Age of Accountability
There is a doctrine which is of great comfort within the organized church; one that is strongly implied, but not specifically written in God’s Word. It is a comfort mainly to parents who are grieving the death of a child. That unwritten doctrine is known as the Age of Accountability.
If you haven’t heard of this teaching, it isn’t too hard to understand. This doctrine basically teaches that young children cannot really know right and wrong, and thus they are not accountable before God for their actions, or sin nature. Therefore they are also not responsible for turning to Christ in repentance, to receive salvation. Then at some point, they will have matured enough to be responsible; it is a time that only God can know. That time is commonly called the age of accountability.
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11,12
The certainty of an age of accountability is difficult to uphold, Biblically. This is only because it isn’t spoken of directly; a number of scriptures do tend to imply it. I also agree with this doctrine, and believe it to be of sound judgment. But I do not think that most believers could defend it, according to the scriptures; and this is vital to its defense.
Finding an exact age for this time of accountability is a big challenge. In what the Bible does say on this subject, no age, or age range is given. Most likely this is because of the uniqueness of each individual. Different children will mature at different rates of progress, and only the Lord is qualified to determine if a child is ready to be accountable.
Based on observation, I would give a general age range of 5-12 years old; please don’t think that I am declaring a firm age range. As I said, that job is the Lord’s! Going a little further into observation, age 8 seems to be an age when children really become aware of their souls. For myself, my first fears of Hell are remembered at age 9. Most will be mature enough by age 12, but there may be some special cases. I have heard tell of a 3 year old, and a 5 year old who receive salvation—which is something I truly question. Obviously, they don’t remember it! But God is much bigger than I am, so the final determination is His. Both of these lives plainly show a touch from the Lord, as they have remained faithful in His service well into mature adulthood.
The life of the prophet Samuel displayed God’s touch, as well. His mother Hannah had been barren (I Samuel 1:5,6), but she entreated the Lord for a man child; vowing to then give him back to the Lord for His service. Samuel was the result of that request! Hannah was then also blessed with more children (I Samuel 2:21).
So Samuel was very young when yielded to the Lord. He stayed with his mother until he was weaned, which was likely about 3 years old (I Samuel 1:19-18; no exact age given). While it is obvious that God’s blessing was upon Samuel, this still wouldn’t necessarily mean that he was at the age of accountability. In fact, it was only at some time later when the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-10). The Bible makes it clear in verse 7; “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.” No age is given for this point in his life either! Still, he was no doubt quite young; considering the blessed beginning of his life, and the fact that he was only about 3 years old when he began to live with the high priest, in the Lord’s house.
There is a principle found within the Word, concerning sins done in ignorance. The Bible shows that such actions only become accountable sin, after they are revealed. Then when they are revealed, repentance must be made; forgiveness then follows (I John 1:9). As believers, this process should be typical, as we grow toward perfection (Philippians 3:12-15). Getting rid of spiritual impurities is a lifelong process! If something is displeasing to the Lord within us, He will let us know.
The “sin of ignorance” principle does not apply to the state of original sin that we are each born into; every person must come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 9:41
And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty; When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. Leviticus 4:13,14
When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish: Leviticus 4:22,23
And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. Leviticus 4:27,28
As we can see, based on this principle, that young children could easily fall into this “sin ignorance” category. Of course the ignorance by children at an early age also would include the ignorance of their own naturally fallen state from God. This position by itself is suggestive, but not conclusive. Hang in there—we are working up to the best evidence! Though there is not much, thankfully the Bible gives us more to go on.
Probably our best evidence for directly supporting the age of accountability is found in Isaiah 7:16. Other principles or examples are indirect, and really only strongly suggest the notion. This verse clearly suggests there is a certain time when a child becomes accountable for their choices. Here it is;
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. Isaiah 7:16
Our Lord Jesus also provides some strong support for this doctrine. We know from the scripture about “guardian angels. They are only for those in right relationship with God. The foundation scripture for this is found in Hebrews 1:13,14;
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:13,14
When we look then into Matthew 18, we find reference to a child’s guardian angels—through the Lord Himself! If that is the case, then young children are in right relationship with God, having not yet reached an age of accountability! Look at what it says;
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,… Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:2…10
Still more that pertains is found later in Mark 10:14,15;
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:14,15
When Jesus describes the children, He says “of such is the kingdom of God.” Doesn’t this imply that the children are already in right relationship with God? The teachings of men usually add much to verses like this, trying to make all of it apply to adults only. The Lord Jesus tells the disciples how to apply it—AND says something else concerning children; that of such is the kingdom of God!
Another possible link is found by an example in David’s life, with the death of the small child born first to Bathsheba. I think it is inconclusive as to whether David was referring to seeing his child again in Heaven, or if he was merely thinking about the finality of death for everyone. He could have meant either one; God’s Word doesn’t point us in one certain direction. What do you think?
And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. II Samuel 12:22,23
With this late time in world history, another question might arise; what about the fate of those who take the “mark of the beast”? Young children will no doubt be a part of that group. Even today, the grain-of-rice microchip implant is being urged for children in certain areas of the country. This is being done in the name of safety (I Thessalonians 5:3) for the child. Let’s see what the Bible says about this mark;
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16,17
Our very physical survival will be dependent upon this mark! This is a fearful consideration. True believers must be ready to resist this process—even flee. Yet it seems likely that the “beast” will never fully accomplish this intended task. Can you imagine trying to implement this policy upon billions of people? It will take time. More technologically developed countries will be assimilated most easily. Underdeveloped countries will take longer, and be less of a priority. A few very remote areas will receive almost no attention. But brethren, we have to be ready. Now look at the judgment of those with the mark;
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:9-11
These verses show us that those who receive the “mark of the beast” will be eternally lost. Can repentance unto salvation then be had by any who have received the mark? Only God knows for certain. Such individuals would have to reject worship of the beast; and then the mark would have to be removed. Of course, that would be a death sentence. Once having accepted the beast for who he claims to be, reversing that decision is very unlikely. Personally, I believe that even at this late hour mentioned in Revelation, salvation is still possible. Yet that is a more lengthy subject, not to be covered right now.
So what about the young children with the mark? In these cases, clearly the parents would be responsible for making their children take the mark. It would be conceivable that these, below an accountability age, would not be made to eternally suffer for it. It is also possible that only physically mature boys & girls will be able to receive the mark at all, and even somewhat possible that the program of “marking” will only be in process, not fully implemented, at the point of Christ’s return.
It is important to raise our children in the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This does not mean without spanking! God’s Word plainly promotes it (Proverbs 13:24, 22:15), and our Heavenly Father also chastens us (Revelation 3:19, Hebrews 12:5-11). Please understand; I do believe in the age of accountability principle, though there is little direct scriptural basis. The teachings of Jesus regarding children, references about sins done in ignorance, along with the direct teaching of Isaiah 7:16 and Deuteronomy 1:39, all together provide a solid foundation.
Still, we might ask, why might such a doctrine be true, but unwritten? There are some very persuasive reasons…
A) Individual variation. No certain age can be given for when one might become accountable. Each person is very unique, and shaped by many varied environments and circumstances. This age of accountability is an inner heart condition which only God can know (I Samuel 16:7; Luke 16:15).
B) Unknown time of death. God appoints each person a time to die (Hebrews 9:27), but we do not know that time! It is more important to be ready. If more were given about such an age of accountability, people would take it upon themselves to determine that age—and act accordingly. Many would deny their children proper teaching until reaching that perceived age!
C) All Mankind is born in sin. Over and over throughout God’s Word it is plainly taught that we are sinful by nature, we cannot save ourselves, and that we must come to salvation through Jesus Christ. Isn’t this enough? Shouldn’t that urgently motivate us to teach our children these truths, with eternal consequences? We are born unholy before God, and desperately need Him, to save us. It is urgent; our lives are a vapor, and time is running out. God did not want these truths to be diminished.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
Untimely death is a great grief, and challenge for many of us. This pertains greatly to the age of accountability issue. But untimely death affects a great number of people, and even we true believers can be deeply hurt by it. This is why I’ve included this next scripture to expound upon;
The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. Isaiah 57:1,2
God has an appointed time for His children to die; it is a precious time in the Lord’s eyes (Psalms 116:15). As adopted children of God, there should be a certain longing to be with Him; both for ourselves, and others who are saved. In a relative sense, we should hate our lives in this world (John 12:25), and look forward to being with our savior (Philippians 1:21-23).
Many times, God is protecting His beloved with an early death. It could be to spare them agony in the coming years, or it could be to keep them from falling away. God’s timing is perfect; He is well able to sustain us through our time of mourning, and provide us with all our need (Philippians 4:19, James 1:5, Romans 8:31,32). From the moment we are born, we are dying in the flesh. How blessed it must truly be to escape this decaying body, and to begin our new life with the Lord! The loss of that loved one can be painful; but in leaning upon the Lord, we will find transforming power to help us cope
My prayers are with you; that it would truly be the Holy Spirit quickening His own insights to you. Don’t hesitate to call out to the Lord—He is always on duty!
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:6,7
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.