Do all Children Go to Heaven?

How are we to believe in regard to children who die before they have trusted Jesus for salvation?  On one hand, they, as everyone else, need a Saviour because of their sin nature. On the other hand, they are not saved because they have not believed yet in Christ. 

Though the doctrine is not stated directly, we believe the Bible does give teaching on this important matter.  Children are not responsible for their own sins until they reach what has been termed an "age of accountability".  That is an age where they understand sin and it's consequences before a holy God.  Though that awareness and understanding grows with age, they begin to grasp this at a child's level, and they feel guilt, shame, conviction, fear of judgment, and other evidences of conviction over their sin and standing before God.  There is no set age when this can occur.  Depending on a child's exposure to the gospel, his maturity, and his sensitivity to spiritual things, the age varies from child to child.

Before a child reaches this age, they are "safe" in the arms of Jesus. 

Here are some Bible verses to look at in this discussion:

1. David believed this when his newborn son died: David fasted and pleaded with God for the life of his ailing son. David's servants were so worried about him, that they feared to tell him when the child died. Yet, when David discovered the fact, he washed, changed his clothes, and sat down to eat. When the servants expressed their surprise, he responded, "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:22-23
   ). 
2. Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Matthew 18:2-6
   ).  This matches perfectly with the confidence of David in seeing his son.
3. In Matthew 18:10
   , Jesus states, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." The little ones have angels in heaven that always behold the face of the Father."

It becomes incumbent on all parents to expose their children to the gospel, and be observant to signs that God is dealing with their hearts in conviction for salvation.  Then be ready to help them receive Christ into their hearts.  Until then, I am confident that they are safe in the arms of Jesus.