Topical Bible: Righteous: Babies

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The concept of righteousness in relation to babies is a topic that has intrigued theologians and believers throughout the history of Christianity. The Bible provides insights into the nature of righteousness and innocence, particularly as it pertains to infants and young children.

Innocence and Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin, rooted in the fall of Adam and Eve, suggests that all humans are born with a sinful nature. This is supported by passages such as Romans 5:12, which states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." Despite this inherited sin nature, many Christians believe that babies, due to their innocence and lack of personal sin, are viewed differently by God.

Jesus and Children

Jesus' attitude towards children provides significant insight into their spiritual status. In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates a special affection for children, emphasizing their importance in the Kingdom of God. 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 suggests that children possess a certain purity and righteousness that aligns with the values of God's kingdom.

The Nature of Righteousness

Righteousness, in a biblical sense, is often associated with living in accordance with God's will and commands. However, for babies, who are incapable of making moral choices, righteousness is more closely related to their inherent innocence and the grace of God. Psalm 51:5 acknowledges the sinful nature from birth, "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." Yet, this does not negate the view that God's grace covers those who are unable to consciously sin.

The Age of Accountability

Many Christian traditions hold to the concept of an "age of accountability," a belief that children are not held accountable for their sins until they reach an age where they can understand right from wrong. This idea, while not explicitly stated in Scripture, is inferred from the character of God as just and merciful. Deuteronomy 1:39 reflects this notion: "And the little ones, who you said would become captives, your children who on that day had no knowledge of good or evil, they will enter the land. I will give it to them, and they will take possession of it."

God's Compassion and Justice

The Bible consistently portrays God as compassionate and just, especially towards the vulnerable and innocent. In Jonah 4:11 , God expresses concern for the children of Nineveh, "And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?" This passage highlights God's awareness and care for those who lack understanding, including infants.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a detailed theological treatise on the righteousness of babies, it offers glimpses into God's view of their innocence and His grace. Through Jesus' teachings and the overarching narrative of Scripture, it is evident that babies hold a special place in God's heart, characterized by purity and the promise of His kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes.
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1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
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Library

The Welter, 1415-1434.
... They celebrated the Holy Communion in barns, and baptized their babies in ponds
and brooks ... reign of Christ would soon begin, and that all the righteous"that is ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the welter 1415-1434.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... when it is given; and, ape-like, delighting in nothing but in toys and babies? ... for
I must go to answer before the judgment-seat of the righteous Judge of ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... wrath against the day of wrath and the revelation of thy righteous judgment ... had nursed
her father, carrying him around on her back, as big girls carried babies. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book nine the end of.htm

Jehovah
... We are not babies, and we are certainly meant to use all the strength we have ... day
is come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

The Ethics of Elfland
... Boys like romantic tales; but babies like realistic tales"because they find them ...
Mr. Yeats reads into elfland all the righteous insurrection of his own race. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iv the ethics of elfland.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... Babies torn from the breast were tossed from pike to pike along the Jacobin ranks ...
them to do evil."(419) But the transgression of a just and righteous law must ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... Babies torn from the breast were tossed from pike to pike along the Jacobin ... But the
transgression of a just and righteous law must inevitably result in misery ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

The Sixth Book
... Where are those who live righteous and godly lives, who show in their good ... Babies,
too, and almost all stubborn children, whom threats and blows do not make ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm