If a baby dies before he or she is born, or when he or she is just a small baby, will the baby go to heaven? — Carissa of Bellefontaine, OH

Dear Carissa,

David and Bathsheba’s first child died when it was only seven days old (2 Samuel 12:18). Before the child died, David cried, and did not eat any food. When the child died, David went to the temple to worship God. His servants questioned his actions. David said to them: "Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (1 Samuel 12:23). David knew that, even before they are born, children are precious to God (read Psalm 139:13). He also knew that if he stayed faithful to God, he could be with his child in heaven.

Little children are special to God. In fact, Jesus used a little child to teach his disciples an important lesson about His kingdom (Matthew 18:1-4). It is very sad when a child dies. But there is some comfort in knowing that he or she will be in heaven.