Heaven has always remained a mysterious place for many people as they cannot say with certainty what it will look like and what the people there will be like.
Some of the major questions that people ask concerning heaven are when does one go to heaven after they die, and will everybody go to heaven?
Another core question that has troubled many Christians is if babies that die go to heaven. Do babies that die stay babies in heaven?
The Bible does not state anywhere that babies that die will stay babies in heaven. So, most theologians and bible scholars speculate that babies that die will not stay babies in heaven but will be at their optimum physical age, around their 20s and 30s.
So, what does the Bible say about infants that die?
When babies die, do they really go to heaven?
Who takes care of babies in heaven?
What does God say about losing a child?
Continue reading to get the answers to this question and more.
Before you proceed, below is a video on the same topic covered on our Youtube channel:
What does the Bible say about infants that die?
The scripture is unclear about what happens to infants who die when they are still babies.
However, some indirect bible verses can be put together to provide an answer to what happens to infants who die at an early age.
The Bible is clear that all of us born of man are already sinners, which most people call the ‘inevitable sin.’ Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
Additionally, the Bible teaches about infants who do not know what is wrong and right. Isiah 7:16 reads, “For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.”
Therefore, because a child cannot determine what is wrong and right, theologians argue that they will be exempted from judgment and will go to heaven.
Scholars posit that babies who die young will be granted grace and will not be held responsible for not receiving the gospel.
When babies die, do they go to heaven?
Though the scripture does not clearly state that babies who die young will go to heaven, there are some bible verses that can guide around finding the ultimate answer.
The book of 2nd Samuel 12:23 says, “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.”
These words are from David when his son died, whom he got with Bathsheba (the wife to Uriah). David cried, hoping that God would spare his son’s life, but he died still as an infant.
Let us remember that God terms David as a man after his own heart. So, if this passage is anything to go by, David somehow assures us that babies who die at an infant age will go to heaven.
The book of Luke 18:15-17 says, “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdome of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Theologians interpret this verse and posit that Christ meant that children are blameless and we should move like them.
And if they are blameless, they will enter the Kingdom of God just as the biblical passage speculates.
Who takes care of babies in heaven?
The Bible does not hint at who will care for babies in heaven. Unlike the question of whether babies will go to heaven, there are some bible verses to guide us, but there are no biblical passages that hint at who will take care of babies in heaven.
However, what we do know is that babies will be in heaven. David is confident that he will see his son in heaven. 2nd Samuel 12:23 says, “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.”
What does God say about losing a child?
Most parents cannot fathom a more traumatic moment than losing a child, as most expect their kids to outlive them. Such a kind of death is overwhelmingly painful and alters the life trajectory of one as you will now start rebuilding your life without your child in the picture.
It is presumptuous for anyone to tell the other how to handle the loss of a child. However, what is clear is that those who trust in God are in a position to recover from the loss of a child with a greater sense of normalcy than non-believers. God, through the scripture, says a few things about losing a child.
The Bible in 2nd Samuel 12:18-23 says, “On the Seventh day, the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How, then, can we say to him that the child is dead? He may do himself some harm” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said He is dead.” David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions, and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request, they served him food, and he ate. His servants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!” He answered, ‘while the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live. But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'”?
One of the major lessons from this passage is that parents should fervently pray for their children’s life when they are alive, just like David prayed for his.
Another critical lesson God teaches about the loss of a child through the story of David is acceptance. Upon realizing that his child had died, David accepted as he had assurance that he would see his child in heaven.
And though losing a child is utterly painful and disheartening, we must believe that we will reunite with them someday, making accepting the loss easy.
Counselors and those who have experienced child loss mainly emphasize that you should know that you are not alone and God shall not leave your side.
The book of Isaiah 41:10 notes, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my right hand.”
References
Do babies and children go to heaven when they die?
Does one remain a mother to children in heaven?
10. Where Do Infants Go When They Die? 2 Samuel 12 (death of a baby)
How should Christian parents handle the death of a child?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
