The Eternal Question

Written by Lowrey Davis

This article is courtesy HomeLife magazine.

When our daughter Jo-Catherine underwent heart surgery at age 3, it was a traumatic experience for her and greatly affected her trust level.   

At age 6, she began asking questions indicating an interest in salvation. Her first question was, “Mommy, if I give my heart to Jesus, will I die?” Wow! Were we ever caught off guard! Needless to say, we spent a great deal of time reassuring her that to give her heart to Jesus did not mean literally removing her heart.   

The Student God Uses: Transformed For His Purpose

But it wasn’t until the summer before second grade that she put her faith in Christ. She understood what it means to become a Christian, but she decidedly held back. It was only after swimming lessons that she approached me with the desire to ask Jesus into her life. She knew baptism would follow, and she was afraid to put her head under water!

What Is My Spiritual Role?

Are you prepared for the most important question your child will ever ask? Too many of us are afraid we’re somehow inadequate to lead our children to Christ. As parents we want to witness every important milestone of our children’s lives, but when confronted with their eternity, most of us are sincerely afraid of making a mistake. So we call in an “expert” — a pastor or Sunday School teacher.   

As parents, though, we bear full responsibility for our children — including their spiritual nurturing. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands we take the spiritual aspect of parenting seriously: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

What Do I Do?

“So what do I do?” you may ask. First, relax. Your child’s salvation is eternally important, but remember, the most important thing you can do is to spend time (lots of it) talking with your child. This is the only way you can be aware of your child’s spiritual condition.  

Then, when your conversation takes a spiritual turn, relax again. Don’t worry about saying the “right” or “wrong” things: Simply talk naturally about what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ and share from your own experience.   

As you interact with your child, respond to signs that he or she is searching spiritually. Younger children may ask questions. Older ones may demonstrate anxiousness about something troubling them.  

The following may indicate your child is searching: questions that indicate a spiritual hunger or struggle, stronger than usual interest in the Bible, fear of death or dying, interest in what people of other faiths believe, looking for purpose in life (“Why am I here?”), or rebellious behavior.  

If your child seems to be at a point of accepting Christ, remember:

• Use language appropriate to your child’s level of understanding. Churchy language can confuse children (and adults) of all ages. Explain terms like “sin” with words your child can understand.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• You can use a marked Bible or an age-appropriate tract to share the plan of salvation. (See “The ABCs of Becoming a Christian.”)
• Share your story. Many children never hear how their parents came to know Christ.
• If your child wants to pray to ask Jesus into his or her heart and life as Savior, you can say the words and let your child pray after you. The prayer can be this simple: God, I need You in my life. I know I have sinned against You, and I believe Jesus died on the cross so I could have forgiveness. I want Jesus to come into my life and heart so I can have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you. Amen.

The ABC's

Clearly, accepting Christ as Savior is an individual process; it’s more than just reciting a “formula.” But if you’re at a loss for words as you try to explain how to become a Christian to your child, remember your ABCs.  

 “The ABCs of Becoming a Christian” is simply a tool. Remember to explain concepts with words your child can understand.

Admit. Admit to God you are a sinner, and admit your need for forgiveness. Repent, or turn away from your sin.   Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”   Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   (Also read 1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19.)

Believe. Believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin.   John 3: 16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   (Also read John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:11-13.)

Confess. Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.   Romans 10:9-10,13 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. … for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

What Happens Next?

Praying to receive Christ as Savior is only the first step in a journey of Christian faith. It is important you disciple this new believer. Encourage obedience to Scripture by making the commitment public and being baptized. Purchase a discipleship tool such as “Survival Kit for New Christians,” and set a schedule to complete this study together. Pray with your child regularly, and teach the importance of personal Bible study and prayer, worship, and telling others about Christ.

Lowrey Davis is a husband, father, and minister of administration in Houston, Texas.