Knowing Christ or Checking Boxes? | Ephesians 6:1-4 | Episode 99

Knowing Christ or Checking Boxes? | Ephesians 6:1-4 | Episode 99

Grace is not about following religious rules or checking spiritual boxes. In this episode, we discuss children, faith, baptism, and the joy of knowing Christ apart from fear-based religion.

Are Children Holy? Why It Matters | 1 Corinthians 7:14 | Episode 98

This Bible study explores whether infants and young children who die are automatically saved, working through several key passages. Starting with 1 Corinthians 7:14, the group concludes that a child's "holiness" describes the covenant environment a believing parent provides, not a guarantee of salvation. They apply the same logic to circumcision: it set Israel apart outwardly, but that never meant every Israelite was individually redeemed. Looking at Jesus's own infancy, the discussion contrasts dedication (an act of parental faith and commitment) with baptism, arguing that Jesus's baptism symbolized His inauguration into a Melchizedekian priesthood rather than modeling infant baptism. Since biblical baptism is consistently tied to conscious repentance, the group finds infant baptism doesn't fit. The strongest case examined is Matthew 19:13-15, where Jesus blesses children brought to Him. While this beautifully illustrates salvation by grace, the study pushes back on using it to establish a fixed "age of accountability," noting the theological and practical problems that creates (like an arbitrary cutoff age). The post lands on humility rather than a firm doctrine, resting the unanswered questions on trust in God's character. Blog Post: https://wakinguptograce.com/098-pauls-teaching-about-holy-children-1-corinthians-714/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/098-pauls-teaching-about-holy-children-1-corinthians-714/]

097. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done (Part 2)

This episode presents a full preterist interpretation of biblical prophecy, arguing that Christ's Second Coming, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's kingdom were fulfilled in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The discussion examines passages from Revelation, Thessalonians, Hebrews, and the Gospels to support the view that these prophecies describe spiritual realities rather than future physical events. The conversation concludes by addressing common objections, emphasizing that believers already live in the fully established kingdom of God and challenging traditional expectations of a future Second Coming. Episode Page: https://wakinguptograce.com/097-thy-kingdom-come-thy-will-be-done-part-2/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/097-thy-kingdom-come-thy-will-be-done-part-2/]

096. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done (Part 1)

This episode explores the meaning of “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” in the Lord’s Prayer, arguing that Jesus was speaking prophetically about the coming New Covenant and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The discussion examines Matthew 24, Luke 21, Revelation 21, and Galatians 4, presenting the view that many end-times prophecies were fulfilled in the first century through the destruction of Jerusalem and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant age. The conversation emphasizes understanding biblical prophecy through its original Hebrew context and encourages believers to live as citizens of God’s kingdom today. Episode Page: https://wakinguptograce.com/096-thy-kingdom-come-thy-will-be-done-part-1/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/096-thy-kingdom-come-thy-will-be-done-part-1/]

095. Are Babies Saved? (Part 2)

This episode explores the difficult theological question of the eternal destiny of infants and those unable to consciously believe the gospel. The discussion examines biblical passages about resurrection, original sin, faith, and predestination, emphasizing that Scripture clearly teaches salvation through faith in Christ while offering no definitive answer regarding infants. The speakers argue that God's sovereignty, goodness, and mercy provide the strongest basis for hope, suggesting that believers should trust God's righteous judgment rather than speculate beyond what Scripture reveals. The conversation also contrasts predestination, free will, universalism, and the role of faith, ultimately concluding that salvation rests in God's hands and that Christians can find peace in His character even when some questions remain unanswered. Episode Page: https://wakinguptograce.com/095-are-babies-saved-part-2/ [https://wakinguptograce.com/095-are-babies-saved-part-2/]