After their exodus from Egypt, Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land of Canaan—but fear of the inhabitants held them back. Because of their disobedience, that entire generation of Israelites was forbidden from entering Canaan—except for their children who had “no knowledge of good and evil” (Deuteronomy 1:39). God did not hold the children responsible for their parents’ sinful decision.

The exemption of children from judgment because of their innocence is a pattern continued throughout redemptive history. Many a parent who has lost a child has wondered about the child’s eternal destiny. Even though children are born with a sinful nature, God’s compassion and mercy toward them will ensure their presence in heaven for eternity. God is not willing that even one of these little ones should perish in their innocence.

Christians can take great comfort in knowing that babies and children who are unable to fully understand the reality of their sinfulness will be welcomed into God’s presence for eternity.

God watches over the scattered dust of His own children, gathers it again, and will suffer nothing of them to perish.
John Calvin