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NASB | Genesis 18:26 So the LORD said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 18:26 So the LORD said, "If I find within the city of Sodom fifty righteous [people], then I will spare the entire place for their sake." |
Bible Question:
Scripture ... Gen 18:16-33, 19:12-15, 24-25 ... I have posed the following to several people. They respond by citing other Scripture and not responding to (refuting) what sent. So I ask you to respond to what I have written first. Then, you may cite other Scripture. Do you believe one is righteous (going to be with the Lord) or unrighteous (separated from Him forever), including babies? I believe one is righteous or unrighteous ... there is no in between (Gen 18:23-24, Mat 5:45). There are other verses that shows there are only two camps (Mat 25:31-46; Jhn 3:16-18, 36; Rom 2:6-8, 8:5-8, 13; Gal 6:18 (5:16-16); 1Jn 5:11-12). In Genesis 18:16-33, Abraham pleads for Sodom. The Lord promised not to destroy Sodom if there were ten righteous. There were only four, at the most six, who were righteous (19:12-15). God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (vv 24-25) ... I believe that there were babies and those in the womb, this because it is normal to have people of all ages ... so I think God declared them unrighteous. |
Bible Answer: I'll take a crack. You seem to be confusing the two very distinct categories of "safe" and an "accountable" human being responsible for his/her actions. Kids/babies are safe with God as they don't have any sins in their life. However, all of us reach an age (varible with different individuals) by which we know right from wrong and take on the responsibilities of our actions. Thus, we reap what we sow. Even after becoming a part of God's family in accordance with His word, we receive salvation from sin but we're expected to behave like we're saved and not return to the "dog's vomit." BUT, more than that we still have to continue reaping what we've sown in that life of sin. Example: If a person lives a life of casual sex and brings a multitude of kids in this world with several other partners, then they must do their part to provide for those kids. They're not released from those responsibilities because they're saved. But back to the subject at hand. Since babies are safe with God, there's nothing unnatural or strange about God's calling them to join him in heaven before we would prefer to see them go. The scriptures and all correctly applied discussion about righteous or unrighteous is reserved for those that have passed the first moment of accountability or the point they begin to distinguish between right and wrong. |