Hello!
I trust you all are challenged to be a holy people this week. God has blessed us with spouses and a family as an ‘accountability’ group each day. I trust you are opening up to that group without falsehood as we talked about in Chapter 4 (v 25).
This week we will be continuing the study in Ephesians 5 and I will work from where we left off at verse 7. We finished verse 7 in class but didn’t finalize the point.
Read Ephesians 5:3-20 in its entirety.
Paul has epitomized the Christian behavior pattern as “a life of love” (v. 2). Now he turns to another theme “Live as children of light” (v 8). But they can be “light in the Lord” only because Christ is the world’s true light (v 14). Note what we covered a few weeks ago about us being a reflection of Jesus even to the angels bringing more glory to Him as we are.
Read verse 7 –
What are we supposed to do with those that act the way discussed in v 3 to 6?
This is an unambiguous admonition that rounds off the paragraph begun at v.3. Christians are not to get mixed up with those who have excluded themselves from the kingdom by their impurity. The word “partners” (symmethochoi) is the same one Paul used in 3:6 to describe the way in which the Gentiles now share in the messianic promise.
Do you think we will be able to live entirely separate from those who live outright defiance of God? Why or why not?
Does this verse tell us to become munks or similar? Why or why not?
Read verse 8 –
Remember what we discussed in class a bit. The entirety of light and 1 John 1:5 where there is NO darkness in God. To live as Children of light we have to get rid of darkness. What does that mean to you?
Here Paul enlarges on the contrast between darkness and light. As in 2:1-3 and 3:17-24, he reminds his readers of what they once were. One word suffice by way of summary – “darkness”. Not only did we live IN darkness: we WERE darkness. But we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and inherit the kingdom of light (1 Cor 1:12, 13). We are not only to live in the light but ARE the light. This is possible ONLY in union with Christ who is Himself the light. Calvin writes “Apart from Christ Satan occupies everything”. Barclay says “Henceforth they must behave as those who are at home in the light”.
Are you at home in the light? Why or why not?
Read verse 9 –
Light is known by its effects. When the light of Christ shines in the live of believers it produces what?
These qualities counteract the dark influence of malice (4:31), injustice and falsehood (4:25). Goodness (agathosyne) is the achievement of moral excellence combined with a generouse spirit. Righteouseness (dikaisoyne) was understood by the greeks as giving all their due. Among a wide range of meanings “truth” stands for genuineness and honesty. It is not only something to be said but something to be done.
Read 1 John 1:6 –
How does this verse coincide with the Ephesians verses?
Read verse 10 –
Do you want to live in the light? Really?
Literally “finding out” [dokimazontes] what is well pleasing to the Lord is what is asked here. The verb has to do with testing of metals and so can mean to discover by examination, verify, or approve. Here and in 1 Timothy 3:10 the examination seem to be appropriate translation. Those who live as children of light will be continually endeavoring to ascertain what is the will of God in every situation so that they may satisfy Him.
Examining your life TODAY – as you read this – what situation comes to mind that challenges if you want that situation to be something YOU want or something HE wants?
Read verse 11-20-
List out what you are to do:
List out what you are not to do:
Discuss with your spouse or accountability partner what this would mean in your life and examine a situation you are challenged in right now.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Study Questions for July 27, 2008
Study Questions for the week prior to July 13, 2008
Hello everyone. I trust that the get to know you session on Sunday was enjoyable and a testimony to the Lord who has brought us together. It was hot at Kid’s camp but the boys we had were great. The “green team” as we were called kept up with the older kids in both expressing their faith and physically competing. They were a great witness. We also had a few kids that don’t go to church, any church, that came. Much discussion and searching for Christ were found in our small groups.
This week we will take up some great verses in Ephesians 5. We left off in chapter 4 with the admonition both personally and as a group to be kind and compassionate to one another. We were also challenged with several specifics around how we talk and how we are to get rid of falsehood. The challenges were also overlayed with what God continues to tell us – without Him we just can’t do anything. This is, of course, a perfect lead in to what we are challenged to do both individually and corporately as a body.
Read Ephesians 5:1-2
The summary of chapters 5 and 6 start here.
Look at verse 1 – what are we to do?
What is the difference between a child that is dearly loved and one that is not? Why would this be called out separately?
What would it mean to imitate God?
Do children imitate us? Give some examples of how your children or others imitate their parents.
Look at verse 2 – how does this verse begin? What does a life of love look like? Give specific examples.
What would be different from someone that lives a life of love and someone that does not?
Why does verse 2 call out fragrant offering? What can we give to the Lord that is good?
Where in the old testament would you find a fragrant offering? What was it?
Read Ephesians 5:3-4
What is the overall need for these verses?
How doe these verses overlay with verses 1-2? These are back to back for a reason.
Why would you want to stay away from sexual immorality?
What does it mean to have a hint of impurity or of greed?
Read 1 John 1:5. God is holy – how much darkness is in Him?
If we are God’s holy people why would we not want to be holy? What keeps you from being holy?
Read verse 4 – What does this verse tell us?
Ask your spouse what foolish talk and coarse joking are. Share with each other when you have experienced this.
Why would we be constantly giving thanks? What would the thankgiving be about? (Hint: Note verse 2)
Who would we give thanks to and for what?
Read verse 5 – Paul brings these last verses to a final conclusion – what do you call a person with immorality or greed?
Does this person have an inheritance?
Have a great week!
Andy
Hello everyone. I trust that the get to know you session on Sunday was enjoyable and a testimony to the Lord who has brought us together. It was hot at Kid’s camp but the boys we had were great. The “green team” as we were called kept up with the older kids in both expressing their faith and physically competing. They were a great witness. We also had a few kids that don’t go to church, any church, that came. Much discussion and searching for Christ were found in our small groups.
This week we will take up some great verses in Ephesians 5. We left off in chapter 4 with the admonition both personally and as a group to be kind and compassionate to one another. We were also challenged with several specifics around how we talk and how we are to get rid of falsehood. The challenges were also overlayed with what God continues to tell us – without Him we just can’t do anything. This is, of course, a perfect lead in to what we are challenged to do both individually and corporately as a body.
Read Ephesians 5:1-2
The summary of chapters 5 and 6 start here.
Look at verse 1 – what are we to do?
What is the difference between a child that is dearly loved and one that is not? Why would this be called out separately?
What would it mean to imitate God?
Do children imitate us? Give some examples of how your children or others imitate their parents.
Look at verse 2 – how does this verse begin? What does a life of love look like? Give specific examples.
What would be different from someone that lives a life of love and someone that does not?
Why does verse 2 call out fragrant offering? What can we give to the Lord that is good?
Where in the old testament would you find a fragrant offering? What was it?
Read Ephesians 5:3-4
What is the overall need for these verses?
How doe these verses overlay with verses 1-2? These are back to back for a reason.
Why would you want to stay away from sexual immorality?
What does it mean to have a hint of impurity or of greed?
Read 1 John 1:5. God is holy – how much darkness is in Him?
If we are God’s holy people why would we not want to be holy? What keeps you from being holy?
Read verse 4 – What does this verse tell us?
Ask your spouse what foolish talk and coarse joking are. Share with each other when you have experienced this.
Why would we be constantly giving thanks? What would the thankgiving be about? (Hint: Note verse 2)
Who would we give thanks to and for what?
Read verse 5 – Paul brings these last verses to a final conclusion – what do you call a person with immorality or greed?
Does this person have an inheritance?
Have a great week!
Andy
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Class Notes and Study Questions for July 13, 2008
Study Notes and Questions for the week prior to July 13, 2008
Read again Ephesians 4:15 and 4:16
Who should be the head and the 'brains'?
From Him we are to be built up in what?
What is the purpose of 'growing' in the body?
Read again Ephesians 4:17-24
What are we to walk like? What did we walk like before we had Christ as our head?
Are you a new creation with Christ as your head?
Read Ephesians 4:25-32
Pick out the top 5 things you see in these verses that you are NOT to do (rank order them for yourself)...
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pick out the top 5 things you see in these verses that you ARE to do (rank order them for yourself)...
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Share these lists with your spouse. Do they match? Discuss them with your spouse as to why you ranked them the way you did.
Read verse 25 -
Look up Zechariah 8:16 - Why would it would be appropriate to speak truth to one another?
Is there ever an occasion we should lie? What biblical verse do you have to support your answer?
Speculate on what would happen if everyone told the truth at all times?
Why are we supposed to tell the truth? How does this relate to 4:16?
Read verse 26 and 27 together -
What does it look like to be angry but not sin?
What does it mean to let the sun go down on your anger? Why are we not to do that?
Read verse 28 -
What does it mean to be a thief? What have you stolen in your life? Think on this one a bit - have you stolen time from someone, pens from the office, joy from a child...?
What is the thief supposed to do?
Read verse 29 -
What is rotten talk?
Read Galations 6:9-10
Read James 3:9
What are people to hear from us?
Read verse 30 -
You are now sealed for the Lord once He indwells you. How can you grieve the Holy Spirit?
Read verse 31 -
Big deal here. You are to remove all these things. List what things are to be removed:
All ________________ - Which is what?
Anger and _____________ - Which looks like what?
Insult and _____________ - What does this look like?
All ___________________ - What does this look like?
Verse 32 tells us what we ARE supposed to be like.
What holds you back from being this way? Mark the top 3 things in the below list:
1. Fear
2. Doubt
3. Bitterness
4. Hurt
5. Anger
6. ? (Fill in your answer)
7. ? (Fill in your answer)
8. ? (Fill in your answer)
Read Ephesians 3:14-15 again - Are you letting the Father lead your family and you? Are you bowing to Him?
What does this passage of scripture mean for you this week? What specifically is God calling you to do?
Have a great week!
Andy
Read again Ephesians 4:15 and 4:16
Who should be the head and the 'brains'?
From Him we are to be built up in what?
What is the purpose of 'growing' in the body?
Read again Ephesians 4:17-24
What are we to walk like? What did we walk like before we had Christ as our head?
Are you a new creation with Christ as your head?
Read Ephesians 4:25-32
Pick out the top 5 things you see in these verses that you are NOT to do (rank order them for yourself)...
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pick out the top 5 things you see in these verses that you ARE to do (rank order them for yourself)...
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Share these lists with your spouse. Do they match? Discuss them with your spouse as to why you ranked them the way you did.
Read verse 25 -
Look up Zechariah 8:16 - Why would it would be appropriate to speak truth to one another?
Is there ever an occasion we should lie? What biblical verse do you have to support your answer?
Speculate on what would happen if everyone told the truth at all times?
Why are we supposed to tell the truth? How does this relate to 4:16?
Read verse 26 and 27 together -
What does it look like to be angry but not sin?
What does it mean to let the sun go down on your anger? Why are we not to do that?
Read verse 28 -
What does it mean to be a thief? What have you stolen in your life? Think on this one a bit - have you stolen time from someone, pens from the office, joy from a child...?
What is the thief supposed to do?
Read verse 29 -
What is rotten talk?
Read Galations 6:9-10
Read James 3:9
What are people to hear from us?
Read verse 30 -
You are now sealed for the Lord once He indwells you. How can you grieve the Holy Spirit?
Read verse 31 -
Big deal here. You are to remove all these things. List what things are to be removed:
All ________________ - Which is what?
Anger and _____________ - Which looks like what?
Insult and _____________ - What does this look like?
All ___________________ - What does this look like?
Verse 32 tells us what we ARE supposed to be like.
What holds you back from being this way? Mark the top 3 things in the below list:
1. Fear
2. Doubt
3. Bitterness
4. Hurt
5. Anger
6. ? (Fill in your answer)
7. ? (Fill in your answer)
8. ? (Fill in your answer)
Read Ephesians 3:14-15 again - Are you letting the Father lead your family and you? Are you bowing to Him?
What does this passage of scripture mean for you this week? What specifically is God calling you to do?
Have a great week!
Andy
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Class Notes for July 6, 2008
Ephesians 4:14-16
Read Verse 14 –
What comes to mind when you think about infants? What do they need and how are they to be treated?
What comes to mind when you think of being tossed back and forth by the waves?
What teaching or current day example can you give for false teaching to Christians?
What is the main reason why this teaching is so damaging?
The metaphor of maturity is carried over from v.13. There must be no symptoms of arrested development among believers, who are to abandon childish attitudes and be their age (1 Cor 13:11). Paul switches from one metaphor to another as he depicts the features of spiritual infantilism. Its victims will be tossed to and fro like a cork in surging sea (James 1:6) and whirled about by every chance gust of a fashionable heterodoxy. “Blown here and there” (peripheromenoi) is literally “swung around.” It is used of spinning tops and feeling dizzy. Such is the confusing affect of false doctrine.
When you think of cunning and crafty what comes to mind?
What are the general themes of false doctrine you see?
Why do people preach false doctrine? What is their motive?
What example do you have of someone teaching Christians that was/is heretical or is done not for the motives God desires?
What should be the motives of teaching the bible only (hint, see verses 12 and 13)
The source of this dangerous teaching is to be traced in the “slick cleverness of men, craftily calculated to lead us astray”. “Cunning” (kybeia) is cheating at dice and so, by extension, trickery of every kind. “Craftiness” (Panourgia) is the unscrpulousness that stops at nothing. Error is organized with a deliberate policy to undermine the truth of God. Paul may well be tilting at emergent Gnosticism (Col 2:8).
What is the contrast you see between a teacher in verse 12 and 13 motives and those in verse 14?
Read verse 15
What are you supposed to do?
Why do we speak the truth in love? What is the purpose and reason to do this?
If we are to grow in Christ what is the first thing that we are instructed to do (read the first part of the verse again)?
Do you speak the truth in love? How do you and how do you not? Give an example to your spouse…
In verse 15 Paul contrasts the deception of heresy with the integrity of the gospel. The church cannot allow falsehood to go uncorrected, yet the truth must always be vindicated in the accents of love. “Speaking the truth” (aletheuontes; literally, “truthing”) is strictly “doing the truth” and may imply more than verbalization (“dealing truly”). This fundamental concern for the truth is the secret of maturity in the church. It is into Christ as the Head that the body grows up.
Have you ever spoke the truth about some heretical teaching?
Read verse 16 –
Do you see Christ as your head and you as just part of the body?
How does that show in your life?
Is there someone you can ask that will tell you if your reputation shows that the head of your life is Christ? (Is this apparent)?
What would be the reason someone would know that you serve Christ as the head?
Christ is at once the One into whom all Christians grow and out of whom (ex hou) the church consolidates itself in love. This process depends on the fact that the various parts of the body are interrelated. The whole is continually being integrated (synarmologoumenon) and kept firm (symbibazomenon) by each separate ligament (haphes) – “joined and held together by every supporting ligament.” The precision with with these medical terms are employed makes us wonder if Paul checked the details with Luke.
What part do you play in making the body work? At home with your family, at church, at work, etc?
It is only “when each part is working properly” that the body receives the support it needs. The word is really “furnishing” (epichoregia) or supply (Phil 1:19). From Calvin – “If we want to be considered members of Christ, let no man be anything for himself, but let us all be whatever we are for the benefit of each other”.
Have a great week and a great 4th of July holiday.
Andy
Read Verse 14 –
What comes to mind when you think about infants? What do they need and how are they to be treated?
What comes to mind when you think of being tossed back and forth by the waves?
What teaching or current day example can you give for false teaching to Christians?
What is the main reason why this teaching is so damaging?
The metaphor of maturity is carried over from v.13. There must be no symptoms of arrested development among believers, who are to abandon childish attitudes and be their age (1 Cor 13:11). Paul switches from one metaphor to another as he depicts the features of spiritual infantilism. Its victims will be tossed to and fro like a cork in surging sea (James 1:6) and whirled about by every chance gust of a fashionable heterodoxy. “Blown here and there” (peripheromenoi) is literally “swung around.” It is used of spinning tops and feeling dizzy. Such is the confusing affect of false doctrine.
When you think of cunning and crafty what comes to mind?
What are the general themes of false doctrine you see?
Why do people preach false doctrine? What is their motive?
What example do you have of someone teaching Christians that was/is heretical or is done not for the motives God desires?
What should be the motives of teaching the bible only (hint, see verses 12 and 13)
The source of this dangerous teaching is to be traced in the “slick cleverness of men, craftily calculated to lead us astray”. “Cunning” (kybeia) is cheating at dice and so, by extension, trickery of every kind. “Craftiness” (Panourgia) is the unscrpulousness that stops at nothing. Error is organized with a deliberate policy to undermine the truth of God. Paul may well be tilting at emergent Gnosticism (Col 2:8).
What is the contrast you see between a teacher in verse 12 and 13 motives and those in verse 14?
Read verse 15
What are you supposed to do?
Why do we speak the truth in love? What is the purpose and reason to do this?
If we are to grow in Christ what is the first thing that we are instructed to do (read the first part of the verse again)?
Do you speak the truth in love? How do you and how do you not? Give an example to your spouse…
In verse 15 Paul contrasts the deception of heresy with the integrity of the gospel. The church cannot allow falsehood to go uncorrected, yet the truth must always be vindicated in the accents of love. “Speaking the truth” (aletheuontes; literally, “truthing”) is strictly “doing the truth” and may imply more than verbalization (“dealing truly”). This fundamental concern for the truth is the secret of maturity in the church. It is into Christ as the Head that the body grows up.
Have you ever spoke the truth about some heretical teaching?
Read verse 16 –
Do you see Christ as your head and you as just part of the body?
How does that show in your life?
Is there someone you can ask that will tell you if your reputation shows that the head of your life is Christ? (Is this apparent)?
What would be the reason someone would know that you serve Christ as the head?
Christ is at once the One into whom all Christians grow and out of whom (ex hou) the church consolidates itself in love. This process depends on the fact that the various parts of the body are interrelated. The whole is continually being integrated (synarmologoumenon) and kept firm (symbibazomenon) by each separate ligament (haphes) – “joined and held together by every supporting ligament.” The precision with with these medical terms are employed makes us wonder if Paul checked the details with Luke.
What part do you play in making the body work? At home with your family, at church, at work, etc?
It is only “when each part is working properly” that the body receives the support it needs. The word is really “furnishing” (epichoregia) or supply (Phil 1:19). From Calvin – “If we want to be considered members of Christ, let no man be anything for himself, but let us all be whatever we are for the benefit of each other”.
Have a great week and a great 4th of July holiday.
Andy
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008 Question(s)
The lesson coming up for this Sunday is a continuation of last week in Ephesians 4 starting in verse 5. Please re-read verses 1 to 4 to and then start in verse 5.
Read verse 5 to 13.
What is the main item you are taking away from this reading?
Verse 5 starts the second trio of unities related to the "one Lord" or master to which all Christians owe their allegiance. The three expressions may well be intended to convey a single idea. Certainly Christ is central. He is the sole Head of His body the Church.
Is Christ the head of your family? How do others (including those in your family) see that He is?
Lock points out in his book that the "one faith" here is "one allegiance and one profession of alligiance" One faith in the One Lord unites all true believers.
What does it mean to have faith in one Lord?
If you have faith in one Lord what other "lord's" do you give up?
Why would faith unite the body of believers?
"One Baptism" is the external seal of incorporation into the body of Christ. It is the first 'official' sign of obediance that we show externally to others of the internal change Christ caused in us. It shows our unity of being buried and raised by Christ. Baptism is one because it makes one. It provides the evidence that all Christians, without discrimination as to color, race, sex, age, or class, share the grace of Christ. Paul does not mention the other dominical sacrament, that of hte Lord's supper (1 Cor 10:17) probably because he regards the eucharist not as a prerequisite of unity but an expression of it.
What (v 6) does it mean to be the Father over all? Who is he talking about when Paul says the Father is in all?
Verse 7 - What does it mean that grace is apportioned?
In Verse 7 Paul switches from the Church in totality to the individual ("each one of us"). Within the body of Christ each member enjoys a share of God's grace. As in Ephesians 3:2, it is equipping rather than saving grace that Paul describes. Charis (grace) here is not equated with Charism (grace-gift), but denotes the grace provided for and manifested in the gift. The distribution of grace, and so the distribution of grace-gifts, is in Christ's own hands and apportioned as He decides.
Why is it significant that Christ gives each of us different gifts?
What do you see in verse 8 to 13 that relates to YOU?
Pray through verse 8 to 13 and ask your spouse what they think the significance of these verses are to you personally.
How does verse 13 compliment or conflict with chapter 3 verse 10 and chapter 3 verse 19?
Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday. Have a great week!
Andy
Read verse 5 to 13.
What is the main item you are taking away from this reading?
Verse 5 starts the second trio of unities related to the "one Lord" or master to which all Christians owe their allegiance. The three expressions may well be intended to convey a single idea. Certainly Christ is central. He is the sole Head of His body the Church.
Is Christ the head of your family? How do others (including those in your family) see that He is?
Lock points out in his book that the "one faith" here is "one allegiance and one profession of alligiance" One faith in the One Lord unites all true believers.
What does it mean to have faith in one Lord?
If you have faith in one Lord what other "lord's" do you give up?
Why would faith unite the body of believers?
"One Baptism" is the external seal of incorporation into the body of Christ. It is the first 'official' sign of obediance that we show externally to others of the internal change Christ caused in us. It shows our unity of being buried and raised by Christ. Baptism is one because it makes one. It provides the evidence that all Christians, without discrimination as to color, race, sex, age, or class, share the grace of Christ. Paul does not mention the other dominical sacrament, that of hte Lord's supper (1 Cor 10:17) probably because he regards the eucharist not as a prerequisite of unity but an expression of it.
What (v 6) does it mean to be the Father over all? Who is he talking about when Paul says the Father is in all?
Verse 7 - What does it mean that grace is apportioned?
In Verse 7 Paul switches from the Church in totality to the individual ("each one of us"). Within the body of Christ each member enjoys a share of God's grace. As in Ephesians 3:2, it is equipping rather than saving grace that Paul describes. Charis (grace) here is not equated with Charism (grace-gift), but denotes the grace provided for and manifested in the gift. The distribution of grace, and so the distribution of grace-gifts, is in Christ's own hands and apportioned as He decides.
Why is it significant that Christ gives each of us different gifts?
What do you see in verse 8 to 13 that relates to YOU?
Pray through verse 8 to 13 and ask your spouse what they think the significance of these verses are to you personally.
How does verse 13 compliment or conflict with chapter 3 verse 10 and chapter 3 verse 19?
Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday. Have a great week!
Andy
Saturday, June 21, 2008
What about those that have never heard about Jesus?
Question: "What happens to those who have never heard about Jesus?"
Answer: All people are accountable to God whether they have “heard about Him” or not. The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). Apart from God's grace, God would give us over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. This He does for those who reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle: everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.The problem is, “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own heart, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is foolish to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure that they hear. We are called to spread the Gospel throughout the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The fact that we know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only through accepting the Gospel of God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God in hell.If we assume that those who never hear the Gospel are granted mercy from God, we will run into a terrible problem. If people who never hear the Gospel are saved…we should make sure that no one ever hears the Gospel. The worst thing we could do would be share the Gospel with a person and have him or her reject it. If that were to happen, he or she would be condemned. People who do not hear the Gospel must be condemned, or else there is no motive for evangelism. Why run the risk of people possibly rejecting the Gospel and condemning themselves – when they were previously saved because they had never heard the Gospel?
Recommended Resource: What About Those Who Have Never Heard? by Ronald Nash.
Answer: All people are accountable to God whether they have “heard about Him” or not. The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). Apart from God's grace, God would give us over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. This He does for those who reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle: everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.The problem is, “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own heart, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is foolish to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure that they hear. We are called to spread the Gospel throughout the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The fact that we know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only through accepting the Gospel of God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God in hell.If we assume that those who never hear the Gospel are granted mercy from God, we will run into a terrible problem. If people who never hear the Gospel are saved…we should make sure that no one ever hears the Gospel. The worst thing we could do would be share the Gospel with a person and have him or her reject it. If that were to happen, he or she would be condemned. People who do not hear the Gospel must be condemned, or else there is no motive for evangelism. Why run the risk of people possibly rejecting the Gospel and condemning themselves – when they were previously saved because they had never heard the Gospel?
Recommended Resource: What About Those Who Have Never Heard? by Ronald Nash.
What about babies and young children? Can they accept Christ?
Question: "Where do I find the age of accountability in the Bible?
What happens to babies and young children when they die?"
Answer: The Bible tells us that even if an infant or child has not committed personal sin, all people, including infants and children, are guilty before God because of inherited and imputed sin. Inherited sin is that which is passed on from our parents. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, "I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." David recognized that even at conception, he was a sinner. The very sad fact that infants sometimes die demonstrates that even infants are impacted by Adam’s sin, since physical and spiritual death were the results of Adam's original sin.Each person, infant or adult, stands guilty before God; each person has offended the holiness of God. The only way that God can be just and at the same time declare a person righteous is for that person to have received forgiveness by faith in Christ. Christ is the only way. John 14:6 records what Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Also, Peter stated in Acts 4:12, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Salvation is an individual choice.What about babies and young children who never reach the ability to make this individual choice? The “age of accountability” is a concept that teaches those who die before reaching the “age of accountability” are automatically saved, by God’s grace and mercy. The “age of accountability” is a belief that God saves all those who die before reaching the ability to make a decision for or against Christ. Thirteen is the most common number given for the age of accountability based on the Jewish custom that a child becomes an adult at the age of 13. However, the Bible gives no direct support to the age of 13 always being the age of accountability. It likely varies from child to child. A child has passed the age of accountability once he or she is capable of making a faith decision for or against Christ.With the above in mind, also consider the following: Christ's death is presented as sufficient for all of mankind. 1 John 2:2 says Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." This verse is clear that Jesus' death was sufficient for all sins, not just the sins of those who specifically have come to Him in faith. The fact that Christ's death was sufficient for all sin would allow the possibility of God applying that payment to those who were never capable of believing.The one passage that seems to identify with this topic more than any other is 2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But, once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." David's response was, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David's response can be seen as an argument that those who cannot believe are safe in the Lord. David said that he could go to the child, but that he could not bring the child back to him. Also, and just as important, David seemed to be comforted over this. In other words, David seemed to be saying that he would once again see the child (in heaven), though he could not bring him back.Though the Bible leaves open the possibility, the one problem with saying that God applies Christ's payment for sin to those who can't believe is that the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject for which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. We can, however, be dogmatic about the fact that God ALWAYS does what is right.Knowing the love and grace of God, God applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His character. It is our position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for the Savior. Of this we are certain, that God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. Whatever He does, it is ALWAYS right and good.
Recommended Resource: Safe in the Arms of God: Words from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John MacArthur.
What happens to babies and young children when they die?"
Answer: The Bible tells us that even if an infant or child has not committed personal sin, all people, including infants and children, are guilty before God because of inherited and imputed sin. Inherited sin is that which is passed on from our parents. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, "I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." David recognized that even at conception, he was a sinner. The very sad fact that infants sometimes die demonstrates that even infants are impacted by Adam’s sin, since physical and spiritual death were the results of Adam's original sin.Each person, infant or adult, stands guilty before God; each person has offended the holiness of God. The only way that God can be just and at the same time declare a person righteous is for that person to have received forgiveness by faith in Christ. Christ is the only way. John 14:6 records what Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Also, Peter stated in Acts 4:12, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Salvation is an individual choice.What about babies and young children who never reach the ability to make this individual choice? The “age of accountability” is a concept that teaches those who die before reaching the “age of accountability” are automatically saved, by God’s grace and mercy. The “age of accountability” is a belief that God saves all those who die before reaching the ability to make a decision for or against Christ. Thirteen is the most common number given for the age of accountability based on the Jewish custom that a child becomes an adult at the age of 13. However, the Bible gives no direct support to the age of 13 always being the age of accountability. It likely varies from child to child. A child has passed the age of accountability once he or she is capable of making a faith decision for or against Christ.With the above in mind, also consider the following: Christ's death is presented as sufficient for all of mankind. 1 John 2:2 says Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." This verse is clear that Jesus' death was sufficient for all sins, not just the sins of those who specifically have come to Him in faith. The fact that Christ's death was sufficient for all sin would allow the possibility of God applying that payment to those who were never capable of believing.The one passage that seems to identify with this topic more than any other is 2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But, once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." David's response was, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David's response can be seen as an argument that those who cannot believe are safe in the Lord. David said that he could go to the child, but that he could not bring the child back to him. Also, and just as important, David seemed to be comforted over this. In other words, David seemed to be saying that he would once again see the child (in heaven), though he could not bring him back.Though the Bible leaves open the possibility, the one problem with saying that God applies Christ's payment for sin to those who can't believe is that the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject for which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. We can, however, be dogmatic about the fact that God ALWAYS does what is right.Knowing the love and grace of God, God applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His character. It is our position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for the Savior. Of this we are certain, that God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. Whatever He does, it is ALWAYS right and good.
Recommended Resource: Safe in the Arms of God: Words from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John MacArthur.
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