complicated thing that would not at all be simple for a child to do. If we
complicate the gospel with all kinds of Lordship requirements, then we have
indeed made it very, very difficult for children (and for adults)! If we
proclaim the Gospel message that salvation is simply BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
(based upon the Person and work of Christ, not based upon sinful man’s fragile
commitment), then this is a message that can be gladly received by people of all
ages.
In an Article by John MacArthur titled "Age of
Accountability," he states:
"With this in mind, I believe that it is
absolutely essential, all along the way with children, that every time
they desire to make a commitment to Jesus Christ, at whatever age, you
(as someone giving spiritual oversight to them) encourage them to do
that."
SOURCE:
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/4836 (Grace To You)
Here again we see Mr. MacArthur's heresy of Lordship
Salvation, teaching that a child cannot be saved unless they are old enough
to understand what it means to make a commitment to Christ. MacArthur
goes 100% contrary to the Word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Except
ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as
this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And
whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
Concerning Timothy, the Apostle Paul states in 2nd Timothy 3:15, "And
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
A small child, who understands that he has sinned against God, and BELIEVES
on Jesus Christ to forgive him, is saved! Salvation has nothing to do
with making a commitment or persevering in a holy life.
Again, If we complicate the Gospel with all kinds of
Lordship requirements, then we have indeed made it very, very difficult for
children (and for adults)!
The Confusing World of Dr. John
MacArthur
Ye Must Be Born Again!
| You Need HIS Righteousness!
