Second generation Christians sometime think like grandchildren. Since their parents were Christians, they should have special privileges with God. Although many have “inherited religion,” the truth is that God has no grandchildren.

Grandchildren often think they should have permission to do things with grandparents that their parents would not allow—and some do! Spiritually, this kind of thinking results in apostasy. The Israelites served God during the days of Joshua and the elders who outlived him, but after their deaths “there arose a generation...which knew not the Lord, nor yet His works which He had done for Israel.” Then, they “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 2:10,11).

Spiritually, the same thing happens today. People who left denominationalism, or worldliness, because of personal study of God’s word, have children who inherited their religion and do not have a personal faith. They look around and like Israel of old, want to be like the nations around (1 Sam. 8:1-5). In order to do this they must depart from respect for book, chapter and verse that their parents respected. Remember—God has no grandchildren. He only has children who personally obey Him.