Talking to Children about SalvationGuiding
children to take those first steps toward faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can be the most
rewarding opportunity of life for both parents and teachers. The
journey toward faith in the Lord Jesus is filled with teachable moments. Influential
adults and peers can answer questions, teach biblical truths, model
Christian values, and share personal testimonies that further the
child’s understanding. The following information will prepare teachers
for opportunities to talk with children about salvation. Ask Follow-Up QuestionsWhen
a child asks a question, often the child does not know exactly what to
ask. Get clarification before deciding how to answer the question. For
example, you might say, "Tell me more about what you are thinking." You
may ask questions such as, "What made you ask that question? Where did
you hear about this?" Many times the question a child asks may not be
the actual question for which the child needs an answer. Avoid asking
questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no." Avoid Giving More Information Than NeededAdults
are often tempted to tell all they know on a subject. When a child asks
a question, answer only what the child is asking. Listen carefully to
the child. Then, if the child asks for more information, be more specific
with your answers. Speak in Clear and Simple TermsAvoid
symbolic analogies and “church language” that may distract from
discussion and understanding. Common “church language” includes words
and phrases children hear only at church, such as “come forward,”
“saved,” “everlasting life,” “baptism,” “prayer,” “Holy Spirit,” and
“have Jesus come into your heart.” Rather than using the phrase
“accepting Jesus into your heart,” say the words “becoming a
Christian.” What a Child Needs to Know About Salvation1. God loves you and has a great plan for your life. (Psalm 139:13-16)Talk about these truths: God made the world; God made people; God made you; God wants to have a relationship with you. Say, "Tell me one way you know God loves you."2. We have all sinned. (Romans 3:23)Everyone must understand that he/she is separated from God because of his/her sin. Sin is best understood as choosing to do things our way instead of God’s way. (Give examples of sin; such as disobedience, ungratefulness, and lying.) Ask the child, "Have you ever sinned? What does God think about sin?" Point out that everyone has sinned.3. Even though we choose to sin, God still loves us and offers to forgive us. (Romans 5:8)Ask, "How do you think it makes God feel when you sin?" Focus on the fact that God loves us even when we sin. Say, "God promised that a Savior would come who would die for all people. Do you know who that Savior is? Did you know that He died for you?"4. Jesus died for us. (John 3:16)Talk about John 3:16. Explain that because sin separates people from God, everyone needs a Savior. Ask, "Do you know why Jesus died?" Say, "Jesus loves you so much. He willingly died for you and rose from the dead so you can have eternal life."5. You can become a Christian by confessing you are a sinner and Jesus is your Savior and Lord. (Romans 10:9)Ask, "Would you like to be a Christian?" Explain that the word “confess” means you must say that you are a sinner and Jesus is your Savior. To become a Christian, you must do these three things: admit you have sinned; believe that Jesus is God’s Son; confess that Jesus is your Savior and Lord.Review and Follow UpEncourage a child to tell you in his or her own words what he or she understands and believes. Either ask the child to repeat a prayer after you or help the child know what to say in his or her own prayer. After the prayer, read Romans 10:13 and remind the child that this verse is a promise. Jesus will be our Savior forever. |