What happens to babies when they die?

What happens to babies when they die? What about miscarriages? Toddlers? Do they go to hell or heaven or just cease to exist?

First of all, life begins at conception. There is no other logical, scientifically valid time to declare life to begin. All other moments of “becoming human” are based on arbitrary events and human emotions. This means that a baby who dies even very early in a pregnancy is every bit as much human as you and I are.

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” Deuteronomy 24:16

Though we all have the nature to sin, God does not punish us for other’s sins. He does not punish our babies for our sins. He will only punish a child for his own sins.

So the question is, what sins can an unborn child commit? How about an infant? Can a toddler sin?
Though there are many sins, they can all be summed up in James 14:17:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

A small child or a baby (born or not) does not yet know how to do good. He has not yet learned enough to know righteousness. He has not yet rejected God. Yes, a small child can rebel and be selfish but:

“30And the times of this ignorance (sinning such as idol worship) God winked at (looked the other way, ignored); …” Acts 17:30 and

“The Lord is …not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9

God looks the other way when a human does not know what is right and what is wrong but when they learn right from wrong He will no longer ignore their sin. They will be punished for them. Paul tells us:

“For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20

Those mature enough to see God’s handiwork in the stars and mountains, the rivers, flowers, desert cactus and the wind have no excuse to not know about God.

But a small child does not “see” these things. He simply doesn’t understand yet.

For this reason, I believe that Christ’s blood covers our little ones.

“The blood of Jesus Christ … cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

His salvation extends to them. We will see our babies in heaven; we will see them dancing with Jesus.
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

“… I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” David speaking of his dead child.
2 Samuel 12:23

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

Only children and the child-like will enter heaven.


At what age does a child become accountable?
The Bible certainly doesn’t give us an age, but God only held those Israelites over the age of 20 accountable for the sins of the nation:

“29Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me.” Numbers 14:29

Since Israelites counted children in their first year as “one year olds” this means God punished everyone we would call 20 and up and preserved those 19 and under. He also commanded a different tax for those of adult age than those in their educational years. (Leviticus 27:3)

It appears that God considers someone old enough to take responsibility when they reach the age of (what we call) nineteen.

Does this mean that an eighteen year old who dies goes to heaven?

I am confident that the unborn to small children who die are in the arms of God. It is possible that He holds each person accountable when they reach the age to understand right from wrong, which would range from four to nineteen. I do know He honors prayers and vows made by knowledgeable children (I promised to serve Him for the rest of my life at four and know He accepted that promise. He granted my hearts plea at twelve and has brought it to pass.) Or He may not hold anyone accountable until nineteen. This I do know: God is love, God is mercy, God is justice.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19