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Here’s a question I’ve been struggling with: do infants (or…

5 years ago • September 3, 2021 • by ourCOG

Here’s a question I’ve been struggling with: do infants (or the severely mentally disabled) go to heaven due to the age of accountability? I think there are problems with each option

1. All babies go to heaven

If that’s the case, God could simply make every human an infant who will die, which would lead to universal salvation.

2. Babies that God knows WOULD have accepted Him, given the chance, go to heaveb

If this is true, it seems to make our lives on Earth unnecessary. If salvation can be based on what you would have done and doesn’t need to occur in the actual world, why make us go through all of the pain of life in the first place? It would be easier for God to kill me young and go to heaven than to live a hard life on earthand go to heaven, since the result is the same.

3. All babies go to hell

Same problems with point 2, and it also horrible to imagine, and seems to go against Jesus’s view of children

4. Babies and the severely mentally disabled don’t have souls/image of God , and don’t go anywhere

This could work, since it would simply mean they cease to exist after death. But dehumanizing these individuals has serious moral implications regarding abortion, disability, and abuse that would be hard to justify.

5. Babies go to limbo (Roman Catholic belief)

In addition did not being in the Bible, why would God choose some souls to be in limbo and some to live a life on Earth? Why arbitrarily send a soul to limbo rather than letting them live a life where they can choose heaven or hell?

I’m not sure any of these explanations are satisfactory

Categories: #ourCOG

Discussion

50 comments

  1. Michael Herbert says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:13 am

    There is no age of accountability in Scripture. Anyone who goes to heaven does so by God’s grace alone.

    Reply
  2. Robert Pearce says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

    The problem really occurs when we think we know what God knows and try to apply our own sense or morality. In the end, He gets to judge, not us, and He will have mercy upon whom He will have mercy.

    Reply
  3. David Keen says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:21 am

    God is as free in determining the salvation of infants as he is in determining the salvation of older children and adults. God is under no obligation to save anyone regardless of age. We are either in Adam or in Christ, and as a result of the fall, we are all conceived in Adam. Ultimately, just know the judge of the universe will do what is right.

    Reply
  4. Daniel Marvin says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:27 am

    The character of God is the question here, not the sovereignty of God. The core question is: Will God torture forever a soul that never actually sinned?

    Reply
  5. Ian Tan says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:30 am

    First, settle in your heart that your Father is good. And that he loves children.
    Then we work from there…

    Reply
  6. Michael Connolly says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:38 am

    If scripture is silent on an issue it behooves us not to answer what we think.

    Reply
  7. Barbara M Normandin says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:49 am

    Only God knows. Hes merciful and gives grace.

    Reply
  8. Stephen Riggs says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Babies are unable to discern right from wrong, nor are they able to understand or make the decision to follow Christ. Do any of you really believe God would send the most innocent of his children to hell?

    Reply
  9. Jessica Mickelson says:
    March 28, 2020 at 12:03 pm

    https://www.gotquestions.org/age-of-accountability.html

    Reply
  10. Toni Armstrong says:
    March 28, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    I had a son born very premature and he didn’t live more than 19 hrs. In my grief I was crying to God and saying that I needed to know he was safe and I would see him again The Lord said to open my bible which I did at a random page. There I read that it is better for an untimely birth and for that child never to see the sun than it is for a man to live a hundred years and not come to know God.

    Reply
  11. Joe A Smith says:
    March 28, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    No where in Scripture is the age of accountability taught

    Reply
  12. Sherri Scott says:
    March 28, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I would agree with suggestions 1&2. Mainly 2

    Reply
  13. James King says:
    March 28, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Sir, any questions you have in this matter, let God himself answer it. Asking others what they think Is fine but what do you expect from them . If you want the truth of the Matter ,go directly to the source , meaning earnestly pray to Him and ask him to bring clarity to you . Christians who are In relationships with him gets answers. The Bible says , a.s.k.

    Reply
  14. Charlotte Ann says:
    March 28, 2020 at 2:55 pm

    There is another possibility – that of some humans *needing* an earthly trial in order to be saved.

    If we consider our earthly life not only a test we have to past, but a formative trial which us part of our creation, it seems perfectly consistent that God might say some require it, and some do not.

    Reply
  15. Sebastiaan de Roode says:
    March 28, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    I understand that this human invented concept of ‘age of accountability’ gives you a good feeling and strokes with most self righteouss unbelievers idea of justice. But there’s a BIG problem. This so called ‘Age of accountability’ is a satanic lie and not found in the Bible ANYWHERE!!! Babies are fallen creatures in Adam, and born in sin and are still liars from the womb! And EVERYBODY is guilty and fall short for the glory of God! And there’s NONE righteouss!! This includes babies!

    Reply
  16. Rick Holtsclaw says:
    March 28, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Caleb, the Holy Spirit explains that where there is no law there is no culpability (Romans 4:14-15; Romans 5:13); therefore, a child who has not attained an age sufficient to understand God’s righteous decrees concerning The Law as it is written upon our heart at conception (Romans 2:15) is not culpable for sin and is therefore declared not guilty/innocent by God the Father. Should that child die in the body before attaining an age or reason/accountability, they are secure in our Lord’s justice and mercy. Jesus has clearly articulated that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those with child-like faith as well.

    But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

    Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.… Matthew 18:2-4 (NASB)

    There is no such doctrine as universal salvation.

    Reply
  17. Keitra Jones says:
    March 28, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    Babies go to heaven. They aren’t at an age to be held accountable

    Reply
  18. John Benson says:
    March 28, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    Wages of sin is death can a baby sin ? & children understand that truth too ?

    Reply
  19. Josh Brown says:
    March 28, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    2 Samuel 12:23….David says he will go where the child went….I can only think he’s talking about Heaven

    Reply
  20. Joey Midgett says:
    March 28, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

    Reply
  21. Jonathan Panda says:
    March 28, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    …He who wants to be great in God’s kingdom must be like these little ones for the kingdom is ……

    … Let the little children come to me, for theirs is the kingdom of God….

    Reply
  22. Randy Hroziencik says:
    March 28, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    In terms of salvation, I’m an inclusivist – which is not the same as a universalist, despite what some say. I believe that all babies, the mentally challenged, and many of those who never had a chance to receive the Gospel message while alive on the earth go to Heaven. This brings up the question (at least for me), What about those who only heard a false Gospel message while alive on the earth? For example, young Mormons who die early but only interacted with other Mormons, and were sheltered from hearing the true Gospel message. God is just, and God doesn’t want anyone to perish – although some will. Hell is real, I have no doubt, but I also don’t believe that the vast majority of people are going there. I’ll take a beating on this one, won’t I?!

    Reply
  23. Marco BA says:
    March 28, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    You’re applying logic to an illogical narrative.

    Narratives are interpretations made during the middle ages, the real message of Jesus had nothing to do with all those narratives and rituals practiced by churches.

    Reply
  24. Max Wolfe says:
    March 28, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Only GOD decides whom is preordained unto salvation and for what purpose.

    Reply
  25. Alchezidek Salang says:
    March 28, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    God gave us free will.

    Reply
  26. Luz N Elijah says:
    March 28, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    God chooses where they go… the end.

    Reply
  27. Eugene Millanes Sanchez says:
    March 28, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    I wonder how the Arminian Free Willers would reason since they claim that in order to be save, one has to accept Christ by their own free will. Infants cant do that.

    Reply
  28. Bush Christiaan says:
    March 28, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    One of Jesus prayers in the cross goes like this “father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing”.
    Children receive forgiveness and grace to inherit God’s kingdom because all their actions are out of ignorance, and in the time of ignorance, God over looks.

    Reply
  29. Alan White says:
    March 28, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    I think Joeys answer is the best one for God is full of loving kindness, slow to anger and his mercy endures from generation to generation. Here is a problem I have, some Christians will say that all babies go to heaven obviously including all the aborted ones. So, then it follows that the mothers who killed their babies “which I believe is murder” have guaranteed their child’s future in heaven but a mother who has done the right thing has no guarantee that here child will make it to heaven for that child will grow up and will have to accept Jesus as their saviour to be saved. I cannot then see how this can be fair? By our own theology it seems that the mothers who have aborted there babies have done them a great favor but we then judge them harshly for doing so. Dont get me wrong I believe abortion is wrong its the height of selfishness and irresponsibility and yet as forgivable as most sins are.

    Reply
  30. Anthony Bryant Sr. says:
    March 28, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    This question is a in house discussion, because of the delicacy of such a topic.

    I will say this the scripture says in John 3: 16-21 God(Yahweh) so loved the world……He gave His only begotten Son……who so ever believes on Him, his Son will have eternal life with out which we are condemned already from birth.

    The scripture also define eternal life in John 17: 1-12.

    This is eternal life to know the Father(Yahweh) and Jesus Christ who He has sent.

    Finally a discussion Jesus had with a fella named Nicodemus John 3; where Jesus said one must be born again to receive the gift of life, do the math.

    Reply
  31. Christopher Kennedy says:
    March 28, 2020 at 8:34 pm

    Point number 2, is questionable since it appears to make the assumption that free will is not determinative. If God gives man free will it will impact the nature of the world and it’s outcomes, including the way God responds to eventualities in history.

    Reply
  32. Ari Goldberg says:
    March 28, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    What about 6. Follows the father’s (and/or mother’s) salvation state until the age of accountability?

    Reply
  33. Samuel Salinas says:
    March 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    What is the age of accountability? Does this exist? Is this age an epoc? Is this age now? Is it then, now and then? When, oh God, is this age, wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen???? For me it’s now, I don’t know about them.

    Reply
  34. Daniel Finlay says:
    March 28, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    Bro purgatory is not a thing, and yes there is universal salvation for those who die before the age of accountability.

    Reply
  35. Deborah Ferella says:
    March 28, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Is it the clay that tells the Potter what to make of it? No, the Potter makes up His Own Mind.

    Reply
  36. Abas Rahmat says:
    March 28, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    Again, we must use discretions in deciding this trivial matter.

    In looking for similar case of instant guilty and instant repentance; the discretion of entering heaven or not, rest solely at the hand of Jesus Christ.

    Luke 23:38-43

    Reply
  37. Micki Shilvock says:
    March 28, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    You make a lot of assumptions, but you don’t have the mind or the wisdom of God. Worry less about what you think and more about what The Bible says. Everyone under the age of 20 when Israel angered The Lord entered The Promised Land. Only two people, the two who were faithful, over 20 at that time entered The Promised Land 40 years later.

    Reply
  38. Abie Ugbeshi says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:21 pm

    Deuteronomy 29:29

    Reply
  39. Benjamin Musokotwane says:
    March 28, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Through the prerogative mercy of GOD,yes they will make it to heaven.

    Reply
  40. William Vanhook says:
    March 29, 2020 at 12:08 am

    The Bible does not say and we cannot know.

    Reply
  41. Bush Christiaan says:
    March 29, 2020 at 4:04 am

    Yeah, the Bible didn’t say a thing about this issue, but let’s look at God from the general Revelation, if we as humans are given the opportunity to decide the destiny of this little children, how many of us will send them to hell? The answer is non.
    If mere mortars like us won’t make such judgment how much more God who is love himself, who knows no evil, what decision do you think He will make?
    Friends, children are innocent for crying out loud, they will make heaven, believe me.

    Reply
  42. Monique Davis says:
    March 29, 2020 at 6:46 am

    The DO have souls. Make eye contact with them at about 3 months.

    They just haven’t committed any acts yet. They don’t have the mental capacity to sin or even know what sin is.

    They go to Heaven innocently.

    Reply
  43. Charles Baldini says:
    March 29, 2020 at 11:23 am

    There is no supposed age of accountability mentioned in scripture but what is declared is, All are considered sinners by The one true Holy God therefore All have fallen short of His glory.
    If that infant is elect then yes. If not elect it would
    not matter whether he or she lived to
    be 103 while receiving 5 Phd’s during the course of life, no.

    Reply
  44. Krista Butts says:
    March 29, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    John macarthur wrote a wonderful book called “safe in the arms of God.” where he uses scripture to answer these questions. It helped me after losing my daughter. I didnt want to believe she was in heaven just because I wanted it to be that way. This gave me scriptural support that yes she is in heaven

    Reply
  45. Steven Martinez says:
    March 29, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    God already knows what of the fate of that child is and will be…he either decreed it to happen or allowed it to happen for a reason…weather the child is in heaven or not is up to the most high…he has the freedom to do as he wills just like he has the freedom to Choose his elect

    Reply
  46. Bob Jones says:
    March 29, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    First, the Bible does not speak of an age of accountability, but I do believe that a person who cannot know right from wrong, as a small child or baby, or someone with a mental condition would not understand what sin was, would go to be in the presence of God is they died, the closest I can find in Scripture would be when David’s child died David said that the child could not return to him, but he could go to be with the child.

    Reply
  47. Duncan Macpherson says:
    March 31, 2020 at 8:50 am

    Limbo was never a dogma of the Catholic Church it was a theological speculation to answer the same unanswerable question as being posed here. It is now abandoned.

    Reply
  48. Jesse Alvin Riker says:
    April 1, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    You work hard at getting into heaven only to find out you’ve been assigned diaper changing duty……forever…

    Reply
  49. Dan Waenet says:
    April 1, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    The Lord will do what is just. I hope only in His mercy.

    Reply
  50. Tony Duncan says:
    April 4, 2020 at 5:31 am

    “Such is the kingdom of heaven “

    All children under the age of accountability belong to God
    No if,ands or buts

    Reply

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