The Promise of Heaven by David Jeremiah
Week 6: Chapters 17–19 — Hard Questions: Children, Suicide, and Those Who Never Heard
Read Chapters 17–19 of The Promise of Heaven. Key passages: 2 Samuel 12:19-23; Romans 1:18-20; Matthew 18:1-5.
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Dr. Jeremiah is at his most pastoral in these chapters, addressing questions that many people carry in private — questions about children who die, loved ones lost to suicide, and those who never heard the gospel.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Dr. Jeremiah draws on David's words after the death of his infant son — 'I will go to him, but he will not return to me' (2 Samuel 12:23) — as a window into biblical hope for children who die. What does this passage suggest David believed about his child's eternal state? How does that bring you comfort or raise further questions?
2.Dr. Jeremiah discusses the concept of an 'age of accountability' — the idea that children who die before they are capable of understanding and responding to the gospel are covered by Christ's atoning work. What biblical and theological threads does he weave together to support this conclusion? Are you convinced? Why or why not?
3.Jesus' words in Matthew 18 — 'their angels always see the face of my Father in heaven' — suggest a special guardianship over children. How does the image of children as those who belong especially to God's kingdom shape the way you think about child death and child faith?
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