Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:15-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's final section which explores the question of "what happens to those who die in infancy, die young, or never reach an age of moral discernment (often called the “age of accountability”)" - whether these children go to heaven:

• It is acknowledged that debate over this is not settled and often highly esteemed theologians differ including RC Sproul (negative), Charles Spurgeon (affirmative), and Billy Graham (affirmative).
• The author of my commentary - Danny Akin - offers seven points that guides him to his position which is also affirmative.  
•  "First, the grace, goodness, and mercy of God would support the position." See 1 John 4:8, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Matthew 18:14.
• "Second, when the baby boy who was born to David and Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:15-18), David did two significant things. He confessed his confidence that he would see the child again, and he comforted his wife Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:23-24). David must have been confident that his little son was with God." 
• "Third, in James 4:17, the Bible says, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” The Bible is clear that we are all born with a sin nature as a result of being in Adam (Romans 5:12), called “original sin.” However, the Scriptures make a distinction between original sin and actual sins. Infants are incapable of actual sins because they are incapable of moral discernment. Original sin is why infants die physically. Actual sins committed with knowledge and understanding are why people die spiritually and eternally if they die without Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-13)."  
• "Fourth, Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God belonged to little children (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)."  
• "Fifth, Scripture affirms that the number of saved souls is great (Revelation 7:9)."  
• "Sixth, some in Scripture are said to be chosen or sanctified from the womb (1 Samuel 1:8–2:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15). This affirms the salvation of some infants and refutes the view that only baptized babies are assured of heaven. 
• "Seventh, Deuteronomy 1:35-39 is helpful. After the children of Israel rebelled against God in the wilderness, God sentenced that generation to die in the wilderness. But God specifically exempted young children and infants from this sentence and explained, '[y]our little children, whom you said would be plunder, your sons who don’t know good from evil, will enter there.' This passage bears directly on the issue of infant salvation and implies that the accomplished work of Christ has removed the stain of original sin from those who die in infancy. Knowing neither good nor evil, these children are incapable of committing sins in the body—are not yet moral agents—and die secure in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
• "Anyone who is saved is saved because of the grace of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the undeserved and unmerited regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Like all who have ever lived, except for Jesus, infants need to be saved. Only Jesus can take away their sin, and if they are saved, it is because of His sovereign grace and abounding mercy....For those incapable of willful acts of sin, we can rest assured God will, indeed, do right. Precious little ones are the objects of His saving mercy and grace."

As a parent of a special needs child (17 yrs old), I am greatly comforted by the study this morning.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who saves.  Thank You for the comforting words spoken through my commentary this morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.