Table of Contents

Question 1: What happens to a baby, or a child if they die before accepting Jesus? What about a person with a mental handicap who dies before accepting Jesus? Do these people go to Heaven or Hell?

Questions 2-4: Can I know if I am a Christian? Why should I become a Christian? Why does it matter? If I am a Christian what should I expect to happen?

Questions 5-7: I need help forgiving someone who did something mean to me, what do I do? I have forgiven someone, but does that mean I have to be friends right away again? What if someone hurt me really deeply, do I have to be friends right away?

Questions 8-9: What is Heaven like? How can God be both in Heaven and near us at the same time?

Questions 10-11: What are angels? Can we pray to angels to help us?

Question 12: Will animals we have known on earth, be with us in Heaven?

Question 1: What happens to a baby, or a child if they die before accepting Jesus? What about a person with a mental handicap who dies before accepting Jesus? Do these people go to Heaven or Hell?

This is a very interesting question. A Christian knows, the only way to Heaven is through Jesus, (Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13). It is possible that babies, children and a person with a mental handicap are not able to recognize they are a sinner in need of a Savior. God may choose to put such people in Heaven. God showed His love while we were still sinners, when Jesus died for us, (Romans 5:8). He has the power to not count sin against a person, (2 Cor 5:18-19, 1 John 2:2, Matthew 19:14). 

Only God knows if a person is aware they are a sinner, and in need of a Savior, (Isaiah 7:16, Duet 1:39 Psalm 26:2, Jer 11:20, Rev 20:12). It is His decision, (Luke 12:5, Matthew 10:28).

Whatever decision God makes, is the right one, (Gen 18:25).

Question 2: Can I know if I am a Christian?

Yes, if you have admitted to God you are a sinner (Romans 3:23, 6:23, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9), and believe Jesus is God's Son, and take God’s gift of forgiveness from sin (John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:8, Eph 2:8-9, John 1:1-13) and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord, (Romans 10:9-10,13, Matthew 28:18-20) you are a Christian.  

Your attitude to sin is a clue. Do you hate the sin you do? Or are you fine with it? Do you want to keep sinning and not changing, or do you want to sin less and become better? (2 Cor 13:5). 

Loving sin and not wanting to change is called idolatry. We want to do things our own way and not God’s. Do you realize that if you continue in sin and are okay with that kind of life, God will not give you eternal life? (1 Corinthians 6:9–10, Galatians 5:19–21, Ephesians 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 12:14, Revelation 22:15). 

If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, (John 16:8). You are truly sorry and want to quickly show others how you have changed, (2 Cor 7:9-11). Jesus your Savior helps you stay a follower of Him, (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:6-13). You also know, the Holy Spirit does not stay mad at you when you sin. He encourages another opportunity to try again and do better, (Romans 8:1-2). Your spirit rejoices with the Holy Spirit that you are God’s child, (Romans 8:16).  

Question 3: Why should I become a Christian? Why does it matter?

Because if you are not one, when you die, you will be separated from God, in a place called Hell, with pain which will never end, (John 3:16, John 3:36, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:13, Matthew 13:47-50). The reason why God does that is because you and the rest of us included have all sinned against Him (Romans 3:23). We have decided we don’t need God, we can live life on our own without Him. 

Maybe you feel you know something is missing and wrong. Maybe you have a desire to not end up in Hell, and you want to live for God, even if you don’t understand it all right now. If so, God is calling you to take that step today and become a Christian.

Anyone can become a Christian by saying a prayer like this one: Father God in Heaven, I am a sinner. I want to accept Jesus Christ, as my Savior for my sins. I  believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I want to trust and live my life for Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If you prayed that, and sincerely meant it, you are a Christian!

Question 4: If I am a Christian what should I expect to happen?

If you are a Christian, your life will be difficult. Jesus said that unless we deny our sinful desires which are wrong, we cannot be his disciples. There is a cost to following Him. It is worth it but it is hard! Here are five ways you can count the cost.

Question 5: I need help forgiving someone who did something mean to me, what do I do?

Forgiveness is always something we should do, Jesus tells us (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22), up to seventy times seven! The focus is not the exact number, but that you give up your right to be angry, (Psalm 37:8). This happens when you give it to God, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you, (James 1:19-21). You can do this by saying a prayer like this one:

Father God, I am angry right now at ______ for doing __________ to me. Please help me get rid of this anger I have and to forgive that person. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can be wise, and kind to this person again, (Prov 14:29, Romans 12:21). In Jesus Name, Amen.

Question 6: I have forgiven someone, but does that mean I have to be friends right away?

Forgiveness is always required, Jesus tells us, and we should do that, (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22). To forgive means you drop your right to be angry at the person.

Something that is called reconciliation requires forgiveness but it is different. Reconciliation means the relationship is good now and there is a chance to become friends again, (Eph 4:2, Colossians 3:12-14, Galatians 6:1-2). You want to have your parents help you with this important question. It depends on your situation.