Who Goes To Heaven?
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Only those who trust in Jesus go to heaven. Can a baby or small child trust in Jesus?
The straight quick answer is, yes... babies go to heaven. But the question is, how do we know this?
The most common scripture used to support the understanding that babies go to heaven is 2 Samuel 12:23. David is talking abut a son who has just died: "But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” This does not directly say babies go to heaven, but because David was a believer who had a very good understanding of God. So this is a strong indication that babies go to heaven.
Other scripture helps us understand why people go to hell:
“The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” - Luke 10:16
What we see here is a willful rejection of God's revelation, and an ability to understand personal sin and the need for salvation. We also see that they have not placed their trust in Jesus Christ. So an atheist does not see God when they look at creation. Does that mean they don't know about God and this are not rejecting God... they simply don't know? Keep Romans 1 in mind:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools." - Romans 1:18-22
Why are people without excuse? Because God is known, to some extent, through His creation. We can know enough, just by looking at creation, to know there is a God ad we are accountable to that God. Can babies and little children do this? No. Here are two other verses:
"He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day." - John 12:48
"So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you." - 1 Thessalonians 4:8
We know God exists and we know about "His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature" from creation. And we are held accountable if we reject this. The conclusion is that babies and children, who are not yet capable of understanding what they are seeing, are not held accountable. Another way of saying it is that, until a person is able to distinguish right from wrong, our loving and merciful God does not hold them accountable for their sin.
Do the souls of aborted babies go to heaven? (GotQuestions.org Article)
Do Babies Go to Hell When They Die? (Apologetics Press Article)
What you believe does not determine reality nor truth. That would make you god. But you ARE NOT god. You don't control the universe. You cannot change reality. Let's try an experiment. At about midnight stand in the middle of the road just around a corner where it is hard to be seen... at night, wearing all black. When headlights start lighting up the curve, just believe that whatever is coming does not exist. Stand firm, if you don't believe a vehicle is coming, then nothing is coming. You are perfectly safe... until reality hits.
You are now standing before Jesus. You are dead. It's judgment day. You don't want to believe it's Jesus and you will be judged. But it is. That's reality.
Judgment only takes a moment, the verdict is obvious, and you know it is correct. You are guilty. You've lied, stolen and sexually lusted after others (Matthew 5:28)... you have disobeyed God. Trusting Jesus is the only answer, but it's too late. You had your last chance just before you died.
You know it's no use to protest, but still you scream out, 'I didn't know!'
But you did know. All of creation declared God's glory, His invisible attributes, and His power. You have no excuse. You willingly rejected Jesus Christ (God).
Is this you? Are you saying, 'Hell isn't so bad, I'll be with my friends.' You know that's not true. There are no friends in hell. No beer... not even water to cool your lips. There is NOTHING good in hell.
So I beg you, consider these words. Trust Jesus as having paid your penalty for every way you've have rejected God. Trust Jeus to save you from hell and bring you into the presense of God.
Trust Jesus. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. - Acts 16:31