What About Kids Who Die Before Hearing the Gospel?

This question can also be stretched to include what happens to babies who are aborted since they never had the chance to hear the gospel.

Experience and scientific research show that critical thinking skills develop over time. You can't teach Calculus to a 3 month old, they don't even know that objects are permanent if they are out of sight. We know that the younger the age, the less cognitive ability (usually) for understanding abstract ideas. Also, don't forget that God created science, so scientific research IS admissible when talking about God and Christianity.

However, scientific evidence on its own is not enough. We must have Biblical evidence as well. In 2 Samuel 12:15-23 we read about David's trial with losing his infant son. David prayed and fasted trying to save the infant's life, but to no avail. Immediately after the death of the baby, David got up, ate, changed clothes and WORSHIPPED! He didn't mourn, he worshipped the Lord who had killed his son. David's response in verse 23 was "But now he has died, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will to to him, but he will not return to me." David was confident that when he died, he would see his son in heaven implying that even though this child had no way of knowing God's plan for salvation, he still went to heaven.

From this when can make an argument for the "age of accountability." This means that at a certain time in a child's development, they become able to understand that Jesus Christ is their Savior and are held accountable before God for their decision. This is not a specific age, it can be different for many people. For example, many people with mental handicaps may not reach an "age of accountability" until they are actually adults or later. Since we don't know the specific age, it is important to teach children from a young age about who God is and how Jesus is our Savior to help them understand.

Like in all things, God is just and righteous. Everything He does is the right thing to do, so we can rest knowing that He is taking care of the children of the world. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belonged to children, He would not at the same time reject them from the Kingdom.