Why Would God Let a Child Die?
Introduction
The short answer is that God is not happy with the death of anyone, whether a child or anyone else. But God must let natural law and the consequences of the decisions of free creatures play themselves out. Nevertheless, we know that God cares deeply for children, and we see very strong evidence in the Bible that children who have died under an age of accountability are probably right now in heaven.
The Logical Response
As a father of three and one who loves children, the death of a child is one of the most terrible tragedies that I can imagine.
Yet, when challenged by the skeptic over a child’s death, a thoughtful response might be this. Up until what age should we expect God to make us invincible?
Is twelve the right age? Would that mean that when I was eleven years old I would have been able to step out of a third story window and float safely down to the ground? Should that age be older? Or younger?
As we think it through logically, we have to admit that it doesn’t make sense for us to expect God to save children from death. As sad as it is, in our world corrupted by sin, we will all die. And even more tragically, some will die at younger ages than others.
Our Reason For Hope
The logical response aside, as Christians we have tremendous reason for hope. The Bible is very clear that God loves children deeply. During a discussion with his disciples, Jesus called a little child over to himself and said:
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NLT).
These are very strong words from our Lord, indicating how much he cares for children. Shortly later in the same conversation, Jesus said:
“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10 NLT)
It’s interesting that this passage seems to tell us that children have angels assigned to them by God.
In addition, we see evidence that children are in the Kingdom of God:
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18: 16-17 NIV).
Back in Matthew, Jesus used the term kingdom of heaven:
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-3 NIV).
We also see evidence in the Bible for an age of accountability. It appears that God will not hold children accountable to understand their sinful state and need for salvation if they are just too young.
In Deuteronomy, God is speaking to the Israelites when he says.
“And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it.” (Deut. 1:39 NIV).
Indeed, we have another very meaningful account that seems to tell us that young children will go to heaven if they die. When king David lost his infant son, his officials were confused by the apparent ease by which David was able to move on with his life. He even displayed a sense of comfort. When asked about all this, David (under inspiration of the Holy Spirit) said:
“I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23 NLT).
The Implications
Now, I want to be careful, because we can’t be certain that children who have died are in heaven. But if it is true, consider the implications.
Maybe there was a child in your life whom you loved dearly, but you lost in tragedy. Maybe this child was your baby. Or perhaps your brother, sister, or any other child you knew. We have good reason to believe that this precious child is alive and well in heaven, right now. This means that if you’re a believer, one day you will be reunited with that child forever.
If you are not a Christian, can I make a personal plea? Please take the time to understand the Christian story and the good news of the Gospel. And consider a decision to place your trust in God and Jesus so that you will one day be in heaven. Such a decision will change your life now, forever.
Conclusion
In our world corrupted by sin and its consequences, tragically, children die. But as Christians, we have great comfort. God has provided strong evidence in the Bible that children who have died are heaven.[1] This is my personal belief; the scriptural support is compelling.
And I know that no matter what comes our way in life, we can cling to the character of God. God is loving, merciful, and just. Whatever God does is right and good. And he loves children even more than we do.[2]
[1]The broader implications are that God will save all of those who, for a number of different reasons, are unable to believe. Along with young children, this would include babies who have been aborted, and those born mentally handicapped, for example.
[2]Got Questions, “Where Do I Find the Age of Accountability in the Bible?” available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/age-of-accountability.html; accessed 2/9/21.
WOW!! This is wonderful! Thanks Greg!