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Baptists/salvation for autistic children
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Question
How can Autistic children understand what it is to be saved?
Hi Marilyn,
Scripture does not directly speak to this however in my opinion the first thing we must always remember is that God is Love and shows mercy abundantly.
There are different degrees and manifestations of Autism as you doubtless know. Some can grasp basic positive concepts, others can not. If someone can not understand the concepts I am 110% certain that God's Grace and Mercy will cover them. Remember:
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Now consider the mechanics of salvation:
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
The faith to be saved is itself a gift of God. God can bestow His Grace on ANYONE whether we can see it or not.
If such people are able to grasp love or kindness, remember that God is Love and kindness.
If they can recognize their parents or caregivers, remember that God is our Parent.
If they can respond to touch, remember that God touches all souls.
If they seem completely unresponsive God still dwells within their hearts and loves them just as they are.
Trust God. God is all merciful and all compassionate, always, and He cares for all of us with unlimited love and mercy.
Just as you wish to show these children love, so does God. Never doubt it. And never doubt that God sees the love and patience you show them as well -- Matthew 25:37-40
May God bless,
~ Pastor John
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Answers by Expert:
John of AllFaith
Expertise
Baptists hold certain unique understandings as well as the "fundamentals of the faith" held by most other denominations. Harmonious with the essential Baptist doctrine known as the Priesthood of all Believers, some Baptists are very conservative (such as Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps) while others are quite liberal (such as Jesse Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr). For help understanding Baptist and other biblical issues, drop me a line. I can also shed light on questions that are often considered "sensitive." Ask me anything and I'll do my best to share what I know.
Experience
I have a lot of experience in this area. I've studied the Holy Scriptures for over 40 years. I hold a Missionary Baptist ordination as well as one from Calvary Chapel. I was a missionary in Central America for a while, an avid street minister and have preached in many churches, on the radio and so on. I also have an MA Religious Studies from JFK University as well as other pieces of paper. The only ordination that really matters comes from God of course.
While I am no longer a Baptist I can answer any question anyone is likely to have from a Baptist perspective.
My personal beliefs are now more accurately described as Messianic or Noahide Nazarene. If you are interested in this perspective just ask.
Organizations
My current beliefs are best described as Noahide Nazarene. These beliefs can be considered at my web site: http://allfaith.com/Religions/Noahide
Education/Credentials
Education/Credentials
Three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 41 plus years of sincere seeking and 13 years answering questions and posting studies online.
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