Meaning: The quote by Thomas Goodwin, a prominent 17th-century Puritan theologian and clergyman, addresses the concept of the covenant of grace and the inclusion of children of believing parents within this covenant. Goodwin was part of the Reformed tradition and his writings have had a significant influence on Protestant theology, particularly in the areas of soteriology and the covenant.

In the quote, Goodwin asserts that the children of believing parents, particularly those who are Gentiles and living under the gospel, are included by God within the covenant of grace. To understand this statement, it is essential to unpack the theological concepts of the covenant of grace and the implications of including the children of believers within it.

The covenant of grace is a foundational concept in Reformed theology, referring to the covenant that God established with humanity after the fall of Adam and Eve. This covenant is characterized by God's gracious initiative in offering salvation to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ. It is seen as a continuation and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, ultimately realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Central to the covenant of grace is the idea of God's faithfulness to His promises and His gracious provision of salvation for His people. Within this covenant framework, believers are united to Christ by faith, and they receive the benefits of salvation, including forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, and the hope of eternal life.

Goodwin's assertion that the children of believing parents are included within the covenant of grace reflects a particular understanding of the relationship between the covenant and the family. In Reformed theology, there is a strong emphasis on the continuity of the covenant across generations, and the family is viewed as a key context for the transmission of faith and the nurturing of covenantal identity.

This understanding is grounded in the biblical concept of the family as a primary unit of God's covenantal dealings with His people. In the Old Testament, God's promises and blessings were often extended to the descendants of His faithful servants, and there was a strong sense of corporate solidarity within the covenant community. This familial aspect of the covenant is carried forward in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul speaks of the children of believers as being "holy" or set apart in a special sense (1 Corinthians 7:14).

Goodwin's assertion also reflects the Reformed view of infant baptism, which is based on the belief that the children of believers are members of the covenant community from birth and are therefore eligible to receive the sign and seal of the covenant through baptism. This practice is seen as a visible expression of God's covenantal faithfulness and the inclusion of children within the covenant community.

In summary, Thomas Goodwin's quote highlights the Reformed understanding of the covenant of grace and the inclusion of the children of believing parents within this covenant. It underscores the significance of the family as a context for the transmission of faith and the continuity of God's redemptive purposes across generations. Goodwin's perspective reflects a deep theological engagement with the biblical concept of the covenant and its implications for the life of the believing community.