Category Archives: Answering Your Questions

Where do babies go when they die?

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Question: What happens to babies when they die? Do they go to heaven or hell?

My Answer: The Bible is very explicit in its condemnation of sin and its explanation of sin’s consequence. When Adam sinned, he not only sinned personally, but he sinned as the “head” of the human race. So in Adam, all have sinned, and all are condemned. The universal sinfulness of all men, including infants, is plainly taught in Romans 5:12, 19. That condemnation has come to all men is evident in Romans 5:16, 18. The Bible plainly teaches that we are born with sinful natures (see Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:1-3). This is the doctrine of Original Sin. And it applies to all human beings—not just adults but infants and young children also.

So, if infants are by nature sinful and condemned, what happens to them when they die? Do they go to heaven? Do they go to hell? Or is there another answer?
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Will We Know Each Other In Heaven?

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Question: “I have been told that when we get to heaven that we won’t really know each other—that we will know each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, but not as the same people we are now. Is this true? Will I know my loved ones? And will they know me?”

My Answer: This is a fairly common question. Through the years I have been asked it many times. First, the simple answer: YES! You will know others in heaven, and they will know you.

But don’t take my word for it. Let’s see what the Scripture says. Is there Biblical warrant for believing that we will know each other in the afterlife, and recognize friends and loved ones? I believe there is a strong case for this being so.

In the account of Jesus’ Transfiguration, he was seen with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:17:3). Moses had been dead for over a thousand years, yet the disciples knew him to be the Lawgiver of Israel, not some names Hebrew saint.

Jesus said that “many will come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). Again, the patriarchs are called by name, they still have their personal identities. It is Abraham, himself; Isaac, himself; Jacob, himself who sits with the gathered saints of God.

In the story Jesus told of the rich man going to hell, the Lord said that he lifted up his eyes and he saw Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:23). The rich man recognized both the patriarch, who had died centuries before, and Lazarus, with whom he was acquainted in his own life.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Clearly Paul had the expectation that he was going to see the people he knew, the very ones he had led to Christ, when he met them in the Presence of Christ at His coming.

Also speaking to the Thessalonians, Paul was dealing with confusion on their part about the dead. He wanted to comfort them in this matter (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He states emphatically that the dead in Christ will come with the Lord when He returns, and that they will be resurrected first. Then we are still alive on earth will changed and join them (1 Thess. 14-17). Paul says that we are “comfort one another” with this teaching (v. 18). What comfort is there if you are missing your loved one, confused about what happens after death, and then find out that you will never know them again? There is no comfort in this. Clearly, Paul indicates we will join with our loved ones, and know them in eternity.

Of course, the greatest evidence is the Lord Jesus Himself. He did not cease to be the individual person that He was, even after death, even after the Resurrection. He was still Jesus of Nazareth. He was seen and recognized by his disciples. They interacted with Him on numerous occasions. And the Bible is clear, we will be like Him in the resurrection (1 John 3:2, Philippians 3:21).

The bottom line is this: when you become a Christian, Jesus redeems YOU. You are not a number on a list. You are not some unknown spiritual blob. You are YOU. And the YOU that He forgives, saves, gives a new life here will be the very same YOU that He takes to heaven, and will resurrect one day.

No wonder Paul wrote:

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)

Christian Environmentalism

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Question: “Should Christians be concerned about ecology and the environment? It seems like all the environmentalists I see are wacko tree huggers. Weren’t we given dominion over the earth… and doesn’t it mean the earth exists for us to use for our benefit?” (R. in Pennsylvania)

My Answer:

I understand the feelings of R. We often see odd things happening in the name of environmentalism. For example, many times it seems like people and human needs take a back seat to owls, dragonflies and slugs. “Save the environment!” is the cry, even if it means harm to people, jobs and the economy. Along with this concern there is another legitimate danger. Often what is called “environmentalism” is simply a mask for a certain political agenda, or even advancing pagan and Eastern mystical ideas. As a result, ecological concerns have often been the target of strong criticism by Christians. And Christians who are interested in the environment are dismissed as “liberal” or “wacky.”

I think that there should be a middle ground somewhere… something between being an “environmental wacko” and having no concern for the earth at all. God did indeed originally give mankind dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28, Psalm 8:6). The Lord gave the earth to mankind as his proper home and domain (see Psalm 115:16). But along with mankind’s charge to have “dominion” and “subdue the earth” came a responsibility to care for this world (cf. Genesis 2:15). While man is highest in the created order, and God has put “all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:6), we still must remember that we do not own this world. For the “earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1, cf. Psalm 89:11). We are stewards of this planet. And so we will answer for our use of the earth.

I personally have no problem with using the earth for our benefit. We are allowed to eat plants and herbs (Genesis 1:29-30), to eat the animals of the earth (Genesis 9:2-3), to till the ground and use the resources God has placed on this planet. God gave us this world for these purposes. But we must do this responsibly and appropriately. After all, it is God’s world we are using. To abuse this planet is an affront to God. It is showing disdain for the Creator, and not honoring the Maker of all things. That is why the Bible says that God will “destroy those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:18). God takes the care of His world very seriously. So should we.

What About Ouija Boards?

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Question: “How should a Christian feel about Ouija boards, palm reading, and things like that? Isn’t this just harmless fun?” (C. in Lynchburg, VA)

My Answer: Although these practices are often viewed as innocent entertainment, they really are very serious matters. When it comes to any kind of fortunetelling (e.g., palmistry, astrology, crystal gazing, Tarot cards, tea leaves, etc.) the Bible is very clear on these matters. These are all forms of divination. Divination means to seek out the future or to seek hidden knowledge through supernatural means. The Bible condemns divination in no uncertain terms. Divination in all its forms is part of the occult, and is grounded in an occultic worldview. The Bible has many passages that deal with this. The classic passage is Deuteronomy 18:9-14. Here you will see all forms of divination declared to be wrong. And God declares that He takes these matters very seriously. The Lord declares that these practices are “an abomination” in His sight.

The Biblical condemnation of divination is especially true when it comes to Ouija boards, séances, mediums, etc. This is not only an occultic practice, but it is an open door to dealing with spirits. Any attempt to contact the dead is actually an invitation for demonic activity. Satan knows how to fool us in these matters. There are many people who have been lured into witchcraft and the occult world through Ouija boards and séances. There are also a number of cults and false religions that had their origins in messages from Ouija boards. I have already read of people who actually were demon possessed because of Ouija boards. It is interesting that witches and occult practitioners takes divination, séances, and Ouija boards very seriously. To them it is no game.

But the final word is that God takes these things very seriously also. To Him, also, it is no game. It is not harmless fun. It is venturing into the Devil’s territory. And you don’t travel there without dangerous consequences.

Clueless Mormons?

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Question: “When I see some well known Mormon personalities on TV, or hear them on the radio, I wonder if they really understand what Mormonism is all about. Is it possible to be a Mormon, especially a convert, and not be informed as to the true teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?” (O. in Charlottesville, VA)

My Answer: This is a question that I am asked quite frequently. This especially comes up when a well known Mormon speaks of his belief in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and testifies to what a difference there is in his life since coming to faith in Christ. It seems that these individuals might be true Christians. And if so, then obviously they cannot really understand Mormonism, which has a theology that is far removed from the Christian faith. Continue reading →