Shaping Abstract Truths To Form A Firm Foundation – #5 Understanding Eternal Security
On a hot day in Oklahoma City at the end of two weeks of training, we went out in groups to watch a veteran teacher. Children who responded to the invitation were divided among the trainees. I had three boys. One of them in particular I will never forget.
The Gospel message had been clearly presented. My job was to find out what they understood.
I opened the Wordless book and began to ask them questions.
Eyen on the “Dark” page, I asked, “What is sin? Have you ever sinned? and Does God allow sin into Heaven?” They understood what sin was and had personal examples to share. I read “Romans 1:21. And explained, “Our hearts are dark with sin. None of the good light of God is in the unbelieving heart.”
Eyes fixed on the “Red” page I asked, “Who is Jesus? What did Jesus do to make sure that we can be forgiven of our sins?” and “How can Jesus’ blood wash away sin?”
They told me they believed that Jesus willingly died for their sins, was buried and three days later came back alive which proves He is God. They agreed with me that His blood is a better sacrifice than the sheep, goats, and calves that were offered to God in the O.T.
I explained that God didn’t have a big sponge full of blood; instead He gave the promise of His Word. In I John 1:7 we are told that cleansing comes through Jesus’ blood.
My question for the “White” page surprised them. “Do you know what is at the center of a snowflake?”
I told them. “It is a tiny speck of dust.The Bible says God forgives and when He cleans we become cleaner than snow. Not one speck of sin remains. Psalm 51:7 tells us so.
Sin is darkness. God is light. John 1:5 tells us that Jesus is God’s light that overcomes the darkness of sin.
I explained. “Believing is an action. It’s not just knowing something is true. It is trusting what we know to be true so much that we welcome it as part of who we are. When we truly believe in Jesus we will welcome Him to be our Savior. Inside our body house is where the real us lives. God calls that part of us our heart . It is not the heart that pumps blood. It is that part of us that makes decisions to do good or bad things, that part of us that is completely unique from everyone else. When we trust that He is who He says and has done all that we need to be saved is what causes the real us inside to open up and welcome Him to be a part of who we are. When He comes becomes our life.
When we are born we are given bodies that have a beginning and they will have an end just like this line I’ve drawn. ____________________________________
John 1:12 says that when we are born by the power of God's Spirit we are changed forever. Our body will still have an end but the part of us on the inside where Jesus lives is given eternal life. It will never end. God promises.”
A believer looks like this: 
We have a beginning but now we will continue forever with God.
Did they understand? To make sure I asked, "What will Jesus do if you sin?" The first two boys sadly shook their heads and agreed that Jesus would surely leave. Not Alfonso! He got a very determined look on His face and declared, “Jesus ain’t gonna leave my heart.” I smiled at his confidence and asked, “How can you be sure?” He replied, “I done locked the door and threw away the key.”
I smiled and directed their eyes to the “Gold” page. I assured them that they didn’t need locked doors to keep Jesus from leaving. He promised in Heb. 13 5 that He would never leave. In John 14:2 Jesus promises life without end to those who believe. God never lies.
Finally, I turned to the cover, the “Green” Page. I shared that even God’s children need to grow. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us how. After I was convinced they truly understood, each boy thanked Jesus for His forgiveness, for coming inside him, and for His promise to never leave. As Alfonso, who was last, opened his eyes, he looked at me, smiled and said, “I knew He wasn’t gonna leave.”
Suzi Ciliberti
Suzi Ciliberti works for Christar, a Missions Agency that plants churches among least-reached Asians worldwide. She served in Japan for two years as a single missionary and another nine with her husband and two children, then the family returned to the states. She and her husband have been serving in the US Mobilization Center since 2000. As a part of the Member Care Department, Suzi is consultant to families with children. She has been working as a children’s teacher since she was 17 and began her training under Child Evangelism Fellowship. She has taught in the church, as a school teacher for two years in a Christian elementary school, and as a speaker for adults training to work with children. She has also trained children, who are a part of families that work overseas, in their identity in Christ. She brings 44 years of teaching experience to her work. She loves creative writing as well as teaching and has found great fulfillment in combining the two as she blogs for Heartprints. She finds it a great privilege and joy to serve the Lord and His people. One of her favorite verses is Deuteronomy 4:10b, "Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children."
One Comment
Beth Barron
Thanks for sharing
I really enjoyed this account, Suzi, which so clearly showed some great illustrations to use in sharing the gospel with kids. With Alfonso, I am so glad Jesus will never leave me.