What happens to babies who die?

Thesis: The Bible provides hope that babies who die in the womb, infants and invalids know neither good nor evil, therefore, they are incapable of committing sins in the body and die safe and secure in the arms of Jesus Christ because of His death on the cross.

Everyday there is a knock on the Chaplain’s door, a nurse pokes her head in to tell us that another baby has died. The head chaplain shakes her head with sadness and gets up to deliver the bad news. I follow the head Chaplain into the nursery to inform a new mom that she will no longer be able to hold her precious baby. This scenario plays itself out several times throughout the week and has caused me to ask, “What happens to infants who die?” “What happens to babies who die in the womb?” “What happens to invalids who may be old, but have the mind of a five year old?” “Are they saved?”

Before I seek to answer these questions I must explain four points which I affirm which help to shape my answer:

AFFIRMATIONS:
     The Bible is my sole-source of authority on this and every issue. I cannot establish my answer to this question on the basis of emotions, rather, I must make sure I answer the question how the Bible does.

             Everyone who is born is born with a sin nature or a bent towards sin. Psalm 51:5, “I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me”; Romans 5:12, “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Adam was humanities representative in the Garden, when he sinned, we all sinned. Consequently, we have inherited a sin nature or a bent towards sin.

       Everyone needs a Savior. Jesus Christ is called the Second Adam in Romans 5:17, “since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Christ’s death paid the penalty for the sins of His elect. Everyone who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart will be saved. If anyone is in Heaven it is because of Christ’s death on the cross, NOT someone’s innocence or good deeds.

      When everyone dies they will go to one of two places: either Heaven or Hell. All those who have followed Christ will awake in Heaven to everlasting pleasure and all those who have rejected Christ will awake in Hell to everlasting, conscious pain.

ANSWER:

My thesis for this post is that individuals who die in the womb, infancy, and invalids  die safe and secure in the Father’s arms. This teaching is consistent with Romans 5:12,17; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Deuteronomy 1:35,39 and Romans 1:18-20. Each point builds upon the next so keep reading until the end.

The first text we will look at is Romans 5:12. “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Everyone is born with a sin nature or a bent towards sin. Adam’s sin makes it impossible for anyone to choose Christ without the inward working of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s work on the cross is the ONLY way to God. Romans 5:18, “So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is life-giving justification for everyone.” Christ’s death and resurrection justifies everyone who trust in Him. If infants, babies in the womb, and invalids are to be safe in the Father’s arm it’s only possible because of Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection. Christ’s sacrifice has removed the stain of original sin from all who die in infancy and because of Christ’s sacrifice they are able to stand and give an account to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be judged for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 teaches that individuals are NOT held responsible for Adam’s sin, rather; individuals are held responsible for “deeds committed in the body” or their “own deeds.” We are not held responsible for Adam’s sin, only our own. There is a sense in which an infant or invalid can stand before God and honestly say they haven’t done anything wrong. While they have a sin nature or a bent towards sin they have never acted on their nature nor done anything wrong. Individuals are born sinners, however, in God's foreknowledge He ordained Christ's death on the cross to remove original sin from ONLY those infants, babies and invalids who would die before the "age of accountability". Once again, children standing before God is ONLY made possible because of Christ’s work on the cross to remove the stain of original sin.

Deuteronomy 1:35; 39: “None of these men in this evil generation will see the good land I swore to give your fathers.” “Your little children, whom you said would be plunder, your sons who don’t know good from evil will enter there. I will give them the land, and they will take possession of it.” After the children of Israel rebelled against God they were made to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. They would wander until the old generation died and a new generation came of God. The reason for this is found in verse 39. God exempted and didn't hold responsible those who had no knowledge of their sin because of their age. These individuals were SAFE from God’s wrath because they couldn't/didn't know good from evil.

Finally, Romans 1:18-20: “For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” Individuals will be held accountable based on the revelation he/she has received. Everyone sees creation and creation should lead to worship but it doesn't  individuals suppress the truth and do not worship God. Infants and invalids, however; cannot notice creation and worship God. They do not have the mental capacity, ability, or knowledge to be held accountable, therefore; they are safe.

These passages help to answer the question, “What happens to infants, babies in the womb and invalids who die?” These passages provide hope that babies who die in the womb, infants, and invalids know neither good nor evil, therefore; they are incapable of committing sins in the body and die safe and secure in the arms of Christ because of His sacrifice on the cross.  Our Lord graciously and freely receives all those who die in infancy-not on the basis of innocence or worth-but by His grace made available to them on the cross.

Have you lost a child? Have you felt the pain of losing a baby in the womb or delivering a stillborn? If so, take heart that your child is safe and secure in the arms of Christ. When your child closed his/her eyes on this Earth, when they opened them they were looking into the face of Christ. For some, Christ's face was the first face they ever beheld and it was glorious. Beloved, take heart, your child is in Heaven. If you desire to see him/her again please trust in Christ. Run to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Admit that you are a sinner. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Confess your sins and you will be saved and reunited with your child in Heaven.

In conclusion, the Bible provides hope that babies who die in the womb, infants and invalids know neither good nor evil, therefore, they are incapable of committing sins in the body and die safe and secure in the arms of Jesus Christ because of His death on the cross.

*Outline taken from “The Salvation of the Little Ones” by Dr. Al Mohler and Dr. Danny Akin