Topical Bible: Children Going to Heaven

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The topic of children going to heaven is one that has been discussed and debated among theologians and believers throughout the history of Christianity. The Bible provides several passages that offer insight into the nature of children and their relationship with God, which can be interpreted to support the belief that children who die go to heaven.

Biblical Passages and Interpretations

1. Innocence and Accountability: One of the foundational concepts in the discussion of children going to heaven is the idea of innocence and the age of accountability. The Bible suggests that children are born with a sin nature (Psalm 51:5), yet they are not held accountable for their sins until they reach an age where they can understand and choose between right and wrong. Deuteronomy 1:39 states, "And the little ones, who you said would become a prey, your children who on that day had no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it." This passage implies that God does not hold children accountable in the same way as adults.

2. Jesus’ Love for Children: Jesus’ attitude towards children is a significant indicator of their place in the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement reflects Jesus’ special regard for children and suggests that they have a place in heaven.

3. David’s Confidence: The account of King David and his deceased child provides further insight. After the death of his infant son, David expresses confidence that he will see his child again. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David says, "But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." This indicates David’s belief that his child is in the presence of God and that he will be reunited with him after death.

4. God’s Compassion and Justice: The character of God as compassionate and just is central to the belief that children go to heaven. In Ezekiel 18:20, it is stated, "The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son." This passage underscores the principle that individuals are responsible for their own sin, suggesting that children, who have not yet reached an age of moral responsibility, are not judged in the same manner as adults.

5. Universal Redemption: Some theologians point to the universal scope of Christ’s redemptive work as a basis for the belief that children are saved. In 1 Timothy 2:4, it is written that God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This desire for universal salvation can be interpreted to include children, who are seen as part of God’s creation and recipients of His grace.

Theological Perspectives

Throughout church history, various theological perspectives have emerged regarding the fate of children who die. Some traditions emphasize the necessity of baptism for salvation, while others focus on God’s grace and mercy as sufficient for the salvation of children. The doctrine of original sin and the concept of an age of accountability are often discussed in relation to this topic.

In summary, the belief that children go to heaven is supported by biblical passages that highlight their innocence, Jesus’ love for them, and the nature of God’s justice and compassion. These elements contribute to a theological understanding that children who die are welcomed into the presence of God.

Topical Bible Verses

Romans 10:13
For whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
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1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.
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Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.
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Library

"Jesus Says So. "
... in her appearance; quiet and unobtrusive, she seemed to the outward observer like
most other children; but "the Lord ... "Because I am going to heaven, and when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

That Christ is the Bridegroom, Having the Church as his Bride ...
... Church as His bride, from which spiritual children were to ... Psalm: "And he is as a
bridegroom going forth from ... From the height of heaven is his going forth, and ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/19 that christ is the.htm

Sermon at the Fourth Annual Convention of the Brotherhood of St. ...
... but I thought it was for saints"men who felt sure they were going to heaven. ... Such
faith as little children have who take the words just as they read and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/v sermon at the fourth.htm

Christ all and in All.
... I believe there are thousands of God's children wandering in the wilderness still. ...
soon be reached, and there would be a shout of praise going to heaven. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter viii christ all and.htm

Prayer and a Definite Religious Standard
... careless, sauntering crowd, living prayerless lives, going to heaven ... Is heaven a
fit place for non-praying, loose ... the Holy Spirit that we are the children of God ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ix prayer and a definite.htm

Concerning the Antichrist .
... and shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children [2724] , that ... out of heaven,
just as the holy apostles beheld Him going into heaven, perfect God ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xxvi concerning the antichrist.htm

Psalm CXIII.
... man, save as a child, entereth into the kingdom of heaven. ... the rising up of the sun
unto the going down of ... 2. If any of the holy children who praise the Name ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxiii.htm

Assurance of Salvation.
... doubts, and had not known whether they were going to heaven ... us what He is doing for
us in heaven as our ... landmarks to tell us whether we are His children or not ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter vii assurance of salvation.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... unto me now therefore," saith he, "O ye children, and attend ... have been slain (that
is, kept out of heaven); by her house is the way to hell, going down to ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

Salvation
... 'But,' say some, 'is not salvation going to a ... heaven and hell; not one word though
'heaven and hell ... generally the first things about which children are taught. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon ii salvation.htm