Can you talk to me about how children come to faith? How do you teach them? Is the "sinner's prayer" an important or necessary componant?
Dh and I have had various conversations over this matter. Having both been raised in Arminian, pentacostal homes, I think it's ingrained in our minds that young children should be led in the sinner's prayer as early as possible, and as soon as they seem to have a vague understanding of the concept of sin and needing a savior. Then we as parents "have the assurance" that our children are indeed saved. However, I know that words do not save, and even the knowledge of sin and desire for salvation cannot come unless the Holy Spirit has first done a work in a person's heart.
So again, I don't mind if you explain it to me as though I were seven. And then explain it again. And how do you teach the Gospel and explain salvation to your children.
Dh and I have had various conversations over this matter. Having both been raised in Arminian, pentacostal homes, I think it's ingrained in our minds that young children should be led in the sinner's prayer as early as possible, and as soon as they seem to have a vague understanding of the concept of sin and needing a savior. Then we as parents "have the assurance" that our children are indeed saved. However, I know that words do not save, and even the knowledge of sin and desire for salvation cannot come unless the Holy Spirit has first done a work in a person's heart.
So again, I don't mind if you explain it to me as though I were seven. And then explain it again. And how do you teach the Gospel and explain salvation to your children.