Key Truth
Children are born into Adam’s fallen race, but Scripture shows that God distinguishes between a fallen condition and personal accountability.
What the Bible Teaches About the Salvation of Children
Truth #1 — God Distinguishes Children From Accountable Adults
Deuteronomy 1:39
The adults were judged.
The children were spared.
God Himself explains the difference:
“No knowledge of good and evil.”
Truth #2 — God Recognizes a Time Before Moral Discernment
Isaiah 7:15-16
“Before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good…”
Scripture recognizes a period before moral accountability is fully developed.
Truth #3 — David Expected Reunion With His Child
2 Samuel 12:23
“I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”
David’s words reveal hope, confidence, and expectation concerning his deceased child.
Truth #4 — Jesus Revealed God’s Heart Toward Children
Mark 10:14
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
Jesus welcomed children.
He blessed children.
He embraced children.
His actions reveal the heart of God.
Truth #5 — God’s Desire Is Salvation
2 Peter 3:9
“Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
God’s heart is toward salvation, not destruction.
Truth #6 — Christ Died for Children
1 John 2:2
“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
Children are not outside the reach of Christ’s saving work.
Every person who is saved is saved through Jesus Christ alone.