Comments on: How Young Can a Kid Become a Christian?

By: Elane

Elane — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 02:11:20 +0000

I think a child can become a christian at any age. When I was 3 I begged my parents to let me become one. They said no at first, but after asking me questions and stuff they decided to let me become on at age 4. Now I am 12 and planning on becoming a missionary.

By: Larry Yochum

Larry Yochum — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:54:36 +0000

I don’t remember a day that I became a Christian. My mother raised us always knowing who Jesus is and what He did and does for us. There have been moments in my life where that made traction in my life and moments where I can’t comprehend it at the time. My son (6) and daughter (4) both responded with a knowledge of their relationship with Jesus. To go with your analogy of marriage, we marry not fully understanding what love is capable of and spend the rest of our lives with our spouse discovering each other and the incarnation of God’s love through marriage. I would have to believe that faith in Jesus would be the same. We may not fully comprehend God’s love through Jesus and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives at an early age but are still “married” to our savior to spend the rest of our lives discovering the richness and beauty of His sacrifice and relentless pursuit of us.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 15:47:46 +0000

I gave my life to Jesus at 5, and my son odd last year as a 5-year old as well. I remember mine very well. He remembers his very well (so far). We were trying to make sure he understood and when he told us he wanted to “make Jesus the boss of his life”, we wanted to explain everything to him. He got annoyed and said “can I please just do it?” He knew about as much as a 5-year old could understand and he is growing in his understanding more and more. If I begin asking “how much does someone have to understand?”, I would have to create a line that I never feel comfortable with. I think we tend to boil it down to “the prayer” but it’s not about the prayer. It’s about the direction of one’s heart and life. Even for students, it is “in the best way I know how, I turn from my way and give my life to you”. As you said about marriage, you don’t stand at the altar and make a commitment with full understanding. You say, “I am committed to you no matter what. I don’t know what it will look like, but I do know that whatever comes, my commitment pushes through any circumstance.” Sometimes we “feel” the commitment and sometimes we have to remind ourselves of it. That’s the truth spiritually too. I believe he is growing in his understanding and is still submitted to God each step. It’s my job as a parent to continue to help him submit and remember. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to “carry [what He began] onto completion”.

Just my thoughts, but hope that gives encouragement to those who need it.

By: Jeremy Wasch

Jeremy Wasch — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 01:18:25 +0000

May I be the other side of the spectrum here. Everyone I read mentioned making decisions to follow (invite Jesus into your heart) has mentioned doing it at a very young age and I error on the side of being older enough. We all understand that Jesus us told us to come like little children but I personally believe that was figurative and not literal. I’ve seen the youngest kids say they love Jesus but when asked if they are willing to die for him (take up their cross) it is over their heads. I didn’t become a Christian until I was 10 year old and my son is now 10 and asking some great questions about following God. I know it’s a denominational discussion point here but my son has gone to church since he was born (I’m the Youth/Teen Minister) and he has loved Jesus his whole life but only recently would I say that he is ready to carry his cross and die for Him. I often use Romans 6 when talking to people about following Christ and I ask if people are ready to die, be buried, and experience a spiritual resurrection. How does a child (age 4, 5, 6) understand what that means, especially to kill, bury and resurrect oneself through Christ’s example?

[Note: I have 6 year old twins and I feel they are a long way from truly comprehending what that means but they love Jesus with their everything. Being a Christian does not mean simply loving Him, it means to “Follow Me”…dying for him daily. I don’t feel my children are Christians yet, but as they learn who Jesus is, they will come to a point when they will make that decision…to be a Christian!]

By: Tony Myles

Tony Myles — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:50:22 +0000

In reply to Jarrod.

That’s incredible! That really feels like a movement of God, much like an Acts 2 sort of deal – it’s not being presented in her language, and yet it is her language.

By: Tony Myles

Tony Myles — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:49:33 +0000

In reply to Kerensa Huffman.

I really like what you said, Kerensa, and this line in particular: “In my mind I’d much rather start with a minimal understanding of God and the need for Him than take my time answering every question, hoping to someday have a full understanding.”

Oh, what a day that will be… something tells me it won’t happen on this side of history, but in the one to come. And even then, God will still be God – and we won’t. There will still be parts of Him that will always be beyond our understanding. Per your point, let’s start with what we do understand and build from there.

By: Kerensa Huffman

Kerensa Huffman — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:01:50 +0000

I love the conversation happening here. So many people have different stories. I think we should always go back to scripture no matter how small or, in this case, how big it can be. We’ve all heard the story of Jesus surrounding Himself with children saying, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:13-16). That in itself should clue us in on the level of faith that needs to be achieved. I became a Christian when I was 4 and have really thought about this topic, not because I doubt my faith, but wonder about the journey.

When you break it down becoming a Christian is simply recognition that you can’t do it alone and need Him. Who’s to put a limitation on that? In my mind I’d much rather start with a minimal understanding of God and the need for Him than take my time answering every question, hoping to someday have a full understanding. Honestly, we never get the whole picture on how HOLY God is and how inadequate we are. Salvation isn’t a one-time deal. It’s ongoing. So it’s my belief that coming of age is not a precursor to accepting Christ. In fact I believe it can be dangerous to their salvation to put an age limitation on a child. Our job is to never stop preaching the Gospel and sharing Jesus, no matter if we think they get it or not.

By: Jarrod

Jarrod — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:14:19 +0000

In reply to Tony Myles. She remembers the situation and part of what the Pastor was sharing. She was attending a church where kids were allowed to be in service with their parents. As a result, she would hear the same messages as her parents...and one Sunday she knew she was to give her heart to the Lord.

By: Tony Myles

Tony Myles — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:53:56 +0000

In reply to Krystle Bowen. The mere idea of it is absolutely profound, Krystle. I'd likewise add that by faith we look for others to validate the fruit of Christ in our lives and the assurance of His promises. Maybe that's why He invited the Church and the family to begin with.

By: Krystle Bowen

Krystle Bowen — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:04:37 +0000

I think this is definitely something that doesn’t have a black or white answer.
I was 6, my son was 5 and my husband was 7. I remember vividly as well as my husband. Did we understand the whole concept of the thing at that age, or “concieve the degree of sacrafice”? No…but I don’t think we really do as adults either.
We are all constantly growing, learning, being refined and my gosh I am glad I don’t have to have it all figured out to believe He is my Savior.

By faith we believe and receive…