What Happens to Babies When They Die?

Original Presentation
One of the main questions we have to answer is:
Does God Reckon “Original Sin” to Babies?

Scripture isn't entirely clear. David referring to “going to him” when his first son by Bathsheba dies as an indication that they will both meet in Heaven.

Here's that section of scripture:
2 Samuel 12:21-23
His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

The argument that some make from this passage is that (presumably) David is indicating he will go to be with God after death, and since David indicates he is going to see him, it "must" be that the baby is also in heaven. Some commentaries argue that David was merely saying that he would join the baby in death (or, the grave) some day. Even if we take these first assumptions at face value, it does not teach us in this passage that all babies automatically go to heaven.

However, most Evangelical Theologians say that while all of the human race have inherited the guilt of rebellion from Adam, due to “age of accountability” concepts, God demonstrates His mercy and forgives them as a demonstration of his love. The further argument is that babies never have the chance to “actualize” the sin nature. We see throughout scripture that God is merciful. Finally, we have many examples of how Jesus viewed children, indicating that to "such as these" belong the kingdom of heaven.

Expanded Discussion

1. This topic can become quite involved, but I would refer you to this commentary from Desiring God ministries (this is John Piper's ministry):
   What happens to infants who die?
2. If you'd like to hear a slightly different perspective (although they arrive at the same conclusion), you can listen to this MP3 instead of reading the answer.