This seems like such an incredulous question to ask. One would answer, “Where else would they go? They certainly wouldn’t go to hell. They haven’t done anything wrong.” That’s what common sense tells us, but those of us steeped in Christian faith sometimes wonder about that answer because we know that those who believe in Christ go to heaven and the babies and innocent children haven’t had the opportunity to believe in Christ. Consequently, sometimes troubling doubt may come to our minds.

I stand on the side of common sense that innocent babies and children who die early are indeed in heaven and I think scripture backs this up.

In Deuteronomy 1, just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, Moses recounts to Israel the history of their forty-year travel in the wilderness. He reminds them that other than Caleb and Joshua, God swore, “Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give to your fathers.”[1] The Promised Land is a foretaste of heaven.

Then Moses continues, “Moreover your little ones and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there; to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.”[2]

The children and those who had no knowledge between good and evil were allowed to enter the Promised Land. Heaven is our promised land. God’s guide for allowing people into heaven is the same today: Do they have knowledge between good and evil?

Christ said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.”[3] Those who are guilty of sin do not get into heaven until they believe in Christ and accept salvation from Him.

Moreover, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”[4]

Jesus himself says that heaven is populated with people such as these children. In fact, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”[5]

Yes, innocent children get into heaven.

[1] Deuteronomy 1: 35 NKJV

[2] Deuteronomy 1:39 NKJV

[3] John 15:22 NIV

[4] Matthew 19:14 NKJV, also repeated in Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16.

[5] Matthew 18:3 NIV