Episode Summary: “Is It Too Late to Accept Christ When Mental Capacities Fade?” Wretched Radio with Todd Friel Hosted by Fortis Institute Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction

In this thought-provoking episode of Wretched Radio with Todd Friel, the host delves into a deeply sensitive and complex theological question: “Is it too late to accept Christ when mental capacities fade?” The discussion navigates the intersection of faith, cognitive decline, and salvation, providing listeners with nuanced insights and compassionate guidance.

Main Discussion: Salvation and Diminished Mental Capacities

The episode centers around a poignant question from a listener, Teresa Todd, who inquires whether a person who has denied Christ throughout their life can still become a Christian as they suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Jimmy Hicks, one of the show's primary speakers, offers an extensive and heartfelt response to this dilemma.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Cognitive Function and Salvation:

   • Jimmy Hicks emphasizes the necessity of some level of cognitive functioning for salvation:
     “There has to be some sort of cognitive functioning. There has to be some ability to comprehend on some level.” [04:02]
   • He acknowledges miraculous instances where individuals with severe cognitive impairments exhibit signs of faith, yet advises against relying solely on miracles:
     “I would not rely on that. Be as eager and aggressive as you can with sharing the gospel while somebody has their cognitive capacities.” [06:00]

2. Urgency in Sharing the Gospel:

   • Hicks underscores the importance of disseminating the gospel proactively:
     “Don’t delay, don’t bank on that. Be as eager and aggressive as you can with sharing the gospel.” [06:30]
   • He advocates for immediate action to ensure that individuals retain the capacity to understand and accept salvation.

3. God’s Mercy and Grace:

   • For those born with cognitive impairments or who are mentally incapacitated from birth, Hicks offers reassurance of God's mercy:
     “I think God is merciful to those.” [07:30]
   • He encourages parents of such children to continue nurturing faith through songs, prayers, and Bible readings, trusting in God's ability to save even those with minimal cognitive responses:
     “God can save them and he has saved them and he will take them safely home with him when they die.” [08:45]

4. Avoiding Universalism:

   • While optimistic, Hicks clarifies that the discussion does not endorse universalism:
     “We don’t want to just become universalists that say, well, everybody got saved.” [09:10]
   • Instead, he maintains a position of hope grounded in biblical principles and the character of a loving God.

Notable Quote:

"Don’t give up hope. Just don’t give up hope." — Jimmy Hicks [10:15]

Listener Questions and Discussions

1. Dividing Inheritance Among Non-Believing Children

Question from Dan: “Todd, I'm wondering if you could give some direction on the best way to divide up an inheritance when there are children that aren't followers of Jesus, that are lazy and may use the money contrary to parental intent.” [16:39]

Jimmy Hicks’ Response:

• Biblical Principles: Hicks references Biblical guidance on inheritance, affirming the right to leave an inheritance to children while emphasizing prioritizing kingdom advancement: “Biblically, you can leave an inheritance where it goes. I think kids and ministry are, I think, would be the leanings that I get from the Bible.” [17:10]

• Wisdom in Distribution: He advises against equal distribution if it would lead to irresponsible spending, suggesting the use of trustees or structured wills:
  “If you know that a kid is going to put that money right up their nose or use it for licentious living, well, I don’t think that’s wise.” [18:00]

• Seeking Counsel: Hicks recommends involving trusted, godly individuals in decision-making to ensure balanced and wise distribution:
  “Bring somebody into your life with whom you can be transparent. Probably somebody who has kids and maybe even grandkids to say, here’s what we’re thinking.” [19:30]

Notable Quote:

"Sit down and make these decisions when your frame of mind is not agitated and you're not annoyed with the kids because you'll make bad decisions if you do so." — Jimmy Hicks [17:35]

2. Reconciliation in Heaven with Those We’ve Wronged

Question from Brad: “Do you think we will reconcile with anyone we have wronged or been wronged by when we get to heaven, or will there be full reconciliation automatically?” [21:12]

Jimmy Hicks’ Response:

• Total Reconciliation: Hicks expresses certainty that all wrongs will be made right in heaven:
  “I think that’s going to be made right. You get a body, you have your senses. ... Everything will be made new.” [21:30]

• Emotional Reunions: He envisions heartfelt reunions that surpass earthly relationships:
  “When you get together with somebody with whom you've reconciled in this life, is it not sweet and profound and deep? Of course it is.” [22:15]

• Eternal Harmony: Hicks reassures that heavenly relationships will be free from sin and strife:
  “Being brought together for the first time in that joyful reunion, why wouldn’t that be joyfully tear-filled and wonderful?” [23:00]

Notable Quote:

"Heaven is going to be a better earth." — Jimmy Hicks [22:45]

3. Handling Inheritance Among Non-Following Children (Continuation)

(Refer to above section for detailed discussion.)

4. Dealing with Pornography and Biblical Leadership After Confession

Question from Anonymous: “God has graciously gifted me with repentance from a decade and a half of pornography and recently confessing my sin to my wife of seven years. What does biblical leadership look like in this season?” [32:19]

Jimmy Hicks’ Response:

• Immediate Cessation: Emphasizes the importance of stopping the sinful behavior:
  “Stop watching porn now. Just be done with it. ... It is poison. It is deadly. Stop it.” [32:44]

• Transparency and Accountability: Advises being transparent with one’s spouse by eliminating access and seeking accountability:
  “Here’s my phone. Honey, I’m home. Here it is. Please.” [34:10]

• Rebuilding Trust: Encourages gratitude, earning back trust, and demonstrating godly character through actions:
  “Start being godly. Don’t just stop looking at porn. Start cherishing her.” [35:25]

• Spiritual Leadership: Calls for becoming a spiritual leader in the household by engaging in prayer and Bible reading:
  “Be a spiritual leader. Start cherishing her.” [36:15]

Notable Quote:

"Your behavior is very displeasing to your God. And you are not being the man that you could be. Just be done with it." — Jimmy Hicks [32:50]

Further Discussions

5. Why Doesn’t God Reveal Himself Publicly?

Question from Douglas Todd: “Why doesn't God reveal Himself publicly?” [51:12]

Jimmy Hicks’ Response:

• Historical Revelation: Highlights Jesus Christ as the ultimate public revelation of God:
  “He did in the person of Jesus Christ. ... We have a written record of it.” [51:17]

• Heart Over Miracles: Asserts that personal transformation is a matter of the heart, not public displays:
  “Miracles don’t save. A personal appearance from God does not guarantee salvation. It’s a heart issue.” [52:00]

• Faith through the Word: Encourages relying on the Bible and personal faith over seeking overt divine revelations:
  “We have the word of God, and that’s why we use it when we witness.” [52:45]

Notable Quote:

"An appearance from God isn't going to save you. Besides, he already appeared." — Jimmy Hicks [51:35]

6. Handling Heretical Materials Like the Book of Mormon

Question from Anonymous: “If I find a book from another religion like the Book of Mormon in a public place, would it be right for me to throw it away to prevent someone else from reading heretical material?” [53:28]

Jimmy Hicks’ Response:

• Respect for Property: Advises against destroying others' property as it can lead to vigilantism:
  “Do I believe that you should go about the business of destroying somebody’s property? I don’t know that we're given permission to do that.” [53:41]

• Legal and Moral Boundaries: Emphasizes obeying the law and maintaining moral integrity:
  “We obey the law, we don’t destroy other people’s property.” [54:10]

• Personal Choice: Suggests that while one may choose to discard such materials, it should not involve harming others or breaking laws:
  “Until tomorrow. Go serve your king.” [55:00]

Notable Quote:

"It could lead to all kinds of vigilantism... so I think I would lean toward, as much as you'd like to ditch it, ... but don’t destroy other people’s property." — Jimmy Hicks [54:20]

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Jimmy Hicks provides biblically grounded advice, balancing doctrinal accuracy with compassionate understanding. His responses encourage proactive faith, responsible decision-making, and trust in God's mercy. The episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners grappling with complex spiritual and ethical questions, reinforcing the show's commitment to addressing tough theological issues within the Christian community.

Final Notable Quote:

"Heaven is going to be a better earth... Don't give up hope." — Jimmy Hicks [22:45]

Additional Resources Mentioned:

• Biblical Counseling: For personal and relational guidance, listeners are encouraged to visit biblicalcounseling.com.
• Upcoming Events: Attendance and volunteer opportunities at fortisinstitute.org.

This summary aims to encapsulate the depth and breadth of the episode, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.