Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Seven

The Author’s Conclusion

by Jerry Whitlow

Death does reign temporarily, and our children are affected. Death does not take into consideration age, sex or nationality. Due to the sin of Adam, death will continue to reign until the return of Jesus Christ. However, death is not as bad as many may think.

Death for the child of God is simply leaving this earthly tabernacle and moving into a heavenly one. Paul said it this way, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:55-57).

When it comes to death Jesus can be trusted. Whether young or old, in Him must we place our trust, for it is Him who brings our comfort. John 14 says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Jesus loves our children and desires them to be with Him. He loves them so much, he uses the term “My children” in Ezekiel 16. He shed His blood for these children against whom death had reigned. It is for them He died just as he died for all mankind. It is He by whom David was assured would take care of his son after leaving this earth through death. It was Jesus that gave David the confidence he would be with his son again. It was Jesus who said, “Suffer the children to come unto me.” It was Jesus who held and blessed the children. It is Jesus who has gone to prepare a place, so we can reunite with our children and families again. It is Jesus in whom my parents placed their faith and trust concerning the eternal destiny of themselves and my sister. It is Jesus whom my wife and I so long to see who has taken care of our little one all these years. It is Jesus our Redeemer, our Advocate, our Saviour whom we will praise throughout all eternity for grace, mercy and peace. It is Jesus on whom you can depend.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that children are Safe in the arms of God. I do not use the term “Saved” since they never had the opportunity nor understanding of “So Great Salvation,” but I use the term Safe due to the “Grace of God, and the gift by Grace” granted them according to Romans 5:15.

It is interesting to read Revelation 7:9 which says, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”

According to the current world’s population, there is approximately 7.5 billion people. Of these 7.5 billion, less than 32% even claim any form of Christianity. More today are dying lost than dying saved. Matthew 7:13- 14 says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Keeping Mathew 7 in mind and knowing that the percentage of professing Christians is diminishing, Revelation 7 takes on a new light. It could be that the vast number of the great multitude is aborted, miscarried, or are very young children - children that are safe in the arms of God. This could be the place where I will be united with my sister and unborn child.

In Genesis 50 Joseph is preparing to step out into eternity through death. He has gathered his family together one final time. This chapter speaks of the last words and testament of Joseph. His last time of instruction to his family. Then the Word of God says in the final verse of Genesis, “So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” The word “coffin” is an interesting word. It is the Hebrew word arown which means box, ark or chest. It is from this word we get our English phrase “hope chest.”

The hope chest is used by young ladies for the placement of their most treasured possessions. There is great anticipation of opening it before her marriage.

It represents hope, love and security. It is this hope chest in which we so often must place our beloved children. We are not placing them there to say good bye, but to simply say, “I will see you again just before the marriage. I am placing your body here knowing you are no longer in this earthly tabernacle, but in the very presence of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 promises, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” However, very soon, the hope chest will be opened, and resurrection will occur: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

The family of Joseph had to experience this difficult time. The family of David had to experience this difficult time. Many others today are facing the same experience. I trust you will do what my parents did shortly after my sister’s death - trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

Just as two friends of my parents sat with them in their living room and shared the Word of God with them, you have the same opportunity today. The child that has stepped out into eternity is safe, but those who have the ability to comprehend must be saved. The child is in the arms of God, but the adult must repent and come to Christ.

Death reigns because of the sin of Adam. Each one is under this curse of sin. However, no one has to remain under this curse. Jesus came and paid your sin debt. Today He is giving you an opportunity to not only have your sin removed, not only spend eternity with Him in Heaven, but have the assurance you can be with your child again. Jesus said,

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Will you do that today? My parents opened the door of their hearts in 1962, and God gave them the comfort and peace to get through such a difficult situation. Notice the following passages:

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Matthew 18:2-3, “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Would you trust Christ today? Simply take Him at His Word and you too can have the assurance of having your family together in Heaven.

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Six

David Expected To Be With His Child

by Jerry Whitlow

The Word of God says in 2 Samuel 12:15-23, “And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

The previous passage speaks concerning the result of David’s sin with Bathsheba. Nathan the Prophet had confronted David concerning his sin, and the effects that would take place. When David’s child became sick, he immediately began to pray and seek the face of God on behalf of this child. However, it was not the will of God for this child to live. Therefore, David’s child died.

Upon the death of the child, David arose, washed, anointed himself, and went into the House of the Lord to worship. His servants did not understand his behavior and asked why he was so different now than when the child was lying sick. David explained that he did all humanly possible while the child was alive, but now the child is dead. The only thing he can do now is look forward to the day he will be reunited with him again. Notice the words of David, “can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

David was confident he would go to be with his child. What gave David such confidence? His child was too young to understand the scriptures but was old enough to lay upon the bed. The very next verse says that David went and comforted his wife Bathsheba. How could one be comforted if his child was gone forever? David had complete faith he would see his child again.

It was from this passage my parents were led to Christ and received much comfort. They had done all humanly possible for Debra while she was alive, but now she was dead. They could not bring her back, though heartbroken over their loss. Yet, they could go and be with her and that became the solution. The only question to be answered now is how can this happen?

Romans 5:12-17 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God,and thegiftbygrace,whichisbyoneman,Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

Death and sin go together. Also, grace and peace go together. When sin comes, death comes; when grace comes, peace comes. It is a fact that sin entered into the world and death is the result. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul introduces the fact that sin can exist without the law, for sin was before the law. Thereby, man cannot be justified by the law, for sin was before the law. Death has reigned from Adam to Moses according to the Apostle Paul. Genesis 5 gives the obituary column of the Bible where over and over again it is stated, “and he died.” Death reined then, and death still reigns today.

Death even reigns over those who have not sinned after the likeness of Adam’s transgression. The Bible words it in this manner, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come” (verse 14). Concerning whom is this verse speaking? Adam was given a commandment from God and broke it. However, there are some who have never received this commandment.

When this passage was written, many children were in the land just as today; many who had never heard the commandment of God, and had never been given a chance to comprehend. Many were in the land who were mentally disabled, who would never be able to fully understand the commandment of God. Yet, death reigned upon them. Adam’s sin affected all of the human race, including little children and the mentally deficient. However, the story does not end here.

The Word of God continues in verse 15 saying, “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification”

Years ago, an illustration was given concerning a certain man who went into the forest and set fire to a tree. (This is what Adam did in sinning against God.)

However, the illustration continued with the fire traveling through the tree and soon the whole forest was ablaze with this consuming fire. That is what happened with the sin of Adam. It has gone to the extent of affecting the entire human race. However, suppose one came and put out the fire in the forest. This event would be far greater than the first event of setting the tree on fire. This is what Paul is trying to illustrate. Jesus did much more than Adam. The condemnation came from one offence, but justification removes millions of offenses.

Notice the beginning of verse 15, “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift.” Many children face the reign of death, and many mentally deficient face the reign of death, but both may also receive the free gift. What is this free gift? This gift is the marvelous grace of God that He has for those who may not have the ability to trust Him, but He grants safety for them to be with Him. I guess one could say, “When there is no way, God makes a way.” Children, therefore, are safe in Jesus Christ.

Finally, one cannot forget Ezekiel 16:20-21 where the Word of God makes a clear statement concerning to whom children belong. It says, “Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?” Yes, these children belong to the Lord. He says, “Thou has borne unto me” and “My children.” Therefore, if we have born them unto Him, and they belong to Him, no man can take them away from Him.

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Five

The Nature and Knowledge of a Child

by Jerry Whitlow

David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote Psalm 51 after his sin with Bathsheba and his confrontation with Nathan the Prophet. Verses one through five say, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” God is saying He fashioned man just as one would have a blueprint for a house. Man too has a blueprint, which has been directly followed from the womb. Every part of man has been placed in detail before his birth. Therefore, God once again is showing His compassion and concern for the individual in the womb.

In Psalm 58:3 David says, “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” Therefore, I find that all are conceived in sin, and are estranged (alienated) from the womb. This being the case for all mankind, how may a child enter into the Kingdom of God?

Leviticus 12 speaks of offerings brought by the parents of a newborn child, “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest who shall offer it before the Lord, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”

The mother of a male child was ceremonially unclean for a week after which he would be circumcised. The mother of a female child was ceremonially unclean for two weeks. After these periods of time, people could approach the mother, although she was still excluded from public worship. A burnt offering and a sin offering were given by the parents as a reminder of the original sin of Adam and that the newborn child had inherited the sinful nature of man. The offerings were to be made the day after her period of separation had ended; the forty-first day for a boy and the eighty-first day for a girl. Once again, I find the sin nature of the child began at conception.

John 3:1-7 says, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

Just as Nicodemus did not understand this saying, how can a child understand it? Or what about one who dies before birth? How are they to understand this most important truth? The answer is in the little word “man.” Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus a tremendous truth that pertains to an individual with maturity and understanding. After the Lord spoke with Nicodemus, he realized this most important truth. Nicodemus came to an understanding from the true Word of God. Children do not have this same type of understanding.

Isaiah 7:14-16 speaks of knowing to refuse evil and choosing the good. However, it also speaks of a time when a child does not know to refuse evil or how to make the correct choice. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.”

1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Therefore, there was a time when we “understood as a child.” Our understanding was not as it is today. Therefore, there were many things we did not understand as a child that we do understand today. Salvation is one of those truths.

In Deuteronomy chapter one, Moses reminds the Israelites of their journey from Horeb to Kadesh- Barnea. He shows them just how close they were to the land of Canaan, but due to their unbelief, they were not permitted to enter. However, their children would be allowed to enter. Notice verse 39 of chapter one, “Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.” These children were allowed to enter due to not understanding what was being required. God did not punish these children for their lack of understanding but granted grace to each one. Children are not innocent regarding having a sin nature, but they are innocent regarding their knowledge of the sin nature.

Children do not understand on the same level as adults and thus should not be placed on the same level of accountability as adults. (Luke 12:48, “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”)

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, He was speaking to a man who had the capability of understanding. The difference between these children and Nicodemus is their capability. If Jesus had given the same information to these children he gave Nicodemus, they would not have been able to comprehend. If Jesus had given the same instructions to the children of Israel that He gave their parents, once again they would not have been able to comprehend. Jesus knows our capability and the capability of a child. Just as the children were admitted into the promised land, it should be assumed children will also be admitted into the Kingdom of God.

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Four

Jesus Calls Unto Himself A Child

by Jerry Whitlow

On numerous occasions Jesus used little children as illustrations. One such illustration is found in Matthew 18:1-6, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 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.”

As Jesus was approaching the end of His ministry in Galilee, the disciples began to discuss which of them would have the greater position in the Kingdom of Heaven. This kingdom, they believed, was to be set here on earth and these disciples would rule. Thus, they believed the Kingdom of Heaven to be a secular kingdom. Even after this illustration, the mother of James and John requests they might have a high position (Matt. 20).

To illustrate the truth Jesus was about to teach, He called a “little child” to come to Him. This child must have been old enough to walk as Jesus called and the child immediately came. However, this child was small enough for Jesus to hold in His arms according to Mark 9:36, “And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them...”. Luke 9:47 says, “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him.” These passages suggest this was not an infant, nor one old enough to be considered at the age of responsibility.

Jesus was illustrating several different truths. By calling this child to Him, He showed how the child came without being begged or forced. It is in this same manner that a sinner must come to God. The Lord calls the sinner to repentance, but never will He force him to come to Him. It is the choice of the sinner to respond by either coming to Christ or refusing His call. At the call of the Savior, all will make a choice.

Jesus then tells His disciples, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children...”. The disciples needed to turn from their course of action. They were being filled with jealousy. This action needed to be turned from, or they would not see the Kingdom of Heaven.

A little child is also trusting, and that was missing in the lives of these disciples. A child does not think he or she is the greatest, they think YOU are the greatest. It is not about them; they simply trust those around them.

The child Jesus placed in front of them was free from worldly passions. This child would have been quick to forgive and would have possessed humility of mind. These same characteristics were needed in the lives of the disciples. Therefore, instead of saying which disciple would be holding the greatest position in the kingdom, Jesus instructed them they must become as this little child, or they would not even see the Kingdom of Heaven.

By looking carefully into this passage, I found help for my question concerning children who leave this world and step out into eternity. The following thoughts are little nuggets the Lord game me to help during this tragic time in our lives:

Verse five mentions “one such little child.” This immediately showed me Jesus cares for each child individually. The desire of Christ was for no child to be left out or to feel unloved and alone. Receiving “one such little child” is to accept and help Him. Jesus showed His care for this child individually.

Jesus then warns against leading a child in the wrong direction. He is using this child to illustrate all young believers in Christ. Never should we lead a young believer to sin against God. When one starts out in his new walk with Christ he needs instruction. However, wrong instruction will lead to disaster. A young child is trusting and expects no harm to be done to him. It is the same with a new believer. Jesus also warns against being a stumbling block in the lives of these children.

Finally, He warns against despising a little child. This is done when the child is considered unimportant and neglected; when she is pushed aside and ignored.

Children are not to have their minds corrupted and twisted by this worlds behavior. Children are special in the eyes of God, and parents have a tremendous responsibility to train them appropriately. It seems obvious the Lord cares deeply for these children and cares for each one specifically.

In the text given, Jesus is using this little child to illustrate spiritual truths. This little child is innocent, trusting, humble, and willing to accept the call of Christ. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

In verse ten of Matthew 18 the Word of God says, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” From this passage one can see how precious children are to God. Each child has a favored position before God, his or her own guardian angel. These angels have direct access to God. It is very interesting to note how the Lord makes every effort to care for each and every child. It would seem to go against the very nature of God to leave a child in the grave or send him to Hell upon his death.

Matthew 19:13-15 also speaks of children being used as an illustration for those desiring the Kingdom of Heaven, “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them and departed thence.”

By studying the previous passages, one should realize the love and compassion our Saviour has for children. If we are to come as little children, then I assume little children will be a part of God’s Kingdom. It was through this passage I came to the understanding that our little unborn child simply followed the Lord’s call to “Come.”

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Three

The Miscarriage of A Child

by Jerry Whitlow

June 25, 1988 was a special day for me as it was the day I married my best friend, Dreama Wagoner. Once again, a young couple was starting out in life looking forward to what the Lord had in store for them in the days ahead. I was serving as a youth director in a church nearby, and my wife was working alongside. We both were teaching in a Christian school, and I was attending college. It was a busy time, but a time we both were enjoying together.

August 23, 1991 was a day to be remembered. It was the birth of our daughter Kristin. Even to this day I find myself in tears thinking of how blessed we were to have this young girl in our lives. Kristin was the highlight of our lives as we walked this journey together. The nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and wrestling with a car seat were challenges for a young couple. However, she was our bundle of joy, and we knew we had been blessed by God.

May 3, 1994 was another day to be remembered. It was the birth of our second daughter Lauren. We were living in Collinsville, Virginia, at the time. I was pastoring an Independent Baptist church and attending Bible college, while my wife was a stay at home mom taking care of our children. Things seemed to be getting busier but going great as we were serving the Lord and growing a family. However, things were soon to change.

In November of 1996, my wife informed me we were having another baby. Excitement once again ran through our home. I wonder if we will have a boy or girl this time? Although I did not admit it, deep down I was wishing for a little boy with whom I could share my time and hobbies.

My wife and I started a family tradition shortly after being married. Each year we would drive to Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and see the Christmas lights between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a tradition we maintained for many years. The girls loved seeing the lights as we would drive through the park and then stop for hot chocolate and a personalized ornament for our tree. Plus, we never returned home without going to Krispy Kreme Donuts. This was a wonderful tradition we enjoyed every year.

In December of 1996, we started on our journey to Tanglewood Park for our normal Christmas tradition. However, the trip did not go as expected. While going through the park, my wife told me that something was wrong with the unborn baby she was now carrying. We immediately left the park and went home. She tried to rest that evening, hoping and praying all would be okay. However, that was not to be the case.

The next morning, she was still in pain, so I took her to the doctor. She had experienced a miscarriage. Devastation and discouragement immediately came into our home. Questions began to sweep through our minds. What had we done to cause such a tragedy? Could we have prevented this from happening? What would happen next? People tried to encourage us, but it seemed every word spoken was like a spear to the heart. Nothing seemed to take the pain away.

The biggest question on our mind was, “Where is this little child?” I believe life begins with conception. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee”. This little one, whom we had never seen, was a living human being. So where is this child today? Again, this question is one that many families face at some point in their lifetime.

Where are the sixty-million aborted babies? Where are the babies which were lost due to miscarriage? Where are the children that died early in life before truly understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are these children lost forever or has our gracious and loving LORD made provision for such as these?

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part Two

A Puppy

by Jerry Whitlow

My sister wanted a puppy. I do not know every detail, but I know her heart’s desire was to have a little puppy of her very own. The following article was written in the Martinsville Bulletin on Thursday, August 18, 1960:

Childs Desire: The wishes of little Debra Gale Whitlow of Villa Heights were answered today when Henry County Dog Warden W. M. (Tiny) Norman presented the three-year-old with a part Boston Terrier. The little girl was suffering from leukemia, a disease for which no medical science has yet found a cure. Debra, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Whitlow, had expressed a desire to have a puppy. The dog warden obtained the pet from Mrs. George Tuggle, Ridgeway, who said the dog came to her house as a stray. Mrs. Tuggle gladly gave the dog to Mr. Norman after learning that Debra desired a pet. Mrs. Whitlow said Debra quickly became attached to ‘Tippy’ but is teaching him dog manners early. She refused to allow the dog to put his feet on her, her mother said. The Whitlow's have one other child, a five-year-old son, Douglas. (Cox 239)

My family was extremely grateful for the gift of this little puppy. They desired to do everything possible to keep Debra happy. However, she was only able to enjoy Tippy for a short time.

In early November, Debra went into a comatose state from which she never recovered. November 20, 1960, being only three years of age, my sister took her last breath in a hospital room at Duke University. Tragedy had struck my family. How can a young couple, being married only eight years, handle such a tragedy in their home? How do they tell their five year- old son his sister will never come home again? From where will their comfort come?

It was through this tragedy that a neighbor and friend began to visit my parents and encourage them in the things of the Lord. Then, after two years of hearing a plain presentation of the gospel, Mom and Dad trusted Christ as their Savior on May 30, 1963. It was only then that true comfort came to my family.

Mom and Dad were baptized June 23, 1963, and immediately began to grow in the Lord. They attended church services faithfully, were both discipled, and both soon became teachers themselves. Their faithfulness paid off as their son, James Jr. and my Grandmother Stone trusted Christ in October of 1968. Both followed the Lord in baptism the following month.

On January 22, 1967, my parents once again had a child. It was then that I was born. I had the privilege of growing up in a loving home devoted to serving Jesus Christ. I too trusted Christ in a revival meeting on April 22, 1974 and followed the Lord in baptism on June 9, 1974. However, I still had the question that so many have today. Would I ever have the opportunity to be with my sister who died at such a young age?

I never met Debra as she passed from this life seven years before my birth. I heard my parents talk of her, and I have seen many pictures. Yet the question came to mind, “Will I ever get to meet my sister?”

Many families today have the same question regarding their loved ones. I hear of young children dying of dreaded diseases, being killed in horrific

accidents, and even being aborted. Will the parents ever be able to see these children again? Where are these children today? Have we simply lost them to the grave never to be seen or spoken to again? I trust the following pages will give help and comfort.

Safe in the Arms of God -- Part One

Tragedy Strikes a Young Couple

by Jerry Whitlow

My parents met in the late 1940s and married October 17, 1952. Little did they realize what would be in store for them in the following years. Excitement, joy, and the typical married life for a young couple seemed to be their way of living. April 30, 1955, they were blessed with their first child, a healthy baby boy, James Douglas Whitlow, Jr. Dad was working for Bassett Industries, and Mom was taking care of this little bundle of joy.

July 26, 1957, they were once again blessed with a child, Debra Gale. Life seemed to be going well after only five years of marriage. Dad was working hard, mom was taking care of the children, and they had both a little boy and a little girl. However, my parents could not have imagined what they would face in the coming months.

When my sister Debra was two years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia. My family was about to face a major tragedy. At that time, leukemia was an automatic death sentence, and the doctor said she had less than twelve months to live.

Mom would spend many weeks with Debra at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Dad would work during the week and travel to be with them on the weekends. My grandmothers would take turns keeping my brother, and Mom would go home on weekends just long enough to wash clothes and get a good bath. Keep in mind, the hospital was two and a half hours from their home.

While at the hospital, nurses would bring Mom breakfast. Later in the day she would take the bus to a local restaurant for dinner. Two meals a day and sitting by my sister’s bedside was the usual day for Mom. Hospital visits, doctor appointments and, at times, lengthy hospital stays continued for eleven months. It was a trying time for this little family.