One prominent objection that people often raise about the Christian faith concerns the radical idea of
One prominent objection that people often raise about the Christian faith concerns the radical idea of
7 replies to "Will God really allow death bed conversions of murderers and child molesters?"
Great illustration – very well done sir!
I think this entry is a perfect example of the difference between this ministry (Reclaiming the Mind) and most everything else out there, especially our local churches. This entry would normally stop after paragraph 8. You, however, push it to another level – not necessarily ‘deeper’ per se, (although that’s often the case), but just farther. I’ve found that I can’t even read your blog during work because I don’t have the focus and energy needed to fully engage (note: this is a good thing for my career 😉 ).
Anyway, good stuff Michael.
p.s. When are you going to let Rhome throw something up here? 🙂
Michael,
Great topic! I for one, not being adequately prepared for this discussion came across the idea that it would only be the elect that would even be saved in this situation, all others (non-elect) would not make it.
I know this throws the topic of base, but I was reviewing the soteirology TTP and you were very adamant about the whole topic, you hoped it could be different that God would save all, but knowing scripture and your heart you knew otherwise.
How do you feel about this topic with this subject brought in to the discussion?
Is it possible a murderer or rapist was predestined to repent at the last minute?
I have difficulty with the topic and really have been drawn back to the very subject thru the TTP video to reexamine the text. I, as you say keep this one tension for now.
Bryant
sellison, thanks for the comments. Rhome has been invited, but just does not write that much for some reason. Hopefully he will soon.
Bryant,
You are correct. From the standpoint of God’s elect, it is the case that all who repent, no matter when or where, are able to do so because of God’s intervention and regeneration.
At the same time, we look at things from the human standpoint as well, attempting to answer these questions from the standpoint of the unbeliever who most certainly does not accept election.
Thanks for the comment bro. (Oh, and thanks for the case study. It was a great read)
It’s really amazing how much the emotional aspect comes into play with this issue – especially perhaps for the postmodern.
Whether it’s Darth Vader or even our brief experience with the thief on the cross, we find ourselves rooting for them as they turn from their wickedness – and rejoicing at their redemption. But if it were the Virginia Tech gunman or some other troubled person, we somehow feel differently.
I think you are right in that we need to know how to package this so that it can be easily understood and appreciated by both the believer and the non-believer. And, as usual, you’ve touched on something here that I’ve just never thought much about in terms of creative ways of approaching it. Much appreciated.
Thanks Scott.
God will save whoever he pleases when, where, and how he chooses to do so even if they are murderers or child molestors. We obviously have that example of the theif on the cross who was saved on his death bed so to speak, he was dying on the cross of course, but he is an example. And yes, obviously only the elect of God will be saved period. Remember as well, all sin leads to death.