This is a philosophy discussion, not a Christian one.
There are no clear cut scriptures that REVEAL definitively what happens before someone can understand the Gospel. Why? Because if one can read or hear the Gospel with understanding, then one isn’t in that category. It is like asking if dogs go to heaven...there is nothing in scripture that provides a definitive answer, so it is all speculation. And why would God discuss his handling of dogs to humans?
What happens to an infant who dies? God hasn’t revealed it, so we don’t know. But we know God is just, and whatever he does will be just and fair and right.
However, UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide makes a good point - if an infant who dies is certain of salvation, then we ought to all kill our babies. Logically. And since that is repulsive, I think it best to leave to God what is God’s, and deal with what we must - how do WE respond to the offer of salvation?
This post of yours is OUTSTANDING!
God did, after all, provide more information on that in Exodus 20.
...if an infant who dies is certain of salvation, then we ought to all kill our babies. Logically.
Only if that is all the information you want to base your decision upon.
God did, after all, provide more information on that in Exodus 20.
The philosophical distinction between you and me is a tiny one:
You say that the Bible does not tell us whether any infants who die go to Heaven or Hell.
I say that the Bible does not tell us whether any particular infants who die go to Heaven or Hell but that there is a basis to believe that some go to each place depending on God’s knowing the soul of each.
You essentially say that either position of all or nothing may be true or false and therefore taking either position is pointless.
I say that both positions are demonstrably false and pointless.
The all babies go to heaven is a misguided attempt at comforting grieving parents and give people a warm and fuzzy feeling but that denies men’s sin nature.
The all babies go to hell unless they are baptized is a misguided attempt to increase church membership and giving people the wrong impression that they can physically do something that affects another’s chances of getting into heaven. This is also basically Catholic dogma.
You and I both repudiate these errors.
Hey, a philosophical discussion is better than cutting people’s heads off!