Today’s devotional is a little bit longer than usual. I realize his topic requires additional attention and explanation. I don’t want to gloss over a sensitive topic for those parents who have experienced the death of a child.
Based on what we know about GOD’s character and the totality of how the Bible speaks on children in Heaven, the conclusion that any child who dies before the age of accountability goes to Heaven is certainly implied. Unfortunately, the Bible does not give a clear-cut answer on what the age of accountability is. When we don’t have an exact answer from the Bible, we have to fall back on what we do know from the Bible. We know GOD is a perfect judge and a benevolent Father. We know children are precious to GOD and so we can trust Him to decide perfectly in this sensitive matter of children dying and their eternal destination.
Listen to what King David said about his son. David’s son was taken from him because he committed adultery with Bathsheba.
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.’ 23 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.” 2 Samuel 12:22-23
David had faith and was encouraged by the fact that his child was in Heaven and that he would see him again.
Ultimately, it’s God’s grace for anyone who goes to Heaven. When GOD sees fit to extend His grace to a child, someone who is mentally handicapped, or anyone else, His blood still applies in those situations.
This raises another question; Do children who die on Earth arrive in Heaven as children, or does GOD change them into adults upon arrival?
Adam and Eve were the only two human beings created as adults–they had no earthly mother or father. This was a unique event chosen by GOD, and since they were created as adults, we can only speculate what knowledge they were born with. Did GOD create a fully-grown man who needed to learn how to walk and talk? Doubtful, but when we chase this thought process out to its conclusion, it’s hard to know where to stop. Which knowledge was given and which knowledge was learned is a mystery, but either way, GOD said it was very good.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31 NIV
Besides Adam and Eve, every other human being on Earth had a growing up process. When we observe nature, we can see the process of plants and animals growing into maturity. GOD’s pattern is order and process–not skipping over and bypassing. Even Jesus was born as a baby and matured. Listen to this baffling verse in Luke;
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 NIV
How GOD could learn things is quite a mystery, but the fully human side of Jesus did grow in human wisdom from childhood into manhood. He also grew up and learned something unique; He became the GOD man Jesus Christ. It is one thing to know about the flesh of man, its’ another thing to wear it and bring it under submission. We are all shaped when we go through trials and life experiences and so the fully human side of Jesus was shaped and matured. The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience.
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Hebrews 5:7-8 NIV
I make those points to say, I believe the Bible implicates that children who die on Earth, arrive in Heaven as children. Over a period of time, these children grow up into adults. Childhood is a special time for the children as well as the adults. Certainly, there isn’t a requirement for GOD to force the skipping of childhood. GOD is sovereign over all actions. Wouldn’t the greater joy be; the parents are blessed to raise their child in a perfect place because they missed the opportunity on Earth? Even if the child’s parents don’t go to Heaven, the child would have relatives there who would be ecstatic to raise him/her. Jesus is fully capable of raising them as well.
The concept of children in Heaven and Jesus raising them can be found in the book of Isaiah 54:13
All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. NIV
The context of this scripture is the Millennial reign of Jesus from Jerusalem after the tribulation and Jesus’ second coming. During this reign, Jesus will teach children and spend time with them. Since Jesus will do it then, it’s implied He is doing it now in the present Heaven. Children are of great importance to Jesus and He loves to teach them/us. He addressed the disciple’s faith and told them of their need to change and become like children in order to enter Heaven. The Bible tells us that all Christians have a maturing process in the Lord—we learn and grow up (hopefully). GOD doesn’t just snap His fingers and give us Christ-likeness maturity.
Jesus also warned us about causing children to stumble. Jesus wants children to be brought up in the ways of the Lord and raised unto maturity. Jesus even addressed barren women and those who’ve never had the joy of raising children. If that describes you, take great comfort in His words.
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. Isaiah 54:1
Not only do we become Christ-like for the glory of GOD, we learn these things to pass them on to children and raise them in a manner that is pleasing to GOD. This process of raising children is ordained by GOD and continues past this life until the final age of eternity begins. Just as we are GOD’s children, and He raises us, we will have the privilege of doing it in heaven and during the millennium. It’s part of our joy being complete and all things being made right.
Once eternity begins, and Jesus creates the New Heavens and New Earth, all children will grow up into adults and there will be no more children.
What a joy and peace it is, to have a heavenly Father that cares for and loves His children deeply. Thank you, ABBA Father!
Reflections
We can really trip ourselves up when we doubt GOD’s goodness. We were never promised a life free from trouble and pain. Jesus said; … in this world you will have trouble. Take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
The full healing and restoration is promised for the next life for those who live for Jesus Christ. Let these truths be your ointment today.