18:14 little ones. God is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9), but many will perish, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Most people will not come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation. But if “little ones” die physically before they become conscious sinners, they are safe in Christ. Although they inherit the sin-nature of Adam, Christ has covered their inherited sin with His own shed blood, and they have committed no other sin. Therefore, their Father in heaven will not allow them to perish spiritually, if they should die physically. Note David’s confidence concerning the death of his infant son (II Samuel 12:22-23).