Question about salvation.

I don't see that as a wrong reason to get saved. What ever causes salvation to occur is a blessing. The fear of hell fire keeps me from many sins, that I otherwise would be inclined to partake in.

DukeJohn said:

So, I have a question that's been on my mind recently.
is it bad if someone were, as a young child (like 5 or 6 years old), to get saved mainly because they didn't want to go to hell? I only ask because, well that's why I got saved. I was about 6 years old, and I repented of my sins, mainly because I didn't want to go to hell, not because I truly desired to serve Christ. But as a much older adult I realize that seems wrong. As I got older naturally my perception changed, and I learned that is not what it is about, It's about serving Him because he truly deserves it, and because I want to please him, and not myself. and to glorify and praise him above all other things.

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Children are not required to undergo baptism, Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:13-15, Ezekiel 18:20, Romans 14:12. Basically an age of accountability issue. I would say it is an extremely rare case that a 5-6 year old can fully understand salvation and the need to repent thereof or even what repentance in this sense is.

However, once someone is capable of fully understanding what salvation is and about Jesus, etc etc, then they would be held accountable for their actions and held to the gospel standards, which children cannot be held to unless they fully understand. If you would have passed on from this earth at 6 years old, you were in Gods hands automatically for the fact of being not capable of accountability being held to gospel standards.

See how once you matured you are now fully understanding of salvation and the likes, and what, why you follow the gospel commands. You are accountable and held to those standards.

I would seek out baptism if you havent already (Acts 22:16-why are you waiting) to put on Christ and be in His church (Acts 2:38,41,47; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Colossians 2:12)

DukeJohn said:

So, I have a question that's been on my mind recently.
is it bad if someone were, as a young child (like 5 or 6 years old), to get saved mainly because they didn't want to go to hell? I only ask because, well that's why I got saved. I was about 6 years old, and I repented of my sins, mainly because I didn't want to go to hell, not because I truly desired to serve Christ. But as a much older adult I realize that seems wrong. As I got older naturally my perception changed, and I learned that is not what it is about, It's about serving Him because he truly deserves it, and because I want to please him, and not myself. and to glorify and praise him above all other things.

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In the privacy of your own room, kneel in prayer. Confess Romans 10:8-13. Rejoice! Read Romans 8:1, John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9. Home Run!

DukeJohn said:

So, I have a question that's been on my mind recently.
is it bad if someone were, as a young child (like 5 or 6 years old), to get saved mainly because they didn't want to go to hell? I only ask because, well that's why I got saved. I was about 6 years old, and I repented of my sins, mainly because I didn't want to go to hell, not because I truly desired to serve Christ. But as a much older adult I realize that seems wrong. As I got older naturally my perception changed, and I learned that is not what it is about, It's about serving Him because he truly deserves it, and because I want to please him, and not myself. and to glorify and praise him above all other things.

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If you got baptized at that age, it would be valid, but if you are asking about being saved, no, it was not sufficient. However, you seem to have made a mental commitment to trust and serve the Lord now, so that is what matters. You should be baptized, though, if you were not baptized as a youngster.

DukeJohn said:

So, I have a question that's been on my mind recently.
is it bad if someone were, as a young child (like 5 or 6 years old), to get saved mainly because they didn't want to go to hell?

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God takes us where we're at. He doesn't expect a six year old to have the understanding, maturity and faith of a teenager or adult. If, because of the way the Gospel has been shared with them, hell is the primary motive for a six year old trusting in Christ, that isn't on the six year old, but on the one who shared the Gospel with the child. Ideally, even a young child should come to Christ from a motive of love for him. But when they don't, I think God is gracious enough to allow for their childish thinking and understandable preoccupation with the danger of Hell.

It's alright as long as you truly repent with all your heart.

DukeJohn said:

So, I have a question that's been on my mind recently.
is it bad if someone were, as a young child (like 5 or 6 years old), to get saved mainly because they didn't want to go to hell? I only ask because, well that's why I got saved. I was about 6 years old, and I repented of my sins, mainly because I didn't want to go to hell, not because I truly desired to serve Christ. But as a much older adult I realize that seems wrong. As I got older naturally my perception changed, and I learned that is not what it is about, It's about serving Him because he truly deserves it, and because I want to please him, and not myself. and to glorify and praise him above all other things.

Click to expand...

You repented of your sins when you were 6?! I wonder how much of sins you had to repent of at such a young age. I would have been a much better person in my life had I repented when I was that young. Good for you. So now you realize that our life is all about living for God. Good for you again.

Fear is a fine motivator to get saved. Peter called out in pure self-preservation mode when he was drowning, and the Lord saved him. His only reproach was that Peter let unbelief frighten him, not that he called out in fear. It would have been foolish for him not to call out. As long as you were sincere, no problem.

However it would be a shame to remain at that initial place of spiritual development. As you say, there are better places to be. God deserves worship for who He is, not just what we can get from Him, and His purposes are more important than ours. All of us progress in our salvation, and our hearts get cleared of previous junk. So the example you raise is one of you seeing the need for more change and growth as you mature spiritually. That's a good thing. I would thank God for His wonderful mercy, grace and love, and keep moving forward.