What does the Bible say about babies going to heaven?
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The Bible gives believers strong grounds for hope that infants and young children who die are received by God’s mercy, though it does not state this in a single explicit formula. David’s confidence concerning his deceased child, “I shall go to him” (2 Samuel 12:23), is a chief source of comfort. Jesus warmly welcomed children and declared that the kingdom belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16), while Matthew 18:10 speaks of their angels beholding the Father. Deuteronomy 1:39 recognizes children as lacking mature moral understanding. Reformed Christians therefore rest not in a child’s innocence, but in God’s gracious salvation through Christ, trusting his righteous and compassionate judgment.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Deuteronomy 1:39
Moreover your little ones, whom you said should be a prey, and your children, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there, and to them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
- Matthew 18:3
and said, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."
- 2 Samuel 12:23
But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.
- Matthew 18:10
See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- 1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now are they holy.
- Matthew 19:13-14
[13] Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."
- 2 Samuel 12:22-23
[22] He said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live? [23] But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.
- Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
- Luke 18:16
Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
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