Not Afraid of Burning in Hell

Recently, Ron Reagan, son of former president Ronald Reagan, recorded a radio spot for the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), in which he declares that he is “not afraid of burning in Hell.”  

Those who knew President Reagan best indicate that he had a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and regularly read the Bible.  It therefore comes as a shock to many that his namesake should turn out to be an atheist.

Ron, at age 12, declared to his father that he no longer wished to attend church.  Despite the  “quiet persuasion” of his father to change his mind, young Ron persisted in his rebellion against God and the church.

Today, Ron has hardened in his beliefs and has been made an honorary director of the FFRF, said to be the nation’s largest organization of atheist and agnostics.  

Ron began to question the Christian faith when he was about 8 years old.  At that time he surmised, “Ah, this isn’t making any sense to me—forget it.”  And, he says, he “really didn’t give it that much more thought, frankly.”

What can we conclude from this sad story?  First, it is obvious that children can make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.  Hence, this reality highlights the importance of ensuring that children are given the best opportunities to be exposed to the truth about our accountability before the Creator.

Second, children will not be saved by the faith of their parents.  Ron will not get to heaven on his father’s coattails.  Instead, he will suffer the consequences of his own conscious decision to reject the truth about God and man’s responsibility to submit and obey.

Third, no parent has a greater responsibility than to do all in his power to ensure that his children understand and embrace the gospel of Christ.  Not even the presidency of the United States can take precedence.  As you face the challenges of 2014, don’t neglect this critical duty.