Where Will the Baby or Young Child go if He/She Should Die?

First of all, the bible does not speak directly on this issue. Some suggest this may be on purpose in order not to give cultists a license for infanticide to guarantee their children’s salvation. On one hand, babies and children are not ensured of heaven because of “sinlessness” or “innocence.” All have sinned, even babies.

David stated, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5)

Paul said it this way, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

“For all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) means, because Adam sinned, we all have sinned, even babies. So a baby needs salvation, just as an adult. On the other hand, the Lord’s death on the cross delivers us from sin.

In the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Leviticus, you have offerings that typify Messiah’s sacrifice for sin. For example, the “sin-offering” (Leviticus 4), known also as the “guilt-offering”, gives us the understanding that Jesus’ death guarantees deliverance from our fallen nature, from sins intentional or unintentional.

The “trespass-offering” (Leviticus 5), declares that the Messiah’s death on the cross provides forgiveness for every evil thought, word, and deed we commit against Him. We are accountable for our sins, and yet, by God’s grace, through the shed blood of our Lord we find mercy and forgiveness.

Therefore, a baby would receive forgiveness on the basis of the sin-offering. Christ, the last Adam, shed His blood for us, removing the penalty for all sins, unintentional or intentional. However, when a child becomes accountable, knowing right from wrong, understanding what sin is, and why Jesus died for our sins, he or she needs to be saved. This means they are now accountable and need to receive or reject the gospel.

Let’s explore this further. David implied that a baby would depart to be with God. When his child died we read these words, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. And David comforted Bathsheba his wife” (2 Sam. 12:22-24).

You see David knew that there was existence after death. David believed in God and knew that He would see His child again. The implication is clear. Jesus said, “Suffer (permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). This does not directly address the issue of where a baby goes when they die. However, the passage gives us an insight to the compassion of our Lord accepting the children into His bosom.

In the final analysis, all have a sin nature, even babies, because of Adam’s sin. Christ, the second Adam, became sin for us on the cross. Babies and young children unknowingly partake of the curse of the first Adam. Therefore, they unknowingly partake of the redemption of the second Adam. Meaning when a baby or a very young child dies, they are saved through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus. Jesus being our sin offering took away the guilt and condemnation of sin. It is not until that child comes to an age of accountability, knowing right and wrong, sin and non-sin, that he or she would need to make a personal decision, accepting or rejecting Jesus as their Messiah and Savior.I pray that this brings comfort and blessing.

Praise be to God for His mercy, love and grace through Jesus our beloved Savior!