The Age of Accountability and Eternal Welfare of Children

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
-Would you give some information regarding the eternal welfare of children and all who die before the age of accountability? What place will they occupy in heaven?"
ANSWER: Millions of children have died in infancy, not because of their own sins but because of Adam's. They came into the world with a fallen nature, and were subject to death, for death is the common lot of man since the fall (Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27)).
The wicked dead will be raised to stand before the Great White Throne to be judged: it is important to notice that they will be "judged according to their works." Now it is evident that an infant could never be judged for his wicked works; nevertheless, as one born in sin he needed a Savior. This the Lord Jesus is for him by. His death on the cross, for He "came to save that which was lost." Compare Matt. 18:1111For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11) with Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10). In the former, children are the subject and it says to "save that which was lost." In the latter, where adults are considered, it says to "seek and to save that which was lost." Adults being sinners by practice as well as by nature had "turned every one to his own way" and had to be sought as well as saved.
The answer to your second question is that they will be raised from the dead at the first resurrection and have a heavenly portion along with all the heavenly saints; they will not, however, form a part of the bride of Christ, as, only_ those sealed with the Holy Spirit on belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior become a part of the Church (see 1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13) and Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)). None of the Old Testament saints, nor any before the Day of Pentecost, will be a part of the Bride, but will be, as John the Baptist expressed it, the friends of the Bridegroom. They will have their own special place in those heavenly glories as trophies of the Savior's work of redemption. It has been suggested that perhaps these children will form one of the families in heaven as mentioned in Eph. 3:1515Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (Ephesians 3:15) which should read, "Of whom every family in heaven and earth is named."