Thank you HarleyD for posting such a wonderful article. I was blessed enough to have a mentor in my church who taught me many of the beliefs I have now, and which you correctly pointed out to me were reformed beliefs, even though I didn't know there was a name for it at the time. :)
However, he also taught that "God reveals himself to all men", and that in cases where earthly death occurs to a young child (or an abortion victim), or to one who has no capacity to "accept" Christ, that there is a "free pass" (my words) to salvation. These ideas seem to contradict the teaching of the article and I wanted to ask you both for your thoughts. As harsh at it might seem to us humans, I don't see how the teaching allows for any exceptions, even for those who have not yet sinned.
God does reveal Himself to all but men's hearts are hardened. They cannot accept the truth until God changes the heart and instills the faith man needs to believe.
Many take comfort in believing a young child who dies is guarantee a spot in heaven. There is no biblical justification for this view. It leads to Arminianism and Erasmus' erroneous point of view. It also states that there are "other ways" to heaven besides the cross of Christ which is implied in the "free pass" idea.
That being said we can take comfort in knowing that our Lord is wise, merciful and gracious. He will make the perfect decision. Whatever that decision is God justifies everyone through the blood of His dear Son. God can instill a baby with His Holy Spirit (Jeremiah and John the Baptist are examples) just the same as He instills us.