DOES THE STORY OF THE PRODIGAL SON TEACH AN AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY?
Though Dr. Lucas made no mention of it in his article, a popular argument for an age of accountability is based on the story of the prodigal son. In my early ministry, I heard and preached sermons on this. I remember a 3-point sermon on the prodigal that said the prodigal was A. Safe, B. Lost, and C. Saved. Generally the argument goes: 1. The prodigal was safe until he made the decision to leave his fathers house and go into a far country. Some even go so far as to say that those whom he symbolizes are SPIRITUALLY ALIVE until they make a deliberate and conscious decision to reject Gods grace and salvation. When they make that decision they die spiritually and are then lost. 2. The prodigal (and those whom he represents), being now dead in trespasses and sins go their own way and waste away in riotous living. Finally, the prodigal (and those whom he represents) comes to himself, and of his own motivation and will determines to return to the fathers house and is then, because of his deci
