Age Of Accountability

[AlexanderJ]

It is a difficult subject. I just thought about the passage in Romans 1 also where it declares that all are without excuse because His creation reveals His invisible attributes and it is written on the hearts of men but those who reject this light suppress that truth in their lives willingly and a small child could not reason this out in their hearts and purposefully suppress this truth at an early age. Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Taking this into account; I am saved by the blood of Christ, made knew and washed in His blood. He is my savior and my king, without Him I would not be here to day both in a sense of creation and medically., I have known Him since a young age but just of this summer God has become so real to me. There are many who have came to God at an even younger age then me. . . that being said, it does not set the standards, but what standards? Where are these "standards" of the age and how do we even know if there actually an age, then at what age does it begin and at what age does it end?

Again thank you for your response

God bless you

I don't think that it would be possible to pin down a certain set age as being the "age of accountability". I think that it varies depending on the individual because everyone is different in regard to intellectual ability and Spiritual understanding. Some reach intellectual maturity much faster than others, and some (for example, those with severe brain damage) may never reach it at all.

[Jayyycuuup]

The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Whatever the case may be, we can rest assured that God will not send one soul to Hell who did not get the chance to believe on Him.

Thank you for your response Alex

I will ask you the same question, what is your input to the verse in the OP? About Mathew, I am sure that people of other religions will go up to heaven and proclaim they never knew of God because they were raised to know their god. . .so even there, where does the age of the unknown start? We know that we are given grace that the children of the believers go to heaven by the grace rested assured upon the parent but what about the devious?

Before we go too far into this, I would like to assure everyone again that this is not based upon God's righteousness, rather the presumption about the age of accountability, not once have I personally seen this in the bible as a truth nor seen anyone else prove it in scripture rather just say "age of accountability" so I was just curious as to how this view came about..

God bless you

[Jayyycuuup]

It is a difficult subject. I just thought about the passage in Romans 1 also where it declares that all are without excuse because His creation reveals His invisible attributes and it is written on the hearts of men but those who reject this light suppress that truth in their lives willingly and a small child could not reason this out in their hearts and purposefully suppress this truth at an early age. Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Taking this into account; I am saved by the blood of Christ, made knew and washed in His blood. He is my savior and my king, without Him I would not be here to day both in a sense of creation and medically., I have known Him since a young age but just of this summer God has become so real to me. There are many who have came to God at an even younger age then me. . . that being said, it does not set the standards, but what standards? Where are these "standards" of the age and how do we even know if there actually an age, then at what age does it begin and at what age does it end?

Again thank you for your response

God bless you

I don't think that it would be possible to pin down a certain set age as being the "age of accountability". I think that it varies depending on the individual because everyone is different in regard to intellectual ability and Spiritual understanding. Some reach intellectual maturity much faster than others, and some (for example, those with severe brain damage) may never reach it at all.

HAHA, funny how you touched on my next question. About this, taking it a step further,. . . I guess all we have to rest upon is that God in all things is righteous no matter how we slice it (this I know to be true through scripture and in my heart.) that is why it's so important to evangelize to ALL; including especially our own children!Go

God bless you

[AlexanderJ]

Another important thing to remember, I think, is that no one is going to be cast into Hell because of what another person (perhaps a Christian) did or did not do. I am convinced that no person in Hell will be able to accuse the believers saying: "I am in Hell because you did not preach the Gospel to me!" On the contrary, I believe that, in the end, the choice and the responsibility will rest completely on the shoulders of each individual. Many have died without hearing the Message, and I do not believe that God will automatically send them to Hell for this (remember God is...not willing that any should perish). Indeed, how could God be "not willing that any should perish" and damn a person who could have been saved had it not been for the irresponsibility and apathy of the fallible community of Believers?

Edited December 19, 2012 by AlexanderJ

[Jayyycuuup]

Another important thing to remember, I think, is that no one is going to be cast into Hell because of what another person (perhaps a Christian) did or did not do. I am convinced that no person in Hell will be able to accuse the believers saying: "I am in Hell because you did not preach the Gospel to me!" On the contrary, I believe that, in the end, the choice and the responsibility will rest completely on the shoulders of each individual. Many have died without hearing the Message, and I do not believe that God will automatically send them to Hell for this (remember God is...not willing that any should perish). Indeed, how could God be "not willing that any should perish" and damn a person who could have been saved had it not been for the irresponsibility and apathy of the fallible community of Believers?

Romans 1:18-23. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”

[gdemoss]

I have seen the "Age of Accountability" show up here and there, yet it still puzzles me. Presumably it declares that all whom are within the "age of accountability" go to Heaven, yet what do you think about Mathew 7:17-20?

17Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Why by their fruits you shall know them.

I didn't post concerning the text in question because it has nothing at all to do with a persons children or the salvation/damnation of said children. Be careful not to allow evil spirits or indwelling sin to try to twist the word to say that which it does not. Though the bible states that children are the fruit of the womb, one is connecting the dots wrong if they believe that the fruit spoken of in Mat 7 is children. It is as bad as a connection as connecting Jesus with the destruction of the bronze serpent and then saying that Jesus was destroyed because people worshiped him rather than God the Father. Buyer beware.

Was there some other connection you were making with the Matthew passage that I am not seeing, brother? I see nothing there except a passage dealing with false teachers whose 'fruit' tells on them. In this case we need thing 'fruit of the Spirit', many talk a good game, have even studied 30, 40 or 50 years but simply never produce 'good fruit'. All of the Sermon on the Mount deals with works/deeds in one way or another and is summed up in one saying that he who 'does' what Jesus says is a wise builder who built his house upon a rock. Even the builder is an example of works.

Let no man deceive you by promises of unlimited grace, all men will be judged by their works/deeds as it is their deeds that show what they believed and one need only be found to have believed God and have that faith accounted to them for righteousness.

The greater scheme of things contains a lot of things that are unknown unto us. We get what we need. I believe this is one of those questions that we did not need an answer too and therefore God has not provided one. The 'Age of Accountability' doctrine is a doctrine that is used to give a grieving parent or loved one some comfort that they might believe their dearly departed loved one is with God. Why would you want to debunk it?

I simply believe in a righteous judgment made by a righteous God. The same God who created the angels without providing a vehicle of salvation for those who fell is the same God who will righteously judge all who belong to the human race that may or may not have been given much. To whom much is given, much is expected. To whom little is given? Right...

[Jayyycuuup]

I have seen the "Age of Accountability" show up here and there, yet it still puzzles me. Presumably it declares that all whom are within the "age of accountability" go to Heaven, yet what do you think about Mathew 7:17-20?

17Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Why by their fruits you shall know them.

I didn't post concerning the text in question because it has nothing at all to do with a persons children or the salvation/damnation of said children. Be careful not to allow evil spirits or indwelling sin to try to twist the word to say that which it does not. Though the bible states that children are the fruit of the womb, one is connecting the dots wrong if they believe that the fruit spoken of in Mat 7 is children. It is as bad as a connection as connecting Jesus with the destruction of the bronze serpent and then saying that Jesus was destroyed because people worshiped him rather than God the Father. Buyer beware.

Was there some other connection you were making with the Matthew passage that I am not seeing, brother? I see nothing there except a passage dealing with false teachers whose 'fruit' tells on them. In this case we need thing 'fruit of the Spirit', many talk a good game, have even studied 30, 40 or 50 years but simply never produce 'good fruit'. All of the Sermon on the Mount deals with works/deeds in one way or another and is summed up in one saying that he who 'does' what Jesus says is a wise builder who built his house upon a rock. Even the builder is an example of works.

Let no man deceive you by promises of unlimited grace, all men will be judged by their works/deeds as it is their deeds that show what they believed and one need only be found to have believed God and have that faith accounted to them for righteousness.

The greater scheme of things contains a lot of things that are unknown unto us. We get what we need. I believe this is one of those questions that we did not need an answer too and therefore God has not provided one. The 'Age of Accountability' doctrine is a doctrine that is used to give a grieving parent or loved one some comfort that they might believe their dearly departed loved one is with God. Why would you want to debunk it?

I simply believe in a righteous judgment made by a righteous God. The same God who created the angels without providing a vehicle of salvation for those who fell is the same God who will righteously judge all who belong to the human race that may or may not have been given much. To whom much is given, much is expected. To whom little is given? Right...

I totally agree with the bolded statement Gary, yet just telling me I am twisting scripture does not sitk well. . .and I will tell you why, correction is welcomed but without being corrected, the words go in one ear and out the other. If what i am saying is wrong then what does the Mathew verse pertain to?

God bless you Brother, and thank you for your response

[gdemoss]

I have seen the "Age of Accountability" show up here and there, yet it still puzzles me. Presumably it declares that all whom are within the "age of accountability" go to Heaven, yet what do you think about Mathew 7:17-20?

17Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Why by their fruits you shall know them.

I didn't post concerning the text in question because it has nothing at all to do with a persons children or the salvation/damnation of said children. Be careful not to allow evil spirits or indwelling sin to try to twist the word to say that which it does not. Though the bible states that children are the fruit of the womb, one is connecting the dots wrong if they believe that the fruit spoken of in Mat 7 is children. It is as bad as a connection as connecting Jesus with the destruction of the bronze serpent and then saying that Jesus was destroyed because people worshiped him rather than God the Father. Buyer beware.

Was there some other connection you were making with the Matthew passage that I am not seeing, brother? I see nothing there except a passage dealing with false teachers whose 'fruit' tells on them. In this case we need thing 'fruit of the Spirit', many talk a good game, have even studied 30, 40 or 50 years but simply never produce 'good fruit'. All of the Sermon on the Mount deals with works/deeds in one way or another and is summed up in one saying that he who 'does' what Jesus says is a wise builder who built his house upon a rock. Even the builder is an example of works.

Let no man deceive you by promises of unlimited grace, all men will be judged by their works/deeds as it is their deeds that show what they believed and one need only be found to have believed God and have that faith accounted to them for righteousness.

The greater scheme of things contains a lot of things that are unknown unto us. We get what we need. I believe this is one of those questions that we did not need an answer too and therefore God has not provided one. The 'Age of Accountability' doctrine is a doctrine that is used to give a grieving parent or loved one some comfort that they might believe their dearly departed loved one is with God. Why would you want to debunk it?

I simply believe in a righteous judgment made by a righteous God. The same God who created the angels without providing a vehicle of salvation for those who fell is the same God who will righteously judge all who belong to the human race that may or may not have been given much. To whom much is given, much is expected. To whom little is given? Right...

I totally agree with the bolded statement Gary, yet just telling me I am twisting scripture does not sitk well. . .and I will tell you why, correction is welcomed but without being corrected, the words go in one ear and out the other. If what i am saying is wrong then what does the Mathew verse pertain to?

God bless you Brother, and thank you for your response

Jacob, first let me say, I did not say you were twisting anything. Reread what I wrote. Seducing spirits we cannot see as well as indwelling sin seek to twist things for us who wish not to twist anything. I held you blameless. Secondly, I thought I provided the answer to what the text pertained unto in my response. It is about false prophets and identifying them by their unfruitful works of darkness. Need I any further clarification? I would be happy to oblige and sorry if my words were not clearly laid out for you and easily entreated as I tried to make them that way.

[Jayyycuuup]

I have seen the "Age of Accountability" show up here and there, yet it still puzzles me. Presumably it declares that all whom are within the "age of accountability" go to Heaven, yet what do you think about Mathew 7:17-20?

17Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Why by their fruits you shall know them.

I didn't post concerning the text in question because it has nothing at all to do with a persons children or the salvation/damnation of said children. Be careful not to allow evil spirits or indwelling sin to try to twist the word to say that which it does not. Though the bible states that children are the fruit of the womb, one is connecting the dots wrong if they believe that the fruit spoken of in Mat 7 is children. It is as bad as a connection as connecting Jesus with the destruction of the bronze serpent and then saying that Jesus was destroyed because people worshiped him rather than God the Father. Buyer beware.

Was there some other connection you were making with the Matthew passage that I am not seeing, brother? I see nothing there except a passage dealing with false teachers whose 'fruit' tells on them. In this case we need thing 'fruit of the Spirit', many talk a good game, have even studied 30, 40 or 50 years but simply never produce 'good fruit'. All of the Sermon on the Mount deals with works/deeds in one way or another and is summed up in one saying that he who 'does' what Jesus says is a wise builder who built his house upon a rock. Even the builder is an example of works.

Let no man deceive you by promises of unlimited grace, all men will be judged by their works/deeds as it is their deeds that show what they believed and one need only be found to have believed God and have that faith accounted to them for righteousness.

The greater scheme of things contains a lot of things that are unknown unto us. We get what we need. I believe this is one of those questions that we did not need an answer too and therefore God has not provided one. The 'Age of Accountability' doctrine is a doctrine that is used to give a grieving parent or loved one some comfort that they might believe their dearly departed loved one is with God. Why would you want to debunk it?

I simply believe in a righteous judgment made by a righteous God. The same God who created the angels without providing a vehicle of salvation for those who fell is the same God who will righteously judge all who belong to the human race that may or may not have been given much. To whom much is given, much is expected. To whom little is given? Right...

I totally agree with the bolded statement Gary, yet just telling me I am twisting scripture does not sitk well. . .and I will tell you why, correction is welcomed but without being corrected, the words go in one ear and out the other. If what i am saying is wrong then what does the Mathew verse pertain to?

God bless you Brother, and thank you for your response

Jacob, first let me say, I did not say you were twisting anything. Reread what I wrote. Seducing spirits we cannot see as well as indwelling sin seek to twist things for us who wish not to twist anything. I held you blameless. Secondly, I thought I provided the answer to what the text pertained unto in my response. It is about false prophets and identifying them by their unfruitful works of darkness. Need I any further clarification? I would be happy to oblige and sorry if my words were not clearly laid out for you and easily entreated as I tried to make them that way.

After re-reading what you wrote a couple times I grasp what your saying. And have considered this. So lets assume that I did go out of context with the verse, but where do you lie with the "age of accountability" do you believe this view is held together by scripture?

[gdemoss]

I have seen the "Age of Accountability" show up here and there, yet it still puzzles me. Presumably it declares that all whom are within the "age of accountability" go to Heaven, yet what do you think about Mathew 7:17-20?

17Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Why by their fruits you shall know them.

I didn't post concerning the text in question because it has nothing at all to do with a persons children or the salvation/damnation of said children. Be careful not to allow evil spirits or indwelling sin to try to twist the word to say that which it does not. Though the bible states that children are the fruit of the womb, one is connecting the dots wrong if they believe that the fruit spoken of in Mat 7 is children. It is as bad as a connection as connecting Jesus with the destruction of the bronze serpent and then saying that Jesus was destroyed because people worshiped him rather than God the Father. Buyer beware.

Was there some other connection you were making with the Matthew passage that I am not seeing, brother? I see nothing there except a passage dealing with false teachers whose 'fruit' tells on them. In this case we need thing 'fruit of the Spirit', many talk a good game, have even studied 30, 40 or 50 years but simply never produce 'good fruit'. All of the Sermon on the Mount deals with works/deeds in one way or another and is summed up in one saying that he who 'does' what Jesus says is a wise builder who built his house upon a rock. Even the builder is an example of works.

Let no man deceive you by promises of unlimited grace, all men will be judged by their works/deeds as it is their deeds that show what they believed and one need only be found to have believed God and have that faith accounted to them for righteousness.

The greater scheme of things contains a lot of things that are unknown unto us. We get what we need. I believe this is one of those questions that we did not need an answer too and therefore God has not provided one. The 'Age of Accountability' doctrine is a doctrine that is used to give a grieving parent or loved one some comfort that they might believe their dearly departed loved one is with God. Why would you want to debunk it?

I simply believe in a righteous judgment made by a righteous God. The same God who created the angels without providing a vehicle of salvation for those who fell is the same God who will righteously judge all who belong to the human race that may or may not have been given much. To whom much is given, much is expected. To whom little is given? Right...

I totally agree with the bolded statement Gary, yet just telling me I am twisting scripture does not sitk well. . .and I will tell you why, correction is welcomed but without being corrected, the words go in one ear and out the other. If what i am saying is wrong then what does the Mathew verse pertain to?

God bless you Brother, and thank you for your response

Jacob, first let me say, I did not say you were twisting anything. Reread what I wrote. Seducing spirits we cannot see as well as indwelling sin seek to twist things for us who wish not to twist anything. I held you blameless. Secondly, I thought I provided the answer to what the text pertained unto in my response. It is about false prophets and identifying them by their unfruitful works of darkness. Need I any further clarification? I would be happy to oblige and sorry if my words were not clearly laid out for you and easily entreated as I tried to make them that way.

After re-reading what you wrote a couple times I grasp what your saying. And have considered this. So lets assume that I did go out of context with the verse, but where do you lie with the "age of accountability" do you believe this view is held together by scripture?

I'm not exactly sure to be honest. In order for the Age of Accountability to be a valid doctrine, the eyes of the understanding must be closed within the individual until the age is achieved and then said individual would become responsible for their own sin they commit. We all have indwelling sin and it can be seen in children as they act out in a sinful manner. However, this does not mean they understand what it is they are doing. We would want to be able to develop from scripture any supporting documentation that would aid us in understanding any doctrine we pursue. For example:

1Cr 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

From the above we can discern that there is a marked difference in a child and a man. We might go as far to understand this as the point of puberty, when one 'becomes' a man. This might be useful in seeking to develop such a doctrine of the age of accountability as more support for such a change can be taken from the Genesis account of the fall in chapter 3. When the eyes of their understanding were opened, they knew they were naked and Adam knew his wife and she bare a son. A definite change had occurred within each of the individuals and they become accountable for what they did based upon that change. When gathering information to support the doctrine, I would tend to lean toward 'puberty' except it be for the 'exception' to the rule. God asked "Who told thee thou was't naked?". One can be told or given an explanation about human sexuality and nakedness long before it would ever occur to them that it is the case, and I am quite sure all of us are. But the question is "Is there a time in life when a person becomes aware of theirs and others 'nakedness', that can be pinpointed as the time when the eyes of their understanding are opened?" The eyes of the understanding are what are necessary to make moral judgments. So we would have to conclude that this age would be when one begins to independently assess situations and make moral judgments wholly apart from others. At what age does this happen? We must be careful to really understand if a child is actually discerning and making a moral judgment or if they are merely acting upon that which has been learned through others. My own daughter seemed to base her judgments upon that which she had learned from others until she reached 13 years old, but then I noticed a change come about her where she wasn't simply collecting information and making decisions based upon them but instead declaring judgment as she saw fit. It was a profound change within her capacity.

These are just a few thoughts on the matter. I am not settled in any of it to say the least. Paul said another curious thing that relates but I can't think of it at the moment and I need to run out the door as I am late to a meeting!

God love you my brother, keep studying and beware of what you cannot see that always tries to influence us!