The concept of limbo does not originate from the Bible, but was developed later by theologians to address the fate of those who die without being baptized. The Bible does not explicitly mention limbo, but there are some verses and passages that may relate to the topic.
1. The Need for Redemption and Salvation
The Bible teaches that all people are sinful and in need of redemption (Romans 3:23). Without trusting in Christ for salvation, people remain under condemnation and cannot enter heaven (John 3:18). This raises questions about those who die without hearing the gospel or receiving baptism, such as infants and people in isolated regions.
Verses about the need for salvation:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
2. The Justice and Fairness of God
God is just and fair, which suggests He would make allowance for those who did not hear the gospel. Some verses emphasize God’s concern for justice:
Deuteronomy 32:4 – “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”
Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.”
These verses imply God would not unfairly condemn someone for circumstances out of their control.
3. The Salvation of Infants and Children
Several passages suggest God welcomes children into heaven. This offers hope for infants and young children who die without baptism:
2 Samuel 12:23 – “But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Matthew 19:14 – “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Romans 5:13-14 – “For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.”
These suggest God grants salvation to those too young or innocent to be held accountable.
4. Jesus’s Descent into Hell
1 Peter 3:18-20 and 4:6 describe Jesus preaching to imprisoned spirits after His death. Some believe this refers to Jesus offering salvation to those in limbo:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah.” (1 Peter 3:18-20)
“For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” (1 Peter 4:6)
These verses could suggest Jesus gave people in limbo a chance to accept Him.
5. God’s Universal Salvific Will
Other verses describe God’s desire for all people to be saved:
1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?”
Since God wants everyone saved, some see limbo as a place where those who never heard the gospel receive the chance.
6. Mystery of the Afterlife
Ultimately, the Bible does not provide definitive answers about the afterlife for those who die unbaptized or without hearing the gospel. Passages like:
Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Remind us that some aspects of the afterlife remain mysteries known only to God. We cannot be dogmatic where Scripture lacks specificity.
7. Baptism and Salvation
The New Testament connects baptism to salvation and the forgiveness of sins:
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 22:16 – “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
This implies baptism is typically necessary for salvation. The question is what happens in exceptional cases where baptism is impossible.
8. Salvation by Faith in Christ Alone
Other verses emphasize salvation comes through faith in Christ, even apart from outward sacraments:
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
So it’s possible that in some cases, faith alone saves even without baptism.
9. Intercession of Saints
Catholic and Orthodox traditions believe saints in heaven can intercede for those in limbo. However, Scripture neither affirms nor denies a role for saintly intercession on behalf of unbaptized souls.
10. Purgatory and Post-Mortem Purification
The Catholic doctrine of purgatory – a state of purification after death – partially overlaps with limbo. Some see limbo as one part of purgatory that cleanses those who died without baptism. But the Bible nowhere mentions purification after death:
Hebrews 9:27 – “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Luke 16:26 – “And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.”
So Scripture does not definitively support post-mortem purification or a “second chance” after death.
11. God’s Perfect Justice and Mercy
In the end, we can trust God to judge fairly those who died without hearing the gospel or receiving baptism:
Genesis 18:25 – “Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
While God’s justice requires salvation through Christ, His mercy finds ways to extend grace to those who sincerely seek Him.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not explicitly mention a state like limbo. But key passages suggest God desires all people to be saved, does not condemn people for unpreventable circumstances, and may make provision for those who died without hearing the gospel. God’s perfect justice and mercy exceed human understanding. We can trust Him to deal fairly with those not evangelized in this life.