The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What happens to the unborn dead ?

Brad,

Okay... now we are down to the nitty gritty, so to speak. You contend that an infant dying in infancy is "a sign or evidence that a child was elect". I am compelled to press you on this point to provide Scriptural warrant for the claim. Where in Scripture does it even imply that the unborn are automatically elect due to their dying in the womb? .

My response is that Scripture clearly and unequivocally teaches that ALL of mankind are under God's judgment due to Original Sin. Again, Romans 9:11-13 reveals that Esau was reprobate before he was born, having done neither good nor evil. Should Esau have died in the womb I would have to conclude that he would still be reprobate since his reprobation was determined in eternity, without any reference whatsoever to his potential life after birth.

Secondly, Rom 5:12; 1Cor 15:21 teach that death is the natural end of ALL because ALL are sinners by nature; and not as the Arminians like to propose that we are sinners because we sin. Contrariwise, all men sin because they are sinners; they being the progeny of Adam. The fact that the unborn die as do all men, shows that they are under the curse and worthy of condemnation. And even though they have not committed any overt sin, their judgment must be seen as being an infinite affront to God since there is no temporary hell. Their suffering will surely be less than an reprobate adult, but we are speaking here only of degrees of suffering and not the length of the suffering nor one which could be deemed "bearable".

Thirdly, ALL are candidates for God's mercy since all are helplessly and hopelessly lost due to Original Sin. I certainly agree that those who live after birth continue to increase their condemnation as their depravity expresses itself. If I therefore use your argument in this case, those who live after birth and as their years increase, mercy is even more necessary and "deserving" since their minds, hearts and deeds are all the more sinful. Thus where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Catch my drift here? .

Again, I find nothing that would commend an unborn child to God any more than any other human being. The only thing which I can conclude in regard to this topic is one's emotive element dominating one's mind. Could God deem all infants who die in infancy elect? Surely!! But no less He could also deem all such infants who die in infancy as reprobate. The question is, Is there biblical support to warrant a view that says ALL infants dying in infancy are elect? Or, as in some Reformed circles, all "covenant children" who die in infancy are elect. Obviously, my answer is a resounding, No.

In His grace,