This is a complex question that does not have a simple yes or no answer. The Bible does not explicitly state whether a child conceived out of wedlock can be saved, but examining relevant biblical principles can provide insight.
First, it is important to note that salvation is available to all people through faith in Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for the sins of all humanity (John 3:16). God desires for all to come to repentance and receive eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). This offer of salvation is open to all who believe, regardless of the circumstances of their conception.
The Bible makes it clear that children are not responsible for or guilty of the sins of their parents (Deuteronomy 24:16, Ezekiel 18:20). Every person is accountable before God for their own sin. Therefore, a child conceived out of wedlock is not inherently sinful or unable to be saved simply because of the context of their conception. If they repent and believe in Jesus, they can receive salvation just like anyone else.
Some may point to verses that prohibit sexual immorality as evidence that illegitimate children cannot be saved. It is true that the Bible strongly condemns sex outside of marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:19). However, passages like these are speaking to the sinfulness of the behavior that led to conception, not the worthiness of the child conceived. The immoral actions of the parents do not disqualify the child from salvation.
In fact, there are examples in Scripture of God graciously working through children born out of immoral relationships. For instance, Psalm 51 was written by David after his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, resulting in the conception of Solomon. Despite the sinful context, Solomon went on to become a great king used mightily by God. This shows that God can redeem anyone, no matter the circumstances of their origin.
Some additional biblical principles demonstrate God’s heart for children in general:
- Jesus welcomed and blessed the little children brought to him, rebuking his disciples for trying to keep them away (Matthew 19:13-15).
- God defends the cause of the fatherless and vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 10:14, James 1:27).
- Children are viewed as gifts from God to be cherished (Psalm 127:3-5).
Based on these truths, we can conclude that children conceived illegitimately are just as precious to God as any other child. If raised in a godly home, they can develop faith in Christ and receive salvation the same as a child born in wedlock.
Of course, there are unique challenges for children conceived out of wedlock. The circumstances of their birth and lack of an intact family unit may expose them to increased instability, absentee parents, poverty, and other risk factors. These real-world hardships could potentially make it more difficult for them to learn of Christ and grow in faith.
However, God is bigger than any earthly limitations. Christians should surround these precious children with love, mentorship, support, and most importantly the life-changing gospel message. Illegitimacy does not determine destiny. With God’s help, children conceived out of wedlock can overcome challenges to become devoted Christ-followers.
In summary, according to Scripture, children conceived outside of marriage are fully capable of being saved. Their worth and eligibility for redemption is not determined by the sins of their parents. As with all people, salvation comes through repentance and faith alone. Christians should seek to meet the unique needs of these children, providing love, nurture, and discipleship that helps lead them to personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
(Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Ephesians 2:1-10)
Common Questions about Children Conceived Out of Wedlock and Salvation
Doesn’t the Bible say illegitimate children cannot enter the assembly of the Lord?
This question refers to Deuteronomy 23:2, which in the King James Version states that a child born of a forbidden union could not enter the assembly of the Lord. Some taken this to mean that illegitimate children are excluded from the people of God.
However, the precise meaning of this obscure passage is debated. Later translations clarify it is referring to offspring of incestuous relationships, not children conceived out of wedlock. Regardless, it is clear from the overall message of Scripture that God welcomes all who have faith in Him, regardless of birth circumstances.
How can an illegitimate child be part of God’s plan when they were conceived through sin?
It’s true that children conceived illegitimately are the product of sexual sin. However, God is merciful and skilled at bringing beauty from brokenness. Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. His brothers sinned grievously against him, selling him into slavery out of envy. Yet God redeemed this evil for good, using Joseph to rescue many lives from famine.
In the same way, God can take the sinful act that brought an illegitimate child into the world and transform it into something beautiful. The child may be born out of wickedness, but out of love God has a purpose in bringing this precious life into being. Their future is not determined by their conception.
Doesn’t God only approve of children raised in traditional nuclear families with a mother and father?
Scripture affirms that children do best when raised by a married mother and father. However, nowhere does the Bible condemn or limit the worth of children in non-traditional families. While broken family structures are not ideal, God can absolutely still work mightily in those situations.
For instance, Moses’ mother was forced to give him up as an infant. He was raised in Pharaoh’s household by non-biological parents. Yet God still accomplished great things through Moses’ life. Likewise, God can powerfully use children raised by single parents, grandparents, adoptive families, etc. His plan cannot be thwarted by earthly circumstances.
How can I explain this sensitively when Scripture says adultery and sexual immorality are evil?
It’s completely true that the Bible categorically condemns any sex outside of marriage between a man and woman. The act that conceived an illegitimate child – whether adultery, fornication, or another immorality – is unquestionably sinful. No faithful Christian would deny that.
However, we must be careful not to unintentionally condemn the child along with the sin. The child is an innocent human being created and loved by God. Pointing out the evil of sexual immorality must be done with gentleness, care, and compassion towards individuals conceived within it. Their worth and dignity is not determined by the sins of their parents.
Doesn’t baptizing illegitimate children excuse or minimize sexual sin?
Some worry that affirming the salvation of those conceived out of wedlock encourages immorality by minimizing its consequences. However, baptizing an illegitimate child should always be accompanied by clear preaching on sexual ethics. Citizenship in God’s kingdom requires turning from all known sin, including sexual immorality.
At the same time, refusing to baptize illegitimate children unjustly punishes the child for their parent’s sins. We must hold in tension both grace to the repentant as well as high ethical standards for the church. Above all, we must allow God to write amazing stories of redemption, no matter the circumstances of one’s birth.
Practical Steps the Church Can Take
Given these biblical truths, here are some practical ways the church can support illegitimate children and any single or non-traditional parents raising them:
- Welcome them: Make sure these families know they are wanted and valued in your church.
- Come alongside parents: Offer mentorship, parenting classes, financial counseling, and other resources.
- Provide support: Host support groups for single moms. Partner with community organizations to meet needs.
- Give respite: Offer free childcare to give overwhelmed parents occasional breaks.
- Educate with grace: Strongly teach God’s design for sexuality, but with mercy towards sexual sin’s casualties.
- Share Christ’s love: Most importantly, introduce both parents and children to the forgiveness and new life possible in Jesus.
The church’s responsibility is to faithfully extend the compassion of Christ to all who are weary and burdened by life’s struggles. Illlegitimacy does not disqualify anyone from that compassion. With practical support and most importantly the hope of the gospel, illegitimate children can discover purpose in God’s eternal family.