In response to this posting:http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/apr2004/tedp415.htm
Here are my thoughts:
Aborted babies have no opportunity to sin, so thus are sinless. I have no doubt in my mind that their little spirits are returned to heaven from whence they came. I think King David, who is a prophet of God, can be trusted to reveal this truth. Remember, when David said that he would see his baby in heaven......it was after several days of repentance and fasting and prayer. I think David's remark can be trusted a clear word from the Lord that David received himself to comfort him.
Furthermore, Jesus said little children actually comprise the kingdom of heaven:
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Suffer littlechildren to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mar 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.
Mat 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Psa 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Mat 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Luk 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
So, when does the age of accountability kick in? I'm not sure. It may be that the scriptures are silent on this because it varies from child to child.
Little Samuel heard from God, just after he was weaned. He was God's prophet at a very early age. So I think that some children can come to saving knowledge very early in life, especially if they are reared in a godly home. (To whom much is given much is expected.) But not all children are born into this advantage....(the sins of the parents are visited unto the children). But thank God....where Sin abounds Grace abounds more abundantly. So this may be a key factor of when the age of accountability kicks in. It may be unique for each child.
But if we had to draw the line somewhere, I guess, I am inclined to go along with the Jewish tradition when a young boy celebrates his barmitzvah (sp?), which I think is 13 years old? Jesus would have gone through this right of passage. I think by the time a child reaches this age, he can certainly reason for himself, and can make an independent decision for Christ by this time, if given the opportunity to do so. By this age, nearly all children are capable of understanding the concepts of death and life and heaven and hell and suffering punishment for ones actions as well as enjoying rewards for good deeds. So, a child of this age could hear the gospel, and inspite of what his/her homelife is, can reach and make an independent decision.
But as I said, in the right circumstances, I think a child can make a decision even earlier, depending upon his intelligence and upon the godly environment that is provided in his home.....he/she can come to a decision for Christ even earlier than 13. I've heard many testimonies over the years of adults who recall consciously inviting Christ into their hearts as early as 6 years old. These came from godly homes. I've even received a "prophetic word from the Lord" from a young child of 7 or so, which definitely came to pass. Again, Samuel was an example of this.
Personally, I think the earlier they are led to the Lord, the earlier they can begin their personal relationship and walk with the Lord, the better off they are.
Maranatha!
Deborah
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