Total Depravity Of Man

[inquiringmind]

see here: http://lds.org/scrip...age-of?lang=eng

That's interesting, but it doesn't answer my question.

If children under the age of eight don't need repentance or baptism, is it because they have no sin (and no need of the atonement), or because they're covered by the atonement without repentance and baptism?

[Mars]

inquiringmind: Those who sin in ignorance are covered by the Atonement.

Children who do wrong while knowing it is 'sin' without understanding the full implication of their actions and are covered by the Atonement.

Children who do wrong while knowing it is sin and begin to understand the full implication of their actions will be required to repent inasmuch as their understanding of breaking celestial law permits them. Should they die without having done this they are in the exact same boat as me: someone who has sinned and not repented and can't remember he did it because it was years ago. We'll both die with sin on our heads.

And on we go until we reach the example of the one who full well knows what he is doing and does it anyway, uncaring of the consequences.

We pick 8 for baptism as a guideline. There are some 8 year olds who don't understand what they're doing, there are some who do.

The principle behind the specific instance of your question is that those who sin without understanding the law are covered by the Atonement.

[LeSellers]

Is seven the age of reason?

No, it's eight, although we do not use the term "age of reason", it's "age of accountability".

25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. 26 For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized. 27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands. 28 And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.

Are children under seven eight without sin?

Yes.

Are they covered by the atonement, or do they have no need of the atonement because they're without sin?

19 Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy. 20 And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.

21 Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an endless torment. I speak it boldly; God hath commanded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgment-seat of Christ. 22 For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—23 But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust in dead works.

Enjoy,

Lehi