Thursday, February 25, 2016
In his bible study class last night in church, Pastor Mike touched lightly on the concept of the “age of accountability” which is the age where children become accountable to God for their sins. In the Jewish faith, it is believed that children reach this phase at the age of 13. The church where I was raised in, assuming that one reaches the age of accountability at the age of 12, would bring all the twelve year olds before a panel of elders to interrogate them concerning their knowledge of God. Once the children gave the proper responses, they were brought before the congregation to publicly make their “profession of faith.” What I distinctly remember about that event in my life was that, for many years after, I sincerely believed that I was lost because I sinned over and over again after that day.
The bible says in Hebrews 7:25: “Wherefore He (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”Pastor Mike also pointed out the eternal truth that the sins of the past, present, and future, of all those who come to Christ have been forgiven. This means that the issue of eternal destiny has been settled once and for all, and we no longer have to worry about our salvation and our place in Heaven. Nevertheless, this does not mean that God’s children can sin voluntarily because they no longer have to worry about missing Heaven, nor are they given a “free pass.” Sin will always have it’s consequences, and although we can’t lose our salvation, we can still pay a hefty price for our willful sins.
Speaking of accountability, all of us are assigned to it. Paul wrote in Romans 14:12, that each one of us will one day give an account to God. And although it is a serious matter, thank God that it will not be regarding our eternal destiny. Again speaking of “accountability”, that is one of the qualities in many of God’s children which bring Him honor. These are they who own up to their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions. I love to see that in people! Are you in that group?
Memory verse for the week: (Colossians 3:23) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
