Agere Sequitur Esse

Age of Accountability

The point in time at which one become accountable
to God as a rational creature.

Martinus, P. M.

Although the moment at which one becomes accountable is known only by God, it is generally believed accountability for one’s moral and ethical applications occurs at the crossroads of chronological and mental maturity in consideration that the rate whereby individuals mature differs. Once one consistently demonstrates sound logic and reasoning, this age has likely been attained. (G. M. Bruce 2017a, 37).

Reflections

This term was selected for two key reasons. First, it is reasonable to assume that once one has attained an age accountability, baptism becomes attainable. It is necessary that one is able to make a deliberate decision to be baptized for baptism to be valid. Second, I believe this age must be determined for the sake baptism. Although determinable, such a determination must not be extended to a declaration of adulthood because we ultimately do not know the exact moment at which one actually does become accountable to God. For these reasons, this is an important term to consider.

Refs

1. Bruce, G. M. 2017a. Evangelical Theological Dictionary: Age of Accountability. 3rd ed. Edited by Trier, Daniel J. and Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
2. Fairbairn, D. 2017b. Evangelical Theological Dictionary: Chalcedon, Council Of. 3rd ed. Edited by Trier, Daniel J. and Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.