The Bible appears to teach that babies and children go to Heaven when they die. In earlier posts, I gave a Bible illustration (David and his infant son) and explained the Bible’s teaching on children, sin, and the atonement.
Not everyone has the same opinion. A very popular opinion is that only babies of Christians go to Heaven.
Why didn’t God make it perfectly clear in the Bible what happens to babies when they die? John MacArthur gives two sensible reasons: “One reason, surely, is that if God’s Word plainly promised instant heaven to all infants who die, some cult would try to make infanticide a sacrament (as the Molech worshipers in the Old Testament actually did), or some twisted soul might think such a promise justifies or mitigates the sin of abortion. So the Bible leaves enough in the realm of mystery to deter fanatics who might be prone to such abominations, while reassuring us God is gracious and compassionate and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
The Age of Accountability.
What about an “age of accountability”? The Bible does not teach a special “age” at which children are accountable for their own sin. However, we do know by observation and experience that as children mature they develop a capacity for moral reasoning. As children grow in their moral development, they begin to know the difference between good and evil and willingly choose to sin.
The history of the children of Israel may be enlightening. In response to Israel’s sin and rebellion, God condemned that generation of adults to death in the wilderness, never to see the Promised Land. “Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 1:35). However, God specifically excused infants and young children from this condemnation and explained His reasoning. “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.” (Deuteronomy 1:39). These children were not punished for their parents’ sin. God deals with children differently than He deals with those who commit deliberate and conscious sin.
The Book of Life.
The Bible indicates that God has a “Book of Life” (Exodus 23:33; Psalm 69:28; Malachi 3:16-18; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15). In it is recorded everyone going to Heaven. However, some are ‘blotted out’ of the Book of Life (Exodus 23:33).
The Biblical references indicate that rather than a name added to the Book at conversion, the names of everyone conceived is included in the Book. However, if an individual dies physically having rejected the gospel (which assumes the capacity to understand and accept or reject the Gospel) then at the moment of his physical death his name is erased from the “Book of Life” in heaven. The concept of being blotted out of the “Book of Life” as a result of being held accountable for sin is seen in Revelation 3:5: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Since an unbeliever when he is accountable for his life has rejected the need for receiving by faith alone the gift of God’s perfect righteousness through Jesus Christ, then he has not received forgiveness of his sins. At the end of his life, since he never chose to trust in Christ alone but rejected this gospel message, his name is blotted out (erased) from the Book of Life and he comes under condemnation. However, children and others without the capacity of understanding remain in the “Book of Life.”
I pray that I have helped you understand the implied teaching of the Bible that babies, young children, and adults with mental impairment go to Heaven if they should die.
If you are mature enough to read this, you are mature enough to be held accountable for your sins. Though Jesus died and shed His blood for all your sins, you are now responsible for repenting of your sins and receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Just as you will not be punished for your parents’ sin, you will not be rewarded for your parents’ obedience. We are commanded to receive Jesus as our own Lord and Savior.
I invite you to cry out to God for mercy and receive His Son as your Savior and Lord. I believe if you are alive your name is still written in the Book of Life. God still wants you with Him in Heaven. However, should you die never to have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be blotted out of the Book of Life and suffer the darkness and terror of an eternity without God in Hell. Surrender today!
Also read Do Children Go To Heaven When They Die? Part One, Do children go to Heaven when they die, Part 2?
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