Topical Bible: Children: Future State of

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The future state of children, as discussed in the Bible, is a topic that encompasses their spiritual destiny, moral upbringing, and eternal condition. Scripture provides insights into how children are viewed in the eyes of God and what their future holds according to divine revelation.

Innocence and Accountability

The Bible often portrays children as symbols of innocence and purity. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike humility and faith, stating, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" . This passage highlights the innocence and trust that children naturally possess, qualities that are esteemed in the kingdom of God.

The question of accountability is also significant when considering the future state of children. The Bible does not explicitly state an age of accountability, but it implies that God, in His justice and mercy, understands the capacity of each individual to comprehend and respond to the gospel. Deuteronomy 1:39 refers to the children of Israel who "do not yet know good from bad," suggesting a recognition of their limited understanding.

Salvation and Eternal Life

The Bible assures believers of the salvation and eternal life available through Jesus Christ. While specific references to the salvation of children are not abundant, the overarching message of Scripture is that God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Jesus' welcoming of children in passages like Mark 10:14, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" , indicates His special care and provision for them.

The future state of children who die before reaching an age of moral responsibility is often entrusted to the grace and mercy of God. Many Christians find comfort in the belief that God's love and justice extend to these young ones, trusting in His righteous judgment.

Moral and Spiritual Education

The Bible places a strong emphasis on the moral and spiritual education of children, which directly impacts their future state. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and guardians to instill godly values and teachings in their children, shaping their character and spiritual trajectory.

Ephesians 6:4 further instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . This guidance highlights the importance of nurturing children in a loving and godly environment, preparing them for a future aligned with God's will.

Hope and Promise

The Bible offers hope and promise for the future state of children, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Isaiah 54:13 declares, "All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace" . This prophetic assurance speaks to the spiritual well-being and peace that God promises to the children of His people.

In summary, the future state of children, as presented in the Bible, is one of hope, innocence, and divine care. While the Scriptures may not provide exhaustive details, they consistently affirm God's love, justice, and desire for all, including children, to come to a saving knowledge of Him.

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Matthew 18:10
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
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Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
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Library

Forgiveness and Retribution.
... he came out from hiding and took a long look at those innocent, sleeping children;
then he ... I am glad Mr. Moody hasn't tried to scare us about the future state. ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vii forgiveness and retribution.htm

The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God
... the instance before them, they do not know much about that state. ... one all-penetrating
beam of light on that future, in the ... 'And now, little children, abide in ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the unrevealed future of the.htm

The Course and Crown of a Devout Life
... in the series, lived on after that so many years, having anonymous children, lived
altogether ... A doctrine of a future state is not worth much, but the fact of a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the course and crown of.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... got over all regards, hopes, and fears, concerning God and a future state; and these ...
our Saviour recommends, under the notion of becoming little children, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

An Unfulfilled Desire
... (c) The knowledge (which is implied in the text) of a future state, which had ... preaches
morality to Moab, and he teaches Midian to 'teach the children of Israel ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an unfulfilled desire.htm

False Ambition Versus Childlikeness.
... 5 And ^b 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such little children { ^c this ... Now, Jesus
has just been talking about the future state, with its two conditions or ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxiii false ambition versus childlikeness.htm

The victory of Faith.
... of this world is "the spirit which now worketh in the children of disobedience ... to
come; but even then the rewards and punishments of a future state were spoken ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm

When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting ...
... all, direct mine Eyes to another and a better State. ... My Gourds wither, my Children
die; but the Lord liveth ... Creature; let me endeavour for the future, by the ...
/.../1 when god takes away.htm

The Epistle to the Ephesians.
... a celestial vision, as it were, of the church in its future state of perfection. ...
is subject to Christ, the head; parents are to love their children as Christ ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 95 the epistle to.htm

Paul's Desire to Depart
... believers, who look into a future state with shuddering ... are panting to enter into
another state, we may ... and daughter, and the little ones, her grand-children. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm