Question: I have heard Dave Hunt say on a few occasions that all babies and children are saved. Now, ...

Question: I have heard Dave Hunt say on a few occasions that all babies and children are saved. Now, I do not dispute this, but could you show me some Scripture that would back that statement?

Response: The sense of justice we have in our consciences assures us that God would not send to hell to suffer eternally for sin innocent babes who were never conscious of having sinned. In that regard surely we can rely upon Abraham’s pleadings with God not to “slay the righteous with the wicked,” his appeal, “shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” and God’s apparent agreement (Gn 18:25). We also have David’s statement regarding his dead baby son: “But now he is dead...I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sm 12:23). Surely David is in heaven, so his baby son must be there also, otherwise how could David “go to him”?

Christ’s attitude toward, and His statements regarding, small children give us additional assurance of their salvation: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mk 10:14); “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Mt 18:10). While I don’t fully understand the latter statement about “their angels,” it seems to indicate a relationship with God during their innocence. Furthermore, everyone must “receive the kingdom of God as a little child” (Mk 10:15).