Some time ago I listened to a plea for help in a ministry dealing with children. During the talk something was said that made me meditate and grow in my understanding of the age of accountability. The age of accountability or the age by which all will be held accountable for their personal decision concerning the Gospel (good news, God's Word) message has long been a subject bantered around in theological circles. My thoughts for this article concern child evangelism.

I've come to the conclusion that I had a skewed view of what it all entails. Because a person is not held accountable by God prior to the age of say, 21 and is issued into heaven; doesn't mean we shouldn't fulfill the great commission by giving them the good news as soon as possible. I've always thought more about adult evangelism but, while writing this article I'm prayerfully considering children and their need to receive this most precious and important gift.

You may be asking; where did I get 21 from; well it's just a quirk of mine; Only God knows the age of accountability as He knows the heart of every individual.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

Finally, children that are unable to understand the Gospel message will go to heaven. This is the whole gist of the age of accountability: Anyone who is able, and rejects The Lord Jesus Christ will have to give an account (i.e. what did you with the free gift?)

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

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