Covenant children
A view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching, held by paedobaptist churches, that the children of believers belong to the visible church as members of the covenant, though they come to the Lord's Table only after a credible profession of faith.
Also called: covenant child, non-communicant members, non-communicant member, baptized children
What it means
Presbyterian and Reformed churches teach that God's covenant promise is "to you and your children", as it was to Abraham and his offspring. So the children of at least one believing parent are members of the visible church, receive baptism as the sign of that covenant, and are called to believe the promises signified to them. They are often called non-communicant members until they make a credible profession and are admitted to the Supper.
Being a covenant child does not mean being saved automatically. Such children are taught to repent and believe, and they are warned as well as encouraged. But they are addressed as belonging to the church, as Paul addresses children directly in his letters.
Baptist churches, by contrast, teach that membership and baptism belong to those who have professed faith, and they treat their children as objects of loving instruction and prayer within the church, but not as members. Both sides take children's spiritual welfare seriously; the site shows which a church holds.
In Scripture
God's covenant is with Abraham and his descendants after him, to be their God.
Peter says the promise is for you and your children, and for all whom the Lord calls.
The children of a believing parent are called holy rather than unclean.
Paul addresses children directly, as members of the congregation hearing the letter.
Jesus welcomes the children: the kingdom belongs to such as these.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 25.2; WCF 28.4
On this site: Membership
Related terms
PaedobaptismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that baptism, the sign of the covenant of grace, is to be given both to those who profess faith and to the infant children of believers.
CredobaptismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that baptism is for those who personally profess repentance and faith in Christ, normally by immersion.
Church membershipHistoric orthodoxy
The formal, mutual commitment by which a Christian joins a particular local church, submits to its elders, and takes responsibility for its other members.
CatechismTerm
A summary of Christian teaching in question-and-answer form, used to teach children and new believers the faith; catechesis is that teaching.