"How can I know my 3-year-old is in heaven?" 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 37)
Dec 13, 2024
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The podcast addresses profound questions surrounding the fate of young children after death, offering biblical insights into child accountability and comfort for grieving parents. It also navigates the complexities of mixed-faith marriages, emphasizing love and understanding amid differing beliefs. Another engaging topic delves into the clash between new-age concepts and traditional Christianity, urging believers to stay rooted in scripture. The discussion encourages a renewal of faith and practical guidance for overcoming personal struggles.
01:13:25
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Quick takeaways
Young children are not held to the same moral accountability by God due to their lack of understanding of good and evil.
Divine judgment is based on an individual's knowledge and moral awareness, offering hope for the eternal fate of young children after death.
The age of accountability is not fixed but varies individually, emphasizing the need for understanding each child's unique moral development.
Deep dives
Understanding Infant Salvation
The podcast discusses the delicate topic of infant salvation, focusing on the theological implications of children being held accountable by God. It is emphasized that children, particularly very young ones, lack the moral awareness necessary for accountability. For instance, scripture references such as Deuteronomy 1:39 highlight that children have 'no knowledge of good or evil,' leading to the understanding that they are not judged in the same way as adults for their actions. The speaker expresses compassion for grieving parents, underscoring that while there are limits to human understanding, there is a possibility for hope regarding the fate of young children after death.
Stages of Accountability
The conversation extends to defining the stages of accountability, suggesting that there is a development in moral understanding that occurs with age. Examples from scripture, such as Isaiah 7:15, illustrate that young children do not have a grasp of right from wrong, which influences their level of accountability. This raises the issue of how to assess when a child becomes accountable for their actions, with considerations that may vary across cultures and individual maturity levels. Overall, the discussion posits that accountability is not strictly tied to a specific age but rather to a child's understanding of morality.
Biblical Foundations for Judgment
Another key point involves the nature of judgment as presented in the Bible, with an emphasis on knowledge and awareness as critical components. Romans 1 is referenced to underline that individuals are judged based on their knowledge and ability to recognize sin. This understanding reinforces the view that young children, who are typically not aware of moral complexities, should not be viewed through the same lens of judgment as adults. The podcast suggests that divine judgment takes into account these aspects of moral awareness, which offers reassurance to parents concerned about their children's spiritual state after death.
David's Hope and the Promise of Reunion
The discussion illustrates King David's response to the loss of his son, suggesting a hopeful outlook on eternal life and the possibility of reconnection in the afterlife. By stating 'I shall go to him, but he will not return to me,’ David acknowledges that, despite his grief, there is hope in being reunited with loved ones through God’s eternal promise. This sentiment serves as a source of comfort for parents grappling with the loss of young children, implying that biblical teachings support the notion that innocent lives may be granted eternal life. The speaker highlights the overarching theme of hope that transcends understanding, grounded in faith and scriptural assurance.
Considerations for Children’s Age of Accountability
The podcast addresses various interpretations regarding the specific age of accountability, exploring different cultural and scriptural perspectives. It is mentioned that some traditions consider 12 years old as a significant milestone, while others debate that accountability should be assessed on an individual basis. The idea is posited that even within each age, children can possess varying degrees of moral reasoning and understanding. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that the goal is to comprehend each child's unique spiritual journey and God's fair judgment regarding their knowledge and maturity.
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.
My full video on the biblical case for infant salvation is HERE.
My full review of Joel Osteen’s “Mary” movie is HERE.
I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join. To ask a question in an upcoming session, you'll need to follow these instructions:
1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera. 2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream. 3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment for the chat. 4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment. 5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
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