BLOG.TBCSERMONS.COM: Recent Comments

Comment on Where do babies go when they die? Biblical Reflections on the death of the little ones.

2009-06-09T22:45:27Z

The major difference between my view and those who hold to an age of accountability is the difference between being born in original sin vs. acting against the General Revelation of God (acts of sin). Though there are mixed views about what one means about an "age of accountability" the primary way it is defined is that babies are born innocent until one day they commit their first sin and consequently become sinners. My view is just the opposite. I believe the Bible teaches that we are born in the original sin of Adam (therefore guilty) but that God's judgment is based upon deeds done in the body (response to the GR of God as in Romans 1-3). So there really is no "innocence" in my view (as opposed to the other), rather a guilt that is never acted upon and therefore removes them from judgment, which is different from those described in Romans 1-3.

I agree with you completely on the fact that this issue is not absolutely black and white. One could easily argue that children have often been the focus of God's judgement (Egyptian first-born for example). So if God does send infants to hell, He is certainly not unjust. Even though such is not my view, God is just regardless.

I think this issue is one that we are able to put Scripture together to form a biblical basis for what we believe. Because (as you rightly pointed out) there is no black and white passage that makes the issue crystal clear, we need to be careful not to become dogmatic about our beliefs. However, I think there is enough biblical evidence to give people hope that is more than just trying to rationalize something that makes one feel better.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts!

Wes

Comment on Where do babies go when they die? Biblical Reflections on the death of the little ones.

2009-06-09T21:51:33Z

I sincerely hope that your belief is right. Although I understand why you wrote about the dangers of "hoping" without supporting that hope with the authority of Scripture, I believe this is one instance where Scripture does not spell things out for us. I don't see a great deal of difference between your assessment and the "age of accountability" concept to which people so often cling. I am unaware of anywhere in Scripture that provides for a way to Christ other than placing their faith in Him. However, I certainly have no desire to try to make a case that babies don't go to heaven. I just think this is one area that, because of the absence of clear Scripture to the contrary, we must simply trust God rather than reach a definitive conclusion based upon our rationalization. I realize that may not provide the comfort some may so desperately desire, but we serve a big God. Regardless of what we conclude or don't conclude, God obviously loves us and knows what is best and right. And that is something in which we can take comfort.

Comment on Substitutionary Baptism: Can we be baptized in the place of others?

2009-05-23T04:44:26Z

Thanks for the feedback and the encouraging words. Context is certainly key to understanding the true and intended meaning.

Pray for me, as I'll be fishing with two deacons....

Comment on Substitutionary Baptism: Can we be baptized in the place of others?

2009-05-22T18:39:53Z

So cool! Just another example of the context being soooo important! Thanks for the insight... not sure if many people comment back to you so I just wanted you to know that at least one person is encouraged by your blogging! Thanks!

p.s. Have fun fishing! ;)

Comment on Vacation Reflections

2009-05-06T21:28:19Z

By the time you count rod, reel, fishing line, lures...probably too much!!!!

Comment on Vacation Reflections

2009-05-06T21:21:48Z

what did it cost u to buy those fish ?

Comment on I Do What I Don't Want to Do: Freedom, Sin, and New Life in Christ.

2009-04-16T16:58:53Z

Amen! Good Theology begets good exegesis and Good Exegesis begets good theology. You have both going on there Wes. Aren't you glad I approve. :-)

It's a tough distinction to be made but a necessary one. Paul's struggle in Romans 7 is not with the sin nature, but with himself - his "body of death". It's refreshing to hear someone else say something I've thought/held for a long time.

Comment on All we are is dust in the wind: Cremation and the Resurrected Body.

2009-03-09T16:48:04Z

Thanks for writing on this topic, Pator Wes. My family has been discussing this issue, as a family member recently posed a question to my mom about what the Bible says about cremation. This will be great information to share!

Thanks,
Lindsey Sheppard

Comment on All we are is dust in the wind: Cremation and the Resurrected Body.

2009-03-03T14:38:00Z

Pastor Wes,

Thank you for this well considered and helpful Article. It blesses on at least two levels: (1) It is a well-reasoned presentation of your position on the subject; and, (2) It is an excellent example of how to differ on tertiary issues!

I would also point out the honor that Jesus Christ bestowed upon a human body at His incarnation! The human body was not only created by God; He, Himself, dwelt (tabernacled) in one for over thirty years!

History nut that I am, I was moved recently to view a piece of the suit that Abraham Lincoln was wearing at the time of his assassination. I once drove several miles to see Harry Truman's home and automobiles. Why were these things preserved? Because of who it was that had inhabited them!

2,000 years ago, a specific human body was inhabited by God, Himself; and, today the human body of every believer is inhabited by the Holy Spirit.

While I, like you, would not criticize anyone who chooses cremation for themselves or for a loved one; I do believe that the rite which used to be commonly called, "Christian Burial" is a testimony to both the Creator of the human body, and to the hope of the resurrection to come.

God bless you, yours, and the TBC family!

Comment on Wisdom and Wild Turkey: Thinking Christianly about Alcohol

2009-02-12T20:57:04Z

Thanks Wes, I've answered that question the same way on many occasions.

"Sure you can, but that doesn't mean you should."

Can you imagine if someone (especially a former/struggling alcoholic in the church) saw "the pastor" buying a bottle of hooch? Egad!