Is there an age of accountability?

[stovebolts]

I guess that's why I'm so confused about the whole idea of age of accountability, and why I posted the original question. I'm sure we can all agree that it seems incomprehinsible that God would send a very young child to hell (although I have heard some Christians argue that this is in fact the case.).

Hi Justwondering,
Good questions and I'm glad your trying to work through these issues. Never stop seeking! Now then, as I've expressed in a round about way, I don't see God as a God who would have a child spend eternity in hell, but then again, I also believe that God is interested in how we live our lives in the here and now because what we do now matters to God. Frankly, the things we do either make life better, or they make life worse and yes, there can be hell on earth. Our salvation is a journey, not a destination and hell is as much a reality now, as it is in the world to come.

Like yourself, I too have heard other Christians say that infants could be in hell and ironically, it was based on the framework of winning an argument through logical deductions and argument.

At the same time, the entire doctrine of hell is based upon the fact that God is perfect and just and can't be in the presence of sin..

First and foremost, doctrines are a way of expressing one's overall view, similar to cliff notes. The problem is when we make doctrines out of doctrines. For instance, for those that believe God can't be in the presence of sin, how do they deal with this passage?
Isiah 7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

As far as the doctrine on Hell, what would happen if we took these passages to build off of? How would this change one's view on hell?

Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

If everyone is born into sin, then even young children have sin in them, so how is it that God can give them a free "pass" and allow them into Heaven? Know what I mean?

I believe it's called Grace. ;)

If God actually can be in the presence of sin (by allowing kids), then that would open up the idea that He could give a free "pass" to others, even those who are not kids. The whole idea seems confusing to me...

I can understand why you would be confused. ;)

 

[Sam21]

God spoke to me when I was maybe four or five years of age but there was no conviction of sin, God spoke to me again when I was almost 14 and He told me that in my present condition I was headed for hell and must accept His Son as my Saviour.
Christians who have reported to have seen hell never report that they saw children. It is confusing, if kids get a free pass(so to speak) then think of all the people that could be saved if they died before seven or eight years of age. That lady who killed all her children was afraid that they would grow up to reject Christ and end up in hell. The longer I live the more confusing everything seems to be(he,he). Ah, to be young and niave and believe you have it all figured out,ignorance can be bliss.