Giving Children the Gospel

It was late at night and Heidi, who was expecting her second child, was home alone with her 3-year-old daughter, Katelyn. Heidi started to go into labor and called 911. Due to a power outage at the time, only one paramedic was able to respond to the call. The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby. Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Connor was born. The paramedic lifted him by his feet, and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help, and asked the wide-eyed 3-year-old Katelyn what she thought about what she had just witnessed. Katelyn quickly responded, "He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place. Spank him again."

Perhaps you can readily relate to the response of this child in the story. Even from the earliest stages of development, as soon as they are able to talk, children begin uttering some very profound (and hilarious!) statements. While they may be innocent in their understandings, they are not unaware of the most important things in life. They are not incapable of making life-changing decisions with eternal impact, even at a young age. The modern findings of human psychology have uncovered what the Holy Scriptures have promoted throughout human history. From the very moment of birth and throughout our lives, we are heavily influenced by those around us. In particular, during the earliest stages of life through the pre-teen years, our minds and hearts are like sponges, literally soaking in information. This is precisely why God would ordain the structure of the home as being the primary means by which a child would come to a knowledge of the truth. While each of us comes to make our own decisions and is certainly responsible for the choices we make, none of us can fully shake our upbringing. Who we are and who we become is powerfully influenced by those who raise us.

It is with this truth in mind that Moses would instruct parents to raise their children with intentionality in regard to God’s Word. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 provides insight into the manner in which parents are to instill within their little ones the knowledge of the gospel. In fact, a primary means for which God has ordained to redeem the world is through the godly instruction from parents to children.

I am so thankful that I am constantly being asked of parents just how they can lead their children to Christ. Few weeks go by in which someone does not come to me with the joyful news that their little one is asking questions about faith in Christ. These parents (or other guardians) are genuinely concerned about steering their child in the right direction about the most important decision they will ever make—that of following Christ! Again, I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit is working among us, drawing people of all ages to Jesus. The questions of these parents and children is a definite indicator of God’s working among us to make the gospel ministry effective in our church. Yet, our excitement in this reality does not absolve the serious nature of these questions from parents and children. How can we be certain we are leading a child to Christ? Following are three principles from Scripture that will help guide us:

1. The necessity of the gospel

While children are certainly innocent in comparison to many of us who have rebelled so egregiously against God, they are not without the need for God’s forgiveness. In contrast to God’s perfect holiness, none of us, even children, can measure up. The Bible instructs that each of us is sinners both by nature (Psalm 51:5) and by choice (Romans 1:18-20). Little Johnnie or Susie may seem like precious angels; however, apart from Jesus Christ they are dead in their sins and separated from God. At that age in which they can understand their sin and the implications of the gospel, they are accountable to decide to trust in Jesus. When are they ready for such decisions? As they are introduced to God’s Word, they will begin to ask questions per our instruction. This is certainly an indicator of the Holy Spirit working within them.

2. The simplicity of the gospel

While following Jesus Christ is a life-long pursuit in which a growth in understanding is always needed, a personal faith in Jesus can be sincere even at a young age. Here are the basic tenets of the gospel that the believer must grasp.

• God created and loves me.

• My sin has broken a relationship with God and I stand condemned, unable to save myself.

• Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, offered Himself as a sacrifice for my sin on the cross, and rose again to give me salvation.

• Through repentance and faith, I can have the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

As you walk with your children through the gospel message, prayerfully follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Take time to answer questions honestly (the I’m a Christian Now! workbook is a great resource and available through our church). Do not push or pull your child. Walk beside them in faith.

3.The accessibility of the gospel

For the gospel to take effect, it must be accessible (Romans 10:14-17). How do we give the gospel to our children?

• Pray for them.

• Teach them God’s Word. Let them see you reading it.

• Live the truth. In front of them.

• Take them to church. (Dropping kids off, irregular attendance, letting them choose if they go to church, and keeping them entertained will not pass the gospel to your children.)

• Disciple them. (They are not “safe” after making a profession. Discipline them in spiritual disciplines.)

There is no greater thing we can pass on to our children than the gospel. It alone has the power to save (Romans 1:16). May we be found faithful in leading our children to Christ.

Jason