This question is a highly explosive one. From my own experience, I would have to say if you ask 99% of Christians, they would say children are protected until some unspecifiable time or point of growth. The question is undebatable, not because they have any definitive proof, the most you will get is one or two verses that do not relate directly to the question, but because they do not want to think. I do not have the definitive answer, neither do I know of anyone nor have read anyone who has the definitive answer. I believe my answer could be God’s definitive answer.
There are two possibilities:
- That all children are cover up to a certain point.
- That if a parent is saved, the children are covered up to a certain point.
There does not seem to be any biblical evidence for the first. It is more of an emotional response. The second does have some biblical underpinning.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
In the case of not having a definitive answer, I would err on the side of caution. The truth is that either way, you must err on the side of caution.
See the constant in these two scenarios;
Both scenarios contain the same problem: when does the coverage end? Even if we know the exact point and time the coverage ended, would you wait till then to witness to the child? Our responsibility as Christians is the same regardless of whether children are covered; we are to witness to all. For God is going to hold us responsible, the blood of those we fail to witness to, even the blood of the children of parents we fail to witness to, will be accounted to us.
Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I (Paul) take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Whether children are covered or not is of no consequence to us. Whichever scenario is correct, we as Christians are commanded to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to preach the word to all near and far.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
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