SPECIAL TOPIC: THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
The church, following Paul, has focused on Genesis 3 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND) as the source of human sin/evil. This developed into an Augustinian/Calvinistic emphasis on total depravity (i.e., human inability to respond to God unaided). This theology assumed the original righteousness and immortality of Adam. This became one of the five pillars of Calvinism and a basic principle of Reform Christianity.
However, the rabbis never focused on Genesis 3 as the source of evil (some did focus on Genesis 6; see SPECIAL TOPIC: "the sons of God" in Genesis 6), but on individual responsibility based on knowledge and commitment. An example would be Gen. 4:7. They would posit two intents (yetzers), one good and one evil. The classical example would be the rabbinical saying, "In every human heart are two dogs, one evil and one good. The one that is fed the most becomes the biggest." Therefore, Jewish people are only responsible after a period of maturity and covenant knowledge and commitment (i.e., Bar Mitzvah for boys at age 13 and Bat Mitzvah for girls at age 12; also note Tertullian, A Treatise On the Soul, De Anima, 38:1).
To put this is in contrasting terms:
It is not an either/or, but a both/and! Be careful of theological systems! Realize that biblical truth is presented in tension-filled pairs (see SPECIAL TOPIC: PARADOX IN SCRIPTURE). Believers are to live godly lives within the tension (see SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP), not desire quick, easy answers. Although the Bible does not specifically address the question of "the age of accountability," there are some texts that hint about it:
Judgment is related to knowledge. One must have a knowledge of disobedience before one can rebel. Those who, because of
do not know about God's will and ways, will surely not be held responsible for violating or rejecting that which they did not know (see full note aat John 14:6). However, it must be said that all humans are responsible for the light they have (i.e., natural revelation, cf. Ps. 19:1-6 (see notes online); Rom. 1:18-3:31). This light is affected by circumstances (i.e., abortion, retardation, age, etc.).
I have come to the place in my walk with God that I trust His mercy, grace, and compassion in areas such as this, where there is no specific revelation. Therefore, I think some humans are "safe" not "saved." This has proven to be a helpful thought at the funerals of children.
Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International