Are children
automatically SAVED?

How does God view those who either died before they were born (e.g. in the womb) or died as young children? Are they AUTOMATICALLY granted salvation and allowed to enter heaven? Are children who die up to a certain age given eternal life because God considers them TOO YOUNG to have understood or committed sins?

Some believe that because the unborn have never sinned they will be granted salvation and that infants or very young children who die are granted salvation because they could not possibly understand what sin is. Others suggest that before a certain age children are not held accountable for sin. The major problem with these beliefs and assumptions is that no one can find solid Biblical support for them.

To prove their conclusions some point to Matthew 18 and Mark 10 which says that one must become as a little child to enter the Kingdom of God. From these verses they conclude that infants and young children, if they die, are granted salvation by virtue of their youth. Notice, however, what Jesus really said:

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said,  'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are CONVERTED and become AS little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself AS this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' " (Matthew 18:2-4, NKJV throughout).

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them;  but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them,  'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God AS a little child will by no means enter it.'  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. " (Mark 10:13-16)

Jesus did not say that little children are automatically allowed entrance into the Kingdom of God nor did he imply they are granted salvation if they die. In this example, Jesus noted two things that are necessary in order to enter the Kingdom of God. First, a person must be converted. Second, a person must become CHILD-LIKE in humility. It is very clear that Jesus was merely using young children as an example of the attitudes and attributes a person should have if they expect to enter the Kingdom of God.

Does God have an age of spiritual accountability?

Determining at what age an individual becomes spiritually accountable before God for what they think and do is IMPOSSIBLE for humans to establish. This is because only God the Father knows what a person understands and believes along with knowing the thoughts and intentions of their heart. For a person to have a belief, there must be some understanding of what is to be believed. Jesus said to repent and believe the Gospel:

"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying,  'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and BELIEVE in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14-15).

To repent a person must have an understanding of what they are repenting of and what is the gospel (good news) of God's Kingdom. During one of his missionary journeys the apostle Paul and Silas were thrown into jail. While they were singing hymns at night a miraculous earthquake occurred that not only freed them from their shackles and cell but also broke the chains and opened the cells of ALL the prisoners! The guard of the prison was in such awe of the miracle that he ran to Paul and Silas, fell down before them trembling, and said:

“'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'  So they (Paul and Silas) said, 'BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes.  And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them;  and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household." (Acts 16:29-34)

Note that the guard and his household had to understand and believe in the Gospel FIRST before they could be baptized.

A major prerequisite for baptism is repentance:

"Then Peter said to them,  'REPENT, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;  and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38).

But, repent of what? Be sorry for what? Desire to change what?

What is needed for someone to truly REPENT?

In order to repent, a person must first understand the basics about the plan of God. It is quite evident that a person cannot have the kind of belief, understanding, and repentance necessary for baptism unless he or she is old enough to have developed the mental capacity to make intelligent decisions based on the information presented. It is also evident that infants and young children have not developed the life experience and emotional stability to make and stand behind decisions of the magnitude that must be made before and after baptism. The Bible clearly shows only adults (including young adults) being baptized. There are no examples of infants or young children being baptized unto conversion.

Common sense dictates that the unborn, the infant, and young children have not had the time or the life experiences necessary to understand the requirements of salvation. They are certainly not able to understand the awesome implications or responsibilities of making a covenant with God. Therefore, their spiritual status before God is the same as any unconverted person who has never had the full opportunity to receive salvation.

God will only grant immortality and eternal life after a person goes through the process of conversion. The unborn, young children and ALL those who never got a full chance to understand the gospel will someday be resurrected and made to understand God's way. It is only then that they will have and understand all the information they need in order to make a choice.