What Happens to Children Who Die?

This is one of the most tender and important questions in theology. When David's infant son died, he said, 'I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me' (2 Samuel 12:23), expressing confidence that his child was with God. Jesus said, 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 19:14). He also taught, 'It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish' (Matthew 18:14). The concept of an 'age of accountability' — the point at which a child can understand and respond to the gospel — is supported by passages like Deuteronomy 1:39, where God distinguished children who 'had no knowledge between good and evil.' While all inherit a sin nature (Psalm 51:5), God's grace covers those unable to exercise personal faith. The character of God — just, merciful, and loving — assures us that He does right by every child.