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What does the Bible say about let the children come?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible welcomes children to Christ, calls parents to nurture them in faith and obedience, and teaches that all, young and old, are saved only by God's grace through faith. Jesus warmly received children and declared that the kingdom belongs to those who receive it with humble dependence, as Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17 show. Parents are therefore to train children in the way of wisdom and discipline them lovingly, not harshly provoking them, according to Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 13:24, and Ephesians 6:4. Children are also called to honor and obey their parents in the Lord. Yet no family upbringing can replace the saving work of Christ, for salvation is God's gift, not earned by works, as Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 19:14

    But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."

  • Luke 18:15-17

    [15] They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Most assuredly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

  • Mark 10:13-16

    [13] They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." [16] He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

  • Luke 18:17

    Most assuredly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

  • Proverbs 22:6

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • Ephesians 6:4

    You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Mark 10:14

    But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

  • Ephesians 6:1-3

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

  • Ephesians 2:8-9

    [8] for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, that no one would boast.

  • Proverbs 13:24

    One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

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