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Question: What about those who are born with a mental deficiency
such that they do not become accountable. Are such in need of
baptism; salvation?


1. The question is one that not only embraces those with severe
genetic disorders and mental retardation, but also applies to those
who are infants and young children who have not reached an age of
accountability.

2. Such are safe, and are not in need of salvation, because they
have never been lost. That which has never been lost does not need
to be saved.
     a. One is lost because he is guilty of sin (Isa. 59:1,2; Rom.
6:23). Sin is an act of transgression (1 John 3:4)
     b. Jer. 19:4 makes reference to the blood of the innocents.

3. Regarding infants and young children, Jesus said, "Of such is
the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3).

4. Accountability is that state where one has attained to
sufficient mental capacity to discern between good and evil. 
     a. cf. Jonah 4:11

5. Biblical subjects of baptism are penitent believers (Mk. 16:16;
Acts 2:38). Men and women (Acts 8:12)

6. David consoled himself at the death of his infant son with the
words: "I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Sam.
12:23).

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