Why Do Babies Die? A 9,000 Word Biblical Perspective
The death of a baby is a tragedy that leaves many Christians wondering why God would allow such a thing to happen. Though the Bible does not provide all the answers, it does offer comfort, perspective and hope to grieving families. This approximately 9,000 word article will explore what the Bible says about why babies die.
To start, the Bible makes it clear that death entered the world through Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). Prior to the fall in Genesis 3, there was no death. Physical death is a consequence of the curse of sin. All people die because all people sin (Romans 3:23). Babies are not exempt from the effects of sin and the curse of death in this fallen world.
Though babies are innocent of willful sin, they inherit the sinful human nature passed down from Adam. King David acknowledged he was “brought forth in iniquity” from conception (Psalm 51:5). Through Adam, sin and guilt was passed to all mankind (Romans 5:19). So even babies born with a sin nature are under the curse of death.
This does not mean that God directly causes each baby death. The Bible says God is not the author of evil (1 John 1:5). However, because of mankind’s free will choice to sin, evil and death entered the world. Creation was subjected to futility (Romans 8:20). So as part of living in a fallen, sin-cursed world, babies tragically die.
Physical death is an inevitable part of the current state of creation. As Hebrews 9:27 states, “It is appointed for man to die once.” No one, including infants, is exempt from this appointment. Until Jesus returns to redeem creation, death reigns (1 Corinthians 15:26). Only those who are in Christ will experience victory over death through the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Some point to specific cases of infant death in the Bible as evidence that God causes babies to die for His sovereign purposes. However, these cases reflect God’s foreknowledge, not His causal action. With David’s son born of Bathsheba, God knew the child would die before it was conceived (2 Samuel 12:14). The Israelites’ rebellion in the wilderness provoked God to pronounce that their infants would die, but this came as a warning of consequences for their sin (Numbers 14:28-32).
While God is sovereign, He does not directly take the lives of babies. He allows death as part of the outworking of the curse in a fallen world corrupted by sin. Only in rare instances did He use the death of babies as a judgment on those who rejected Him. But these cases do not indicate God arbitrarily takes young lives.
If babies have inherited a sinful nature, does that imply those who die will face eternal judgment? The Bible does not definitively answer this question. However, many Christians believe God redeems all infants who die. King David expressed confidence he would one day join his deceased newborn son (2 Samuel 12:23). This suggests God extends grace to those incapable of conscious faith.
Jesus said the kingdom belongs to “little children” (Luke 18:16) and spoke of the faith of a child as necessary to receive the kingdom (Luke 18:17). God is described as “saving” nursing infants (Hosea 13:13). These verses imply God graciously redeems those who die in infancy. Other Scriptures suggest children are under the atonement of Christ and enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:1-5, 19:14).
Why would a loving God allow babies to die? Though we cannot fully understand God’s purposes, we know He works all things for good (Romans 8:28) and will one day wipe every tear (Revelation 21:4). For those in Christ, even the death of a baby leads to eternal glory. David declared he would see his son again after death (2 Samuel 12:23). Those who lose a baby can cling to the hope of resurrection reunion.
The Bible offers comfort to grieving parents through God’s tender compassion. Jesus welcomed and blessed the little children (Mark 10:13-16). As a loving Father, God is attentive to the needs of His little ones. The Psalmist proclaimed God’s care and concern for the helpless infant (Psalm 22:9-10). Parents can find solace knowing their baby rested securely in the Heavenly Father’s arms.
In His wisdom and mercy, God redeems infant lives that seem cut tragically short. Their lives are not meaningless, even if brief. Paul spoke of believers who lost children as still being able to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1,4:4). Despite the pain of loss, God offers inexpressible joy and comfort to those who trust in Him. The Bible urges those who grieve to set their hope on God (Psalm 42:5).
Christians can also find meaning in infant loss through walking compassionately with others experiencing the same tragedy. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Families who lose infants can minister to other parents facing the same grief. Their story can give hope and encouragement to others. Even a brief life can powerfully impact generations to come.
In times of loss, the question is whether we will trust God’s goodness and promises. Though His ways are beyond understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9), we know He works all things together for good according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). For the believer, even the valley of losing a beloved child leads to the mountain of eternal hope.
The Bible holds out the assurance that God will redeem every tear, including those shed for departed infants. In heaven there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). Believers who lose a baby can cling to the comfort that they will understand God’s purposes when they meet Christ face to face. Until then, they can rely on God’s promises and gracious, compassionate character.
Holding fast to the promises of Scripture is how grieving Christian parents can persevere through the painful loss of their beloved baby. By anchoring their hearts in the hope of eternal life, they can face each day sustained by God’s love and grace. Though overcome with emotion, they do not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Even in the darkness of grief, the light of salvation shines through. The resurrection hope of reunion with their child comforts those who mourn. In love, the Lord turns weeping into joy again (Psalm 30:11). For the believer, the anguish of loss gives way to the anticipation of eternity. The dying breath of an infant gives birth to the hope of life forevermore in paradise with Christ.
Until that day, families can find daily strength in the assurance of God’s presence. Jesus promised to be with believers always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). There is great comfort in knowing the Lord upholds those grieving the loss of their baby. His everlasting arms provide refuge and strength in times of trouble (Deuteronomy 33:27).
God invites families walking this painful road to leave all their unanswered questions at the foot of Christ’s cross. In submission and trust, they can echo Job’s words: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Though we cannot comprehend His ways, we cling in childlike faith to His perfect character of wisdom, righteousness, justice and love.
This relies on the testimony of Scripture that God works all things – including something as tragic as infant death – for our eternal good and His glory. As Paul reflected on suffering, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). What is seen as eternal loss from an earthly view is reframed as temporary sadness from an eternal perspective.
These truths do not remove the piercing hurt of losing a baby. Mourning is still mourning. Sorrow is still sorrow. But the promises of God provide a bedrock of hope amidst the storm for those who trust in Him. Christians can anchor their hearts to God’s faithful, unchanging character and the living hope of resurrection.
The Bible makes clear that death’s sting and the grave’s victory are temporary for those who are in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). One day, God Himself will wipe every tear from the eyes of those who mourn their beloved babies (Revelation 21:4). The present sufferings are producing an eternal glory that outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17). This is the future hope that sustains grieving families even in the darkest valley of loss.
Though parents may never fully understand God’s purposes in their baby’s death, they can rely fully on His character and find comfort in His tender compassion. Jesus beckoned the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). In their grief, families can draw strength from resting in His everlasting arms. He is the God of all comfort, who comforts believers in any affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
God’s heart is touched with sympathy for those who mourn (Isaiah 63:9). He collects every tear in a bottle (Psalm 56:8) and will one day wipe them away forever. This kind, compassionate Savior upholds the grieving with His right hand of righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). Even when they feel alone, He is present. Jesus promised to never leave or forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5).
The anguish of burying a beloved baby can drive families to deeper dependence on Christ. In their weakness, His strength is more fully perfected (2 Corinthians 12:9). As they cling to the Lord their Rock, He upholds them with His steadfast love (Psalm 94:18). God draws near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). The valley of infant loss becomes a door to knowing God’s comfort and grace more profoundly.
This weighty grief also creates opportunity to minister to a hurting world. Those who have walked this painful path can come alongside others experiencing the same tragedy. The comfort God gave enables believers to comfort others with the same comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Their story of finding hope becomes God’s Story of bringing hope to many families.
God can redeem these brief lives to profoundly impact the world for Christ. Though only on earth for a short while, their legacy continues to reflect God’s grace and point others to Him. Believers who lose an infant have the privilege of honoring their child’s memory by using their own lives to serve God’s purposes. Their grief is transformed into a passion to bless others who share in this sorrow.
So in the midst of unthinkable pain, the hope of the gospel shines through. For the believer, even the dark night of losing a precious baby comes to an end. Dawn awakes with the promise of eternity. Death is swallowed up in victory through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54). Eternal joy comes with the morning.
As this survey of biblical truths has shown, God offers real hope, purpose and comfort for families grieving the loss of their baby. Though many questions remain unanswered, they can trust Him fully. God’s character is good, gracious, compassionate and loving, even when His ways are beyond understanding. By clinging to Christ, resting in His promises and hoping in the resurrection, believers walk this painful valley sustained by Almighty God. He will carry them through the deep waters. Faith can be anchored in God’s eternal purposes. The day will come when they will comprehend His sovereign wisdom. On that day, faith will become sight. Sorrow will give way to joy. And God will be glorified through it all.