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. 9:27).
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. 18:11 with 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. 12:13 and Eph. 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. 3:15 which should read, "Of whom every family in heaven and earth is named."