What happens to unbaptized children?

[graysparrow]

Do they go to Hell? Is there some special provision for them?

[JimfromOhio]

What is the significance of baptism? Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism of believers is crucial for three reasons.
1. Christians must imitate the man that led a perfect life and follow his example of baptism.
2. The Bible commands Christians to be baptized in numerous places throughout.
3. Baptism is a symbol, not only of the death, burial, and resurrection, but also of individual rebirth.

Why do Christians get baptized? Basically, knowing that Jesus lived the exemplary Christian life, Christians must realize that they are to follow Jesus and be baptized like him. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. The story of Jesus’ baptism is told in the third chapter of Matthew. Not only does God provide a perfect man for Christians to model their lives after, but God also commands us in the scripture to be baptized. In Acts, Peter tells believers living then and now, to “repent and be baptized.”

To me baptism is a symbol. Baptism is essential not only to obey the Lord’s commands, but also to show an outward sign of inward growth. Baptism is a public confession of the Lordship of Christ in an individual’s life. A verse in Matthew says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my father in heaven” (NIV). Arguably, baptism also depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and the believer.

This is my belief as well as with many protestant denominations that baptism is not essential for salvation. Nowhere can it be found in the scriptures that baptism saves a person from eternal damnation. The Bible clearly states that believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the way to heaven.

Regarding what happen to a child who is not baptized (before understanding salvation)?
The Law says everyone have sinned (Read the book of Romans). It is true that a child who have died, have died under the law. HOWEVER, All (children,mentally challanged) who die before they reach the understanding of salvation and embrace the gospel by faith, are graciously saved eternally by God through the work of Jesus Christ. In other words, infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, Who works when, where, and how He pleases. So also are all elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word. ( John 3:3, 5, 6; John 3:8 ).

Born in sin, yet having not committed sin as an act of the will? The key issue here is one of comprehension of, or the understanding of the Gospel message.

How can God judge someone (i.e. infants) who can't even understand words? And what about those who are older, but can't understand words? Like a severely retarded (mentally-challenged) person? Will they be held accountable for their sins?

From reading the bible, Jesus never had an encounter with a child and lead him to faith. He encounter a lot of people; preached to a lot of crowds, and a lot of people believed, but there is never any indication about a child believing.

Jesus praised children for their innocent faith; "for such is the kingdom of heaven." While this is most probably an endorsement of healthy character and attitudes, it is also an approval of children in general. Jesus' teachings concerning children show the highest love and respect (Matt. 18:1-6).

David makes a proclamation which many feel reveals the eternal state of an infant. 2 Sam. 12:23 states,

"But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

The condition of salvation for adults is personal faith. Infants and mentally challenged are incapable of fulfilling this condition. For this reason, many have suggested that there is an age of accountability. By this, it is understood that at a certain time in a person's life he/she becomes aware of personal responsibility for wrong actions.

We need never fear about God being unjust. He cannot be. His mercy and justice are from everlasting to everlasting. I therefore conclude, that there will be no children in hell. There will also be no retarded, or otherwise mentally-incapacitated individuals there, those who cannot fully comprehend and understand what Christ has accomplished on their behalf at Calvary

[Sword-In-Hand]

What happens to unbaptized children?

They stay dry?

The Bible says that there is One Mediator to the Father and that is Jesus Christ. If baptism saved, then that makes the person baptizing them a form of a mediator. Unbaptized children will be with God just like baptized children. Jesus' blood saves, nothing else.

[mesue]

Salvation is not based on whether one is baptized or not, it is based on the grace bestowed upon us through faith in believeing that Jesus died for our sins on the cross of Calvary, was burried and on the third day arose alive from the tomb and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

Children that have reached the age of accountability and have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior die and go to heaven. All children under the age of accountabilty die and go to Heaven.

[DawnTillery]

Mt 19:14 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=mt+19:14&version=kjv&st=1&sd=1&new=1&showtools=1) -

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

[arunma]

Wherever dead infants go, being baptized won't change anything. That said, I prefer to think that such people will be saved.

[ZiSunka]

The Bible says that there is One Mediator to the Father and that is Jesus Christ. If baptism saved, then that makes the person baptizing them a form of a mediator. Unbaptized children will be with God just like baptized children. Jesus' blood saves, nothing else.

I've never thought of it that way before, but I do see your point! I thank God that you are here SIH! You have such a unique perspective on so many things!

[Sword-In-Hand]

I've never thought of it that way before, but I do see your point! I thank God that you are here SIH! You have such a unique perspective on so many things!

Thanks! :thumbsup:

Edit:
Argh, I can't rep you until I spread some around.

[Benjammin]

There are no scriptures that specifically say: Infants who die will go to heaven. It is Gods judgment. However, by the actions and attitude of Christ, I believe that if someone cannot understand the idea of Salvation and belief in Christ, then they will not be sent to hell for dying unsaved. I do not believe baptism is necessary for salvation.

[lismore]

Do they go to Hell? Is there some special provision for them?

hI SPARROW:wave:

Theres only one scripture I know about this but it states that babies who die are going to the same place as believers who die.

2 Samuel 12:
22 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 fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

God Bless
Lismore:wave:

[graysparrow]

Thanks lismore.... right in my nose! :)

[dcrowther3]

Do they go to Hell? Is there some special provision for them?
:thumbsup: God will look after the Innocents -- Suffer the Little Children ....