A couple of months back we had a volunteer meeting where I spent a large portion of time talking about evangelizing and discipling kids. Most people are comfortable with the thought of discipling kids. But some people find it hard to believe that kids can genuinely become born again. I’ve even heard people say that if you offer children the chance to come to the altar to confess Jesus as Lord that you are exploiting children. They think that kids don’t understand what they are doing. I beg to differ. The Bible is very specific about children and salvation.
Matthew 18:3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
According to this verse, we must become like children to enter into the kingdom of heaven. If we need to become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven, it seems to me children already posses whatever it is that makes it easy for them to enter the kingdom. (In my opinion, I believe that children have simple faith. They just believe. I also think that kids are a lot less prideful than most adults. Because of this, they are much more willing to admit that they need a Savior.)
Matthew 19:13-14 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
The disciples must of thought that the kids were either not important or unable to receive spiritually. Jesus debunked whatever their thoughts were by not only allowing the kids to come to him, but making the statement that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children and to those who have become like children (Matthew 18:3).
Here are some interesting statistics about children:
- More than one-third of the world’s population is children.
- 78% of the world’s children have never heard the name of Jesus.
- The probability of someone receiving Christ as their Savior is 32% for children between the ages of 5 and 12, but only 4% for children between the ages of 14-18 and only 6% for people older than 19.
Kids are where it is at. Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Don’t forget about kids. 
Hi Jon, After reading your article on kids and salvation I wanted to share this testimony with you. A little less then 5 years ago I was an atheist with no desire of have God in my life. My wife had been attending church and had been “bugging” me to attend for some time, which I always gave a resounding, NO! Our 15 year old son was struggling in school and making some bad choices in his personal life. One day I decided it would be helpful for our son to start attending church. My wife always encourgaged him to go, but my negative attitude towrds the church (or lack of faith) had started pushing him away. Anyhow, I knew the only way he would go, is if I went with him and my wife. My second week of going to church, I received Jesus! God used both my wife and teenage son to allow me to open my eyes and heart; keep in mind I was an atheist with no desire of having God in my life. I’m starting my 4th year of teaching at Power House (the Clancy site) and it was a teenager, and wife, that lead me to the Kingdom of God! In my case it was a “kid” who played a part in my salvation and being born again. I think Matthew 18:3 and 19;13-14 says it all. Who knows, God may use them to reach, Dad, Mom, family and friends. I know God did in my case.
I know of an 8 year old boy who helped bring his dad to Christ. Thanks for your comment Kevin.