You get in bed after an exhausting day and just after you get all cozy, your front door pops into your mind and you can’t remember if you locked it or not. What will you do? If you’re concerned about your security you will step out of your comfortable spot to get up and check the lock. It’s normal; we may have all done it at one time or another.
Your child was in your home and their young heart realized they were a sinner and they needed a Savior. While your heart beat wildly with joy, you opened your Bible and showed them the verses in Romans about their sin,God’s love, what they deserve, and how to gain eternal life. Then, in simple, child-like faith they prayed to receive Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf so they would have a relationship with God and a home in heaven. And you never forgot that day because it was one you’d prayed for since the day they entered your world.
However, one day, in their teen years they went to a Bible preaching summer camp and heard a message about salvation that Christ offers, and about hell for those who refuse. They have a foggy recollection of that decision they made when they were very young, but they’re unsure, and who wants to wonder if they’re ready for heaven? They walk the aisle and make a decision to be saved.
When they get home from camp, they share their decision with you and you’re startled. What should you do?
- First, remember the need for security and assurance. If they had a doubt about their salvation, wouldn’t you rather they “check the lock” than to wonder about it all their life?
- Rejoice with them. Assure them that that’s the wisest decision to make because eternity is too long to regret.
- Humble yourself and resist the urge to say, “I was the one who led you to the Lord!” Or, “I know you’re saved!” It’s easy to feel a punch to our pride and feel wounded that we didn’t do a good enough job, but we must think the truth – we don’t do the saving! Christ does! If they’re doubting their salvation, then they don’t remember it.
- Encourage them to record this decision in their Bible or journal.
- Follow through with teaching them verses on security – for example,John 10:28 and I John 5:13. Also teach them I John 1:9 – that when they sin, they haven’t lost their salvation, but they’ve lost fellowship. They need to confess the sin and forsake it to regain fellowship with the Lord.
Should the fact that a teen or adult might need to check the security of their decision urge us to discourage a young child from being saved? Of course not! It shows their tender heart. They may never doubt their decision! But if they do, let them “get up and check the door!”
Has any reader needed to check your salvation’s security?
Here is the first post in the series about children and salvation it’s entitled, “How to Tell if your child is ready for salvation.”
Lovingly,
RefreshHer 