Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of children sinning is a topic that has been explored throughout Christian theology and biblical teachings. Within the Bible, sin is understood as any action, thought, or behavior that goes against the will and commandments of God. The question of whether children can sin, and how their actions are perceived by God, is addressed in various passages and theological interpretations.
Original Sin and Human NatureThe doctrine of original sin, rooted in the narrative of Adam and Eve in Genesis, suggests that all humans are born with a sinful nature. This inherent sinfulness is believed to affect every person from birth, including children.
Psalm 51:5 states, "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." This verse is often cited to support the idea that children, like all humans, are born with a predisposition to sin.
Accountability and Age of UnderstandingWhile children are born with a sinful nature, the Bible also suggests that accountability for sin is related to one's understanding and awareness.
Deuteronomy 1:39 refers to the children of Israel who "do not yet know good from bad," implying a level of innocence due to their lack of understanding. This has led to the theological concept of the "age of accountability," a belief that children are not held fully accountable for their sins until they reach an age where they can discern right from wrong.
Teaching and DisciplineThe Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching and disciplining children to guide them away from sin.
Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and guardians to instill godly values and principles in children, helping them to recognize and avoid sinful behavior.
Ephesians 6:4 further instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing, ensuring that children are raised in an environment that encourages spiritual growth and moral integrity.
Jesus and ChildrenJesus' attitude towards children is significant in understanding their spiritual status. In
Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement reflects the value and purity attributed to children, suggesting that they hold a special place in God's kingdom despite their inherent sinful nature.
Repentance and ForgivenessThe Bible teaches that repentance and forgiveness are available to all, including children.
Acts 3:19 calls for repentance: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." While children may not fully grasp the concept of repentance, they are encouraged to seek forgiveness as they grow in understanding.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges that children, like all humans, are born with a sinful nature due to original sin. However, their accountability is tempered by their level of understanding. Through proper teaching, discipline, and the example of Jesus, children can be guided towards a life that seeks to honor God and turn away from sin.
Topical Bible Verses
Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Topicalbible.org1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
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1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
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Library
Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have Been Born ...
... in the sense that they would contract from him sin which is the cause of hell: yet
by sinning of their own free-will they could have become "children of hell ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 9.htm
God's Love for a Sinning World
... is done to law by disowning, disobeying, and despising it, All this, sinning man
has ... one point of view, He is acting for brethren, and in another for children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm
He Sins in Will who is Only Deterred from Sinning by Fear.
... For thus assuredly he is sinning within in his will itself, who abstains from sin ...
of the air, of that spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 15 ix he sins in.htm
Appendix 4 1 John 2:2
... His immediate purpose was two-fold: first, to communicate a message that would keep
God's children from sinning; second, to supply comfort and assurance to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/appendix 4 1 john 2 2.htm
Now, as to the Expression which He Uses, "Some Persons Say," I ...
... and the other things that are in heaven are reasonable beings and capable of sinning. ...
body of humiliation or body of death that men are called children of wrath ...
/.../38 now as to the.htm
Whether we Can Lose Charity when once we have It?
... for it is this which distinguishes "the children of God from the children of perdition ...
the free-will is not inclined to sin unless by some motive for sinning. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether we can lose charity.htm
The Comfort of the Milk
... He feels that he must shew, not only that Grace is necessary for salvation and that
little children ought to be baptized, but that they are capable of sinning. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the comfort of the.htm
On Marriage.
... is, they say, among the chiefest evils: the possession of children is consequently ...
he who takes her, by giving to the woman the opportunity of sinning; for did ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii on marriage.htm
1 John iii. 8
... who are of the devil, who make themselves known by their lives as children of the ...
of his will from God, he became what he is, the Devil; SINNING, through the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 8.htm
Human Nature Possesses an Adaptation for Perfection; the Gnostic ...
... in the case of many, fear is the cause of their not sinning; and the ... He will therefore
prefer neither children, nor marriage, nor parents, to love for God, and ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xii human nature possesses an.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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