What is the age of accountability?
The age of accountability is the concept that a child will come to an age where God holds them accountable for their sins, before which the child would be granted, by the mercy of God, entrance into heaven.
Babies and small children have sin, as all have sinned. Obviously they can't understand their need for repentence and forgiveness properly. This concept is not specifically mentioned in Scripture, and thus there is no age specified. But, we do see in Scripture an indication that small children and babies do automatically enter into Heaven.
When the age starts would depend on the individual, but someone can't be expected to do something they are incapable of doing. It is realistic for child of 7, 8, or 9 to understand the concept of sin, their need for repentance, and to make a life changing decision to believe and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. For, we are told to accept Jesus as a child would.
Psalm 51:3-5 — For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You (Or {may be in the right}) are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Romans 3:23 — for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
2 Samuel 12:21-23 — Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food."
He said, "While the child was {still} alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, `Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.'
~"But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."
Mark 10:14 — But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Matthew 18:10 — "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
Bible Answer From: The Holypop Team
Babies and small children have sin, as all have sinned. Obviously they can't understand their need for repentence and forgiveness properly. This concept is not specifically mentioned in Scripture, and thus there is no age specified. But, we do see in Scripture an indication that small children and babies do automatically enter into Heaven.
When the age starts would depend on the individual, but someone can't be expected to do something they are incapable of doing. It is realistic for child of 7, 8, or 9 to understand the concept of sin, their need for repentance, and to make a life changing decision to believe and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. For, we are told to accept Jesus as a child would.
Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You (Or {may be in the right}) are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
He said, "While the child was {still} alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, `Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.'
~"But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."