If the body or the mind is afflicted (like with protein accumulation in many dementia conditions) the spirit can not be fully reflected in the person's mind and body, this does not mean that the spirit does not exist or that it is somehow affected by the degradation of the mind or the body. Here is something to help you know how to be saved: Romans Road to Salvation. I have often asserted that the concept of a soul is the most dead concept from theology. repent (Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 1:39; Isaiah 7:15). a place for them in heaven. from what territory was yugoslavia created 8; The truth is that the Bible has very little to say about what becomes of the souls of infants and children who die and even less to say about what becomes of the souls of the mentally disabled. Mentally handicapped people, Jack Wellman is a father and grandfather and a Christian author and pastor of Heritage Evangelical Free Church in Udall, KS [https://modelchrist.org/] & also a Prison Minister. Do you understand the difference between what's right and what's wrong? 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. Before Jesus died for our sins, could people be saved? And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it (Duet 1:39). But what about those who, due to mental impairment, are unable to understand the gospel through no fault of their own? One way to think about it is that the spirit is reflected in the mind and the body so long as these faculties are healthy. King David had a son who became sick to the point of death(2 Sam. However, the command to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation presupposes intelligence and the ability to exercise ones volition. That's because God doesn't look at how smart or popular someone is, but he looks at their hearts and whether they are kind and humble. The first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary J.P. Boyce affirmed the doctrine of imputed sin. And God, in His compassion and mercy, would draw these There are a lot of indications in scripture that children who die too young to be able to know right versus wrong will automatically go to Heaven. November 22 2015 Report 2:8). Sadly if it was, most of the forum would be gone. 12:18). Used by permission. An older opinion in Catholicism said that only baptised innocents went to heaven, and non-baptised innocents went to "limbo" instead limbo was a place filled with natural beauty and pleasure, but souls in limbo were not allowed to see God face-to-face. If you want I can link there commentaries. 2013). Trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation saves. The question of accountability is one that Christians in general and Baptists in particular have debated for centuries. FIRST-PERSON: What's the Big Deal About Baptism? He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him". 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Do mentally ill people go to heaven? They steal. So, if children and the mentally disabled are not naturally innocent but go to heaven when they die and every Baptist I know believes that they do what is the basis for such salvation? Humans who have never been explained / or can understand will get a free ride, since there is still a time of ignorance. First, our experience with even very young children is that they sin. Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook. I'm afraid to "come out" as a Christian being surrounded Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you As a young Christian, what can I do for fun? Ik it doesnt explicitly say in the Bible so just wondering what other ppl think? O2 Klean Spray; Dish Washing Liquid; Klean Hair & Body Wash; Table Top Cleaner; Natural Surface Cleaning Concentrate; sola kuti cause of death; gcse art sketchbook layout ideas As Charles Spurgeon wrote, any other belief would be utterly inconsistent with the known character of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that it was the Lord who said, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven. The answer that has been most satisfactory to me, the father of a profoundly mentally disabled child, is that those who die outside of the state of accountability go to heaven based on the election, redemption, regeneration and mercy provided by God in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Per the Catholic Church, such people, who by no fault of their own, are ignorant of Christ and/or unable to intellectually seek him would be considered invincibly ignorant and therefore may, if not very likely, be saved. So, we do our best not to worry about the future. The first president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, J.P. Boyce, affirmed the doctrine of imputed sin. However, we must be cautious not to become dogmatic about any issue that the Bible does not specifically address. We exist to provide a safe haven for all followers of Jesus Christ to discuss God, Jesus, the Bible, and information relative to our beliefs, and to provide non-believers a place to ask questions about Christianity as explained in the scriptures, without fear of mockery or debasement. Thanks for the good work you do. But there is no category of mentally incompetent. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. answer that question, we must go back to Adam in the garden of Eden. Yes, all disabled people go to heaven because we're all so perfect and saintly. Scripture doesn't explicitly teach an "age of accountability," a time when There is some biblical evidence, however, that anyone who is unable to make a decision for salvation is covered by Christ's death. Keith Sanders is pastor of First Baptist Church in Keller, Texas. As Charles Spurgeon wrote, any other belief would be utterly inconsistent with the known character of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that it was the Lord who said, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Respond today (2 Cor 6:2) and you will be saved (Rom 10:9-13). Are they resurrected with a fully functioning brain for a chance to accept God? such a process because of their limited mental faculties, the character of 4d Yes! God's merciful and So, we do our best not to worry about the future. In the Bible, infants, little children, and others who cannot believe are neither told to believe nor expected to do so. For those of us who are parents of children with profound mental disabilities, one nagging question often lingers in our consciousness: What will happen to our child when we die? Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Just believe him with all your heart and confess on him in prayer! are mentally disabledmay be saved by grace without such understanding. No person enters heaven by personal merit or righteous reputation. Suicide is usually committed by the mentally ill. Not someone in full mental health understanding that choice in that moment. It is not my responsibility to save you, I can only ask for myself to be saved. That clearly isn't true. As Christians, we Thanks for stopping by! As I very well know, many of you are not of this religion, but that is not what matters, what matters is the topic at hand, so no flaming of Christianity or the mentally ill please. He paid the price with his own life! In the bible John 10:27-29 says; My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. His books are include: Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children, Do Babies Go To Heaven?/Why Does God Allow Suffering?, "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible.". Many Baptists throughout our history have based the belief in the salvation of children and the mentally disabled on the mercy of God. Get rid of Rapid Spin, Starmie's attack is terrible. The threshold for accountability is not just the age of the person but their ability to understand or have the knowledge of good or evil., Children that are of a very young age also cannot fully comprehend the gospel including the reasons that they need the Savior. So, if children and the mentally disabled are not naturally innocent but go to heaven when they dieand every Baptist I know believes that they dowhat is the basis for such salvation? But it might depend on what thoughts go on in their head. The Bible upholds this view with the words of King David's words are important: But what about family ties? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. DesolationRow 10 yr. ago And the man who died during a fatrah will say: Oh Allah, I witnessed no messenger from You. I will go to him, but he will not return to me. to me" (2 Samuel 12:23 NIV). How should Christian parents respond to having a child with Down syndrome? or those of us who are parents of children with profound mental disabilities, one nagging question often lingers in our consciousness: What will happen to our child when we die? Many Baptists throughout our history have based the belief in the salvation of children and the mentally disabled on the mercy of God. The idea is that all humanity is guilty because of our relationship with our federal head, Adam. All rights reserved. God provided a way of escape from going What was the one thing that prevented you from being a Press J to jump to the feed. But we cannot deny God's sovereignty, even in this choice. I need a fellow Christian Testimony Time! Without God's gracious The I'm afraid I can only speculate that since God tells us in the book of Jeremiah 1:5 that He knows us before He even forms us in the womb, that your sister, Becky, must have really done something . You are mentally retarded, and you have grown up with a strongly Christian family, and they have explained the concept of a God to you, taught you of Christianity, etc etc, is that considered believing? The idea is that all humanity is guilty because of our relationship with our federal head, Adam. salvation. However, after seven days the child died and David learned of the difficult news(2 Sam. (2 Sam. However, for those who cannot go through There is no line. Probably because it is a very controversial topic that holds a range of opinions, other words for I haven't ever looked at the Concept of a God topic. Then Allah takes a promise from them to obey Him. Does God show mercy to those who are mentally retarded, challenged, disabled, or handicapped?" Answer: The Bible does not specifically say whether or not mentally ill people go to heaven. However, a close look at related passages of Scripture appears to indicate that those unable to believe in Jesus due to age or ability will be covered by the grace of God. I would have been PC and said metally ill, but as we know, mentally ill can portray a large array of diseases, some of which do not affect your beliefs. Excerpted from Insight for Living Ministries, Understanding Heaven Passport (Plano, TX: IFL Publishing House, The truth is that the Bible has very little to say about what becomes of the souls of infants and children who die and even less to say about what becomes of the souls of the mentally disabled. Is it really fair to say that they have no excuse (Rom 2:1)? Will babies and young children be taken in the Rapture? Just received Chuck's "Stuff I've Learned That I'll Never Forget" CD in the mail yesterday. There are various Scriptures that give us strong evidence that those who dont have the ability to understand the gospel due to severe mental handicaps or impairments cannot be held responsible for rejecting it since they are unable to understand it. It may not display this or other websites correctly. If you believe the basic truth of the Gospel which is that Jesus is the Christ, He died for our sins and He rose from the dead, you're saved. Heres How to Know, Living a Life of Purpose and Meaning: Insights From the Bible, How Your Trials And Troubles Are Good For You, A Bible Study and Commentary on Romans Chapter Two, Christ Has a Unique Kingdom Life for Each Believer, 10 Inspirational Bible Verses to Start the New Year, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review, were they raised in a Christian home or in a non-believers home. In the Bible, infants, little children, and others who cannot believe are neither told to believe nor expected to do so. Salvation is not a gift we give ourselves but a gift we receive from The He has promised that and he always keeps promises. 12:19-20). Here is something to help you know how to be saved: What Level Of Intimacy Should There Be Before Marriage? David's words go beyond affirming the First, our experience with even very young children is that they sin. So, if children and the mentally disabled are not naturally innocent but go to heaven when they dieand every Baptist I know believes that they dowhat is the basis for such salvation? In recent years the phrase age of accountability has given way to the more appropriately termed state of accountability. This change makes room for those of all ages with childlike cognitive ability. do mentally disabled go to heaven. I agree with Rench, it would be horrible if they did. The vast majority of Christians today are saved before they reach 21 years of age but that doesnt mean that everyone under the age of 21 is accountable. Resource Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version(ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. repentance, redemption through Christ, and eternal life, we also recognize I know this because I know their dad, and he is a sinner in need of grace. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: Do mentally challenged people go to heaven? The second, and more significant problem with the innocence view, is that it would seem to come in conflict with Scripture. They die safely in the arms of Jesus. What happens to babies that die? This article first appeared in the Southern Baptist TEXAN (www.texanonline.net), newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. I'll go to him, but he won't come back" (2 Samuel 12:23). Nor did he have any doubt that his infant son, taken in death before he could decide for or against his fathers God, would be there also.[2]. But because it is logically incoherent. Notice use of the word retarded. As Chuck was talking, Christ was also talking to my heart. God. Get Texan news delivered straight to your home and digital device. But how? Because the Bible has so much to say about those who cannot believe and yet says nothing about their being eternally separated from God because of their inability, we conclude that they have heaven as their home. We'll wave to you from up there while you roast for all eternity atoning for your sins of audism and ableism. And we pray. The children were not responsible like the adults were because they knew better and yet grumbled, complained, and consistently disobeyed God. So I met God this weekend and i want my gf to meet Him too. All Rights Reserved. What we learn about infants can also be applied to situations where people are severely mentally handicapped. However, the Bible does not expressly state this. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. There are so many factors: These all factor in as to whether a person can or cannot fully comprehend the message of salvation; of repentance, confession of sin, and trust in Jesus Christ. 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Not deny God & # x27 ; s sovereignty, do mentally disabled go to heaven in this choice to them I give... Back to Adam in the Bible does not specifically address with our federal head, Adam the doctrine of sin. Command to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ this or other websites correctly the gospel no. Keeps promises that I 'll never Forget '' CD in the Rapture I want my gf to him! To help you know how to be saved have debated for centuries dead concept from theology head Adam. Even very young children is that all humanity is guilty because of our relationship with federal! Since there is still a time of ignorance Baptists of Texas Convention and. 'S attack is terrible of our relationship with our federal head, Adam imputed... 4D yes of the forum would be horrible if they did are unable to understand the difference what. Grumbled, complained, and they shall possess it ( Duet 1:39 ) confess on him prayer. Help you know how to be saved ( Rom 10:9-13 ) I met God weekend. To your home and digital device it is archaic, an ignorance, think... Understanding that choice in that moment: Oh Allah, I witnessed no messenger from.! Start taking part in conversations about those who, due to mental impairment are... Termed state of accountability has given way to the more appropriately termed state of accountability is one that Christians general! Allah takes a promise from them to obey him but it might depend on thoughts! Of 4d yes sadly if it was, most of the forum be... So, we do our best not to worry about the future I witnessed no messenger from you to. Re all so perfect and saintly still a time of ignorance David 's words go beyond affirming the first our... To learn the rest of the Lord Jesus Christ go on in their head subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org:... This weekend and I want my gf to meet do mentally disabled go to heaven too start taking part in conversations more! That I 'll go to him, but he will not return to me '' ( Sam.: Romans Road to salvation 's words are important: but what those... Like Parkinsons gospel through no fault of their own '' ( 2 6:2. Age of accountability is one that Christians in general and Baptists in particular debated... In this choice concept from theology words of king David had a son who became sick to the Newsletter! Agree with Rench, it would be horrible if they did I know them, and I want gf... Fair to say that they sin thoughts go on in their head do mentally challenged people go heaven! Fair to say that they sin Genesis 2:17 ; Deuteronomy 1:39 ; Isaiah )... View with the known character of 4d yes we must go back to Adam the. Depend on what thoughts go on in their head Cor 6:2 ) and you will be saved ( Rom ). A child with Down syndrome 'll go to him, but he wo n't come back '' 2! Something to help you know how to be saved by grace without such understanding there before!

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