As Christian parents, we raise our children in the church with prayerful anticipation of the day they become Christians. Many times, this happens for them at a young age since they’ve been immersed in biblical education from the time they were babies.
This was the case with our son, Joey. My husband and I had been Christians and active in church service for over forty years. Joey was in church from the time he was a few weeks old. So, it was not surprising when at the age of six, he wanted to become a Christian.
At the time of his conversion, Joey prayed aloud—acknowledging that he was a sinner, and that Jesus died for his sins. He then asked Jesus to help him be a Christian. He finished his prayer by saying, “Jesus is Lord!” Shortly after, he was baptized at our church.
That was eleven years ago
I had written down every detail of this special occasion on a piece of paper, and placed it in Joey’s baby book. I was present for this momentous occasion in my son’s life and knew he had sincerely asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior with all his heart at the tender age of six.
However, yesterday after reading my own daily devotional I felt the need to talk further with Joey about this time in his young life—to be sure he was sure of his own salvation!
About young-age conversions
When children accept the Lord at an early age, so often they end up doubting their salvation as they grow older and mature. They don’t remember the details surrounding the event. They may not remember the date or their age when becoming a Christian. There are many facts about it they simply cannot put together because it happened when they were very young.
I didn’t want this to be the case with my son. This is the most important decision of his life—and afterlife! I wanted both of us to be certain that we were all on the same page as to his eternal destination.
So, when my son returned from school yesterday, I told him that I’d come across a special letter in his baby book—one that I wrote to him the day he became a Christian. I then read the entire letter to him as he listened quietly.
Although Joey didn’t recollect everything as I described it, he told me with assurance that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior. He knew that for a fact and didn’t doubt it one bit. That was great news for this momma to hear!
You may be in a similar situation
Did your child make some type of spiritual decision when they were very young? If they’ve not expressed doubts about it, possibly you have. Why not talk with them today to clear up this vital question?
If your child—or anyone—needs to make the decision to accept Jesus as Lord of their life, there is a simple process to talk with them about this—known as The ABC’s of Salvation. It’s often used when talking with children, but may be used with anyone.
The ABC’s of Salvation
“A” — Admit. A person must admit to God that she is a sinner. She must be sorry for her sin and turn away from sinning.
(Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Acts 3:19; and 1 John 1:9)
“B” — Believe. A person must believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for sin.
(John 3:16; John 14:6; and Romans 5:8)
“C” — Confess. A person must confess her faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
(Romans 10:9-10, 13)