Where in the Bible does it talk about children not being accountable?

Question

Psalm 51:5 is some pretty strong evidence against this.

Julia, I'd like to know what Bible version you are using since you're interpreting this verse entirely differently than I am.

Answer 1

You need to understand the full background behind David's writing of Psalm 51. Although he was already married, he committed adultry with a married woman, Bathsheba, and she conceived. Therefore, David had her husband, Uriah, killed in battle. Although God permited David to atone for his sins, He vowed that David and Bathsheba's child would die. Psalm 51 records one of David's prayers while his little son was dying from this curse.

Verse 5 reads: "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." While this is a reference to "original sin," it's also a reference to David's father's breaking of Leviticus 15 in order for David to be conceived. Regardless, Deut. 24, which is part of the Mosaic Covenant under which David lived, clarifies this issue:

16 “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin."

At first, this would seem to conflict with what happened to David and Bathsheba's son: David sinned, yet the boy died. However, a careful reading of the verses surrounding Deut. 24:16 proves He was referencing ACTIVE, ELECTIVE sin. In other words, not inherited sin via "original sin." This is the reason why children, though born into sin, are not sinful, per se.

In the New Testament, we are further told that each person must believe in Jesus, repent of his sins and be baptized. A child cannot do this, which is the reason why infant baptism is un-Scriptural.

I hope this helps. Peace.

EDIT: "Julia" is looking at verse three, not verse five.

Answer 2

Mark 10 : 16 .. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU , WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A LITTLE CHILD , HE SHALL NOT ENTER THEREIN . Proverbs 22 : 6 Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is old , he will not depart from it . Proverbs 4 : 10 - 14 .. Hear , O my son , and receive my sayings : and the years of thy life shall be many . I have taught thee in the way of wisdom ; I have led thee in right paths . When thou goest , thy steps shall not be straightened ; and when thou runnest , thou shalt not stumble . Take fast hold of instruction ; letr her not go : keep her ; for she is thy life . Enter not into the path of the wicked , and go not in the way of evil . Avoid it , pass not by it , turn from it , and pass away ................ When a child learns the ways of the Lord at an early age , and realizes God`s way and the world`s way are different , then this is the age of accountability .. Once you know and understand God`s word you are "accountable " to live by it ! You wouldn`t send a child to college to study celestial mechanics ? If he was not taught in his upbringing the foundations of the subject , then he cannot be held accountable to know what he has not been taught . It is the same with teaching a child the ways of The Lord ! Until a child can comprehend and understand , he cannot be held accountable .

Answer 3

I think the concept of reaching an age of accountability is most clearly stated in this passage from Deuteronomy where God held all of the people who were over the age of 20 accountable for not believing his promise to give them the land of Canaan.

Deuteronomy 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. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Answer 4

What about Matt. 19:13-15, 21:15-16,PS8:2,Gen17:7,Acts2:39,PS127:3-5 Over all the bible is more favorable towards atonement for children. I believe when a child is old enough or intelligent enough to understand why he should accept Christ is when he is accountable. That's why it is so important as a parent to teach our children about Jesus. I also believe if we don't teach our children it is a sin.

Answer 5

Psalm 51:5 tells the truth. Just like when pigs give birth their offspring are pigs. When sinners have offspring they are sinners. We don't sin to become sinner we sin because we are sinners. Jesus also made it clear that He allows little children to enter the Kingdom of God.. Here is the verse I use to show that.. Oh BTW His blood must cover their sin which will make them acceptable others wise they couldn't enter heaven because no unclean thing can enter His kingdom.... Jim

Mark 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.

Answer 6

Huh? The verse simply says "For I know my offense; my sin is always before me."

The person who said this, or wrote this, was undoubtedly an adult.

There's nothing whatsoever in this verse about children's accountability for actions -- so your "strong evidence against this" is only the result of your reading words into the verse that aren't there.

.

Answer 7

Psalm 51:5Behold I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my MOTHER conceive me. now this says the mother was in sin not the baby for baby are innocent for they have not the knowledge of good and evil.
in Mark 9:35-37 And he sat and called the twelve, and saith unto them If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all. 36. And he took a child and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms he said unto them, 37. whosoever shall receiveth one of such children in my name receievth me: and whosoever shall receive, receiveth not me but him that sent me,
there is more on this subject but until children come to the understanding they are innocent.

Answer 8

the Bible teaches that the more that you know, the more is expected of you.
as for children not being held accountable, concerning going to heaven when they die, is because they do not realize what sin is, they have not reached the age of accountability. therefore it is not held against them.
the Bible explains that our names are wrote in the book of life, "before the foundation of the world" that is everyone's name. when you reach the age of accountability you are then given a choice, to accept Jesus, or not. at that point, your name either stays, or it is blotted out of the book.

Answer 9

i don't think it says anything like that..in fact ..spare the rod spoil the child, what man would give his child a stone when he ask for bread, the prodical son could be what people are refering to when they say something like children not being accountable..but that is not what the story is refering to at all..

Answer 10

No one follows the whole Bible, so no one has the right to tell anyone else to.