Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:13 {A Child’s Stage of Accountability} My three-year-old passed away in a tragic accident. I’ve heard that infants are welcomed into God’s presence when they die, but what about a slightly older child? Is my daughter in Heaven? 2. 21:06 {Author Unknown = Still Inspired?} Can we be confident that a book of the Bible is truly inspired and belongs in the canon if the author is unknown (like Hebrews)? If we don’t know who wrote it, how can we trust what it contains? How can we know it wasn’t just the written version of a sermon? A pastor may be educated, but they aren’t inerrant. 3. 27:40 {The Kingdom - “Suffered Violence”?} Can you help me to contextually understand Matthew 11: 12? Teachings I’ve heard have made no sense, and I have tried to understand it myself, but I’m not sure if I’m understanding what Jesus was saying here. 4. 35:09 {50/50 Churches?} My LDS husband wants me and our kids to go to his ward & my church, split 50/50 every other week. Should I submit to him and do this, or should I get out completely from doing this? See 2 Kings 5: 17-19 and Psalm 1:1. 5. 42:01 {Grain Offering = More Holy?} In Leviticus 2:9-10, the part of the grain offering for the priests is "a most holy part." Why is the part that the priests eat more holy than the memorial portion that is burned on the altar? 6. 44:24 {Avoiding Anger while Guiding Others} I see a lot of New Age-ish things (energy, manifesting, vibes) creeping into Christ followers’ lives around me. I’ve gotten blow-back trying to correct people in love. Do you have any advice about how to continue the conversation without angering them? 7. 47:48 {Malachi 4, Elijah & The End Times} Does the last verse of Malachi 4 suggest that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation? 8. 51:37 {Dying to Sexual Addictions} I’m only 18, but I’ve been addicted to pornography for 5 years now, which slowly turned homosexual over time. Can you please explain the past tense of “died” in Romans 6:2? Am I dead to sin, or do I die? 9. 1:01:49 {How to Biblically Confront an Elder} How should a church member confront an elder biblically? Is Matthew 18 still applicable, or is there another text that applies since they are an elder? 10. 1:05:09 {Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?} Why were people baptized in Jesus’ name in the book of Acts? I was challenged by this question and can’t figure it out. BONUS Q! 1:07:59 We'll probably never find every artifact or an original manuscript. But what is on your list of top biblical artifacts you hope are discovered? Israel in Egypt is one of mine.
I heard a pastor share this at a child's funeral: "We have a word for a woman who has lost a husband: widow. For a man who has lost his wife: a widower. And for a child who has lost their parents: orphan. But we have no word for a parent who has lost a child, because that pain is too great for words." Notably, that sermon was given in Portuguese, which means it is true for multiple languages. May the Lord comfort all who suffer that loss.
I needed this today. I have cried out to the Lord asking for him to renew my faith I know he will. As I struggle to provide for my children Lord grant me strength. Both of my sons are special needs and require so much from me. Lord Jesus I’m overwhelmed as a single mother. Please hear my prayers give me strength while I struggle to provide I can’t do it without you.💕
I pray for you, my sister in Christ. I have a special needs brother in his 60’s and I understand your pain. I pray that Almighty God’s presence and provision for you and your two sons will be magnified in your lives. “We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chron 20:12. May The Lord bless and watch over you and your boys.❤️🙏🇦🇺
I have two babies that are in heaven with our Lord. They died in womb and it was the hardest most devastating events in my life. I look forward to meeting my children. ❤
It never fails does it. The Holy Spirit really speaks through you and im thankful you in my life, even if its only by listening to your answers to peoples questions. The Lord continues to answer some of my questions through you even when the questions themselves has nothing to do with what im going through. I pray that God blesses you and your ministry here for as long as you are able and willing.
Matthew 11:12 When I meditate on this verse, it reminds me of The Pilgrim's Progress. I understand it to mean that the Christian life is not a walk in the park. We have opposition within and without. It is not for those who make a half-hearted attempt, but for those who are willing to overcome at any cost.
I am so thankful for the scripture that you’ve provided in this and previous videos on the topic of age of accountability. When our daughter passed away at three months we were naturally frantically searching for comfort on the subject. When you brought up King David losing his son, and his confidence that he would be with him again… This gave my husband and I the ability to praise God in the midst of our grief. As well as The confidence to encourage others around us who lost children after us. I’m very thankful for your content.
I am surrounded by babies tonight and holding their tiny perfect hands and their heads, I am in blissful heaven. I remember when I welcomed my baby brother into this world on this month. He changed my life that day. I fell in love with this child. I wish I hadn’t been as troubled as I was at the time. I was too young and filled with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I wasn’t as patient as I should’ve been. I have asked for his forgiveness but he doesn’t seem to remember. Well, I remember all my sins.
Glad you're so blessed but your whole comment isn't needed. Someone just lost their 3 yr old. Oh and what does you picking on your baby brother have to do with anything? Who cares? Everybody does it. Ask God to forgive you and move on, victim.
I would never pick on my brother. I didn’t ask your permission for anything. I am not a victim and I should pray to hopefully not become a victimiser. There is no life after death until the resurrection where we will all be judged according to our thoughts and actions.
My wife and I lost 3 in the womb. Our first is 16 and we've been married 18 years January 6th. I still weep when I consider the loss. I can't imagine how much harder it would be to have held them and loved them for 3 years. My prayers go with you. May God comfort you.
"If they are blind they would have no guilt, but since they see their guilt remains" Paraphrasing but that's a quote from John Lennox, quoting the bible/Jesus, in regards to individuals being guilty of sins they are not aware of. Who is more "blind to knowing right and wrong" than young child/ toddler / baby??? Not even for a second am I saying that they are "sinless", but I am absolutely stating that they are "guiltless". Babies and young children DO NOT, go to hell. I'm so confident in this I would be willing to bet my eternity on it.
There are even scriptures in the Old Testament where God is disgusted and abhorred at child sacrifice. That he would never even think to ask for that type of worship I think those scriptures alone (plus Jesus with the little children) are loud and clear about how God feels about babies and small children
Thank you for giving us your valuable time and knowledge. It's deeply appreciate but something else about you that makes me so happy is your fantastic humor. Oh my goodness! I laugh and laugh over it. It's just such a joy. You are such a blessing.
I’m definitely with you on the conjecture territory on age of accountability. 20 definitely feels too old. But, just to play the other side for a minute , we know that brains don’t fully develop until 25… idk, something to chew on.
Yep. The frontal lobe (where that maturity and awareness of consequences reside) doesn't finish until around 25. A sad fact of penal practice when confronted with a young man who is getting in trouble repeatedly is to put them in prison until they're 25 and then let them try again.
It's important to realize that this is not a concept taught anywhere in the Bible. We should always stick to what the scriptures say as our source of authority.
@@user-wu6so3pq1j Not explicitly, but if you read everything the Bible says about children, the conclusion you will arrive at is that this must be the case.
Regarding question 1, I think there are two other passages to consider: Romans 7:9 - "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died." It seems like Paul is saying that the law didn't apply to him at one point in his life, implying that during his infancy or childhood state, he didn't comprehend good and evil. Romans 9:11 - "For though the twins (Jacob and Esau) were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls." Now, it's debatable whether Paul is talking about Jacob and Esau before they even existed, or maybe he's just referring to their state in Rebecca's womb, if he's referring to the latter, then he would be affirming that foetus's don't have any comprehension of morality.
I started/ hit puberty at 9 years old. That's so young. I didn't understand what was accountable when it came to salvation. I didn't even understand why I was so emotional all of the time.
God Bless you and your loved ones Mike. One of my favourite former embryos who has been and continues to help strengthen my relationship with our LORD. Thank you and your ministry for your service to Jesus This is the amazing thing with the Bible Science continues to prove it I didnt know the OT has a law that science now states the brain diesnt stop growing until 20-21
I think david was referring to simply saying that he would meet him in the grave and death.He wasn't speaking of heaven.I think that's out of context. Because he said he cannot come to me, but I will go to him. He was speaking of the grave.
Thank you Mike great video and I really appreciate it number 1 you brought up some information that I have not thought of before that was great thank you blessings brother
I loved Indiana Jones as a youngster, so the ark is the first thing to come to mind, but what I keep thinking of lately is somehow finding an original manuscript from Paul that isn't already in the canon...the linguists are listing 87 Paulisms that are all there, and the carbon dating is spot on, and it's in his big ol' crayon handwriting and everything.
Good job answering an extremely tough question brother .. I was tearing up the whole time. I kept thinking about the verse in Matthew I believe about : you're better off to have a mill*stone tied around your neck and thrown into the ocean than mislead one of my little ones. (Paraphrasing)
Thanks for all your hard work Mike! Would love to see a video breaking down some of Alex O’Conners content. He’s quickly becoming a leader in the atheist thinker community.
My 5 year daughter asked the Lord Jesus to save her; and 40 years later she has stuck to that decision! So she must have been able to understand basic truth, I think.
I am glad that her experience was that way, but surely her knowledge and understanding of her salvation matured significantly between 5 and 25. IMHE, for every one I see that repents under 10 yoa and never wavers, I know several who felt that they needed to recommit later in life because they didn't fully understand. Because they wanted to participate in communion and be a part of the community rather than really understanding their moral failings and need for a savior.
@@JeffroDHThe Bible mentions both John and David had accepted God as their redeemer and Savior from the moment they were born/in the womb. Regardless of if they fully understand, they are a member of the Christian Church and saved by grace.
My answer (insufficient as it is) is that children go to heaven purely on the basis of Christ’s righteousness and mercy alone - same as anybody else - even if they are ‘technically’ unbelieving (maybe they were part of a Muslim family, or atheist, etc…). God is also just, so their sins are not overlooked, but rather applied to Jesus’ account. Without Jesus Christ, even babies would absolutely be worthy of eternal hell in light of God’s righteousness. It’s good to apply the proper weights and balances when approaching this issue, and you’re good at that, Mike, so I defer to you.
I understand what you're saying, but the Bible does not support that. Jesus said, Except a man be born again he, cannot see the Kingdom of heaven. And what about if you confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart You will be saved. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind , Confession is made unto salvation. So how do we quantify that in regards to a child who dies before the supposed age of accountability. There has got to be some way that a child has the opportunity to receive christ.Because he is the only way to the father.
Our brains aren't fully developed until our early 20s. The part that we use to understand consequences is the last to develop. So it makes sense to me to that it's God's will that we develop as we do and will judge us by his design.
Here is my take RE: Matthew 11:12. I remember a lot of NAR types started taking that out of context (as they do many other passages) and were using it to say, "Yes Lord! We will violently (in a spiritual way) take hold of your Kingdom and bring it to this world!", interpreting it as being applicable today. That is very incorrect. As Mike mentioned, context matters. What is the context? "From the days of John the Baptist" means from the beginning of his ministry, which was roughly 6 months, maybe a year, before Jesus began his own ministry (John being a Levite would begin at age 30, and though Jesus wasn't a Levite the cultural tradition in general was 30 years old for everyone else as well). So Jesus was referring to the time period from approximately 6 months ago at the beginning of John's ministry until right then, that John could offer repentance, but not the grace of salvation. That was before the cross and Pentecost. When we repent now, we receive the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, grace, and peace immediately. That window of time from John the Baptist to Pentecost, the peace of Christ in us through the power of the Holy Spirit was not there yet. Jesus was saying it's a forcible act for a non-born again person to repent of their sins and yet have no possibility of forgiveness or the assurance of the Holy Spirit, that it's a violent act against the Kingdom of Heaven because they're repenting but there was no salvation to be offered at that point. Of course Jesus would Himself go on to suffer violence, and now we are justified and at peace as a result of what He accomplished. So to the NAR types that misunderstand: don't try to operate in a John the Baptist ministry while living in New Testament reality.
Where is the ark now? Rev. 11:19, “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail."
Great Answer On: The violent take it by force Mt 11:12 From the Days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. NIV: Has been subject to violence and the violent are raiding it. Just the way I would have answered it. Hahaha
The Bible say that ALL children under the age of accountability return to the Lord and they grow up in Heaven. I think that when I researched this topic that the children grow to the age of around 30.
Man's flesh is just temporary, but Christ's isn't, He is in heaven and forever, He is real and alive (Revelation chapter 5). Nothing is more important than trusting in Jesus Christ.
Not sure if it is Biblical, but I think God is omniscient and already fully knows a 3 year old both in the sense of what they would do in all situations and might do under all situations.
When Jesus says the kingdom of heaven suffers violence… it’s actually a Jewish slang phrase, it’s the picture of the sheepfold, in the morning when the shepherd is going to open the sheep fold for the sheep to go graze they get loud and start climbing over themselves to get free- that is the imagery Jesus is using there
Mike, I have done extensive research into baptism formulas. I was baptized in Jesus' name, but my church never taught oneness doctrine, so I never really understood it. To my knowledge, you have never really gone into extreme detail about the different ways Christians have expressed their understanding of the Godhead. Some Trinitarians are more oneness than they realize, and some oneness doctrine actually creeps into a more trinitarian viewpoint. They each reject each other's views on baptism. I am not concerned with heretical groups such as JWs or Mormons. With such a divisive and vital issue, is it correct to give quick answers or pass off other valid points as if the early church had a perfect understanding neatly packaged in the Nicaean Creed?
The problem with the LDS sacrament meetings is that they take sacrament every week, which is a false sacrament… I’d encourage you not to take part in that and just pass it along to the next member. Maybe that’s something she should discuss with her husband regarding the kids.
That’s easy we know kids are with God. What’s complicated is my question. My grandfather died and I did not share the Gospel but I anointed him a week before he died. He was not resistant to being prayed on or to the anointing. Is he with God.
@MikeWinger Question 1: Mike, I came to the same conclusion about children being innocent. As I was pondering this topic, I’m wondering how this understanding would affect (if it does) our evangelism of children who are still within their age of innocence? What are your thoughts? I’d be curious to hear what you think. 😊
The frontal cortex of the brain is not functional yet in children and not fully developed until their mid-twenties. This means they don’t really have the capacity to think critically or see the big picture related to their actions. The timing of accountability to God is multi-factorial and yes, he’s loving and just and that gives us peace.
All souls must hear the gospel and decide whether they will believe in YESHUA, or reject HIM.. The little ones lost here won't be little in the millennial reign. They will have to make their decision there...
What scripture do you have to back this up? I do not see it anywhere That children will be reincarnated in the millennial reign . In opposition to your statement, it has been appointed to man to be born, Die and then the judgment once. The bible does not support reincarnation or a second chance.
With respect....they are not innocent because they are born into sin as humans since Adam/Eve sinned. All humans are condemned apart from Christ. They are not accountable at this point though.
Q. Something I've been thinking about. How do we justify saying that all children go directly to heaven before the age of accountability, in light of what jesus said except a man be Born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. Could children somehow be given a chance to accept Jesus. If jesus came to die for the sins of all mankind, wouldn't that include children. Since we are concieved and born in sin, what pays for that sin to reconcile a child back to God, if a child never has a chance to accept Jesus. how would a child who never had to repent and receive jesus as their savior be able to call him savior, if he didn't save them from something. Since salvation is such a wonderful event, Wouldn't everyone have a chance to participate in it. That would seem like a child Never having to claim him as savior would be missing out on the most wonderful thing that god did for all mankind. And god would be missing out on the glory of being their savior. Am I missing something ?
I truly feel the desire to push for a late stage of accountability, but I have a deep concern about the consequences of this. Parents need to not lose urgency for pushing their children to know Christ. I've heard countless people who put their faith in Christ to cleanse them from their sin before 10 years old, many of them much younger. I recognized a need for "Jesus to come into my heart" at 3 years old, and my mom and I had many moral and biblical conversations when I was 4. Similar for my siblings. The biggest danger I'm scared of is not parents losing comfort, but of people missing out on salvation because their parents didn't emphasize the need for it, or even worse, told them they couldn't / shouldn't be saved until they were older (I've seen similar happen in real life). I'll also add that Proverbs 20:11 seems to show that children (or at least young people, depending on your interpretation) know right and wrong. "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright." This is similar to how we talk about suicides. It's tempting to say the person who committed suicide couldn't help it, to comfort the people left behind. But making suicide sound inevitable will drive more people to commit suicide by depriving them of accountabiltity and of empowerment and hope. These are tough issues with lots of unknowns. Rest in God's comfort after the fact, but don't presumptively avoid responsibility to train your children in the knowledge of the Lord. Parents need to start teaching kids, basically from the moment of conception, about the Lord, so that they will be primed to trust Christ as soon they are capable.
Toviah Singer said in video that I saw that Paul was gay. I don’t pay attention to what Toviah Singer thinks and find his videos impossible to watch because of how many things are incorrect.
I think you dropped the ball on question 4. If Mormonism is false then she should not allow her children to go and worship a false god. She should show her husband the evidence for Christ and explain why this is such a big deal. Would you give that same answer to someone who’s husband wanted to take their kids to a satanic temple? I don’t think so. If mormonism is false then its just as bad as satanism.
question number one seems like a moot point in light of Jesus. Either you're a terrible sinner deserving hell then you're saved by Jesus, you're not saved, or your an innocent child on the scales.
The theological danger of assuming all the young go to heaven is in the HOW and WHY. For example, some might assume it's because they haven't sinned, therefore they have no sin that could be judged. In a way they earn heaven simply due to being sinless creatures. But theologically we know this is NOT the truth whatsoever. We are born in iniquity and cursed by the fall and have our inherited sinful nature. We are not born into perfection, we're born into sin death, so to speak. By assuming we are born as sinless and perfect, therefore enter heaven due to finding no sin, this creates a false gospel in that you can go to heaven by placing faith in Jesus, OR you can go to heaven by being really young and therefore are perfect and blameless. We must avoid creating a false gospel regarding this issue. So then, if we are not guiltless perfection in or out of the womb, how is that sin nature dealt with, and is it dealt with the same way in every case? That's hard to answer I think. Some would apply different terms like blameless, guiltless, or lacking the responsibility of their imperfection etc. But again, however we describe it, we are in danger of creating and applying a separate gospel to the youth, and there are not multiple gospels! If we stick to the gospel, we know that no human is saved without the mediator Christ to pay their debt and wash them clean. So the question is, can we say Jesus paid the debt of all the young just by default universally? We don't have clear scripture of this, but the inferences and emotions about it are strong. God knows the number of all our days, he certainly knows and ordained, so it's not that big of a stretch to assume God might elect all those who wouldn't be able to grow up and learn about Christ. When did the young have opportunity to trust Christ? For all I know, in their innocence this faith is given to them even when they can't express it. Or perhaps it is inquired of them after the spirit leaves the body in some sense of maturity after death? They are too young and immature and unable to reason or think about faith in Christ, but they also lack those resources to willfully reject him as well. Matthew 12:30 adds a twist when Jesus says "anyone who is not with me is against me". Does that mean a child who cannot willfully be with him, is automatically against him? So here is the only thing I can conclude. I would love to believe all babies, unborn, and to large degree all children who lack maturity and ability to consider faith in Christ, would be elected and covered by Christ because that is simply what God wills. This is not due to any alternate gospel that applies to children differently than adults. I simply believe God knows the short number of their days and would elect them unto faith. I don't have a ton of support to believe that kind of universal election, but at the same time I can't fathom how God receives any glory from judging infants to hell either. There is no human who ever lived that would think this glorifies God, I certainly can't think how it would. I can tell myself God is always just and righteous and loving, but even so, a baby in hell doesn't seem to fit those categories. Maybe he would be justified due to our sin nature from conception, and that's true. But we have a lot of scripture regarding things like being a father to the fatherless, a voice to the voiceless, defending of the weak and helpless, clothing the naked, feeding the poor, caring for the widows and orphans. It would certainly not reflect well on God to have all these moral goods, but for him NOT to care for someone as naked and helpless and voiceless and sick as a dying child. Maybe that's just an emotional argument, but Jesus did not want any children to be hindered from coming to him. And gave severe warning to anyone that would lead a child astray. Is God within his "rights" to judge a baby sinner? Yes. But does it fit the narrative of who he is to do such a thing? It does not seem so. Lastly I would just say, it's very good that we don't have a specific "age of accountability", because of the horrific stories I've heard of desperate parents who kill their own children to ensure they get to heaven. Because if they get older, there is a chance they may not turn to Christ. So killing them early guarantees heaven, letting them live brings a chance of hell. This kind of thing is highly dangerous. Imagine if the bible actually taught this explicitly? How many more desperate parents would rather guarantee heaven 100% than risk hell by any margin? Even though we can believe Christ has saved all those who die before maturity, we aught to still be careful declaring it so strongly that it produces unhinged parents who would rather guarantee heaven for their kids rather than risk hell. Therefore, believe the gospel, and don't invent a 2nd one for kids. Believe God is loving and righteous and will do the right thing. And even if we are wrong, it's not outrageous to believe God saves all the innocent or mentally incapable. it fits with his sense of morality toward the weak and unjust and love of youth.
However the innocence, sinfulness or skinlessness, man or woman, boy or girl or an infant, the Bible does not teach that the soul that dies goes automatically to heaven or hell. We all die and go into the grave to await Jesus' return at which time He says He will bring His reward of ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DAMNATION. At Jesus' return the 3yr old will rise in a new body, not coming down with Jesus to be raised. Don't be deceived
If you understand the salvatory effects of baptism, i.e. 1Peter 3:21, you won't need to do a theological gymnastics of the unbiblical age of accountability. Romans 3:23
I think the Bible is exactly as God intended but the writers of the Bible were fallible, lived within a social and historical context and viewed God from their limited human perspective.
Jesus' disciples believed in reincarnation and he didn't try to change their minds. John Chapter 9. People worry too much about going to heaven God is eternal and infinitely kind (not wrathful) as is his creation
I never caught in john 9 how the disciples asking if the man had sinned caused his blindness could be read as implied reincarnation, until just now, since being born blind due to sin ( what the disciples thought) would seemingly imply that he'd sinned in a previous life. But what I can't reconcile is the verse that says all are appointed to die once, and then be judged (Hebrews 9: 27 - 28). Can u reconcile it?
@@m.willow11 Paul was not taught everything by Jesus. It would have been a lesson a few Jews were aware of since Jerusalem was on the Spice Route from India. Reincarnation was taught among the Essenes. Paul was not an Essene. He was a devout Jew who was committed to Jewish law and tradition
Complete, though understandable, misinformation about original sin. It's called original sin, because it was the original sin, and according to the bible humans are born with original sin. It has nothing to do with the ability to understand good and evil: Scripture says that we are born sinners and that we are, by nature, sinners. Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That seems pretty clear, and fits well with the idea that the original sin is built into humanity. I underrstand it gives you problems trying to explain to a grieving parent that their child has gone to hell, but that's is precisely what "original sin" is. That would also apply to the rouughly 30% of fertilized human eggs that spontaneously abort. That is, if you believe that they are fully human at that point.
I have a video on this where I seek to explain my own view in light of the concept of original sin. Here it is. ua-cam.com/users/liveezwpmY73iTA?si=TSu7jV8Viwd3kVIE
It's an emotional subject, but the truth is in order for a child to be saved, one parent must be saved. Otherwise, hell is where they're going to. Noone is in heaven at the moment, either. Therefore, no kids can be up there If every child died, go to heaven. What about the ones God ordered to be killed in 1 Samuel 15:3?
@@TheElismaShow You need to read *Ecclesiastes **7:29* _Behold, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices._ *Ezekiel 18:20* _The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself._ The doctrine of Original Sin was not taught in the early church and the Orthodox churches reject it to this day.
@Berean_with_a_BTh Did God save the children of those he destroyed during the flood? I'll let grapple with that a little bit. But you can see, because Noah, called a righteous man in the eyes of God. He saved his family. No one but him alone was righteous and found favor in the eyes of God.
@TheElismaShow Physical death is not evidence of guilt - inherited or otherwise. What Scripture clearly shows is that people are not to be held accountable for the deeds of others, that human sinfulness arises during one’s youth (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 3:25) and that children must reach a certain level of maturity before they are able to make moral choices between good and evil (Isaiah 7:15-16). Furthermore, since the human spirit is not inherited from one’s parents but is given to each person individually by God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:9), it is unreasonable to suppose it is any less pure at conception than the source from whence it comes.
My explanation of Matthew 11:12-14 is not easily accepted, but for one willing to think about it a little it might resonate. I believe this was shown me by The Holy Spirit, no other person involved. We need to also read verse 14 with this. "If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come". Also Matthew 17:12 "But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him". This war that we are all born into is spiritual, but there are still legalities. Courts in heaven......there are rules. God is a just judge, so what could be allowed with a claim from the accuser, saying "if that is allowed then this should also be allowed" in approach. We don't read about demonization in the old testament. It started in the days of John (and Jesus). These evil spirits "inhabiting" human bodies. And violent are they indeed. Just make a study of all the times Jesus casted out demons from people, telling us to do it as well. I don't believe in reincarnation of humans but in the case of Elijah.....Jesus Himself said that John was Elijah. One can try and put a metaphoric cap on the statement but to me it is direct. Then there is also the Incarnation - God becoming man in the body of Jesus Christ. To conclude - demons were allowed to demonize humans from that time onwards.
If one of the parents was a believer, yes. 1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. If both still sinned, No.
Paul is not saying a person's unbelieving spouse and children are eternally saved simply by being married to or parented by a Christian. Saving faith cannot be borrowed, inherited, or willed to someone else. Scripture's clear teaching is that individuals must come to faith in Christ on their own in order to receive the grace of God's forgiveness for sin (Matthew 10:34-36; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Galatians 6:3-5). Further, Paul writes in verse 16 that an unbeliever might be saved through the witness of a Christian spouse. That, in and of itself, proves that simply being married to a believer does not automatically bring eternal salvation to a non-Christian.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:13 {A Child’s Stage of Accountability} My three-year-old passed away in a tragic accident. I’ve heard that infants are welcomed into God’s presence when they die, but what about a slightly older child? Is my daughter in Heaven?
2. 21:06 {Author Unknown = Still Inspired?} Can we be confident that a book of the Bible is truly inspired and belongs in the canon if the author is unknown (like Hebrews)? If we don’t know who wrote it, how can we trust what it contains? How can we know it wasn’t just the written version of a sermon? A pastor may be educated, but they aren’t inerrant.
3. 27:40 {The Kingdom - “Suffered Violence”?} Can you help me to contextually understand Matthew 11: 12? Teachings I’ve heard have made no sense, and I have tried to understand it myself, but I’m not sure if I’m understanding what Jesus was saying here.
4. 35:09 {50/50 Churches?} My LDS husband wants me and our kids to go to his ward & my church, split 50/50 every other week. Should I submit to him and do this, or should I get out completely from doing this? See 2 Kings 5: 17-19 and Psalm 1:1.
5. 42:01 {Grain Offering = More Holy?} In Leviticus 2:9-10, the part of the grain offering for the priests is "a most holy part." Why is the part that the priests eat more holy than the memorial portion that is burned on the altar?
6. 44:24 {Avoiding Anger while Guiding Others} I see a lot of New Age-ish things (energy, manifesting, vibes) creeping into Christ followers’ lives around me. I’ve gotten blow-back trying to correct people in love. Do you have any advice about how to continue the conversation without angering them?
7. 47:48 {Malachi 4, Elijah & The End Times} Does the last verse of Malachi 4 suggest that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation?
8. 51:37 {Dying to Sexual Addictions} I’m only 18, but I’ve been addicted to pornography for 5 years now, which slowly turned homosexual over time. Can you please explain the past tense of “died” in Romans 6:2? Am I dead to sin, or do I die?
9. 1:01:49 {How to Biblically Confront an Elder} How should a church member confront an elder biblically? Is Matthew 18 still applicable, or is there another text that applies since they are an elder?
10. 1:05:09 {Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?} Why were people baptized in Jesus’ name in the book of Acts? I was challenged by this question and can’t figure it out.
BONUS Q! 1:07:59 We'll probably never find every artifact or an original manuscript. But what is on your list of top biblical artifacts you hope are discovered? Israel in Egypt is one of mine.
to whomever lost her 3yo, i cannot imagine. there are no words. i’m so sorry.
Lost my youngest, can't wait till I'll be with her again, she's resting with Jesus
Indeed.
@@pedrooliveiralima3035 I'm certain of it, God bless You Sir.
I heard a pastor share this at a child's funeral:
"We have a word for a woman who has lost a husband: widow. For a man who has lost his wife: a widower. And for a child who has lost their parents: orphan. But we have no word for a parent who has lost a child, because that pain is too great for words."
Notably, that sermon was given in Portuguese, which means it is true for multiple languages. May the Lord comfort all who suffer that loss.
suddenly last summer!
Praying for Katie in this one. She seems wise, and in a real tough spot. Thanks for using your gifts well Mike.
I needed this today. I have cried out to the Lord asking for him to renew my faith I know he will. As I struggle to provide for my children Lord grant me strength. Both of my sons are special needs and require so much from me. Lord Jesus I’m overwhelmed as a single mother. Please hear my prayers give me strength while I struggle to provide I can’t do it without you.💕
I pray for you, my sister in Christ. I have a special needs brother in his 60’s and I understand your pain. I pray that Almighty God’s presence and provision for you and your two sons will be magnified in your lives. “We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chron 20:12. May The Lord bless and watch over you and your boys.❤️🙏🇦🇺
@@erlnoble She's a known scammer.
Nope. You're not going to start trolling this channel too.
CHILD OF GOD IS A SCAMMER OF CHRISTIAN CHANNELS...IN THE NEXT BREATH HE'LL ASK FOR MONEY! BEWARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!!!
To anyone who has lost a child please reach out and hold my hand. I’m not the best at prayer but I’m with you
I have two babies that are in heaven with our Lord. They died in womb and it was the hardest most devastating events in my life. I look forward to meeting my children. ❤
They'll be waiting for you
@@LaneSims hugs.
It never fails does it. The Holy Spirit really speaks through you and im thankful you in my life, even if its only by listening to your answers to peoples questions.
The Lord continues to answer some of my questions through you even when the questions themselves has nothing to do with what im going through.
I pray that God blesses you and your ministry here for as long as you are able and willing.
Matthew 11:12 When I meditate on this verse, it reminds me of The Pilgrim's Progress. I understand it to mean that the Christian life is not a walk in the park. We have opposition within and without. It is not for those who make a half-hearted attempt, but for those who are willing to overcome at any cost.
I am so thankful for the scripture that you’ve provided in this and previous videos on the topic of age of accountability.
When our daughter passed away at three months we were naturally frantically searching for comfort on the subject. When you brought up King David losing his son, and his confidence that he would be with him again… This gave my husband and I the ability to praise God in the midst of our grief. As well as The confidence to encourage others around us who lost children after us.
I’m very thankful for your content.
Praying Gods peace for her parents.
I am surrounded by babies tonight and holding their tiny perfect hands and their heads, I am in blissful heaven. I remember when I welcomed my baby brother into this world on this month. He changed my life that day. I fell in love with this child. I wish I hadn’t been as troubled as I was at the time. I was too young and filled with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I wasn’t as patient as I should’ve been. I have asked for his forgiveness but he doesn’t seem to remember. Well, I remember all my sins.
Glad you're so blessed but your whole comment isn't needed. Someone just lost their 3 yr old. Oh and what does you picking on your baby brother have to do with anything? Who cares? Everybody does it. Ask God to forgive you and move on, victim.
I would never pick on my brother. I didn’t ask your permission for anything. I am not a victim and I should pray to hopefully not become a victimiser. There is no life after death until the resurrection where we will all be judged according to our thoughts and actions.
My wife and I lost 3 in the womb. Our first is 16 and we've been married 18 years January 6th. I still weep when I consider the loss. I can't imagine how much harder it would be to have held them and loved them for 3 years. My prayers go with you. May God comfort you.
It's wild how it still brings tears.
"If they are blind they would have no guilt, but since they see their guilt remains"
Paraphrasing but that's a quote from John Lennox, quoting the bible/Jesus, in regards to individuals being guilty of sins they are not aware of.
Who is more "blind to knowing right and wrong" than young child/ toddler / baby???
Not even for a second am I saying that they are "sinless", but I am absolutely stating that they are "guiltless".
Babies and young children DO NOT, go to hell. I'm so confident in this I would be willing to bet my eternity on it.
There are even scriptures in the Old Testament where God is disgusted and abhorred at child sacrifice. That he would never even think to ask for that type of worship
I think those scriptures alone (plus Jesus with the little children) are loud and clear about how God feels about babies and small children
Thank you for giving us your valuable time and knowledge. It's deeply appreciate but something else about you that makes me so happy is your fantastic humor. Oh my goodness! I laugh and laugh over it. It's just such a joy. You are such a blessing.
I’m definitely with you on the conjecture territory on age of accountability. 20 definitely feels too old. But, just to play the other side for a minute , we know that brains don’t fully develop until 25… idk, something to chew on.
I absolutely deserved to go to hell by 25.
Yep. The frontal lobe (where that maturity and awareness of consequences reside) doesn't finish until around 25. A sad fact of penal practice when confronted with a young man who is getting in trouble repeatedly is to put them in prison until they're 25 and then let them try again.
Children are not accountable until.they reach the age to make their own decision..until they are old enough their life is in the parents hands.
So what do they experience after they die?
It's important to realize that this is not a concept taught anywhere in the Bible. We should always stick to what the scriptures say as our source of authority.
@@user-wu6so3pq1jlots of things aren't directly addressed in scripture, but that doesn't mean we can't answer them.
@@user-wu6so3pq1j Not explicitly, but if you read everything the Bible says about children, the conclusion you will arrive at is that this must be the case.
@@USpatriot741776 We can't just make up and an answer and say what I think is as true as whatever is in scripture.
Regarding question 1, I think there are two other passages to consider:
Romans 7:9 - "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died."
It seems like Paul is saying that the law didn't apply to him at one point in his life, implying that during his infancy or childhood state, he didn't comprehend good and evil.
Romans 9:11 - "For though the twins (Jacob and Esau) were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls."
Now, it's debatable whether Paul is talking about Jacob and Esau before they even existed, or maybe he's just referring to their state in Rebecca's womb, if he's referring to the latter, then he would be affirming that foetus's don't have any comprehension of morality.
I started/ hit puberty at 9 years old. That's so young. I didn't understand what was accountable when it came to salvation. I didn't even understand why I was so emotional all of the time.
God Bless you and your loved ones Mike. One of my favourite former embryos who has been and continues to help strengthen my relationship with our LORD. Thank you and your ministry for your service to Jesus
This is the amazing thing with the Bible Science continues to prove it
I didnt know the OT has a law that science now states the brain diesnt stop growing until 20-21
Thank you for addressing this
Great q&a Mike & Sarah, God bless You, Thank-You!
I think david was referring to simply saying that he would meet him in the grave and death.He wasn't speaking of heaven.I think that's out of context. Because he said he cannot come to me, but I will go to him. He was speaking of the grave.
David knew when his infant son died that he would see him again.
Thank you Mike great video and I really appreciate it number 1 you brought up some information that I have not thought of before that was great thank you blessings brother
suffer little children to come unto me for their's are the kingdom of heaven.
I loved Indiana Jones as a youngster, so the ark is the first thing to come to mind, but what I keep thinking of lately is somehow finding an original manuscript from Paul that isn't already in the canon...the linguists are listing 87 Paulisms that are all there, and the carbon dating is spot on, and it's in his big ol' crayon handwriting and everything.
Good job answering an extremely tough question brother .. I was tearing up the whole time. I kept thinking about the verse in Matthew I believe about : you're better off to have a mill*stone tied around your neck and thrown into the ocean than mislead one of my little ones. (Paraphrasing)
Thanks for all your hard work Mike! Would love to see a video breaking down some of Alex O’Conners content. He’s quickly becoming a leader in the atheist thinker community.
JESUS!!!
My 5 year daughter asked the Lord Jesus to save her; and 40 years later she has stuck to that decision! So she must have been able to understand basic truth, I think.
I am glad that her experience was that way, but surely her knowledge and understanding of her salvation matured significantly between 5 and 25. IMHE, for every one I see that repents under 10 yoa and never wavers, I know several who felt that they needed to recommit later in life because they didn't fully understand. Because they wanted to participate in communion and be a part of the community rather than really understanding their moral failings and need for a savior.
@@JeffroDHThe Bible mentions both John and David had accepted God as their redeemer and Savior from the moment they were born/in the womb. Regardless of if they fully understand, they are a member of the Christian Church and saved by grace.
Well done answer to question #1.
My answer (insufficient as it is) is that children go to heaven purely on the basis of Christ’s righteousness and mercy alone - same as anybody else - even if they are ‘technically’ unbelieving (maybe they were part of a Muslim family, or atheist, etc…). God is also just, so their sins are not overlooked, but rather applied to Jesus’ account. Without Jesus Christ, even babies would absolutely be worthy of eternal hell in light of God’s righteousness. It’s good to apply the proper weights and balances when approaching this issue, and you’re good at that, Mike, so I defer to you.
I understand what you're saying, but the Bible does not support that. Jesus said, Except a man be born again he, cannot see the Kingdom of heaven. And what about if you confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart You will be saved. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind , Confession is made unto salvation. So how do we quantify that in regards to a child who dies before the supposed age of accountability. There has got to be some way that a child has the opportunity to receive christ.Because he is the only way to the father.
Our brains aren't fully developed until our early 20s. The part that we use to understand consequences is the last to develop. So it makes sense to me to that it's God's will that we develop as we do and will judge us by his design.
We absolutely do know who wrote every book in the Bible....The Holy Spirit.
As Jesus said of little children "...for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
You do a great job bud. Keep it up 👍
Here is my take RE: Matthew 11:12. I remember a lot of NAR types started taking that out of context (as they do many other passages) and were using it to say, "Yes Lord! We will violently (in a spiritual way) take hold of your Kingdom and bring it to this world!", interpreting it as being applicable today. That is very incorrect. As Mike mentioned, context matters. What is the context?
"From the days of John the Baptist" means from the beginning of his ministry, which was roughly 6 months, maybe a year, before Jesus began his own ministry (John being a Levite would begin at age 30, and though Jesus wasn't a Levite the cultural tradition in general was 30 years old for everyone else as well). So Jesus was referring to the time period from approximately 6 months ago at the beginning of John's ministry until right then, that John could offer repentance, but not the grace of salvation. That was before the cross and Pentecost. When we repent now, we receive the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, grace, and peace immediately. That window of time from John the Baptist to Pentecost, the peace of Christ in us through the power of the Holy Spirit was not there yet. Jesus was saying it's a forcible act for a non-born again person to repent of their sins and yet have no possibility of forgiveness or the assurance of the Holy Spirit, that it's a violent act against the Kingdom of Heaven because they're repenting but there was no salvation to be offered at that point. Of course Jesus would Himself go on to suffer violence, and now we are justified and at peace as a result of what He accomplished.
So to the NAR types that misunderstand: don't try to operate in a John the Baptist ministry while living in New Testament reality.
Where is the ark now? Rev. 11:19, “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail."
Belfast
Great Answer On: The violent take it by force Mt 11:12 From the Days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. NIV: Has been subject to violence and the violent are raiding it. Just the way I would have answered it. Hahaha
The Moody Commentary supports this view
'The Lord protects the innocent (children and animals) who cannot defend themselves
No disrespect to this poor family and there loss. Would God hold a three year accountable who doesn't understand yet.
Jennifer
Hey Mikey! I’ve a question. Will we meet those miscarried babies in the sky as we are raptured away?
Yes! 🙂
The Bible say that ALL children under the age of accountability return to the Lord and they grow up in Heaven. I think that when I researched this topic that the children grow to the age of around 30.
There is no “age of accountability” in the Bible. Also, 30? That would have been middle aged in the OT.
I have an almost five yr old granddaughter. I would be quite devastated.
Man's flesh is just temporary, but Christ's isn't, He is in heaven and forever, He is real and alive (Revelation chapter 5).
Nothing is more important than trusting in Jesus Christ.
Fascinating question that I’d never thought of! How old were Adam and Eve when they were thrown out of Eden? They weren’t created as babies right.
Not sure if it is Biblical, but I think God is omniscient and already fully knows a 3 year old both in the sense of what they would do in all situations and might do under all situations.
When Jesus says the kingdom of heaven suffers violence… it’s actually a Jewish slang phrase, it’s the picture of the sheepfold, in the morning when the shepherd is going to open the sheep fold for the sheep to go graze they get loud and start climbing over themselves to get free- that is the imagery Jesus is using there
Mike, I have done extensive research into baptism formulas. I was baptized in Jesus' name, but my church never taught oneness doctrine, so I never really understood it. To my knowledge, you have never really gone into extreme detail about the different ways Christians have expressed their understanding of the Godhead. Some Trinitarians are more oneness than they realize, and some oneness doctrine actually creeps into a more trinitarian viewpoint. They each reject each other's views on baptism. I am not concerned with heretical groups such as JWs or Mormons. With such a divisive and vital issue, is it correct to give quick answers or pass off other valid points as if the early church had a perfect understanding neatly packaged in the Nicaean Creed?
The problem with the LDS sacrament meetings is that they take sacrament every week, which is a false sacrament… I’d encourage you not to take part in that and just pass it along to the next member. Maybe that’s something she should discuss with her husband regarding the kids.
She's in paradise
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! He is the only way to Paradise!
That’s easy we know kids are with God. What’s complicated is my question. My grandfather died and I did not share the Gospel but I anointed him a week before he died. He was not resistant to being prayed on or to the anointing. Is he with God.
Jesus said except I may and be born again. He cannot see the kingdom of heaven. Repentance of sins must occur to be saved.
@MikeWinger
Question 1: Mike, I came to the same conclusion about children being innocent. As I was pondering this topic, I’m wondering how this understanding would affect (if it does) our evangelism of children who are still within their age of innocence?
What are your thoughts? I’d be curious to hear what you think. 😊
Evangelism to children is to emulate Jesus to them.
Calvinism sucks and destroys so much!!!!!
The frontal cortex of the brain is not functional yet in children and not fully developed until their mid-twenties. This means they don’t really have the capacity to think critically or see the big picture related to their actions. The timing of accountability to God is multi-factorial and yes, he’s loving and just and that gives us peace.
All souls must hear the gospel and decide whether they will believe in YESHUA, or reject HIM.. The little ones lost here won't be little in the millennial reign. They will have to make their decision there...
What scripture do you have to back this up? I do not see it anywhere That children will be reincarnated in the millennial reign . In opposition to your statement, it has been appointed to man to be born, Die and then the judgment once. The bible does not support reincarnation or a second chance.
It’s weird how people get angry with you when they’ve got good vibes🤣🤣🤣
Yes, babies and small children go to heaven. They are innocent.
With respect....they are not innocent because they are born into sin as humans since Adam/Eve sinned. All humans are condemned apart from Christ. They are not accountable at this point though.
They are as guilty and sinful as the rest of us.
HEY MIKE. DID YOU CHOOSE NOT TO BE MONITIZED?
How much money would a person need to bring my mother back from the grave? Serious question - I want her back - she is my home
Q. Something I've been thinking about. How do we justify saying that all children go directly to heaven before the age of accountability, in light of what jesus said except a man be Born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. Could children somehow be given a chance to accept Jesus. If jesus came to die for the sins of all mankind, wouldn't that include children. Since we are concieved and born in sin, what pays for that sin to reconcile a child back to God, if a child never has a chance to accept Jesus. how would a child who never had to repent and receive jesus as their savior be able to call him savior, if he didn't save them from something. Since salvation is such a wonderful event, Wouldn't everyone have a chance to participate in it. That would seem like a child Never having to claim him as savior would be missing out on the most wonderful thing that god did for all mankind.
And god would be missing out on the glory of being their savior. Am I missing something ?
I truly feel the desire to push for a late stage of accountability, but I have a deep concern about the consequences of this. Parents need to not lose urgency for pushing their children to know Christ. I've heard countless people who put their faith in Christ to cleanse them from their sin before 10 years old, many of them much younger. I recognized a need for "Jesus to come into my heart" at 3 years old, and my mom and I had many moral and biblical conversations when I was 4. Similar for my siblings. The biggest danger I'm scared of is not parents losing comfort, but of people missing out on salvation because their parents didn't emphasize the need for it, or even worse, told them they couldn't / shouldn't be saved until they were older (I've seen similar happen in real life).
I'll also add that Proverbs 20:11 seems to show that children (or at least young people, depending on your interpretation) know right and wrong. "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright."
This is similar to how we talk about suicides. It's tempting to say the person who committed suicide couldn't help it, to comfort the people left behind. But making suicide sound inevitable will drive more people to commit suicide by depriving them of accountabiltity and of empowerment and hope. These are tough issues with lots of unknowns. Rest in God's comfort after the fact, but don't presumptively avoid responsibility to train your children in the knowledge of the Lord. Parents need to start teaching kids, basically from the moment of conception, about the Lord, so that they will be primed to trust Christ as soon they are capable.
I have been invited by Sam 😅
My question is, the brain is supposedly not developed until age 25. The last part to fully develop is the “reasoning” part. This makes me wonder….
Is that twenty years on the Greco Roman calendar or the Jewish calendar?
Toviah Singer said in video that I saw that Paul was gay. I don’t pay attention to what Toviah Singer thinks and find his videos impossible to watch because of how many things are incorrect.
I was thinking what did they do wrong.
I think you dropped the ball on question 4. If Mormonism is false then she should not allow her children to go and worship a false god. She should show her husband the evidence for Christ and explain why this is such a big deal. Would you give that same answer to someone who’s husband wanted to take their kids to a satanic temple? I don’t think so. If mormonism is false then its just as bad as satanism.
I don't get why the first question is so hard to discuss.
question number one seems like a moot point in light of Jesus. Either you're a terrible sinner deserving hell then you're saved by Jesus, you're not saved, or your an innocent child on the scales.
Oops it was in scripture not a law? Still cooool❤
I think that the people who call in with questions pertaining to specific verses should invest in a Study Bible.
The theological danger of assuming all the young go to heaven is in the HOW and WHY. For example, some might assume it's because they haven't sinned, therefore they have no sin that could be judged. In a way they earn heaven simply due to being sinless creatures. But theologically we know this is NOT the truth whatsoever. We are born in iniquity and cursed by the fall and have our inherited sinful nature. We are not born into perfection, we're born into sin death, so to speak. By assuming we are born as sinless and perfect, therefore enter heaven due to finding no sin, this creates a false gospel in that you can go to heaven by placing faith in Jesus, OR you can go to heaven by being really young and therefore are perfect and blameless. We must avoid creating a false gospel regarding this issue.
So then, if we are not guiltless perfection in or out of the womb, how is that sin nature dealt with, and is it dealt with the same way in every case? That's hard to answer I think. Some would apply different terms like blameless, guiltless, or lacking the responsibility of their imperfection etc. But again, however we describe it, we are in danger of creating and applying a separate gospel to the youth, and there are not multiple gospels!
If we stick to the gospel, we know that no human is saved without the mediator Christ to pay their debt and wash them clean. So the question is, can we say Jesus paid the debt of all the young just by default universally? We don't have clear scripture of this, but the inferences and emotions about it are strong.
God knows the number of all our days, he certainly knows and ordained, so it's not that big of a stretch to assume God might elect all those who wouldn't be able to grow up and learn about Christ. When did the young have opportunity to trust Christ? For all I know, in their innocence this faith is given to them even when they can't express it. Or perhaps it is inquired of them after the spirit leaves the body in some sense of maturity after death? They are too young and immature and unable to reason or think about faith in Christ, but they also lack those resources to willfully reject him as well. Matthew 12:30 adds a twist when Jesus says "anyone who is not with me is against me". Does that mean a child who cannot willfully be with him, is automatically against him?
So here is the only thing I can conclude. I would love to believe all babies, unborn, and to large degree all children who lack maturity and ability to consider faith in Christ, would be elected and covered by Christ because that is simply what God wills. This is not due to any alternate gospel that applies to children differently than adults. I simply believe God knows the short number of their days and would elect them unto faith. I don't have a ton of support to believe that kind of universal election, but at the same time I can't fathom how God receives any glory from judging infants to hell either. There is no human who ever lived that would think this glorifies God, I certainly can't think how it would. I can tell myself God is always just and righteous and loving, but even so, a baby in hell doesn't seem to fit those categories.
Maybe he would be justified due to our sin nature from conception, and that's true. But we have a lot of scripture regarding things like being a father to the fatherless, a voice to the voiceless, defending of the weak and helpless, clothing the naked, feeding the poor, caring for the widows and orphans. It would certainly not reflect well on God to have all these moral goods, but for him NOT to care for someone as naked and helpless and voiceless and sick as a dying child.
Maybe that's just an emotional argument, but Jesus did not want any children to be hindered from coming to him. And gave severe warning to anyone that would lead a child astray.
Is God within his "rights" to judge a baby sinner? Yes. But does it fit the narrative of who he is to do such a thing? It does not seem so.
Lastly I would just say, it's very good that we don't have a specific "age of accountability", because of the horrific stories I've heard of desperate parents who kill their own children to ensure they get to heaven. Because if they get older, there is a chance they may not turn to Christ. So killing them early guarantees heaven, letting them live brings a chance of hell. This kind of thing is highly dangerous. Imagine if the bible actually taught this explicitly? How many more desperate parents would rather guarantee heaven 100% than risk hell by any margin?
Even though we can believe Christ has saved all those who die before maturity, we aught to still be careful declaring it so strongly that it produces unhinged parents who would rather guarantee heaven for their kids rather than risk hell.
Therefore, believe the gospel, and don't invent a 2nd one for kids. Believe God is loving and righteous and will do the right thing. And even if we are wrong, it's not outrageous to believe God saves all the innocent or mentally incapable. it fits with his sense of morality toward the weak and unjust and love of youth.
However the innocence, sinfulness or skinlessness, man or woman, boy or girl or an infant, the Bible does not teach that the soul that dies goes automatically to heaven or hell. We all die and go into the grave to await Jesus' return at which time He says He will bring His reward of ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DAMNATION. At Jesus' return the 3yr old will rise in a new body, not coming down with Jesus to be raised.
Don't be deceived
Calvinists be aware and be ware.
You’re most likely to hear “ away from me!”
They are in heaven. Full stop
I think it is viewing God's judgement from the perspective of God having a limited awareness similar to a human being observing the world.
Nope, not until the rapture.
Why God judge kids in Jericho? Or the city with Samuel en Saul
If you understand the salvatory effects of baptism, i.e. 1Peter 3:21, you won't need to do a theological gymnastics of the unbiblical age of accountability. Romans 3:23
I think the Bible is exactly as God intended but the writers of the Bible were fallible, lived within a social and historical context and viewed God from their limited human perspective.
Jesus' disciples believed in reincarnation and he didn't try to change their minds. John Chapter 9.
People worry too much about going to heaven God is eternal and infinitely kind (not wrathful) as is his creation
I never caught in john 9 how the disciples asking if the man had sinned caused his blindness could be read as implied reincarnation, until just now, since being born blind due to sin ( what the disciples thought) would seemingly imply that he'd sinned in a previous life. But what I can't reconcile is the verse that says all are appointed to die once, and then be judged (Hebrews 9: 27 - 28). Can u reconcile it?
@@m.willow11 Paul was not taught everything by Jesus. It would have been a lesson a few Jews were aware of since Jerusalem was on the Spice Route from India. Reincarnation was taught among the Essenes. Paul was not an Essene. He was a devout Jew who was committed to Jewish law and tradition
At least the child isn't here to suffer on this forsaken hell hole.
It gets better as you forgive everyone.
@robertdouglas8895 That has nothing to do with the pain I live with.
@@Donatello-b4x Is it caused by others?
@@Donatello-b4xwhat’s the pain you live with?
@robertdouglas8895 No.
Complete, though understandable, misinformation about original sin. It's called original sin, because it was the original sin, and according to the bible humans are born with original sin. It has nothing to do with the ability to understand good and evil:
Scripture says that we are born sinners and that we are, by nature, sinners.
Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
That seems pretty clear, and fits well with the idea that the original sin is built into humanity. I underrstand it gives you problems trying to explain to a grieving parent that their child has gone to hell, but that's is precisely what "original sin" is.
That would also apply to the rouughly 30% of fertilized human eggs that spontaneously abort. That is, if you believe that they are fully human at that point.
I have a video on this where I seek to explain my own view in light of the concept of original sin. Here it is. ua-cam.com/users/liveezwpmY73iTA?si=TSu7jV8Viwd3kVIE
It's an emotional subject, but the truth is in order for a child to be saved, one parent must be saved. Otherwise, hell is where they're going to.
Noone is in heaven at the moment, either. Therefore, no kids can be up there
If every child died, go to heaven. What about the ones God ordered to be killed in 1 Samuel 15:3?
There is 0 scriptural evidence for your claim. Not being sanctified per 1 Corinthians 7:14 is not proof of damnation.
@Berean_with_a_BTh This is just one. But yes, it is one of the best . Federal headship. Mom and dad are responsible for their family.
@@TheElismaShow You need to read
*Ecclesiastes **7:29*
_Behold, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices._
*Ezekiel 18:20*
_The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself._
The doctrine of Original Sin was not taught in the early church and the Orthodox churches reject it to this day.
@Berean_with_a_BTh Did God save the children of those he destroyed during the flood? I'll let grapple with that a little bit. But you can see, because Noah, called a righteous man in the eyes of God. He saved his family. No one but him alone was righteous and found favor in the eyes of God.
@TheElismaShow Physical death is not evidence of guilt - inherited or otherwise.
What Scripture clearly shows is that people are not to be held accountable for the deeds of others, that human sinfulness arises during one’s youth (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 3:25) and that children must reach a certain level of maturity before they are able to make moral choices between good and evil (Isaiah 7:15-16). Furthermore, since the human spirit is not inherited from one’s parents but is given to each person individually by God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:9), it is unreasonable to suppose it is any less pure at conception than the source from whence it comes.
My explanation of Matthew 11:12-14 is not easily accepted, but for one willing to think about it a little it might resonate. I believe this was shown me by The Holy Spirit, no other person involved.
We need to also read verse 14 with this.
"If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come". Also Matthew 17:12
"But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him".
This war that we are all born into is spiritual, but there are still legalities. Courts in heaven......there are rules. God is a just judge, so what could be allowed with a claim from the accuser, saying "if that is allowed then this should also be allowed" in approach.
We don't read about demonization in the old testament. It started in the days of John (and Jesus). These evil spirits "inhabiting" human bodies. And violent are they indeed.
Just make a study of all the times Jesus casted out demons from people, telling us to do it as well.
I don't believe in reincarnation of humans but in the case of Elijah.....Jesus Himself said that John was Elijah. One can try and put a metaphoric cap on the statement but to me it is direct.
Then there is also the Incarnation - God becoming man in the body of Jesus Christ.
To conclude - demons were allowed to demonize humans from that time onwards.
If one of the parents was a believer, yes.
1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
If both still sinned,
No.
This is probably one of the worst examples of reading a verse out of context I've ever seen.
Paul is not saying a person's unbelieving spouse and children are eternally saved simply by being married to or parented by a Christian. Saving faith cannot be borrowed, inherited, or willed to someone else. Scripture's clear teaching is that individuals must come to faith in Christ on their own in order to receive the grace of God's forgiveness for sin (Matthew 10:34-36; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Galatians 6:3-5). Further, Paul writes in verse 16 that an unbeliever might be saved through the witness of a Christian spouse. That, in and of itself, proves that simply being married to a believer does not automatically bring eternal salvation to a non-Christian.
@@KevC1111 I never said an “unbelieving spouse” was saved from a believing spouse.
Do you believe what the Bible says?
"Saving faith cannot be borrowed, inherited, or willed to someone else." As the Bible clearly teaches. I even gave you references for this.
@@KevC1111
What’s the difference between an “unclean” person, and a “holy” person?