Comments on: Rapture: Four basic questions http://www.jrothraministries.com/2007/06/10/rapture-four-basic-questions-about-the-doctrine/ Gospel, Christ, Life, and Living: Musings of John L. Rothra Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:35:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: John Rothra http://www.jrothraministries.com/2007/06/10/rapture-four-basic-questions-about-the-doctrine/comment-page-1/#comment-7967 John Rothra Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:27:09 +0000 http://www.jrothraministries.com/blog/archives/101#comment-7967 There are a few ways to look at that verse and its context. First, that Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God is given to children. Second, that Jesus is calling for a child-like approach to Jesus. The context calls for the latter. Jesus has just praised the one leper of ten who humbled himself enough to offer thanks to Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). Next, the Pharisees rejection of Jesus is pointed out after they ask about when the kingdom of God was coming. Jesus said the kingdom was right before their eyes, refering to himself, if they would stop rejecting him (17:20-21). Next, Jesus tells the disciples that at the Second Coming, those who reject Christ will be judged; those who accept Christ will be saved (17:22-37). After this, Jesus tells the disciples to keep persistent in their prayers as they await the consummation of the kingdom at the Second Coming (18:1-8). Now we come to the immediate context. Jesus tells a parable of two men: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee was very proud and boasted to God of his righteousness; the tax collector humbly confessed his sin and his need for God. Jesus praised the tax collector (18:9-14). At this point, the disciples start keeping children and those bringing babies to Jesus from approaching. The children and parents were seeking Christ with open arms, contrasted with the Pharisees pride and rejection of Christ. The disciples prevent the children from coming near Jesus. Here, Jesus tells the disciples and those around them that the children expressed the type of desire, excitement, and humility that is required to enter the kingdom of God (18:15-17). The story after this shows this continued contrast between prideful self-righteousness that leads to rejecting Christ and the humble, child-like longing to seek Christ. A ruler asked how to enter the kingdom and Jesus said keep the law. The rule boasted of his righteousness. But Jesus told him he must be willing to give up everything to follow him, which requires a level of humility this ruler was unwilling to express (18:18-23). In conclusion, the statement about children in Luke 18:17 does not expressly teach that children will be in heaven, but uses children as an object lesson in humility and joyfully seeking Christ. While I believe young children will be in heaven, it is because of God's grace and mercy alone. There are a few ways to look at that verse and its context. First, that Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God is given to children. Second, that Jesus is calling for a child-like approach to Jesus. The context calls for the latter. Jesus has just praised the one leper of ten who humbled himself enough to offer thanks to Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). Next, the Pharisees rejection of Jesus is pointed out after they ask about when the kingdom of God was coming. Jesus said the kingdom was right before their eyes, refering to himself, if they would stop rejecting him (17:20-21). Next, Jesus tells the disciples that at the Second Coming, those who reject Christ will be judged; those who accept Christ will be saved (17:22-37). After this, Jesus tells the disciples to keep persistent in their prayers as they await the consummation of the kingdom at the Second Coming (18:1-8).

Now we come to the immediate context. Jesus tells a parable of two men: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee was very proud and boasted to God of his righteousness; the tax collector humbly confessed his sin and his need for God. Jesus praised the tax collector (18:9-14).

At this point, the disciples start keeping children and those bringing babies to Jesus from approaching. The children and parents were seeking Christ with open arms, contrasted with the Pharisees pride and rejection of Christ. The disciples prevent the children from coming near Jesus. Here, Jesus tells the disciples and those around them that the children expressed the type of desire, excitement, and humility that is required to enter the kingdom of God (18:15-17).

The story after this shows this continued contrast between prideful self-righteousness that leads to rejecting Christ and the humble, child-like longing to seek Christ. A ruler asked how to enter the kingdom and Jesus said keep the law. The rule boasted of his righteousness. But Jesus told him he must be willing to give up everything to follow him, which requires a level of humility this ruler was unwilling to express (18:18-23).

In conclusion, the statement about children in Luke 18:17 does not expressly teach that children will be in heaven, but uses children as an object lesson in humility and joyfully seeking Christ. While I believe young children will be in heaven, it is because of God’s grace and mercy alone.

]]> By: Chris Burton http://www.jrothraministries.com/2007/06/10/rapture-four-basic-questions-about-the-doctrine/comment-page-1/#comment-7959 Chris Burton Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:44:29 +0000 http://www.jrothraministries.com/blog/archives/101#comment-7959 Well I was going to say, with that said, the argument about children being saved rests on their faith in Jesus, and as Jesus Himself said, "..anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18;17 Well I was going to say, with that said, the argument about children being saved rests on their faith in Jesus, and as Jesus Himself said, “..anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18;17

]]> By: Chris Burton http://www.jrothraministries.com/2007/06/10/rapture-four-basic-questions-about-the-doctrine/comment-page-1/#comment-7957 Chris Burton Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:34:01 +0000 http://www.jrothraministries.com/blog/archives/101#comment-7957 Seems to me you answered all the questions with the final statement "put your faith in Christ alone." With tha Seems to me you answered all the questions with the final statement “put your faith in Christ alone.” With tha

]]>