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Post by kjs on Oct 16, 2019 13:23:22 GMT -6
Many, many denominations have some type of doctrine known as Age of Accountability.
Definition: The concept of the “age of accountability” is that children are not held accountable by God for their sins until they reach a certain age, and that if a child dies before reaching the “age of accountability,” that child will, by the grace and mercy of God, be granted entrance into heaven.
WHAT does Bible Say? The Bible tells us that, even if an infant or child has not committed personal sin, all people, including infants and children, are guilty before God because of inherited and imputed sin. Inherited sin is that which is passed on from our parents. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” David recognized that even at conception he was a sinner. The very sad fact that infants sometimes die demonstrates that even infants are impacted by Adam’s sin, since physical and spiritual death were the results of Adam’s original sin.
What do parents say? All parents will freely admit that their “sweet little angels” are never always “sweet” and never (or rarely) angelic.Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2 – make it clear that Jesus had high regard for children; warning that “…a millstone tied around their neck…” would be a better option for anyone who harms one There are few other verses that seem to at least raise doubt on there needing to be “belief” for individuals who cannot comprehend the gospel. Although it is possible that God applies Christ’s payment for sin to those who cannot believe, the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject about which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. So now we are moving into the area of controversy – just what other ways are there a ways for the Grace of God to be applied to an individual (ie being SAVED and entering Heaven). If Children and Special Needs Individuals who cannot grasp the concept of Gospel {or Belief in The sinless life of Jesus, his death, and resurrection; brings about the atonement by God’s Grace} are being “SAVED” because of the perceived doctrine of the AGE of Accountability. Does this invalidate the belief that there is only “ONE WAY to Salvation”? Just trying to generate thought about this topic as well as thought about Salvation? Just showing the logical thought process by having a doctrine of Age of Accountability – and how biblically valid is it. It is simply a thought process – no need to argue for or against the concept…. Simply a way to establish “THOUGHT” about Salvation. |
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Post by mike on Oct 16, 2019 13:41:57 GMT -6
kjs I have heard someone use Jonah 4:11 to support this. I wouldn't say this seals it but it causes me to think about His abundant mercy and how it extends beyond my shallow mind Jon 4:11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”
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Post by Natalie on Oct 16, 2019 14:01:55 GMT -6
And David acknowledged he would see his infant again.
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Post by kjs on Oct 16, 2019 16:03:18 GMT -6
Again, I will not argue for or against the over all concept...
Also, as mike , points out there are many, many things our little minds cannot comprehend ....
As Natalie , points out there are passages that seem to suggest it {such as David's belief of seeing child in afterlife}
All I am trying to do is produce some thoughts on the topic of Salvation ....
Mainly -- IF the Age of Accountability be true -- that logically shows that Salvation comes about because of Belief (our standard Gospel Message) AND special mercy shown by God for situations where for one reason or another belief was not possible....
The more I study the matter (Salvation) -- everything points to GRACE (unmerited favor) -- with God drawing and wooing everyone ....
So when we get to verses like 1 Timothy 4:10 --- we have to wonder (at least I do) -- how can the Savior to All -- not apply to all of humankind
And if it does apply to all -- then what special classification does believers fall into?
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Post by Natalie on Oct 16, 2019 17:00:51 GMT -6
I am not sure I exactly understand your question.
Believers are those who heard, understood, and put their faith in Christ. His salvation is available to all mankind, but you have to believe to have that salvation applied to your life.
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Post by mike on Oct 16, 2019 18:16:52 GMT -6
My older brother had a traumatic brain injury and understood that he needed to believe, and he did. His actions rarely showed a Christ like character but he believed.
His life was used by the Lord as a vessel to lead me to Christ
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Post by sog on Oct 16, 2019 20:27:58 GMT -6
Don't mean to throw a curve ball to the discussion, but what about the infants that died before Jesus? What about the unborn infant still in a mother's womb when she died? What about the unborn infant that dies during the Wrath of God?
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Post by Natalie on Oct 16, 2019 20:49:08 GMT -6
I have wondered about this, too. One idea that I have heard is that children (specifically the littlest ones) of believers are some how set apart and protected in a way until they can hear and believe (or not believe). It's based on 1 Cor 7:14. "For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy."
They aren't saved (because the passage goes on to talk about the unbeliever being saved by their spouse) but something is definitely special about them. It's a passage I don't completely understand.
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Post by boraddict on Oct 16, 2019 21:04:30 GMT -6
It seems that one must understand a given topic in order to be accountable for their decisions made about that topic. So let's say that a person is told about Christ and they do not understand the gospel message. Then it stands that they are not accountable to that message that they do not understand. Thus, an infant would not be accountable to the gospel message whereas an adult having good understanding and knowledge would be accountable to the message.
Thus, an individual not having good understanding and knowledge might not be accountable to that gospel message and not equally subject to the same.
Thus, an age of accountability is more of a guideline and not necessarily an absolute.
So, in general, the age of accountability is the age when most children become accountable for their actions; whatever age that is.
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neural
Truth Seeker
Posts: 113
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Post by neural on Oct 18, 2019 3:04:25 GMT -6
In the area of leeway and not taking scripture too literally:
Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
If one were to cherry pick that verse and take it literally, people who are mute are basically done for, because they cannot speak to confess.
So we have to look at "spirit of the law" vs. "letter of the law". While God has set forth His commandments for how people are to be forgiven of sin and receive salvation, we also know that it is God who sees into the heart, and it is His decision on what constitutes acceptance and where He can give an extra measure of Grace. I would certainly not see it as contradictory for God to make a decision based on the heart of an individual who is unable to even form words, let alone comprehend the idea of salvation.
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Post by Geri7 on Oct 22, 2019 17:35:34 GMT -6
Hi,
From these verses it looks like the age 19 and below are under the age of accountability:
Exodus 30:14
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
Numbers 14:29
Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me.
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Post by Natalie on Oct 22, 2019 17:50:37 GMT -6
Hi, Geri. I have heard that, also.
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Post by mike on Jul 21, 2020 7:56:54 GMT -6
Some may have heard of Mike Winger, others not. I have listened to many of his apologetic messages and they are very thorough and thought provoking. I suggest this message regarding this thread topic. I think it answers the questions fairly exhaustively.
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