Talking to your children about
SALVATION
KIDS FOR SALVATION
KIDS FOR SALVATION
One of the biggest question parents will ask - is my child ready for salvation? Though Jesus welcomes anyone into His Kingdom, it is still a personal choice. For kids, they should not be rushed into a decision. It's a process for them to reach the place where they want Jesus and we need to process the journey with them. Below are some questions for you to have a conversation with them towards salvation in Christ.
One of the biggest question parents will ask - is my child ready for salvation? Though Jesus welcomes anyone into His Kingdom, it is still a personal choice. For kids, they should not be rushed into a decision. It's a process for them to reach the place where they want Jesus and we need to process the journey with them. Below are some questions for you to have a conversation with them towards salvation in Christ.
WHAT IS SIN?
WHAT IS SIN?
Romans 3:23
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (ESV)
We define SIN as a direct rejection of the lordship of God and hence, to live in direct disobedience to Him. It's simply saying, "I do not want God. I choose to live my own life!" SIN causes man to do wrong against God and man in thoughts, words and deeds - hatred, wickedness, unforgiveness, etc.
We define SIN as a direct rejection of the lordship of God and hence, to live in direct disobedience to Him. It's simply saying, "I do not want God. I choose to live my own life!" SIN causes man to do wrong against God and man in thoughts, words and deeds - hatred, wickedness, unforgiveness, etc.
In conversation with kids, we go down to their level of understanding about what it means to live a life apart from God, how SIN will lead us to lie, steal, disobey, doing bad things or saying nasty words. Hear from them what SIN means for them. Listen to their emotions. Help them see that God dislikes SIN and He wants us to live by His Word.
In conversation with kids, we go down to their level of understanding about what it means to live a life apart from God, how SIN will lead us to lie, steal, disobey, doing bad things or saying nasty words. Hear from them what SIN means for them. Listen to their emotions. Help them see that God dislikes SIN and He wants us to live by His Word.
WHY DOES JESUS HAVE TO DIE?
WHY DOES JESUS HAVE TO DIE?
1 Peter 3:18
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. (ESV)
There is punishment because of SIN, and it's eternal separation from God. To be saved, our punishment has to be borne by someone else and Jesus did just that. Because He has no SIN, He is able to take up the punishment of the whole world upon Himself, to redeem man back to God. Apart from Him, there is no other way.
There is punishment because of SIN, and it's eternal separation from God. To be saved, our punishment has to be borne by someone else and Jesus did just that. Because He has no SIN, He is able to take up the punishment of the whole world upon Himself, to redeem man back to God. Apart from Him, there is no other way.
Kid will understand the concept of someone taking the punishment for another person if we use daily life scenarios to give concrete meaning to it. A good example is how an older brother chooses to bear the punishment due to his younger brother who disobeyed the rules set by his parents. Help kids to understand that Jesus did just that because of His love for us and His desire for us to come back to God again.
Kid will understand the concept of someone taking the punishment for another person if we use daily life scenarios to give concrete meaning to it. A good example is how an older brother chooses to bear the punishment due to his younger brother who disobeyed the rules set by his parents. Help kids to understand that Jesus did just that because of His love for us and His desire for us to come back to God again.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE JESUS?
HOW CAN I RECEIVE JESUS?
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV)
One must believe in our hearts that Jesus died for our SIN, rose again on the third day and offered the free gift of salvation to everyone who wants. Using our mouth to confess our SIN and for Jesus to cleanse us is a declaration of faith in Him who is the way, the truth and the life.
One must believe in our hearts that Jesus died for our SIN, rose again on the third day and offered the free gift of salvation to everyone who wants. Using our mouth to confess our SIN and for Jesus to cleanse us is a declaration of faith in Him who is the way, the truth and the life.
When kids are ready to receive Jesus into their lives, you can lead them in this prayer:
When kids are ready to receive Jesus into their lives, you can lead them in this prayer:
"Dear God. Thank You for loving me so much. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I'm very sorry for the wrong choices I've made and have sinned against You. Please forgive me. I believe in You and want to follow You. Help me to love You and others too. In Jesus name I pray. Amen"
"Dear God. Thank You for loving me so much. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I'm very sorry for the wrong choices I've made and have sinned against You. Please forgive me. I believe in You and want to follow You. Help me to love You and others too. In Jesus name I pray. Amen"
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your child has just receive Jesus in his/her heart as Lord and Saviour.
Your child has just receive Jesus in his/her heart as Lord and Saviour.
Here's a follow-up booklet for new believers that you can go through with you child on his/her first steps towards growing in Christ.
Here's a follow-up booklet for new believers that you can go through with you child on his/her first steps towards growing in Christ.
Taking the First Step booklet.pdf