What is the Age of Accountability?

A child will go to heaven if they die before they reach what we term the Age of Accountability. (See the question on what happens to babies when they die).

The Age of Accountability is a non Biblical term used to express the Bible teaching that a child is safe in Jesus until he reaches and age of understanding.

You must be able to believe.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

You have to believe to have everlasting life. A baby is not capable of believing. As soon as the child grows to the point where he is capable of believing and making a decision then he is no longer safe in Jesus and needs to get saved.

There is no set age for this age of accountability. It comes at different ages for different children. Children grow and mature at different rates.

The bible does indicate that this age does come to every child.

Deu 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

The little ones who had no knowledge between good and evil were not held accountable.

Eze 12:2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

In Ezekiel they are held accountable and called a rebellious house because they have eyes to see and hears to hear but they choose not to.

The plan of salvation is really simple. My Pastor understood and got saved at 7 years old. I have heard of people who have gotten saved even younger.

Jesus welcomes little children and He taught the necessity of child like faith.

Mar 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

Mar 10:14 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.

Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

The plan of salvation is simple and it only takes a child like faith to enter. No theological degree necessary. And aren’t you glad.

Only two groups of people will get into heaven. Those who believe and put their faith in Christ or those who are not capable of having child like faith.

The age of accountability comes when the child is capable of understanding the gospel.  The gospel is simple to understand so it comes at a young age.