by Rex Rouis
I often find myself thinking about this topic. As Christians, we have an innate sense that small, innocent children go to heaven, but we may not fully understand how and why. We trust in God’s grace, believing that a just and loving God would not condemn them. But that is not enough, because some take a stricter view, arguing that all must come to Christ and that children, being sinful, are not exempt.
Stay with me now – let’s explore this together.
First, let me be clear: I believe small children go straight to Heaven, along with other innocents, such as those with severe mental or emotional disabilities. However, at this time, I do not extend this belief to mature individuals who have never heard the Gospel – that is a separate and complex discussion for another time.
Also, for simplicity, I use the term “Heaven,” though I fully recognize that the final New Kingdom will be on the new earth, as described in Revelation 21 and 22.
Two key New Testament passages support this view, along with other Scriptures that strongly suggest it. The two main passages are:
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. Romans 5:12-14
What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. Romans 7:7-11
Many have read these verses for years without fully grasping their significance—or how directly they relate to this topic. To see why, we first need to understand two key New Testament concepts: Atonement and Regeneration.
Regeneration
This refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of salvation in an individual. It is the process by which we are truly saved from our sins and transformed into a new creation in Christ. Often called the experiential or vital side of salvation, this is the moment we are “saved” or “born again.” It is not physical, but it may feel like it.
…He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Most Christians can recall the exact moment this happened. I certainly can. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I remember it clearly – it was wonderful.
Atonement
This refers to the legal foundation that allows God to regenerate us while remaining holy and just. It’s a complex and often debated topic, involving concepts like penal substitution, ransom, moral government, and Christus Victor (Christ is Victor). I believe each of these has its place and contributes to a full understanding of redemption.
I won’t dive into them here, except to say that they all help explain how Jesus’ work on the Cross legally enables God to redeem us. God could not simply overlook our sins – justice required that a price be paid. Jesus paid that price in full on the Cross.
Paul expresses it this way:
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26
This verse tells us that all have sinned, but because of God’s forbearance, He passes over their sins through the work of Christ. However, this justification must be carried out in a just and righteous manner. Atonement explains this just and rightful process.
Atonement is not necessary for those who are already innocent.Now, let’s return to Romans 5:12-14 and 7:7-11. To fully grasp these passages, we must separate atonement from regeneration. For all mature individuals, atonement is absolutely necessary for regeneration. But for the innocent – those who are not yet capable of understanding the law and commandments – atonement is not required.
For them, there is no law as yet. As Scripture says, “sin is not imputed (or credited) where there is no law.” However, for the mature, atonement is necessary because their sins are counted against them. In their case, faith is required to receive righteousness, which is then credited to them to offset their imputed sin.
Paul explains it this way:
“FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Romans 4:9b
Paul explains in Romans 7 that there was a time when he was “alive” (when he was young), but later, when he was able to comprehend the law, his sin became real in his life, it was imputed to him, and he “died.” This was the moment he became accountable and in need of Christ’s redeeming atonement. The Cross is the foundation of atonement, but without the knowledge of the law, atonement is not required.
At what age does God consider someone accountable to the law? Scripture doesn’t give a specific number. Most believe it falls somewhere between ages 8 and 12. I think I can recall the first time I knowingly sinned and felt something change within me. I don’t remember my age. I wish I did.
Everyone who enters the New Kingdom must be transformed – no exceptions. But for these innocents, God can regenerate them directly, and He remains just in doing so. They are simply changed and welcomed into Heaven.
When Jesus said, “Do not hinder the little children from coming to Me,” I believe He was saying more than just correcting His disciples for keeping them away. His words point to a deeper truth about the nature of children entering God’s kingdom.
Atonement is not necessary for those who are already innocent. They are sinful, but innocent. It’s an interesting concept, but one firmly grounded in Scripture.
Other Scriptures of Note
The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth (some translate as childhood); and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. Genesis 8:21
And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-3
“Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:22-23 (referring to a child born out of wedlock)
…they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind; Jeremiah 19:4-5
Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. But as for you, turn around and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.’ Deuteronomy 1:39-40
You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire. Ezekiel 16:21
Everyone is precious in God’s eyes, but these little ones are especially so. They are beautiful, innocent, and helpless. Though they may act out in rebellious ways, there is also a God-given purity in them that is undeniable. They are to be protected at all costs by everyone, including God Himself. And, indeed, He does, because they are His.