Do babies or mentally handicapped people go to heaven?

Question

Do they get judged even though they are unaware of the concept of belief or choice?

Answer 1

Yes they go to heaven, If they don't have that concept of right from wrong then God is a Just God

Answer 2

The one passage that seems to identify with this topic more than any other is 2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But, once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." David's response was, "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 shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David's response can be seen as an argument that those who cannot believe are safe in the Lord. David said that he could go to the child, but that he could not bring the child back to him. Also, and just as important, David seemed to be comforted over this. In other words, David seemed to be saying that he would once again see the child (in heaven), though he could not bring him back.
Though the Bible leaves open the possibility, the one problem with saying that God applies Christ's payment for sin to those who can't believe is that the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject for which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. We can, however, be dogmatic about the fact that God ALWAYS does what is right.
Knowing the love and grace of God, God applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His character. It is our position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for the Savior. Of this we are certain, that God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. Whatever He does, it is ALWAYS right and good.

Answer 3

YES

The answer is in the verse regarding "the age of accountability."
In the original text it reads "age of God consciousness."

Simply put---you must be able to posses enough information to make an informed decision as to accept or reject the Gospel.
So, babies, mentally handicapped, and people who never had the opportunity to hear or understand the Gospel, are covered under grace. And that truly is the only just way for it to be handled. Great question----I did my research on this question a long time ago because I too wanted the answer.

Answer 4

Read Luke 18:15-17

Answer 5

Although there may be many opinions on this, I opt to go toward what Jesus said when His disciples tried to stop children from going to Him. He said:

Matthew 19:14 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

If children were not earmarked for eternity with Jesus before they have a real concept of Him, I don't see Jesus saying this. Clearly, He has a special place in His heart for little ones.

Actually, the theological term for this is "prevenient grace".

Hope you have a blessed day.

In Christ,

Mark
E-mail: [e-mail]

Answer 6

Peace!
Yes, they go to heaven if they have been baptised. If not, the Catholic Church believes that God does not abandon those who die in innocence, and responds to her prayers on their behalf.
(See Mark 10, 14; John 15, 13)

Answer 7

They cannot be judged for something that they have not the concept or ability to comprehend. Therefore, they are innocent of that sin-curse placed upon them at birth.

Answer 8

Baby go to heaven because they are too young to understand.
People with intellectually disability it depends on their level of understanding.
And by the way please don't use mentally handicapped.

Answer 9

yes they do. Babies bacause they have not sinned, and mentally handicapped because they are not in their right mind and cannot be punished for their actions...even the court of law here on earth does not punish mentally handicapped pple for offenses committed!

Answer 10

At the time of intercourse, the state of mind of parents determine the kind of new born baby. Souls (both intelligent and stupid)select the right environment for its body. Once a soul envelops a body, the only option is to pray.