Does God SAVE the CHILDREN?

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How does God save the children who die? Are those who die, up to a certain age, given immortal life because he considers them too young to understand, or even commit, sin? Does he automatically save them and allow them to enter heaven? On the other hand, will he save them at another time?

Matthew 18 and Mark 10 states one must become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. From these verses some conclude that God will immediately save infants and young kids who die. Jesus 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 unless stated).

"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." (Mark 10:13-15)

Notice that Jesus did NOT say children are automatically saved upon death. Jesus mentioned two things that are needed in order to enter into eternal salvation:

1. Conversion

2. Humility like a child

It is very clear that Jesus was merely using children as an example of the attitudes and attributes a person should have if they expect to be saved.

Determining at what age an individual becomes spiritually accountable for what they think and do is IMPOSSIBLE for humans to determine. This is because only the Father knows the intentions of a person's heart and what they believe and understand. For a person to have a belief, there must be some understanding of what is to be believed.

"After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'" (Mark 1:14-15, NIV).

To repent a person must have an understanding of what they are repenting of and what is the gospel. 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. Peter said:

"'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).

Until a person becomes old enough, they do not have enough understanding to fully repent of their sins, begin to obey God, and with full knowledge of the consequences of their actions, be baptized. They also do not have the emotional maturity to deal with the sometimes narrow and difficult road a Christian must travel in this life. You can read the Bible from cover to cover and you will NOT find any example of babies or young children receiving baptism (as the Catholic Church promotes). Those who die in this life without receiving a full chance at salvation, no matter what age they are, will someday be resurrected and given the opportunity to receive eternal life.