Answer:
The Bible does not specifically say whether or not mentally ill people
go to heaven. However, there is some biblical evidence that anyone who
is not able to make a decision for salvation is covered by Christ’s
death. This is similar to how it is commonly believed that children are
automatically taken to heaven when they die until they reach the point
in which they are able to make a decision for or against Christ. David
had a child die, and he comforted himself with the thought, “Can I bring
him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23).
David knew that he would see his child in heaven one day. From that
statement, we can assume that babies and young children were, by God's
grace, covered for salvation by Christ’s death.
We can postulate from this that mentally retarded people are covered by
this principle as well. The Word of God does not specifically say this,
however. Knowing the love, grace, and mercy of God, this would seem
consistent with His character. Any person who is mentally challenged to
the extent that he could not be aware of his sinful state and believe in
Christ for salvation, is in the same category as a child and it is not
unreasonable to assume that person is saved by the grace and mercy of
the same God who saves babies and small children.
As in everything, however, we must be careful not to be dogmatic about
any issue the Bible does not specifically address. We do know that Jesus
receives as His own all that the Father has given to Him and He will
lose none of them along the way (John 6:39).
Jesus said of these “And I give to them eternal life, and they shall
never ever perish, and not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28).
We can take comfort in knowing that our God’s plan is always perfect,
He always does what is right and just, and His love and mercy are
infinite and everlasting.
Recommended Resources:
Logos Bible Software and
Safe in the Arms of God: Words from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John MacArthur.
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