Heidelcast

Superfriends Saturday: "Be Fruitful and Multiply" - How Does this Command Apply to Families Who Cannot Naturally Have Children?

Feb 28, 2026
Scott McDermott, a theologian and writer working on a book project, joins the discussion. They explore how the creation mandate relates to infertility and adoption. Conversations touch on Calvin’s experience, Scripture’s creational commands, parenting as sanctification, adoption as fulfilling procreation, and practical pastoral and church support for prospective adoptive families.
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ANECDOTE

Calvin's Personal Losses And Spiritual Children

  • John Calvin experienced stillbirths and subsequent inability to conceive, and he responded by viewing many as his spiritual children.
  • R. Scott Clark recounts Calvin's family losses and Calvin's claim of having 'thousands of spiritual children' through ministry.
ADVICE

Keep Honoring Natural Institutions Under Grace

  • Do not assume grace obviates natural institutions; continue to honor marriage, Sabbath, and procreation.
  • Clark and Harrison stress that grace perfects, not destroys, nature — so Christians must uphold creational responsibilities.
INSIGHT

Creational Commands Persist After The Fall

  • The creational command to be fruitful and multiply persists after the Fall and under grace.
  • R. Scott Clark argues Scripture (e.g., Exodus 20 appeal to creation) shows marriage, Sabbath, and procreation remain normative despite sin.
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