I've heard people say that if a person past the age of 12 doesn't accept Jesus into his/her heart, that means they go to hell after they die. What about people who have special needs and are unable to do that? How does God judge them? Isn't it cruel to put someone in hell just because they are differently abled?
2007-05-23 11:26:22 · 13 answers · asked by Graciela, RIRS 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is heavy stuff for anyone but as far as a fixed age of accountability goes, you cannot prove it from scripture. Each person is different and people will be accountable for what they know. With children as well as those who are mentally challenged how much they can be held accountable for is entirely dependent on their individual abilities.
2007-05-23 12:14:07 · answer #1 · answered by knockout85 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God judges them mercifully, same way He judges anybody. Whomever told you that "past the age 12" bit is presenting a very narrow and relatively recent theology that has not bourne the testing of time. Some people like to be judgemental, that's all, and they are more concerned with thinking about who goes to hell than thinking about how to be like Jesus to everyone around them.
2007-05-23 18:33:34 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If a person is unable to discern the difference between right and wrong, or is unable to understand enough to be able to believe, they are considered innocent. They are not judged. This may be because they are too young, or because of their mental ability, or mental illness.
No one is in hell by accident. Got does not "put" people in hell... everyone who goes there is there by their own decision; they heard, they had the opportunity to choose to believe and follow God, they chose not to.
2007-05-23 18:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
"I've heard people say that if a person past the age of 12 doesn't accept Jesus into his/her heart, that means they go to hell after they die."
Now that's just a pile of garbage. That's no official doctrine.
As to your original question: People with disabilities are needed to do less. In the bible it's written that the more you have the more is expected of you, the same is obviously true in reverse.
2007-05-23 18:31:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I´m not sure where you got that age 12 thing, but there really is no disability so severe that it could prevent a person from accepting Jesus Christ. God made all people and He knows their abilities and disabilities and has the power to overcome any obstacle within a person--if they are willing to let Him work. Regardless of the degree of disability, God has the power to transform that person´s life.
God Bless You.
2007-05-23 18:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by Marilyn G 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The Bible tells us God knows the heart of the individual, He is a just God, a loving God but also a Holy God and will not have sin in His presence.
2007-05-23 18:32:10 · answer #6 · answered by Steiner 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
FYI, the moon is made of Green Cheese! Whaddya mean U don't believe me??? After all U heard it from me!!! If (and He Did) God created us in His image & wasn't willing for Us to Die Spiritually so that He sent His Son to Save Us, why would He condemn a person who could never be accountable??? He DOES NOT!!! John
2007-05-23 18:38:36 · answer #7 · answered by moosemose 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In view of the fact that God is just, He certainly does that all circumstances into account.
It is written, "That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:47,48
2007-05-23 18:34:27 · answer #8 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just as He would a child that has not come to the age of reason(knowing right from wrong) they would go to heaven
2007-05-23 18:30:34 · answer #9 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I'm pretty sure that people who have severe mental handicaps go to heaven. Age is relative.
2007-05-23 18:32:53 · answer #10 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋