Will I see my deceased child in heaven?

Will I see my baby, who had died, again in heaven? For Christian parents who lose a child, this is an important question. The confirmation that you will see your baby again when Jesus returns is comforting and gives strength to carry on. In this post, we will explore this delicate subject from the Bible.

Our story

The year 2010 has been an eventful year for my husband and me. We start the year on cloud nine. We are grateful and happy, because we are expecting our first child. Soon everything changes. We get bad news at the 20-week ultrasound. After several tests, our baby appears to have a serious condition. The chances of her surviving are very slim.

We decide to carry the pregnancy to term. For four months we live between hope and fear. We sincerely enjoy our little girl who often dances merrily in my belly. We also spend a lot of time praying, asking God for strength, for life for our baby. Later we ask the Lord in prayer to do what is best for her.

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, our daughter is born after an emotionally and physically difficult delivery. She gets some help breathing and gets off to a relatively good start. After a few hours, the situation deteriorates. We get to hold her and soon our sweet, brave girl dies in our arms.

An emotional, intense period follows. Everyone processes grieving in their own way. My husband and I have a lot of support from each other and from the lovely people around us, but above all we find strength in our faith.

It is precisely in the moments when we are having a very difficult time, that God gives us the strength to carry on. We also find great comfort in words from the Bible.

“This promise is yours. You may be comforted and trust in the Lord. … We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly courts. Put your trust in the Lord, and be not afraid.” 2SM, p. 259.5.

Fearfully wonderfully

The Lord knows everything. He has an eye for everything and everyone. Nothing, not the smallest thing, escapes His attention. God knows every baby from the very beginning.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalms 139:16-17.

Isn't God amazingly good, loving and merciful? Nevertheless, the question may arise: can my child be saved if he is still too young to make a conscious choice to give his life to God?

The blood of the Lamb

The Bible indicates that these children are sanctified in the faithful parent(s), like the children of the Israelites in the tenth plague.

God's people are instructed to assemble with their children in their homes. They must also mark the doorposts with the blood of a slain lamb. The symbol of Jesus, who gave His life for the redemption of sinful man.

Following the instructions for Passover indicates that the family accepts Jesus as the promised Redeemer. The faith of the parents covers themselves and their children. In the execution of judgment the houses with the mark of blood are passed over. Those firstborn are saved, because the faith of the parents is extended to the children.

Jesus blesses the children

The work of the mother and father is the education of their child(ren). Their job is to bring the children to Christ as the mothers brought their children to Him. The disciples think the little ones were too young to understand, but Jesus calls the children and says, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16. Jesus takes the children in His arms and blesses them.

The promise

The mothers are encouraged by Jesus' response and blessing. They return home strengthened, equipped to continue their educational work. For babies and young children, the parents take the place of God. The parents are to bring up the children in obedience and in the will of the Lord. Then the little children will pass the test by honoring their father and mother.

“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” “that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Ephesians 6:2, Exodus 20:12.

For the mothers who lose their child, God gives an encouraging text in Jeremiah.

“Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.” Jeremiah 31:16-17.

The Lord Himself says “there is hope”. Hold on to that.

Encouragement

Our proverbial cloud nine disappeared, but we may look forward to the day Jesus returns on the clouds. What a day that will be!

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

“We are not parted forever, but shall meet the loved ones who sleep in Jesus. They shall come again from the land of the enemy. The Life-giver is coming. Myriads of holy angels escort Him on His way. He bursts the bands of death, breaks the fetters of the tomb, the precious captives come forth in health and immortal beauty. As the little infants come forth immortal from their dusty beds, they immediately wing their way to their mothers’ arms. They meet again nevermore to part.” 2SM, pp.259-260.

Concluding

Are you dealing with a similar situation to my husband and I? We know how tough it can be. You can request prayer from Word & Well-being. We are happy to pray for you!

Do you have questions? Then you can contact me here.