It was really good to be with everyone last night at the Five. There is just something about getting together and praising God! It was a great night. I was really excited to see all you guys there. As you know one of the things we value at the Five is conversation, and relationships. The church does not exist to only meet together for one hour a week only to return again the next week for another hour. The church exists to be more than that! We should be encouraging each other, praying for one another and meeting the needs of those we find ourselves surrounded with…
So, one of the things we like to practice is an open line of communication during our teaching times at the Five. Each week I encourage you to text any questions or comments that you may have so that we can interact with them here on the blog.
Last night we continued in our series Raw Worship. We picked up in Psalm 51 and looked at what true repentance really means. If you weren’t able to be at the Five, head over here and listen, then join the conversation below…
Here was the question we received last night….
If everyone is born in sin what happens to the babies that die in birth? Are they going to hell? Or how does that work?
I need to start off by saying this is a very difficult question which the finest and brightest of theologians still do not agree on. So for me to think that I am going to solve this question, that is going to be a tough one… However, I can try to give you some insight into what I think is going on here.
Psalm 51 is written by David after he is confronted by the prophet Nathan for committing adultery with Bathsheba…(read about that here in 2 Samuel 11 & 12) One of the consequences for David’s sin is that the child was to die. “The Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had born to David, and he became ill.” -2 Samuel 12:15 While the child is sick and dying, David is beside himself and fasting and just a real mess, as you can imagine. Once he hears news of the child dying, David gets up washes up, cleans up and eats. His servants are a little perplexed by these actions and they ask him what’s up? He says, “Now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” This seems to imply that David has an eternal perspective, or eternal hope that he will see his son in heaven one day even though he died.
Many people also believe that there is an age of accountability. Meaning that there is a point in time when children just do not know that they are sinning. This is a difficult thing to nail down, because then you have to ask yourself, well what is that age? Is it four or five? Could it be three? However, this makes a lot of sense to me.
Personally, I do believe that when babies die they go to heaven. Above all else I rest assured in the fact that God is a good God. He is not shy in lovingkindness. He has great concern for children (See Matthew 19:13). God cares more for our children than we could possibly ever! So, I know that this doesn’t answer/solve the problem, but I hope it helps…
~Peter
5 Comments
Ahh, yes. A very sensitive subject. Wish I could be there for The 5, but at this point schedules do not allow. Soon, I hope. Anyway, I am certain that this is a subject that is at the forefront for many people, especially women, particularly those who have aborted their unborn child(ren). It is unconscionable to me to think that a loving and just God would abandon those who have not even had a breath of “life”, let alone a thought of right and wrong. On the other hand, it is comforting to know that our God is a just and loving God; and since He knows best, and I don’t, I will continue to rely on that.
Susan, you are absolutely right, this is definitely a touchy subject… but we can be certain of one thing… God is a just God, and He is a loving God! He is not swayed by emotion like we are! Great point! Thanks for your comments…
Thanks for the answer peter i was wondering about this subject for a wile considering i knew there were different views and the bible is not clear about this fact. Just wanted to ask someone who i know has a stronger background in biblical studies what you though. I appresiate you taking the time to answer this and thanks for starting the five… something that is truly a great thing and has restarted my spirtual life again. Thanks and keep it up
~orfe
Orfe You’re the man… It is definitely a difficult topic to tackle, but difficult topics to tackle are often the things that stretch us and grow us into the man/woman that God wants us to be! Keep searching for the answers to your questions…
I believe that God is a fair God. In saying that, I think that when people are capable of choosing whether to accept Christ, then they are held accountable for their decision. A baby is not capable of making that decision and therefore I believe that they would be with Christ in heaven.
In John 3:1-21Jesus is talking to Nicodemus about being born-again. Jesus talks about us “believing” in Him-making that choice. Those that make the choice to not believe and turn Him away, will not be with Him in heaven. Small children and babies cannot make that decision at that early age.
Just my view =]