About Brent Jobe, DVM Expertise Specifically able to help one defend the plan of salvation, especially immersion for the remission of sins with emphasis on both the English and Greek. Very able to assist someone in refuting the doctrine of salvation by faith only before and without any further acts of obedience. Capable, but certainly not a scholar, in other areas of doctrine: church organization, music in worship, eternal security, etc, but do not claim the same degree of knowledge of these subjects. I would view myself, as well as the church that I attend, as very mainline, possibly (and hopefully) tending toward conservative. I can express the liberal viewpoint, if one so desires, although I believe it to be dangerous and divisive.
Experience Avid reader and possess original editions of most debates concerning baptism and faith alone. I am familiar with both sides of the issue, and have probably heard every argument advanced against the necessity of baptism. I truly feel that I can help other members of the church who may have been asked difficult questions, and I will take the time to thoroughly answer - in English, Greek, and possibly ancillary statements, though uninspired, from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd century Christians. Member of the church for about 30 years - 6th generation at the same congregation.
Organizations Religiously, none other than the local congregation. Professionally, of course, quite a few, but none that would apply in this context.
Education/Credentials I am a veterinarian (DVM) by profession and have practiced for twenty years. Almost all of my religious education other than the usual (family, attending services) was derived at the feet of Foy E. Wallace, Jr. If I cannot answer your question, I have direct contact with Judge Alan Highers and Dr. Jimmy Allen, both men of considerable knowledge and debating experience: if I am not satisfied with my answer, I can call upon them for additional information. The writings and sermons of N. B. Hardeman are among my favorites.
Question I HAVE A NEIGHBOR WHOM BELIEVES INFANTS ARE BORN SINNERS UNTIL THEY ACCEPT THE GOSPEL ; COULD YOU PLEASE SEND ME SCRIPTURES TO PROVE HER WRONG DUE TOWARDS FROM WHAT I RESEARCHED , INFANTS & YOUNG CHILDREN ARE INNOCENT UNTIL THEY REACH THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY [WHATEVER THAT IS] ://
Answer Hi. I'm sorry. This question and a follow-up from another question went to the Spam folder for some reason. The whole concept to which you refer is termed "Total Hereditary Depravity", and revolves around the question: "Are infants born sinners?"
Your statement: "Infants and young children are innocent (or 'safe') until they reach the age or mentality of accountability" is 100% true. All I would add is that I personally would stick with the words "innocent" or "safe".
To answer her you have to drive a peg down and keep insisting upon this one thing: WHAT IS SIN? Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4) and "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) So there IS a law, and there is a "good way", and to trangress or break the law or fail to choose the "good way" = SIN. Of course, an infant can do neither. I'd ask specifically ... SPECIFICALLY ... exact what law a one-day-old infant has broken? If someone implies that "crying" is an evidence of sin, just say "Jesus wept."
#2 is that even the Bible presents infants and the very young as innocent.
Psalm 106:37-38 ..... "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and they shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters."
"Your little ones, who you said would become prey, and your children, who as yet do not know good from bad --- they shall enter; to them I will give it, and they shall occupy it" (Deuteronomy 1:39)
If your friend is correct, the blood that was shed in Psalms 106 is "guilty" blood, but the Bible says their blood was "innocent" Why? "Children who as yet do not know good from bad."
#3 The name of the doctrine is total (complete, 100%) hereditary (passed down like color of one's eyes) depravity (wholly inclined to evil or sin). Look at the "hereditary" part.
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father" (Eze 18:20)
Your friend is saying, "Oh, no, the son DOES inherit the sins of his father."
Here is a synopsis of HOW sin occurs: "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin isaccomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16). Now how can a 1-day-old infant be tempted? enticed of his own lust?
I hope I have provided enough verses for you to use - I could provide ten times more that all say the same thing. Accountability for one's actions occur in YOUTH - not infancy.
The church of Christ emphatically denies that an infant is accountable or capable of sin. We teach that they are safe, and, should parent be so unfortunate as to lose an infant or very young child, we can safely say with certainty that the child's spirit was immediately transported to Paradise. Those who believe what your friend believes can offer no consolation at all - I don't know what your friend would say to the parents.
