Subject: AGE OF ACCOUNTIBILITY |
Bible Note: Greetings wordoer! I would cite Isaiah 7:16 and Romans 3:20 in response to the precedent of an "Age of Accountability", displaying that it is defined: "When a person becomes accountable for their actions through knowledge of sin." And a person becomes knowledgable of sin as soon as they understand right from wrong (Isaiah 7:16). Therefore, I believe that the "Age of Accountability" happens much sooner in childhood, around the age of 3, when a child begins to know right from wrong. And if disobedience of parents is a sin (Romans 1:30, 2 Tim. 3:2), then that is a sin that must be repented of, which would qualify a child as a "sinner." So I do not entirely disagree with your conclusion, since I do believe that there is a such thing as an "Age of Accountability", but I do disagree with the "way" that you came to that conclusion. I believe that the age of 20 did carry a lot of significance for an Israelite, since this was the age when a boy most likely was considered as a "man" and therefore able to serve in the army and to take a wife in marriage. However, I do not believe that the "Age of Accountability" began at 20, since it would be totally absurd to state that people are not capable of sinning until they reach the age of 20.. :-) I have already written much on this Forum concerning the topic of an "Age of Accountability", and you could Search for those posts if you like. Blessings to you, Nolan |