Safe...(Do All Babies go to Heaven?) Part III

Why Do Babies Die?

Part Three

In the last post I wrote that Dr. MacArthur had written,

“Any notion that a child is born morally neutral, or that a baby is born without a predisposition to sin, is contrary to Scripture.” Dr. MacArthur goes on to say, “If infants were not sinful or morally corrupt, they would not die at all! If babies were born totally without sin or depravity, there could be no reason for their death.” [1]

There is great truth to what MacArthur says. However, there is a great problem with what he has written.

It is true that all human beings are born with a “bent” toward sin as a result of inheriting a sinful nature from Adam. The problem, which was expressed by my friend, is that most believers might attribute a sin nature to a baby but would not acknowledge that a baby has sinned, especially within the womb. After all, what can it do? While in the womb a baby certainly can’t rob a bank, lust after the opposite sex, take God’s name in vain, envy an item, or violate any other commandment of God.

Of course this is what my friend stressed so strenuously – babies haven’t had the opportunity to sin.

I say to you on the authority of Scripture that all human beings sinned. First, let me say that God is just in pronouncing death as the penalty for sin. Death is the penalty for sin. God told Adam while Adam was still in the garden,

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” (Genesis 2:16-17, NKJV)

God once again reiterated this principle through the prophet Ezekiel,

“Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the Father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4, NKJV)

The most familiar passage of all those which state that death is the penalty for sin is found in Romans,

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NKJV)

It is very clear the bible teaches that death is the penalty for those who sin. In other words, all who sin will die. I guess the question would be has every living being which has been conceived sinned? This was the crux of my friends argument, she didn’t have “proof” or “evidence”, but she did not believe babies had or could sin, especially prior to birth.

The reason that God can pronounce judgment on mankind and condemn man to death and eternal punishment is that every conceived human being has sinned. God is absolutely just in passing the death penalty on every human being, including babies.

Why do babies die? Because they sinned. What is the penalty for sin? Death. This part of the question is actually easy, although from a human standpoint unimaginable.

Turn to Romans 5:12.

The Revised Standard Version, the King James Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and The Geneva Bible to name a few translate this verse as:

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12, KJV)

First, we must take note of the opening word in this verse – wherefore. The Apostle Paul is beginning a new section or a new unit of thought at this place. Second, take note that this word suggests a connection with what he has just written and serves as a transition to what he is about to write. This new unit of thought begins with verse twelve (12) and continues to the end of chapter five (5.)

We must ask ourselves why Paul is introducing Adam at this juncture. Also, what is the significance of comparing Adam with Christ?

The certainty of our salvation comes by being in Christ. We are saved by Christ’s life. It was not just enough for Christ to die but He had to be raised to life in order to fully provide our salvation. (See verse 10)

Paul sums up all that he has written about our salvation. Paul has proved the justness of God’s wrath against all of mankind, i.e. e. the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul has also proven that God justifies and reconciles to Himself, those who were once enemies due to sin.

Lord willing we shall continue with verse twelve in tomorrow’s post.

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[1] Safe in the Arms of God, Dr. John F. MacArthur, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), p. 69

Safe... (Do All Babies Go to Heaven?) Part II

Why Do Babies Die?

Part Two

During my conversation with my friend this past Friday she made the definite statement that babies, especially those yet in the womb have not had the opportunity to sin. She readily agrees that the “sin nature” comes into play, but how and when she is not sure. She is sure that she does not want to attribute sin to a baby in the womb or out of the womb.

First, let me say that the overwhelming majority of people, whether Christians or not hold the position that all babies go to heaven.  Regardless of their view on sin, original sin, or death, they believe that babies are “innocent” and won’t be held accountable by God.

I am well aware of the fact that almost all of the reformers hold to the position that somehow by God’s infinite grace and wisdom that He has made a provision for infants and imbeciles. I am aware of the fact that one of my heroes of the faith, Charles H. Spurgeon believed and taught that all babies who die go to heaven by a gracious provision of God.

Dr. John F. MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church of Sun Valley, CA has written a little book called, Safe in the Arms of God. It is Pastor MacArthur’s position that all babies who die go to heaven.

As a matter of fact, in his book, Pastor MacArthur was very adamant about the fact that we not only can know the answer to this question but that pastor’s must have an answer to this question;

“Several years ago I was asked to participate on a panel at a large conference. Three other pastors joined me on this question and answer panel. One of the questions came from the audience was, ‘What happens to babies when they died?’ The answer of the other three pastors was, essentially, ‘I don’t know.’ I was dismayed. How can a person be a pastor and not have an answer to that question? How can a pastor even offer counsel or encouragement to those who experience the loss of a child unless he or she has answers to the concerns of a grieving heart? When my turn came to reply I said, ‘they go to heaven.’” [1]

Second, there is a very entrenched thought or belief that human beings are born without sin. This “doctrine” or teaching was condemned as heresy some sixteen hundred (1600) years ago, but it still lingers. The underlying foundation of this heresy is that each and every soul that is born is born as a “clean slate.” As a person develops and begins to “sin” by engaging in willful acts of sin, they become sinners. The belief that results from this heresy is that infants and children are “innocent” and have not yet had the opportunity to sin. It is thought that infants and babies cannot make a willful choice to sin. Therefore, a “sinless” or “innocent” child will to go to heaven.

This doctrine was declared to be heretical and was condemned by every council that met to review the doctrine against the Scriptures. The problem is that this thinking has never gone away. People still think it is true today.

When you lasted visited a maternity ward or a family which had just delivered a brand new baby what did you hear? Did you hear someone exclaim, “Oh look at the desperately wicked and deceitful depraved little sinner!” No, in all most every case someone said, “Oh look at the beautiful little baby. Doesn’t he or she look so innocent?” Or, “Doesn’t she look so peaceful and innocent laying there asleep?”

Now, most bible scholars and those trained in biblical doctrine would admit that all human beings including infants are born as sinners from conception. All most all would say that the principle of sin is embedded in the heart or soul of every living being. Most would say that all that are born have a bent toward sin. Even Dr. MacArthur wrote,

“Any notion that a child is born morally neutral, or that a baby is born without a predisposition to sin, is contrary to Scripture.” Dr. MacArthur goes on to say, “If infants were not sinful or morally corrupt, they would not die at all! If babies were born totally without sin or depravity, there could be no reason for their death.” [2]

There is great truth to what MacArthur says. However, there is a great problem with what he has written. We will pick this up in our next post, (Thursday, May 23, 2013) Lord willing.

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[1] Safe in the Arms of God, John MacArthur, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), p. 13

[2] Ibid, p. 69

Doctrine Does Divide

Over the last forty (40) years I have written a number of quotes, comments, pithy sayings, and poems in the fly-leafs of my bibles. Each Tuesday I am going to share those various entries from my bibles with you. I hope they will be as much of blessing to you as they have been to me. Sometimes I will be able to give credit where credit is due and sometimes I won’t be able to credit the source. I apologize for this to each one who contributed these gems over the last forty (40) years.

TODAY'S TREASURE:

Doctrine separates those
who believe in Scripture from those 
who don't believe in Scripture

Safe or ... (Do All Babies Go to Heaven?) Part I

Why Do Babies Die?

Part One

This past Friday a friend of mine engaged me in a conversation. This of course is not the stuff of which “late breaking news” is made. As a matter of fact this is a conversation, or at least the topic, is one that has troubled me for years. The first part of half of the conversation did not bother me since I can go to the Scriptures, particularly the New Testament and refute the commonly held notion that human beings, namely children, have “guardian angels.” Guardian angels are not substantiated by Scripture. The notion is an idea of Roman Catholic dogma.

It is the second half of the conversation that has plagued me for years. A part of my “argument” against guardian angels is the simple fact that if they do exist, for the most part they are doing a terrible job. After all children are tortured, molested, abused, injured, and killed regularly. One would have to be made of stone not to be affected, no devastated by the horrible abuse that children face. In addition, it is heart breaking, no heart wrenching to see the cameras pan the starving, diseased, and dying children in what we call ”third world” countries. One can only wonder if in fact guardian angels are assigned to children what happened. Where were they when a parent deliberately burned their children with cigarettes because the child would not stop crying? Where were they when “Uncle Buck” repeatedly raped and molested them?

Sorry, back to the second part of the conversation: what happens to babies when they die? My friend made the point that since babies don’t sin how can they be held culpable for sin? Of course her argument was that babies, especially babies in the womb don’t or can’t sin they must go straight to heaven. She is convinced, with no Scriptural foundation that babies haven’t had any opportunity to sin.

Come June 18^th my wife and wife will have been married for forty (40) years. No, that is not a typo or bad math. During this forty (40) years God has allowed us to produce four (4) healthy, intelligent, and beautiful girls. From these four (4) girls, three have given to us four (4) healthy, intelligent and beautiful grandchildren. Oops, sorry Gregory and Diontre, two (2) beautiful granddaughters and two (2) handsome grandsons.

We have been richly blessed beyond measure. We have never had a child die, or suffered a miscarriage, or even a severe illness. The most we have had to endure was one broken arm and the requisite number of “stiches” in all four (4) girls. Other than common sense, general life experience, empathy, and etc., I don’t know what it is like to suffer the loss of a child.

My involvement in this question is twofold. First of all it is theological. As a theologian I want to fully understand the Scriptures. I want to work hard at study in order to show myself an able and accurate student of God’s Word. I am dedicated to rightly dividing the Word of God. Biblical Theology must trump emotional, rational and/or logical opinions. Biblical doctrine is essential.

Secondly, my involvement is pastoral. It is difficult to stand beside a family who has lost a baby or child and answer their questions. Their grief compels them to cry out why? Then at some point the question turns to “where?” They want assurance that their baby is safe in Christ and that they will one day see their child again.

As a pastor I don’t have a convenient place to go in the Scriptures and say, “Thus sayeth the Lord.” The scripture is silent on this topic. There are no definitive passages that specifically deal with this topic.

I have “danced” around this question for a number of years. I have not been able to give a definitive answer that both comforted grieving parents and complemented biblical theology. I have been unable to “buy in” completely to the stock answer or explanation involving King David’s experience with his and Bathsheba’s baby. Although there is some merit, I do not believe that this experience gives hard and fast evidence that all babies who die go to heaven or serves to explain why babies die.

If I haven’t offended you or put you off, stay with me. Over the next two or three posts (excluding Tuesday) I hope to look at this question “thrown” at me by my friend. I hope to be honest with the text and from Scripture provide some guidance and thought on this, the toughest of questions.

Defining Contentment

“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” 

― Jeremiah Burroughs

Christian Contentment

Today’s blog was inspired by a Pastor’s Fellowship breakfast that I attend once a month. The topic for today was “Contentment.”

Naturally the opening question was along the lines of, “are you content?” Each man present gave a brief reply. As you would imagine a discussion ensued concerning this great topic. We were challenged with such questions as:

• What is contentment?
• How does one obtain/achieve contentment?
• What affects our contentment?
• Why is it so hard to experience or achieve?

Our attention was obviously directed to the Apostle Paul’s great testimony and statement concerning contentment in his own life at a time when one would expect him to least experience it.

Paul writes, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, [to be brought into a humble condition] and I know how to abound [to exceed a certain number or measure] Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:1-1-3, ESV)

One of the goals of my blog is to expose my readers to a variety of spiritually beneficial topics, books, articles, thoughts and people.

I shared these things with you so that could expose you to a great book and great writer. The best book, apart from the Bible, that I have found on the “art & secret” of contentment is called:

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

and it is written by Jeremiah Burroughs. It is published by Banner of Truth Trust. I believe that every reader should stop what they are doing, click on the link for Banner Truth Trust and order this book ASAP!

Do it today!

Word Study - Reconciliation

Word Study - katallasw

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:10, NKJV)

Our goal is to determine the meaning of katallasw within its biblical context. Remember, word studies must always be based on the original language, not simply on the English text. Ultimately the context must determine the precise meaning of the word consideration.

We have selected the word “reconciled” from Romans 5:10. Our word is actually used twice in this particular verse.

First, I have compared nine translations and one paraphrase of Romans 5:10.Two of these translations were thought for thought translations. They are commonly referred to as dynamic-equivalence translations. They stand in juxtaposition to word for word translations. The two dynamic translations that I used are the New International Version and the New Living Translation. As for as literal or word for word translations I compared the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, the Revised Standard Bible, the English Standard Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and the New English Bible. I also compared one paraphrase of the New Testament – the Philips Modern English Bible.

Second, I discovered that all nine translations and the one paraphrase translated the Greek Word katallasw as “reconciled.” They did not vary in their selection of an English word. Not one translation or paraphrase utilized sought to use or substitute a synonym.

Assuming the accuracy and integrity of the translators, it appears that we can conclude that to be reconciled is “to change” or “to be changed,” or, “to be returned to favor.” This doesn’t tell us much but what the hey? It’s a start!

Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (1969) defines reconcile as: 1.a. to restore to friendship, harmony, or communion. B: adjust, settle <differences>, 2:  to make congrus <an ideal with reality> 3: to cause to submit to or accept.

Please note that I am not actually defining the Greek word at this point. I am simply attempting to gain insight into its English equivalent.

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible our writer, the Apostle Paul used this same word four (4) other times in the New Testament

·        1 Corinthians 7:11 – “But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”

·        2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 – “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

·        Colossians 1:21 – “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.”

These additional texts help shed light on the meaning of our word. Paul used katallasw the same way in each passage. In other words, it has the same meaning each time Paul used this word.

Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament (page 333) tells us that “reconciled” in Romans 5:10 translates the Greek Word katallasw. It means to change, exchange, as coins for others of equal value; hence to reconcile (those who are at variance) It means to return to favor with, be reconciled to, one. 

It is used to mean where one ceased to be angry with another and receives him into favor. God cease to be offended and grants his favor anew to those whose sins he pardons.

It is implied and understood that God is angry with sinners and there is hostility between God and sinners. However, God through Christ makes peace with sinners, He is said to pardon them, and to receive them into His favor, thus ending the hostility.

Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (page 513) says “properly denotes “to change, exchange (especially of money); hence of persons “to change from enmity to friendship, to reconcile.” With regard to the relationship between God and man, the use of this and connected words shows that primarily “reconciliation” is what God accomplishes, exercising His grace towards sinful man on the ground of the death of Chris tin propitiatory sacrifice under the judgment due to sin.

Romans 5:10 expresses this in another way: “…that we were enemies” not only expresses man’s hostile attitude to God but signifies that until this change of attitude takes place men are under condemnation exposed to God’s wrath. This stresses the attitude of Gods favor toward us.

Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament (page 61) tells us that the verb form of katallasw means primarily “to exchange; and hence to change the relation of hostile parties into a relation of peace.” “In the Christian sense, the change in the relation of God and man affected through Christ.”

So, while we were enemies with God a change in relationship took place in order for us to have “peace” with God. Once there was a sinful opposition to God and a holy opposition of God towards sinners, there is now peace brought about by God through Christ. Now that we are reconciled the enmity that God has toward sinners is removed enabling God to be propitious and apply the work of Christ to the heart of sinners.

Reconciliation means that the ground of difference has been removed. Reconciliation does not mean that God simply “clears” the guilty. Satisfaction must be made towards His indignant hatred of sin and to satisfy His offended holiness. God does judge our sin; the full penalty for our sin is extracted. God imputed our sin to His Son and His Son paid the full penalty and experienced the fullness of God’s wrath against sin. Reconciliation is an act of God whereby God acts to change the existing relationship between God and man because the grounds, our sin, has been transferred to His dear Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.