Can children become Christians?
The simple answer to this question is yes! Children are loved by God and have been created to understand and accept this love.
From the very early passages in the Bible, parents are instructed to teach their children in the ways of God. For example:
‘You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well’ (Deuteronomy chapter four, verse nine).
‘Teach them [the laws of God] to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up’ (Deuteronomy chapter 11, verse 19).
Jesus’ ministry was to men, women and children. There are several examples in the Bible where Jesus admonished adults for trying to remove children from interfering with his ministry:
‘He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”’ (Matthew chapter 19, verse 14).
‘Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them and he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew chapter 18, verses two and three).
‘At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children”’ (Matthew chapter 11, verse 25).
Children can understand the concepts of unconditional love and forgiveness. They can learn to pray and be thankful and are capable of learning right from wrong.
Our responsibility is to share the love of Jesus to children so that they can grow in wisdom and the knowledge of him. I am so glad that as a child someone told me about Jesus.
Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs
