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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Nov 38 min read

Is There Hope of Resurrection for Infants and Unborn Children According to the Bible?



Life Begins at Conception: The Biblical Perspective


A foundational principle in Scripture is the sanctity of life, and the Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception. This truth is revealed throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the Law of Moses, which set high value on the life of the unborn. In Exodus 21:22-23, a specific law outlines the consequences for causing the death of an unborn child: “You must give soul for soul.” This passage affirms that God views the unborn as living beings, not merely potential life. Therefore, any harm or fatal injury to an unborn child carried the same weight as taking the life of a born individual.


The acknowledgment that life begins at conception is crucial in understanding the nature of God's judgment and His view of the unborn. Psalm 139:13-16 provides another powerful insight into this truth, as David declares, “You kept me screened off in the belly of my mother. . . . Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing.” David's description reveals that Jehovah views the unborn as unique individuals from the moment of conception. This intimate knowledge and care of the unborn child also extend to Job 31:14-15, where Job acknowledges that God formed him in the womb just as He did every other human.


In light of these biblical principles, it is clear that Jehovah sees the unborn child as a living soul. This fact undergirds the Christian view of the sanctity of life, which forms the basis for opposing practices such as abortion. It also provides a foundation for exploring whether there is hope for the resurrection of unborn children who die in the womb or infants who die prematurely.



The Value of the Unborn in God's Eyes: Biblical Examples


Throughout the Bible, the unborn are consistently portrayed as individuals with distinct identities, purposes, and value in God’s plan. For instance, when Isaac’s wife Rebekah was pregnant with twins, God revealed to her that the two children in her womb represented two nations, with distinct futures. In Genesis 25:22-23, Jehovah spoke of the characteristics and destinies of the twins before they were even born. This example shows that God does not wait until a child is born to view them as an individual with a future role in His purposes.


Similarly, John the Baptist’s life provides an extraordinary example of how Jehovah views the unborn. Luke 1:41 describes how John leaped in his mother’s womb when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting. The unborn John’s response was a sign of his future role as the forerunner to Jesus Christ, and it revealed that even in the womb, John was an individual with a specific purpose in God’s redemptive plan.


These examples underscore the fact that the unborn are seen as distinct individuals in God’s eyes. If God views them as persons before birth, it follows that He also places great value on their lives, even if those lives are tragically cut short before they come to term. Given the consistent biblical affirmation of the value of the unborn, we can begin to explore whether this view extends to the hope of resurrection for such children.



The Hope of Resurrection: A Biblical Expectation


The Bible’s central hope for humanity is the resurrection of the dead, a theme repeated throughout both the Old and New Testaments. While Scripture does not specifically address the resurrection of unborn children or infants who die prematurely, the general biblical principles of resurrection and God’s justice provide a hopeful framework.


Job expresses a longing for resurrection in Job 14:14-15, asking, “If a man dies, will he live again? . . . You will call, and I will answer you; you will long for the work of your hands.” Job’s confidence in God’s desire to restore life to the dead provides a powerful glimpse into the heart of Jehovah. Job understood that God longs to undo death and that His justice will ultimately prevail over the tragedy of death. If Jehovah desires to bring back the righteous, as Job believed, it stands to reason that this hope could extend even to the most vulnerable among us—those who never had the chance to live outside the womb.


Furthermore, the teaching of Jesus Christ offers a broader application of resurrection hope. Jesus’ words in John 5:28-29 declare, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out.” The phrase “all who are in their graves” opens the door to the possibility that resurrection could encompass all who have died, regardless of age, including infants and those who died in the womb.



God’s Loving-Kindness and Mercy: The Assurance of His Righteous Judgment


One of the most comforting truths about Jehovah is His abundant loving-kindness and mercy. Psalm 86:15 describes Jehovah as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” This characteristic of God provides reassurance when contemplating difficult questions about life and death, especially concerning children and unborn babies.


It is vital to remember that God’s justice is perfect and that His desire is to restore life to those who have died. When the Bible speaks of resurrection, it often does so in the context of God’s merciful and loving nature. For example, Isaiah 25:8 prophesies, “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” The wiping away of tears points to a time of ultimate healing and restoration. Given God’s merciful nature, it is consistent with His character to expect that He would provide comfort and restoration even for those who have experienced the tragic loss of a child or an unborn baby.


In Revelation 21:4, the promise of a future without death, mourning, crying, or pain reaffirms this hope. The scope of God’s healing power in the new creation includes undoing the effects of death, and it is within His power to restore life to those who have died, regardless of their stage of development. Therefore, while the Bible does not provide explicit details about the resurrection of unborn babies, it offers a solid foundation of hope based on God’s loving and just nature.



Can We Be Certain of Resurrection for Unborn Children?


It is important to recognize that while the Bible provides hope, it does not explicitly answer every question about the resurrection of unborn children. Scripture does not directly address whether babies who die in the womb will be resurrected. However, this does not mean that we should lose hope. Instead, we must trust in Jehovah’s righteous judgment and His ability to do what is right, as Abraham declared in Genesis 18:25, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”


Jesus Christ affirmed that “all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27), which reminds us that Jehovah’s power is limitless. As the Creator of life, He has the ability to restore life in ways that may be beyond our current understanding. We should avoid speculation about the specifics of how resurrection will occur for unborn children, but we can trust that Jehovah, in His wisdom, will do what is right and just.



The Path of Salvation: A Process of Knowledge, Faith, and Obedience


To understand the biblical perspective on salvation, it is essential to recognize that salvation is not a single moment but a process, a journey that unfolds over time. This process begins with knowledge, leading to faith, repentance, and finally obedience to God’s commands. For individuals to receive salvation, they must follow this biblical path, which involves several key elements:


  1. Knowledge: Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the importance of knowledge as the foundation of salvation. Without hearing the truth about God and His plan of salvation through Christ, individuals cannot believe. The process of salvation begins with gaining an accurate understanding of Scripture, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

  2. Faith: Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by faith. Hebrews 11:6 declares, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” True faith involves trusting in God’s promises and believing in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of humanity.

  3. Repentance: Acts 17:30-31 calls all people to repent. Repentance involves recognizing one’s sinfulness and turning away from it. This step marks a turning point in a person’s spiritual journey, as they choose to abandon sinful ways and align their life with God’s will.

  4. Obedience: Finally, obedience is an essential part of salvation. James 2:26 states, “Faith without works is dead.” Obedience includes following Jesus Christ’s command to be baptized, which symbolizes a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Through baptism and ongoing obedience to God’s Word, believers demonstrate their commitment to living a life that honors Him.



The Role of Repentance and Baptism in Salvation


Repentance is not just an emotional response to sin; it is a conscious decision to change one’s course of life. In Acts 3:19, Peter calls for repentance, saying, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repentance is necessary because it signifies a break from the past and a commitment to walking in righteousness. True repentance leads to a transformation in behavior, reflecting a desire to live in obedience to God.


Baptism, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20, is an outward act of obedience that represents a believer’s new life in Christ. Baptism is not merely symbolic; it is an essential step of faith that signifies a believer’s acceptance of God’s grace and their entry into the community of faith. Mark 16:16 affirms, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Through baptism, believers publicly declare their commitment to living according to God’s will, aligning themselves with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.



Trusting in Jehovah’s Mercy and Justice


While the Bible does not give a definitive answer regarding the resurrection of unborn children or infants who die prematurely, the principles of God’s mercy, justice, and the value of life offer a foundation of hope. We can trust that Jehovah, who is abundant in loving-kindness and mercy (Psalm 86:15), will act justly and righteously in all matters of life and death.


The path of salvation is a process that requires knowledge, faith, repentance, and obedience. As we continue on this journey, we can rest assured that Jehovah’s plans for life, resurrection, and salvation are perfect, even when we do not have all the answers. Our role is to trust in His goodness and live in obedience to His Word, knowing that He will bring about His purposes in His perfect time.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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