Why can 1st John be properly called “The Holy Spirit’s Special letter to little children and families?”
After writing a brief and tight opening ten verses of background information, the Holy Spirit then says as He opens chapter two: “My little children, I am writing these things to you…” (1st John 2:1).
Over the centuries, this specific greeting of the Spirit addressed directly to “little children” has always been controversial and a flashpoint of controversy. Why?
Christ specifically tells all parents and religious levels: “Let the little children come to me and forbid them not, for as such is the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). However, after the Christian Church had existed for several centuries, some church leaders decided that Baptism was not a miracle of God to be trusted. Therefore the idea of ‘believers’ Baptism began to be promoted. This was done, most notably by Tertullian in the ___ century. Since the idea that God’s miracle of Baptism cannot be trusted comes from Satan—and goes hand in hand with man’s attempt to understand God by limited human reason—Satan continues to raise his voice of doubts in the minds of many church leaders—even as he has over the centuries.
In what way does Luther’s interpretation of 1st John help all Christians get the correct start in understanding 1st John—and the Spirit’s positive help, counsel and advice, not just for families and parents in general, but little children specifically.
Luther addresses the Spirit’s Words in 1st John 2:1: “My little children I am writing these things to you.”
What valid, key and critical points, or teachings is Luther noting for all Christians (all parents, grandparents, pastors, families and children today)?
Regarding the Spirit’s Words in 1st John in general—and 1 John 2:1, specifically Luther notes the following. a) First, for any modern Bible teachers to try to play down or even reject the idea that the Holy Spirit is actually addressing “little children” of a specific age group—the rejection of the Spirit’s intent and move is not news. b) To make his point, Luther specifically called out a leading European intellectual in his day: Erasmus (LW 30:15).
c) Erasmus was not saying anything new regarding his doubts about God’s intention to clearly focus on little children and God’s desire to bring his “living,” creative, cleansing, and recreative Words to children to give them spiritual health and hope—this had been challenged for some one thousand years before Erasmus, primarily by Tertullian (155-220).
Academics of all persuasions agree that: Tertullian was a key creator of ideas in giving the early church “definition” and teachings as to what he thought the Spirit taught; and what Tertullian thought everyone else should believe. d) Tertullian is also credited with making popular the idea of “believers” Baptism, and human and reason based idea that not only challenges—but actually rejects God’s miracle of Baptism, as set forth by Christ Himself. e) It is therefore extremely important to realize that, when modern scholars—including some Luther Bible scholars today try to say the Spirit’s Words in 1st John 2:1 are not really about a specific chronological age group, “little children,” this is no new discovery—but promotion of an age-old heresy. Luther’ concern of this heresy cannot be overstated. Luther uses historical and Scriptural sources to express his deep concern. NO one dare minimize—or even remove—a greeting and help the Spirit intends to give—not just to children in general—but “little” children! Luther specifically notes that, inspired and directly. To ignore Scripture is to reject God’s Word—and God Himself.