Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Teria | 9102 | ||
I believe that we are born into sin. so accountability would be at birth. That is why Jesus had to be born of a virgin and was conceived of the holy spirit. People I believe make the mistake of thinking that our choice to follow Christ is a human choice as opposed to a spiritual choice so they cant conceive how a baby is able to make that choice. But a baby has a soul. The soul is what makes the choice since it is the soul that will live with the consequenes of that choice not the body our soul inhabits. So a baby cant with human capabilities make that choice but the soul has the same capabilities from the time we are born until we die. So if you realize that God places a soul in each body it doesnt matter what the body is capable of it matters what the soul is capable of. I hope I have explained what I believe well enough for you to have something to think about Love in Christ Teria |
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2 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 9106 | ||
Greetings Teria! Like you, I am new to this thread! I appreciated your comments on a very difficult subject. The issue of accountability is really an issue of original sin. Romans 5, among other verses, makes it abundantly clear that all human beings have a sin nature. This sin nature is a result of the fall of Adam and has been passed down through all of his descendants. As you correctly pointed out, this is the reason for the virgin birth - that Christ would not come into life with a sin nature. The question that the age of accountability addresses is this : How does original sin effect me? Do I die and go to hell because of Adam’s sin? Does a baby, who has not had a choice to accept or reject Christ, get punished, not for their sin, but for Adam’s? Here is my understanding of the theological basis for an "age of accountability." Romans 5 makes it clear that the extent of the "gift" corresponds exactly with the extent of the fall. Romans 5:18 says, "Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." There are differences between the fall and the "gift", but they each effect all of us. This has led many, including myself, to the falling conclusion: Christ paid the debt for all men’s sins on Calvary. This does not mean that all men are saved. It simply means that no of us will be sent to hell simply because of Adam’s sin. That debt has been atoned for by Christ. My denomination’s (United Brethren in Christ) official position on depravity is this: We are all born depraved, but not culpable. It is only when we reach the point that we know to accept or reject Christ that we become "guilty." This means that infants, who have not yet had the opportunity to accept or reject Christ, are covered by Calvary. Thus, my take on this issue is that infants are covered by God’s grace until they reach an age (and no one knows when this is, it will be different with each child) where they are old enough to either accept or reject Christ. My personal opinion is that this takes place sometime very early on in the child’s life. I accepted Christ when I was six. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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3 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Teria | 9109 | ||
Hu there, I tend to try and only go for things that are biblically based. Your take on infants are covered by grace is not biblically based. So I cant go for that one. This subject is one that most people approach with emotions. Who wants to believe that an infant or small child never got the chance to accept or reject christ. So we want to believe that if a child dies than they automatically go to heaven at the end. But the bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is no exception. I still think that God is capable of communicating with infants even though they can not communicate with us. how else would anyone with severe handicaps accept or reject christ. they may never be able to communicate with people but that doesnt mean that they are not able to hear God.and respond to him. There is alot that goes on with God that we will never in this life know. But I took care of my sister while she was dying of cancer and there were alot of very interesting things that occurred during that time that makes me know that after she could no longer speak to us she was still speaking to God. That whole experience showed me that alot goes on in the spirit realm that I am not aware of. And I totally believe that there was good as well as evil in her room near her death. It is a long story but as sad as i am that she passed away I am eternally greatful to God for that experience Teria |
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4 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 9120 | ||
Greetings Teria! I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I too have suffered the loss of a close loved one. I know that you must have went through quite an ordeal. But, I'm glad to hear that Christ sustained you through it all. I understand where you are coming from, but I would like to take issue with one point you made. You said that my position was not Biblically based. I would have to disagree with that statement. You may not agree with my position, (and that's okay - :-)), but my view is based upon my understand of the atonement. Maybe I didn't explain it well enough! My understanding of the atonement is that all original sin is paid for at Calvary. This includes everyone, whether they are Christians or not! Therefore, only those who reject the Gospel are declared guilty of their sin. This seems to be what Romans 5, among other verses, is teaching. If this is the case, the Biblical support for the "age of accountability" becomes apparent. No one, who has not had the opportunity to accept or reject Christ, can be condemned for original sin only. Thus, an infant or someone who is not mentally able to accept Christ would be covered by God's grace on Calvary. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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5 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Teria | 9138 | ||
Hi Tim, ok lets see if I am understanding you here... I think I agree in part with you. I agree that Christ dying on the cross was for everyone so no longer original sin can count against anyone. But once we ourself sin we need to except Christ in order for our own sins to be forgiven. We differ in when or maybe if someone has had the opportunity to accept or reject the gospel. The bible says that we are without excuse.Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Rom 14:11 For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. The bible tends to stay away from anything gray. It says everyone and it means everyone. There is no exception. If you have sinned than you need the blood of Christ to cover you. Or you will be condemned. How God accomplishes that with children I am not sure. He doesn't seem to give us that ansewer. If you have any children you know why the bible says we need to come to Christ as a little child. there are several reasons. But one is a child looks to us for there everything. all there needs and wants. and they are sure we can do anything. and until we come across something in there lives that we cant accomplish they believe that we cant fail. They dont know how we do it. All they know is we do it. thats how I see God I dont know how He does it all I just know He does it all. The difference is one day we will fail and the child will realize we are falible. So I dont know how he gives children and others that I see as impossible to make that choice, the choice but the bible says we all get that choice. But what I know about children and what I know about God leads me to believe that when a small child is given a choice between God and all that He is and eternity without Him they all would run to Him with open arms. Once anyone has sinned even what we as humans would call a little sin, we need Christ. And we all have to make that choice for ourselves. So unless you know of somewhere in the bible that states people are under grace once they themselves have sinned and that they dont need Christ, I will believe that Gods ways are above ours and He has it covered. But He has it covered in a way that the bible states. and if the bible doesnt state how He has it covered than it is something that is beyond us and I will have that faith like a child and just know that He can get the job done. I guess it is that where things are impossible to man they are possible to God. So if we are not able to preach the gospel to an infant and have it understand God is able. And just because we dont get to hear that choice being given or that choice being made doesnt mean that it wasnt done.God is not a liar. So if He say everyone that has sinned and all have sinned that that is what He means. And all need the blood of Christ no matter what the age or disability or the lack of someone not preaching to them. Look at Paul. Christ Himself preached to him on the road. That whole thing about Paul made me realize no one will be able to have an excuse. If there is no one that will preach the gospel to people He can come and do it Himself or have a donkey do it.:) I guess what I am trying to say is I dont believe that an infant or someone mentally disabled is not able to accept or reject Christ. Maybe we cant phathom that but it has to happen or God is a liar when He says everyone will be judged. And ALL have sinned. all it takes is one sin. children can sin very very young. and since we are born with the knowledge of good and evil no one can use the excuse of I didnt know that was sin. Anyways Tim let me know what you think. and if I am understanding you here or not. I feel like I know you but that must be that sister brother thing we got going on.:) Love your sister in Christ Teria |
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6 | AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY | Bible general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 9146 | ||
Greetings Teria! I do have kids! Boy do I have kids! I have four in fact! I think you are right on about the meaning of "everyone sins." My understanding of depravity is such that everyone, once they do get the opportunity to make a moral decision, will fail. Therefore, everyone, apart from Christ, will be lost. The only question concerns those who are unable to accept Christ. Here I differ from your perspective. I don't think that infants can make a decision, so they aren't quilty until they can. Once that happens, they need Christ. Thanks for the discussion! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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