Innocent Children?

But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten, wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me. Doctrine & Covenants 29:46-47

Are little children innocent? The obvious answer is yes. Less obvious is why. The humanistic explanation is that little children are innocent by nature—they’re just way. They are always kind and patient, eager to share, and never cross or irritable. So much for that explanation. But the scriptural explanation is clear: Little children are innocent because they are decreed so by and through the atonement of Jesus Christ. They may be guilty of deeds that you and I might consider sins, but “they cannot sin” in the sense that such sins are covered by the Savior until the children reach the age of accountability. In addition, the sweet message of revelation tells us that those who never become mentally accountable are open to the tender mercies of a loving Savior who treasures all the children of his Father (D&C 29:49-50). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 83)