SPECIAL TOPIC: THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The church, following Paul, has focused on Genesis 3 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 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), but on individual responsibility based on
knowledge and commitment. 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, humans 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). Other biblical examples of this theological
perspective are Jonah 4:11 and Isaiah 7:15-16.

To put this is in contrasting terms:

1. Paul/Augustine/Calvin focused on God’s sovereignty and human
inability.

2. Rabbis/Jesus/Paul focused on covenantal responsibility.

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, not desire quick, easy
answers or playing the blame game! Although the Bible does not
specifically address the question of the age of accountability, there are two
texts that hint about it:

1. Deut. 1:39

2. Isa. 7:16

Judgment is related to knowledge. One must have a knowledge of
disobedience before one can rebel. Those who, because of

1. age

2. environment

3. disability

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.

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.

See SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT