Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What is the age of accountability, and how does it relate to God's offer of life?

The age of accountability is the point of 'God-consciousness' when an individual becomes aware that God exists. At this point, each person has a choice: they can be positive toward God and desire to know more about Him, or they can reject God and choose separation from Him. If someone is positive toward God at this point, He will ensure they hear the Gospel. Conversely, those who want nothing to do with God will eventually be given over to their own desire for separation from Him. This choice leads to Hell, which is the eternal destiny chosen by the individual (Matt. 25:41; John 3:16–18; Rom. 1:24, 26, 28). God created humans truly free and allows each person to choose how they respond to His offer of life. He reveals Himself to man through creation, human conscience, His written Word, the Living Word, and the spoken Word (Psalm 19:1–2; Rom. 1:18–20; Rom. 2:14–15; Matt. 4:4; 2 Tim. 3:16; John 1:1–4, 14–18; Heb. 1:1–2; 1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13). He has set eternity in the hearts of all men (Eccl. 3:11), giving each person a sense of God's existence and allowing them to make a choice about their relationship with Him.

Also asked: How does God's offer of eternal life relate to human free will and the ability to choose between God and separation from Him? · What is the point at which humans become aware of God's existence and can make choices about their relationship with Him? · At what stage of human development does God reveal Himself to individuals and allow them to make a conscious decision about their faith?

Source: The Basics The Basics — Age of accountability (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →

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