Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being

Sorry1 Peter 3:15

DO CHILDREN GO TO HEAVEN WHEN THEY DIE?

Matthew 19:14

“Safe in the Arms of God”

John MacArthur

What is the Big Picture for What is the Big Picture for Humanity? and Children?Humanity? and Children?• All Children are conceived and

born as sinners. (Ps. 51:5)

• The Salvation of every person is a matter of God’s grace, not man’s works. (Eph. 2:8-9)

• We are saved by the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross- the supreme manifestation of God’s grace. (Romans 3:24-26)

• We are saved by grace, but “damned” by works. (Rev. 20:11-15)

How does God regard How does God regard children?children?

• Generally– The weak

• Job 4:3, 26:2•Psalm 82:3-4

– The heathen• Jeremiah 19:4-5 (the

innocent)•1 Kings 14:9-13

– Children specific• James 1:27

How does God regard How does God regard children?children?

• Children specific– Mathew 18:1-10

• “He called a child to Himself”• The near demonstrative,

“these.”

– Matthew 19:13-15– Mark 10:14-16

• “He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”

Some points of interestSome points of interest

Calvinism*• God is sovereign• God’s sovereignty is

exhaustive• God predestines• God imputes the

righteousness of His Son

• God elects children to die and go to heaven

• *Ironically it is often so-called Calvinists that would deny Children entrance into heaven

Infant Baptism*• No example in

scripture of an infant being baptized

• Household baptism is assumed because of belief

• This is state-church theology of traditionally-named vicars

• *This does not represent Covenant traditions

Some points of interestSome points of interest

Children at the Rapture

• Called a time of great tribulation (Matt. 24:21)

• This will include women and children (Matt. 24:19)

2 Samuel 12:23• Not a discounted

passage• David is repentant

and walking with God

• David mourns for the sick child, but is assured in his death

• David assumes he will see that child again

In Review• All humans are equal in

sinfulness and need• Christ is the Answer• God regards the weak and the

weary• Christ focused on Children

– Be like them– Take care of them– They are/will be blessed

• David made sane assertion that his Child would be in Heaven

DO CHILDREN GO TO HEAVEN WHEN THEY DIE?YES!!!

Matthew 19:14

Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being

Sorry1 Peter 3:15