Age of Accountability, Immanuel, and Isaiah 7
by Pastor Walter Snyder

Q: I'm bothered by the concept of "Age of Accountability." Where did this term originate?
I've seen references to Isaiah 7:16 supporting the premise that there is an age before which
a child is not held morally accountable. I see this verse as a reference to "Immanuel," not
"all" children. Can you enlighten? Also, if there is an "Age of Accountability," can't this be
used as an argument against infant baptism?

A: The term has always lurked in Christian (and Jewish) theology. A young child may recognize
that individual deeds are right or wrong, or that certain thoughts or words should or shouldn't
occur. However, a change occurs in most people between their twelfth and fourteenth years. We
become capable of introspection, of looking more deeply at ourselves and analyzing who and
what we are. It's then that we see more clearly the depth of the sinful nature that pulls us into
sinful thought, word, and deed. It can also, however, be a time when we rejoice even more in the
gift of salvation through Christ, since we see more clearly how much we need it.

As for the"Immanuel" connection, many think that the Lord is operating on two levels. The
fulfillment of the straight prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 is in the birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary. Yet
this was also for a sign to Ahaz, who would be long dead before Jesus was conceived. A more
immediate and intermediate fulfillment (a type or a precursor to the coming of Christ) could be in
Isaiah's marriage, where he "went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the
Lord said to me, 'Call his name ~Maher-shalal-hashbaz~ [The spoil speeds, the prey hastens]; for
before the boy knows how to cry "My father" or "My mother," the wealth of Damascus and the
spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.' (Isaiah 8:3-4)"

Assuming the normal "age of accountability" at the twelfth year, this becomes a prediction of
judgment by the time the boy reaches his "Bar Mitzvah." This comes out to about 721 BC, after
the destructive campaigns of Shalmaneser V and Sargon. By 721, Damascus was forsaken (being
captured by Assyria in 732) and likewise Samaria (which fell in 722).

Chapters 7 and 8 show that the Lord predicted even more wrath visited upon Judah after the fall
of Israel, especially since Ahaz continued to distrust Him. In fact, Ahaz would contribute directly
to these judgments by engaging "the razor that is hired, (7:20)" that is, future Assyrian king
Sennacherib, to pay for his support (2 Chronicles 28:21).

Getting back to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, we know that as God, He was perfect, neither
denying good nor doing evil. Yet according to His human nature, He still grew in the normal way
(Luke 2:40, 53). He went through the regular process of physical, mental, and emotional
development but unhindered by sin. Instead, He was constantly "in favor with God and man." He
grew up the way God intended for all mankind to grow.

However we examine this, it still doesn't remove the need for infant baptism. Indeed, it should
spur us to do just that, for if our children don't recognize their own sinfulness, how will they truly
know and desire their salvation? While some claim that God doesn't number the trespasses of the
young and so infant baptism is useless, there's nothing in Isaiah 7 that supports that idea. We
bring them to the gift before they know they need it. Our children don't develop as did Jesus.
They aren't always "in favor with God and man," but are often sullen, rebellious representatives
of the Old Adam. Holy Baptism for our children is one of God's best weapons against their
growing up outside the faith and defenseless against the devil, the world, and their own sinful
natures.

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Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of
the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version~<TM>, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

Ask the Pastor, © 2002 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this
disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and
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