Do baby's go to heaven when they die?

Do baby's go to Heaven when they die.?

Some may say yes IF ( that’s a big word) the child was baptized as a infant. I would disagree ,because baptism only follows repentance,a baby can’t repent. ( baptism is another discussion)

It's generally thought there is a age of accountability as to what that age is is really unknown.

In Jewish tradition ,if I remember right 12 or 13 you become an adult so is that the age ,again unknown.

Num 1:3,Num14:29 and Num 32:11 those of the age of 20 on up did not enter the promise land There bodies fell dead while wondering the wilderness for 40 years.Those that were 19 and younger entered the promise land after the 40 years of wondering in the wilderness they were not held accountable for the sins against God that were done by the people

Num14:29-31 :29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and xof all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, 30 not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected.  So is the age of accountability 20 again unknown.

So what does the Word of God say about children ?

Let the Children Come to Me [13] And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV)

[37] “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37 ESV)

These verses show that Jesus has a heart for the children , he was very dis-pleased with the disciples when they kept the kids from coming to him he also used them as an example of the simplicity of receiving the Kingdom of Heaven. This doesn't say kids go to heaven when they die ,just that they have a special place in the Gospel message.

The Old Testament give's a hint.

[19] But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” (2 Samuel 12:19 ESV)

[22] He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ [23] But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23 ESV)

While Davids child was sick and dieing David fasted and wept for the child,after the child died he arouse got cleaned up ,changed his cloths and ate. His servants questioned Davids actions now that the child was dead. David makes a profound statement “Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

David knew he would go to heaven and that his child would be there .

With Davids proclamation of seeing his child again, and Jesus love for children and God's grace ,I believe that yes baby’s and or children do go to Heaven when they die. As to what age God hold them accountable for their sins ,that is unknown.

That’s my thought on this subject.

Is Church Needed

I don’t need to go to Church to be a Christian.

[23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV)

Although the title of this is technically true we miss out by not gathering together. We are all part of the same body of Christ and each of us have different functions to do in that body.

[4] For as in one body we have many members,(1) and the members do not all have the same function,Footnotes (1) 12:4 Greek *parts*; also verse 5 (Romans 12:4 ESV)

Notice in my first set of verses its “let us “ you are part of us and the second set of verses “ not all have the same function “ we come together to build up the body (1 Cor 14:26 ), we come together for support (Col 3:16 )

Let us means you are to encourage the body with whatever function you have within the body as well as being encourage from other members. Like the physical body when one member is missing the function of the body is reduced. With the way this world is going we need all the strength we can get in the body of Christ we need to practice Colossians 3 :16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Can you be a Christian with out going to church? Sure , Hows your growth going in the Word? , Seven days not in the Word makes one weak.

My I encourage you today to knock the dust off your Bible and bring it to church as you gather with others of the body and be encouraged .

Prove yourself

Prove your walk.

Several years ago I was talking with a guy about Christianity  and he said all you have to do is call on the name of Jesus and you will be saved .
Romans 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THELORD WILL BE SAVED."(NASB)
That is what the word say's ( at least in Romans ) is that it ,that’s all there is to the Christian life.
Sure if you just pull one verse and not keep it in context with scripture  . What do other verses say about your walk as a Christian ?
James 1:22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude   themselves. (NASB)
I like the NASB its a stronger call to action .  Prove yourself doers  or you could say ,produce evidence that you are a follower of Christ. Why ? So you don't delude yourself or deceive yourself. By not having action in your Christian walk are you deceiving yourself into thinking you have salvation. Because on a mountain somewhere you side I believe..  I want to hear well done good and faithful servant .How about you?   So may I encourage you to go out today and make some evidence.  ( I'm not saying evidence is needed or works needed to earn salvation  its just proof of salvation)

God doesn't why should you ?

God doesn't so why should you.

Last week I shared to look forward not back forgetting the past using verses Isa 18:18 and Philippians 3:13-14

We need not dwell on our past sins,once forgiven then move on . According to what Scripture say's God remembers your past transgression no more.

[25] “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25 ESV)

[22] I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22 ESV)

God blots out our sins they to him are as if they never happened. We as Christians need to practice this when our sins are forgiven then we need to blot them out of our lives and move forward in the joy of Christ. I know easier said than done . With God its possible.

Teach the Opponent

Teach the opponent

[24] And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, [25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ( ESV 2 Timothy 2:24 -25)

Wonder how many Christians can say they live up to this ? Probably not many me included . The part of this verse I want to look at is the bold print. We had this verse in Bible Study last night.

Patiently enduring evil: Some would say see you Christians need to tolerate us in our desires( evil by Biblical stander eds) Well yes to a certain extent, More importantly is the next bold print .

Correcting his opponent with gentleness : In gentleness that’s the difficulty for Christians to do. ( myself included)Our passion for the Word of God can at times make us militaristic,and the gentleness isn't there. My I encourage you Biblical Christians (along with myself) to put the military side of you to stand at rest ,and use gentleness to correct those who practice that which is counter to Gods Word. The military side will be needed soon enough.

One last thing ,see thew italicized portion able to teach : if you cant teach don’t have the knowledge of Gods Word to be able to teach then you may want to back off .

My thought for this morning.