2, Correspondence.

Anxious Parent. — What will become of the little children of godly saints (those who have not reached a responsible age) when the Lord comes? Will they remain to pass through the great tribulation? They will no doubt be caught up on the ground that they are Christ’s. If those who die in infancy are to be raised at His coming (1 Cor. 15:2323But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)), would not those who are alive be changed for the same reason? Will infants who die in the present dispensation of grace, and for whom Christ died (Matt. 18:1111For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11)), form part of the Bride of Christ? Are not those who form the Bride said to be now baptized by one Spirit into one Body? Can this apply to infants? We see no reason for thinking it could not apply to irresponsible infants who die; but help from any correspondent will be welcome. It must not be forgotten that the salvation of infants rests upon the fact that Christ came not only to save sinners (guilty ones) but “that which was lost” (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)); and this covers the state of all out of Christ.
W.C.— What is meant by “let us go on to perfection” (Heb. 6:11Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1))? Perfection here refers to a full-grown state in the knowledge of the truth, with especial reference to the present results to the believer of the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ. In the closing verses of chapter 5 there is a contrast drawn between spiritual infancy and manhood. These were those who had not (though they ought to have done so) advanced beyond the first principles of the oracles of God, that is, the teaching given under the law. These babes still required milk and were unable to bear strong meat, that is, the characteristic doctrines of Christianity. The apostle therefore exhorts them to make progress towards full-growth. They were to leave the word of the beginning of Christ (Mark 1:11The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; (Mark 1:1)). It was not now so much the gospel of the kingdom, that is, Christ as the Messiah to reign on the earth. They had much to learn as to the privileges they then possessed, granted to them in consequence of the glorious Person and the gracious work of the Lord Jesus. This he proceeds to unfold in the succeeding chapters of the epistle. This “perfection,” therefore, has no reference whatever to a condition of sinlessness. It is the state of Christian maturity produced by the reception of the word of God. Scripture makes the man of God perfect (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)). See B.M.M., vol. 1, p. 138; and observe “full age” (Heb. 5:1414But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)) and “perfection” (Heb. 4:11Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1)) refer to the same state.