Can the Faith of Parents Save Their Babies?

Yes, the faith of parents extends to and covers their children, serving as a symbol of protection from the destroying angel just as the blood on the doorposts shielded Israelite households3SM 314.1+1. This parental faith is a vital component in the salvation of little ones, as children are considered the heritage of the Lord and are included in the great plan of redemptionAH 280.1+1.

The Efficacy of Parental Faith

• A Symbol of Protection: The instruction given to Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb prefigured the blood of Christ, and the obedience of those parents covered both themselves and their children3SM 314.1+1.

• God’s Property: Children are the Lord's property, bought with the precious price of Christ's blood, and this truth should be the primary motivation for parents to labor for their salvation7MR 21.1+1.

• Responsibility for Destiny: To a very great degree, parents hold the future destiny of their children in their hands, as the training received in childhood shapes their character for eternityHR June 1, 1877, par. 3+1.

• Molding Character: Parents act in the place of God to their children, and by their example and faithful discipline, they may lead their little ones to ChristAH 238.2+1.

The Work of Salvation in the Home

The salvation of children depends heavily upon the course pursued by the parentsAUGleaner September 6, 1905, par. 1+1. While the faith of a parent is powerful, it is also a call to diligent action and spiritual vigilance:

1. Early Discipline: Parents should begin to discipline the minds of their children while they are very young, fitting them as precious jewels to shine in God's kingdom1T 396.1+1.

2. Fortification of Prayer: Families are to build a fortification of prayer and faith around their children to guard against the attacks of SatanCG 185.1.

3. Reflecting Christ: By manifesting the character of Jesus in the home, parents make religion a practical reality that leads children to love and fear GodRH March 13, 1894, par. 5.

4. Consecration: Even before birth, parents are encouraged to dedicate themselves and their children to God, seeking divine wisdom for the child's futureST April 9, 1896, par. 6.

God's Boundless Compassion

Jesus loves little children and gave His life for their salvation just as He did for adultsBEcho December 15, 1892, par. 8+1. He understands the helplessness of the young and inexperienced, and He invites parents to bring their little ones to Him for His blessing Matthew 18:10ST April 23, 1902, par. 10. Like a child depending on its mother, a soul that depends entirely on Christ is justified and becomes one with the Redeemer John 1:1212LtMs, Lt 124, 1897, par. 9.

Although parents have a sacred responsibility, children will eventually need to obtain a personal experience in the things of God as they growYI August 17, 1893, par. 7. However, the initial faith and obedience of the parents serve as a powerful covering and a foundation for the child's eternal well-being Hebrews 11:233SM 314.1.