Hi Eileen,
Mat 18:3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become
like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."
As followers of Christ we must become "like" children, I think of a little child as innocent and any who will enter the kingdom must stand innocent before Christ and pure of heart.
Php 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and
innocent 185, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
G185 akeraios - unmixed, that is, (figuratively) innocent: - harmless, simple.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the
pure 2513 in heart: for they shall see God.
G2513 katharos - clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure.
The purity and innocent of a child's heart is from ignorance of evil. But the chosen must go through this evil experience and then be dragged to Christ and cleansed and set right by the sacrifice and judgments of Christ.
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
v. 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
v. 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
v. 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
I little child is ignorant of the ways this world and is simplist in mind seeing the good in things and there is no need to fear them. We are not ignorant any longer and must become wise to the ways of the world. But as a child is innocent from doing any harm, we must be likewise to be able to rule with Christ.
Mat 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
v. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
Just some thoughts to add
mercy, peace and love
Kat