Can a child molester be saved?

[RaymondG]

And I love people enough to see to it they get the truth.

This, i believe, is what some have issue with. You feel you have the truth and dont respect the fact that others may feel the same. Yet truth is not discovered in books or through intense study and education.....but is revealed by the One who is the truth. One to whom truth is revealed, does not desire for others to believe them and take their word for it......they desire for all to come and see....for themselves. One cant believe truth....they must know it....and it then sets free.........free indeed.

 

[Yarddog]

Based on Matthew 18:6, my opinion is not a chance

Matthew 18: 6 isn't talking about children of men, it is about the children of God. That being said, as despicable as child molestation the molester can be saved just as all sinners can.

 

[marineimaging]

Based on Matthew 18:6, my opinion is not a chance

Based on Matthew 18:6, my opinion is not a chance

Just for clarity's sake, your opinion is important as it being a reflection of your understanding, but be very careful in saying something is a fact of God's when it is just your opinion. The Bible as a whole lays out the redemptive qualities of Jesus Christ. These qualities do not exist in just one chapter or verse. So, can a pedophile can be saved? With turning away from that life and his repentance being real and he professes his faith in Jesus Christ and agrees it is incumbent on him to follow the scriptures is he saved? Does Jesus say, once forgiven your sins are as far as the east is from the west? If he or she has truly having given their life over to Christ, is he still a pedophile? The law says yes. The congregation might say yes. But does Christ say that he is still a pedophile if he has been forgiven and is repentant and from that day forward never again commits such a sin? The issue here is what does scripture say, ALL of scripture say about who and how powerful God is through Christ Jesus in forgiveness. If Jesus does not have the power to save someone who has truly repented and turned from their ways, then how can Christ offer salvation to anyone except that we know He has to power to offer it to everyone.

 

[Tomb523]

I respect your opinion...but the millstone punishment are the words of Jesus himself. And people will say it’s not the unforgivable sin, but the unforgivable sin is also mentioned by Jesus before he mentions this HARSH penalty.

I believe you have taken Matthew 18:6 out of context. In the context of this chapter, Jesus is using the child as both an example and a comparison as to who can enter into heaven. That anyone who is must have the humility of a child. At the same time, He is saying that anyone causing either an actual child or someone in childlike state to stumble - to lose their faith and humility - that person should have the millstone about the neck. The chapter is about faith and humility and approaching God in a childlike fashion and wo to anyone to steers this person away from their faith be they an actual child or an adult to comes with the humility and trust of a child.

As Matthew Henry's commentary says, "Observe, first, The crime supposed: offending one of these little ones that believe in Christ. Their believing in Christ, though they be little ones, unites them to Him, and interests him their cause so that, as they partake of the benefit of his sufferings, he also partake in the wrong of theirs. There are those that offend these little ones, by drawing them to sin, grieving and vexing their righteous souls, discouraging them."

Yes, anyone may be saved so long as they repent fully of their sin, even child molesters. And by repenting, what they once did, becomes abhorrent to them just as with any sin anyone may have committed. As I read my bible, the only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Phil 1:21]

The simple answer can be found in this question....Does God's grace have any limits?

 

[Southernscotty]

Matt 18:2 And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
It's meaning is us looking up to the Father in reverent awe and wonder. Just like a little kid in a car seat in the backseat of a car, They are not saying, "Turn right here or left there", They are completely dependent upon the Father to take care of them, They are trusting in Him to guide them. He knows the way home.
This verse is comparing believers to children, In that they are pure and un-defiled, This happens by the cleansing of the bloods of the Lamb. Jesus is the righteousness that we HAVE to have to enter heaven and this come by us "trusting" in the Father

 

[Kenny'sID]

This, i believe, is what some have issue with. You feel you have the truth and dont respect the fact that others may feel the same. Yet truth is not discovered in books or through intense study and education.....but is revealed by the One who is the truth. One to whom truth is revealed, does not desire for others to believe them and take their word for it......they desire for all to come and see....for themselves. One cant believe truth....they must know it....and it then sets free.........free indeed.

That sounds pretty and all , but think about what you are saying. The bible is the word of God, and put here by God so we CAN get the truth from a book. It's as if you are saying Gods attempt to show us truth is in vane because you say truth cannot be found in his word, a book.

As far as having issue with what you mention, some people would have issuer with someone claiming the truth was put into their heart/saying they just know it. I've little doubt many false profits, even cult leaders have made the claim of receiving a truth no one had a way to deny or confirm. Very dangerous to just believe someone without looking into it for ones self.

The bible is here because it expresses written truth that can be proven out with scripture, no confusion, and not just claimed with no way of knowing one way or another unless we put our full faith in the men that claim it...bad bad idea...a point that I have been trying to make here.

That said, what is your take here? Where do we disagree, or what truth did you acquire with the method you mention?

 

[Danielwright2311]

Based on Matthew 18:6, my opinion is not a chance

All sin is forgivable, all sin but one, read your bibles people.

The question is not is this sin forgiven.

The Question is , is your sins forgiven? Are they?

 

[Kenny'sID]

Thanks for your concern but I think most of us are big boys and girls and have studied the Scriptures quite well to arrive at where we are at.

From what I've seen here, I would definitely have to disagree, but either way, did I somehow give you th idea toy weren't big boys? I'm just not sure of the point of your comment?

Critical scholarship is not designed to be self-serving. It's a peer-reviewed process that tries to be objective, no one person's voice is the final word.

Yet it is still self serving, and often. Also, did anyone here say their voice was the final word or even indicate such?

 

[ubicaritas]

Yet it is still self serving, and often. Also, did anyone here say their voice was the final word or even indicate such?

Please prove your assertion that critical biblical scholarship is self-serving.

 

[BNR32FAN]

If the molester asks forgiveness AND stops molessing children, yes. He also needs to turn himself in to the authorities so they will deal with it from the law of the land side.

Matt is not talking about child molesting, there is a deeper meaning that you must dig out. Never make a doctrine out of a sentense lifted out of a paragraph...ever.

The molester only needs to confess, repent, and be born again to receive salvation.

 

[Loren T.]

There is no sin that can't be forgiven except total and final rejection of the Spirit.

 

[Tomb523]

Well what if someone caused a disciple to lose their faith then?

Wo to them and they get the millstone. Purposefully leading someone away from God is blaspheming the Holy Spirit - the unforgivable sin.

 

[RaymondG]

That sounds pretty and all , but think about what you are saying. The bible is the word of God, and put here by God so we CAN get the truth from a book. It's as if you are saying Gods attempt to show us truth is in vane because you say truth cannot be found in his word, a book.

I thought the words sounded pretty as well. The bible is the written words of God. Your carnal mind can read it and your brain store it to memory. But the carnal mind cannot understand the things of the spirit. It must be put aside to allow the spirit to teach.....only then can one know the truth. Everyone can read, but only those with an ear to hear, will hear what the spirit says to the churches.....

As far as having issue with what you mention, some people would have issuer with someone claiming the truth was put into their heart/saying they just know it. I've little doubt many false profits, even cult leaders have made the claim of receiving a truth no one had a way to deny or confirm. Very dangerous to just believe someone without looking into it for ones self.

I agree, which is why you shouldnt be upset when others do not accept your words as truth.....

The bible is here because it expresses written truth that can be proven out with scripture, no confusion, and not just claimed with no way of knowing one way or another unless we put our full faith in the men that claim it...bad bad idea...a point that I have been trying to make here.

The letter killeth, but spirit maketh alive. We can read the words all we want.....but when we desire wisdom, we still have to go to the One who says to Ask Him and he will give it freely. Alternatively, you can use your own mind and thoughts to try to decipher the meanings.

"39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

That said, what is your take here? Where do we disagree, or what truth did you acquire with the method you mention?

I have no take on your words....I was only commenting on why i felt others were blocking you and finding your argumentative.....I said nothing of the arguments you were making.

 

[Blade]

We still think OUR sin is not as bad as say someone that molest children or murder. How is YOUR sin ok? Gonna say you don't sin? Gonna say you repented of all sin? Living for Christ the way the WORD say we are to? Oh the verse about hurting little ones was not talking about "children"..SEARCH. Lol what do you think you are to God?

I praise my Father of our lord Jesus Christ that I have no say in this nor any other man. We can debate cry laugh whatever yet in the end.. NOTHING what so ever will change. Our PERSONAL thoughts feelings on the matter.. we may pat our selfs on the back ..duh we told them the TRUTH and were right and there wrong all we want. Yet.. truth is we are not right only HE IS. Truth? We get no say on how enters heaven. The one that lied.. or did sin all his/her life. Be it hurting kids or killing or lying cheating or molesting or gay or fornication. Yeah.. AWESOME RIGHT? He wont ask what you or I think about it. He ALREADY finished this. Its done. Christ died for not your or my sins.. but ALL SINS. He took away ALL SINS of the world. What we think about that again matters not. Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. GOOD NEWS!

So anyone on this planet no matter how little they sinned or great can be saved. Now can YOU still be saved after you fall miss it goof up go back to some sin that you did in fact repented of? You/I think your going to heaven based on how you personally believe..how you/i personally interpreted the word of God? Its that really how all this works?

So.. do you see and hurt for those that are lost? Or do you do something a GOD does not even do. Sinners have been judged already.. we are NOT there judge. We show them the ANSWER..that ANSWER that found us. We do not condemn them. He came to save them. Them being you and me..the world period. For me.. when we put US our selfs last ..leave US behind.. and let HIM lead. Let HIM speak rule guide..let HIM be the only one that is right. To know HE ALONE is..is ALL. Any GOOD in us is ALWAYS Him. To never speak up out of this flesh 1st...but to live let the sweet sweet Holy Spirit talk 1st. To know we can never get it right. It has to ALWAYS be HIM 1st. I give Him all the glory for ANYTHING I do or say that would seem sound be good or right.

The truth in which allot will not like .. there will be so many in heaven we would have NEVER let in. that we KNEW they were awful evil wicked people. We just were not GODS...we never saw the heart. We only judged based on a moment in time. This is how I see and understand..

 

[YHWH_will_uplift]

Based on Matthew 18:6, my opinion is not a chance

You're opinion unfortunately does not stand a chance against the truth:

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."
-Matthew 12:31

And if you're going to quote anything make sure you have the entire context instead of quickly making decisions based on your own personal views:

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
-Matthew 18:1-6

The words of Jesus first answers the disciples question about who's considered the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus says that whoever humbles not himself like a little child will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, for those who humble themselves like little children are the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Therefore we see that Jesus was not concerned with little children being the greatest: he took their characters of innocence and humility to be the traits one must posses after being born again as a child unto God. When one observes the story of Adam and Eve who did God place at the entrance of the garden of Eden? He placed cherubim. Cherubim is an Aramaic word meaning, 'one who is innocent like a child'. Beware that your personal opinions don't cause those new to the faith to stumble who have decided to follow Christ Jesus instead of you.
Don't act like you've been saved your entire life: you were called out of the sinful world which child molesters are in...don't forget where you came from and maybe you'll have a better appreciation of where you are now, and have a clear idea of where you're headed.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I thought the words sounded pretty as well. The bible is the written words of God. Your carnal mind can read it and your brain store it to memory. But the carnal mind cannot understand the things of the spirit. It must be put aside to allow the spirit to teach.....only then can one know the truth. Everyone can read, but only those with an ear to hear, will hear what the spirit says to the churches.....

Spacey theology, and if you can get them to buy it, the word is yours for the taking.

Do you have scripture to back that up, I mean that we can't depend on the bible for the truth?

I agree, which is why you shouldnt be upset when others do not accept your words as truth.....

What makes you think I'm upset? You are making that up...why? Please point out where I show myself to be upset? I could easily say they were upset because I didn't accept their words as truth, but I won't/don't because I would expect myself to have to back that up, and I would just a soon the reader decide for themselves where the issue *really* lies here... let the chips fall where they may.

Seriously, if you will, someone needs to answer the already asked question, how are you discerning which side is upset, and "arguing" as it was put, as opposed to debating, as others touted they were doing, (something that really tickled me BTW. ) because the other side doesn't accept his words? Is it you, is it them, is it me, or is it equal? See you need to show how you draw these conclusions, not just speak them as fact out of apparent need to ridicule the opposing party, and with no grounds whatsoever.

It's like getting in an argument with someone, we've all seen it, not being able to stand your ground, then shouting "your just mean!... I'm leaving now!"...no reason given. Not much of a defense to say the very least.

The letter killeth, but spirit maketh alive. We can read the words all we want.....but when we desire wisdom, we still have to go to the One who says to Ask Him and he will give it freely. Alternatively, you can use your own mind and thoughts to try to decipher the meanings.

"39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

I have no take on your words....I was only commenting on why i felt others were blocking you and finding your argumentative.....I said nothing of the arguments you were making.

Forget about my words, your take on the debate in general?

Takes two to tango, and that is exactly what happened here. To try to put all the blame on one side because one might disagree with what they are saying, exactly what I have been accused of, it flat out wrong. Look for yourself, discern by reading, by seeing for yourself my friend, this was 50/50 two sided all the way.

On blocking me, it's always easier to avoid reality than it is to face it head on. And after knowing anyone who does that does so, probably because they cannot hold their own on in debate, I'd much prefer they block me. Otherwise they're just wasting my time and theirs. As a matter of fact, I've recommend the block more than once here.

 

[dreadnought]

I respect your opinion...but the millstone punishment are the words of Jesus himself. And people will say it’s not the unforgivable sin, but the unforgivable sin is also mentioned by Jesus before he mentions this HARSH penalty.

I think your millstone analogy falls a little short, because once you're dead, you're dead. The millstone no longer is of any consequence.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I think your millstone analogy falls a little short, because once you're dead, you're dead. The millstone no longer is of any consequence.

JMO, but I always assumed those consequences took place in hell..

 

[dreadnought]

JMO, but I always assumed those consequences took place in hell..

I tend to believe the Lord forgives anyone who repents of their sin.