All children are a blessing and gift from God (Ps. 127:3). Jesus taught His disciples that unless they were converted and became as little children they would not see the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:3). So clearly children are special in the eyes of God.
Parents are instructed to train up their child in the way he/she should go, and that if you love your child you will chasten or discipline him/her (Prov. 22:6; 13:24). However, we are never to provoke our child to wrath or anger (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). Jesus went further by saying, “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 18:6.
With such clear and plain instructions in God’s Holy Word, how can any Christian even consider touching any child sexually? Do you really think that denying what you have done changes anything? Do you really believe that by making the child feel guilty that they somehow become responsible for what you – the adult – did?
Two attributes that makes God who He is are – 1. Omnipresent - present in all places at the same time and 2. Omniscient – knowing everything. This means that God knows exactly what you did, when you did it, how many times, etc. You may say, “So what? Nobody can prove it, so therefore I am innocent.”
It may be true that due to “lack of evidence”, you may never have to face a human court on charges over what you have done. However, there is coming a day when every person will be judged according to their actions and will have to give an account to God for them (Rom. 14:12). Solomon tells us, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecc. 12:14.
God longs for all sinners to repent of their sins and to be converted so that your sins can be blotted out (Acts 3:19). James instructs us to confess our faults, trespasses or offences to those we have offended (James 5:16). Furthermore, Jesus taught, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:24, 25. Unless you do these things there is no hope of eternal salvation for you. Only those who have had their sins forgiven and whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life shall receive eternal life (Rev. 20:12, 15).
This does not mean that those who have been wronged cannot forgive the offender. If the offended party is a Christian the opposite is true. In the Lord’s Prayer we say - forgive us are trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us. These are powerful words. But, Jesus added more, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15.
God loves all human beings and while we were yet sinners died to save us (John 3:16, 17). Before we have any thought of God, He stands before us offering forgiveness for all the wrongs we have done (1 John 1:9). However, this forgiveness cannot be applied to us until we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour (Acts 3:19).
So to Tom and all Christians who commit paedophilia and incest I implore you to seek Jesus while He may be found, for there will come a time when repentance can no longer be sought (Isa. 55:6; 2 Cor. 6:2.).
Until next time – remember, safety first!