A Child’s Faith

While doing a Bible study on the Helmet of Salvation this morning, I said something that got a reaction out of my 6 year old that surprised me.

I said, “When I became a Christian at 15…”

Timmy, “What? You’re a Christian?”

My mouth gaps open in unbelief. “You mean you don’t think I’m a Christian?”

Timmy: “No.”

Trying not to sound too offended and shocked. “Why do you say that?”

Here’s where my ultra sensitive child starts to lose it. He hangs his head, hides his eyes and avoids my question. I push a little and he says, “Christians are nice and good and don’t yell.” At least that’s what I thought he said. I was still getting over my surprise and probably did a little reading between the lines.

Something else happened that sent him into a mini fit, throwing a pencil at me. (I think when he gets embarrassed or thinks someone is upset with him, his anger takes over. But he’s learning to take a time out on his own and then is back to normal.)

I got him to calm down a minute, but he wouldn’t look at me. I tried to dig deeper, and I learned he didn’t think he was a Christian and didn’t know if he would go to Heaven or Hell. Apparently he has this “works” mentality of Salvation. He thinks if he’s good then he’ll go to Heaven. I explained to him all about God’s Grace, and if you’ve given your life to Jesus, and He is in your heart, then you’re a Christian and going to Heaven.

Then came the million dollar question, I’m sure the theologians are still debating.

“If a Christian kills everybody, is he still going to heaven?”

My honest thought was I don’t know. But my response, “If he kills everyone than he’s not a Christian.”

So what would you have answered?