John MacArthur has written a wonderful little book (175 pages) giving encouragement to those who have lost a child.  The book is biblical in that it exposits relevant biblical texts, practical in that it provides clearly outlined action to take in light if Scripture, and encouraging in that it communicates God’s mercy and compassion.  It will certainly be a book I recommend to those who have experienced miscarriages or the trial of losing a child.

 

Synopsis

In the first 2 chapters, MacArthur quickly discusses the many views on the destiny of children.  He states his conclusion that children, when they die, experience “instant heaven” (p.1).  He stresses the importance of having a biblical basis for claiming this promise and proceeds to provide the biblical basis.

 

In chapter 3, MacArthur shows how God views children as being “innocent” (pp.34ff).  In his comments on Ezekiel 16:20-22 he says, “infants are not culpable in the same sense as those whose sins are willful and premeditated” (pp.34-35).  MacArthur says the “age of accountability” is better thought of as the “condition of accountability” (v.36) since children are considered “innocent” by God until they are able to understand the essential truths of the gospel.  The rest of the chapter is a journey through the Scriptures highlighting the passages that give a reasonable hope that heaven is the eternal destiny of those who die before the “condition of accountability.”

 

In chapter 4, MacArthur shows from Scripture how babies who die before the “condition of accountability” have been chosen (elected) by God for salvation.  He says people “are saved by grace, but ‘damned’ by works.”  He shows how people are never said in Scripture to be damned on the basis of the guilt inherited from Adam (p.80).  Men are damned on the basis of willful acts of sin and rebellion (p.80).

 

Chapters 5 and 6 show how children entering heaven will keep their identity, will recognize their parents one day, and have glorified bodies.  Chapter 7 provides biblical counsel to parents who have lost a child.  God’s purposes for trials are discussed and exhortation is given to pursue hope in God.  In chapter 8, MacArthur challenges Christians to give careful, biblical, compassionate counsel to those who have lost a child.  Chapter 9 is a prayer on behalf of those who have lost a child.

 

Strengths

The book is well organized; the points are clear; real-life stories effectively testify to the true hope Christ gives His people; Scripture is exalted; real, biblical encouragement is given to those who need it.  It is a wonderful book.

 

Weaknesses

I share these to let you know my hearty recommendation is not due to uncritical thinking.  These weakness are easily out-weighed by the strengths.  I will mention two weaknesses.  First, Job’s comments are used as a biblical argument for stillborn children going to heaven.  I think stillborn children go to heaven, but I wouldn’t point people to Job 3 to prove it.  In Job 3, Job is not expressing true hope.  He is not claiming the promises of God.  He is complaining against God.  He is saying he wishes he were never born – not because he would rather be in heaven, but because he is bitter against God.  He is irrational!  I do believe, however, that Job later shows some signs of hope (i.e., Job 19).  But, there is no hope in Job 3.

 

The second weakness is found on page 67.  MacArthur speaks of a pastor who told a lady her child was in heaven even though he knew no biblical basis for his counsel.  MacArthur comments, “Thankfully, the servant of the Lord who intimately knows the Lord, and is indwelt by the Spirit of the Lord, is in touch with the compassion of the Lord – so what seems instinctively true is, in fact, in perfect harmony with God’s Word.”  This seems very dangerous to me.  People who “intimately know the Lord” and are indwelt by the Spirit can make huge mistakes.  They may know what God’s compassion is like, but that doesn’t mean they can give someone confidence that something is true if they don’t really know God says it is true.  How dare they speak on behalf of God without knowing what God has said on the matter! 

 

As Christians, we are ambassadors.  We don’t proclaim what we think God would say about something.   We say what we know He has said, and we study His Word to get the message right.  We have too many people who say, “I think I know the heart of God well enough to say…”  We only know “the heart of God” on a matter if He has revealed it to us in His Word.  The pastor should have said, “God is a good and gracious God.  We may never get answers to all of our questions, but we know God always does what is good and right and best for us.  I think God has told us in His Word where your child is.  Let’s study that together.”  A pastor who says that is “in touch with the compassion of the Lord.”  Though I don’t think MacArthur believes it is right to speak without knowledge of what God has said on a matter, I think his comments might lead others to think it is okay.

 

Conclusion

I highly recommend you read this book if you are uncertain about what God says will happen to a baby who dies.  The book is enjoyable to read, encouraging, tear-jerking, and biblical.  You might even want to keep a couple on hand to give to those who need biblical comfort.