Читать книгу Modern Lutheran Theology - Alexandra Glynn - Страница 6

We know that we must be as a little child to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Mark 10:15). We also know that God has hidden his mysteries “from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes” (Matt 11:25). David says he is as a child (Ps 131:2). When Naaman was converted, his flesh became as a child’s (2 Kgs 5:14). And we, as little children, want to be brought to Jesus, and receive the pure milk of the word (1 Pet 2:2). For children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:1–4).

The Bible also says that there is such a thing as being childlike in the wrong way. We are being childlike in the wrong way when we are ignoring the study of the Word (Heb 5:12–13). For we all know that little children do not study the Word of God because they do not know how to read. This is because they do not need to. They have perfect faith. But as they get older, they need more weapons to battle against the wiles of the enemy. And so God has given us his written Word, and he has also given us the ability to learn to read, and schools to go to learn in. God gives gifts in his congregation so we can learn his Word and not be as children “tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph 4:14).

So let us heed the Word, and study it diligently. “Brethren, be not children in understanding. Howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Cor 14:20).