The State of the Dead

[selah]

Hi, someone may want this topic in a different place but since I didn't know where else to bring it up, I put it here for now.

My friend's infant grandson died from "crib death" and she wrote me an email tonight asking me the following questions.

"Is there a verse in the bible that says something about a chasm between heaven and earth? I'm trying to convince (the baby's mom that the) baby is happy in heaven and doesn't know her sadness. I'm trying to get her to move on in her life--(it's been) years now..."

I don't know where in the Bible we might find scripture about babies dying and being happy in heaven so wanted to ask you.

Also, my question would be, what words of solace would you have for this mom?

Thanks to anyone who shares about this.

selah*

[brody196]

Hi there,

My heart goes out to the family dealing with this terrible situation. My personal view of scripture is that babies and any one who dies "In Christ" go to heaven and dwell with Christ until the second coming.

Verses that seem to indicate this are Luke 23:43, John 11:25-26, Genesis 35:18, Matthew 22:31-32, Etc...

As far as advice is concerned, I would simply tread softly while talking to them. Just be an example of Christ' love for them by listening and assuring them of the promises of God, in which there is great comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:5 - For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

And my personal favorite, Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Hope this helps.

[Jill]

.

[selah]

My heart goes out to these families as well.

To suffer and out of the presence of God, one would have had to have sinned, or offended God in some way. That would be absolutely impossible in these little babies. Absolutely impossible.

Karen, this is a very good point. I had not thought of this, but it should bring the baby's mother solace to know this.

And thank you Brody for the verses. I am going to look them up and pray about your advice too.

Great, thanks to both of you!
SueAnn*

[Suzana]

I would just like to add, especially in light of Matthew 11:28 -
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
- to encourage this mother to really do this. To unburden all her thoughts and feelings honestly before the Lord in prayer, and perhaps even for her to ask the Lord herself to lead her personally to the scriptures that will be comforting & spiritually encouraging to her wherever she's at right now.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (NASB)

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NASB)

[selah]

I would just like to add, especially in light of Matthew 11:28 -
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
- to encourage this mother to really do this. To unburden all her thoughts and feelings honestly before the Lord in prayer, and perhaps even for her to ask the Lord herself to lead her personally to the scriptures that will be comforting & spiritually encouraging to her wherever she's at right now.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (NASB)

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NASB)

Thank you Suzana,

These are really great scriptures and your point for her to REALLY come to the Lord is "well taken." I'm going to meet with the grieving mom's mom-in-law real soon (she and I used to work together) and I will share all these things with the mom-in-law. I am praying to perhaps even meet her daughter-in-law and listen to her concerns in person. I believe there may be some guilt for un-related situations, and once she makes peace with God, comfort will replace loss.

Thank you for your encouragement,
SueAnn* p.s. It's kind of "funny" isn't it, how getting right with God can turn sorrow into certainty in His promises.