Do Infants Go to Heaven?

The question of the eternal destiny of infants has been a subject of debate for centuries. This article delves into the arguments supporting the view that all individuals who die in infancy, as well as those who are incapable of making informed choices due to mental limitations, are chosen for salvation before the foundation of the world.

Evidence for Infant Salvation

Insufficient General Revelation: Infants may not be held accountable for unbelief since they have not received general revelation (evidence of God's existence in nature). This lack of knowledge exempts them from the judgment that awaits those who consciously reject God's revelation.

Lack of Moral Discernment: Passages like Deuteronomy 1:39 indicate that infants lack the capacity to distinguish between good and evil. This absence of moral discernment potentially exempts them from moral responsibility.

David's Son: David's statement in 2 Samuel 12:23 ("I shall go to him") suggests that he believed he would be reunited with his deceased infant. This implies that the infant was saved and would be in heaven with David.

Lack of Conscious Rejection: Infants are not capable of consciously rejecting divine revelation or willfully disobeying, which are typically the grounds for eternal judgment. Their innocence from willful sin may exempt them from condemnation.

Regeneration in the Womb: Biblical texts like Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:15 indicate that some infants may be regenerated in the womb. This regeneration provides a basis for considering the possibility of salvation for all infants.

Subjective Argument

The author raises a subjective question: Does God's character, as depicted in Scripture, suggest that he would condemn infants solely for Adam's transgression? This question, while personal, prompts reflection on God's nature. A loving and merciful God would be unlikely to punish infants for a sin they did not personally commit.

The arguments presented, particularly the lack of conscious rejection and the subjective nature of God's character, are compelling evidence for the salvation of all infants and mentally incapacitated individuals. This belief is based not on their innocence or merit but on God's sovereign choice and saving grace applied to them independently of conscious faith.

20 Key Points on the Eternal Destiny of Deceased Children and Special Needs Individuals

1. God views children with affection and mercy, acknowledging their innocence and lack of willful rebellion.
2. Babies who die may be destined for heaven based on passages like 2 Samuel 12:23 and King David's belief.
3. Jesus demonstrated a deep love for children, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith in entering heaven.
4. General Revelation reveals God's existence and eternity, but those lacking mental capacity cannot be held responsible for suppressing this knowledge.
5. The judgment of individuals will be based on conscious and willful sin, which babies and certain special needs individuals do not possess.
6. While the Bible records instances of God's armies killing children, this can be understood as a merciful act, shielding them from exposure to evil and hardening of their hearts.
7. The doctrine of election cannot be discounted for infants and special needs individuals, who may have been "known before the foundations of the earth."
8. Scripture does not specify an age at which a child becomes accountable for rejecting God's revelation.
9. Based on God's character and mercy, it is reasonable to conclude that deceased children and certain special needs individuals are chosen for salvation.
10. There is no need for a profession of faith or understanding of Christ's salvation for these individuals to be considered saved.
11. Those who lose young children who professed faith can find comfort in knowing they are reunited in heaven.
12. The eternal security of children is a source of great comfort for Christian parents.
13. God's judgment is not based on human milestones or societal expectations.
14. Scripture does not support the idea of infants going to hell due to a lack of election.
15. God's decisions are not based on personal merit but on his perfect plan.
16. Death can be a merciful release from a life of suffering and exposure to evil.
17. The Bible does not describe hell's inhabitants as infants or special needs individuals.
18. God's grace extends to all, including those who cannot fully comprehend its implications.
19. The salvation of these individuals is a testament to God's love, mercy, and sovereign choice.
20. The ultimate conclusion on this matter is based on a comprehensive understanding of God's nature, his judgments, and his view of children.

Frequently Asked Questions on Infant Salvation

Do infants go to heaven?

Yes, it is believed that all infants, including those who die before they reach the age of accountability, are chosen for salvation. This belief is based on the arguments presented below.

What is the evidence for infant salvation?

Insufficient General Revelation: Infants may not be held accountable for unbelief since they have not received general revelation (evidence of God's existence in nature).

Lack of Moral Discernment: Passages like Deuteronomy 1:39 indicate that infants lack the capacity to distinguish between good and evil, potentially exempting them from moral responsibility.

David's Son: David's statement in 2 Samuel 12:23 ("I shall go to him") suggests that he believed he would be reunited with his deceased infant, implying the infant's salvation.

Lack of Conscious Rejection: Infants are not capable of consciously rejecting divine revelation or willfully disobeying, which are typically the grounds for eternal judgment.

Regeneration in the Womb: Biblical texts like Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:15 indicate that some infants may be regenerated in the womb, providing a basis for considering the possibility of salvation for all infants.

Does God's character suggest that he would condemn infants for Adam's transgression?

This is a subjective question, but it raises the issue of God's nature. The arguments presented, particularly the lack of conscious rejection and the subjective nature of God's character, suggest that he would not condemn infants for the sin of Adam.

Do infants need to profess faith or understand Christ's salvation to be considered saved?

No, infants do not need to profess faith or understand Christ's salvation to be considered saved. Their salvation is based not on their innocence or merit but on God's sovereign choice and saving grace applied to them independently of conscious faith.