The Bible does not make a direct statement regarding the afterlife of those who have mental challenges that, at least from our perspective, would prevent them from clearly understanding and believing in Jesus as Savior. Thus there is no clear answer to this question on which we can be dogmatic. However, based on certain passages and on the character of God, many believe that those unable to place their faith in Jesus due to age or intellectual ability will be covered by the grace of God.
Some point to 2 Samuel 12:23 where David's newborn son is sick and then dies. When asked about the event and his response, David answered, "Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David seemed confident he would one day see his son again in heaven. Others point to examples of God's kindness and compassion, particularly as related to Jesus' interactions with children and the helpless of His day. Indeed, God shows great concern for all who are in need and calls His people to do the same (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). He is not a God who disregards the helpless (Psalm 10:12–15). In fact, salvation for any person is a result of God's abundant grace and mercy; none can save themselves (Romans 5:6–11; Ephesians 2:1–10).
Others highlight the reality of God's justice. God described Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation" (Exodus 34:6–7). Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." First Peter 2:23 describes God as "him who judges justly." First Samuel 16:7 indicates that God sees the heart of a person. We can confidently state that God accurately sees the heart of every person and judges them fairly.
Recognize that the essential truth of the gospel is quite simple and the Bible is clear about the need to share the good news of Jesus with all people (Matthew 28:18–20). We should not allow our perceptions of someone else's mental aptitude to dissuade us from sharing the truth about God with them. God alone can provide salvation, yet He commands believers to share His message of hope and to live it out among all people. This clearly includes those with intellectual or mental health challenges of all kinds.
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