ACCOUNTABILITY
— the biblical principle that we are answerable to our Maker for our
thoughts, words, and deeds. The Bible plainly teaches that “the whole world
[is] accountable to God” (Rom. 3:19, NASB) and that “all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This means we cannot experience
God’s Grace until we first
see ourselves as sinners who are without excuse. Christians are accountable
to God individually (Rom. 14:12), and corporately as well, “for we are
members of one another” (Eph. 4:25).
All who trust Jesus Christ as their Savior are forgiven
for the penalty of their sins. They also receive the strength to fight the
presence of sin in their lives (Gal. 5:16–25). Thus, our accountability is
matched by God’s grace and
Forgiveness.
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ;
Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New
Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995