Topical Encyclopedia
The topic of children going to hell is a deeply sensitive and complex issue within Christian theology. It involves understanding the nature of sin, salvation, and the age of accountability as presented in the Bible. While the Bible does not explicitly address the fate of children in the afterlife, various passages and theological interpretations provide insight into this matter.
Original Sin and Human NatureAccording to Christian doctrine, all humans inherit original sin from Adam and Eve, as stated in
Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This implies that all humans, including children, are born with a sinful nature. However, the extent to which this affects the eternal destiny of children is debated among theologians.
The Age of AccountabilityThe concept of the "age of accountability" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but it is a theological idea that suggests there is an age at which a person becomes morally responsible for their actions and capable of making a conscious decision to accept or reject salvation through Jesus Christ. Before reaching this age, it is believed that children are not held accountable for their sins in the same way adults are. This concept is often inferred from passages such as
Deuteronomy 1:39, where God speaks of the children of Israel: "And the little ones, who you said would become a prey, your children who on that day had no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. To them I will give it, and they shall possess it."
Jesus and ChildrenJesus' attitude towards children is significant in this discussion. In
Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This passage is often interpreted to mean that children have a special place in God's kingdom, suggesting a level of grace extended to them.
Salvation Through ChristThe core of Christian belief is that salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The question arises as to how this applies to children who may not yet have the capacity to understand or express such faith.
The Role of God's Justice and MercyThe Bible emphasizes both the justice and mercy of God. In
2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This suggests that God's desire is for all to be saved, and His justice is tempered with mercy.
Theological PerspectivesDifferent Christian denominations and theologians offer varying perspectives on this issue. Some hold that God's grace covers children who die before reaching the age of accountability, while others emphasize the necessity of baptism or a specific act of faith for salvation. The lack of a definitive biblical statement on the fate of children who die young leaves room for diverse interpretations within the Christian community.
In summary, while the Bible provides principles that inform the discussion of children going to hell, it does not offer a clear-cut answer. The interplay of original sin, the age of accountability, and the character of God as just and merciful are central to understanding this complex theological issue.
Topical Bible Verses
John 3:36He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God stays on him.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
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Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.
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Library
Heaven and Hell
... Ah, and there are some of you, "children of the kingdom," who can remember your
mothers. ... You are going downwards towards hell as fast as your feet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/heaven and hell.htm
After This, Pilate Going into the Temple of the Jews...
... Part II."Christ's Descent into Hell. ... After this, Pilate going into the temple of
the Jews, assembled ... from Abraham to the arrival of the children of Israel ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 28 after this.htm
The Life of the Spirit
... Is not that worth going through any misery to learn"that the ... Thou wilt not leave
my soul in hell. ... have your being, and are the offspring and children of God. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxii the life of.htm
Means to be Used with Sinners.
... an easy, laughing way, "My dear, I believe you are going to hell ... that either you
do not believe there is a hell, or that ... Have you children that are unconverted? ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture ix means to be.htm
Marvellous Increase of the Church
... that a parent should see his children perishing, surely there is tenfold horror
in the thought of children saved, and parents going to hell; your offspring ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm
The Voice Behind Thee
... it is while they are thus going hot foot ... league shall overthrow our league with death
and hell. ... God calls to him, "Return, O backsliding children." "They shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/the voice behind thee.htm
Lions Lacking --But the Children Satisfied
... them in their liveries of white and yellow that the children know not ... send thy soul
to hell to win"a dream ... But I am going to state one or two facts by way of ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/lions lackingbut the children satisfied.htm
The Converted Infidel
... "O Mary, I am a poor, lost sinner! Our children are going to heaven, and I--- I---
AM GOING DOWN TO HELL! Oh, Wife, is there mercy for a wretch like me?". ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/the converted infidel.htm
God, the All-Seeing One
... O children of God, these have made you cry and groan full many a time, and ... I beseech
you pretend to go to heaven while all the time you are going to hell. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/god the all-seeing one.htm
God, the All-Seeing One
... O children of God, these have made you cry and groan full many a time, and ... I beseech
you, pretend to go to heaven while all the time you are going to hell. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/god the all-seeing one.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the evangelization of children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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