Does the decision have to be a conscious one made with a sound mind? If so, then at what age is possible for children to really accept Christ?
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What are the conditions needed to accept Christ?
- Thread starter DarkProphet
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cutie76
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Confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior and invite Him into your heart.
Since one would have to hear, believe and understand the commitment to Christ, maturity is needed. Turning away from sin (repentance) is also another act of Christianity.
However, every child, every person is different - so age is relative. A 5 year old child could understand and receive Christ, while an 11 year old really does not have the concept, nor the desire.
Some children read at 4 years old, others at 9 years old. Children are very different in all areas, so there is no set age (not in the Bible anyway).
Personally, I always thought the 10-14 yr range was appropriate since that's when puberty starts for kids. But everyone has their own convictions about this.
I do not agree with infant baptism for salvation. ALL babies WILL go to heaven no matter what.
Since one would have to hear, believe and understand the commitment to Christ, maturity is needed. Turning away from sin (repentance) is also another act of Christianity.
However, every child, every person is different - so age is relative. A 5 year old child could understand and receive Christ, while an 11 year old really does not have the concept, nor the desire.
Some children read at 4 years old, others at 9 years old. Children are very different in all areas, so there is no set age (not in the Bible anyway).
Personally, I always thought the 10-14 yr range was appropriate since that's when puberty starts for kids. But everyone has their own convictions about this.
I do not agree with infant baptism for salvation. ALL babies WILL go to heaven no matter what.
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That makes sense but what about external influences? I remember someone telling me that they became a Christian at the age of 4 because their kindergarten teacher told him that he would burn in hell if he didn't accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Does it still count if the person is coerced into the decision?
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Sorry that is simply the term I hear the most when people try to convert me. I guess I mean the decision to become a Christian and to hold all the beliefs that entails.
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cutie76
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Only God would be able to judge that one.
If I was that kid, I would be on the safe side and ask Christ into my heart later on in life, when I was willing and ready.
I can't really remember that much from my own childhood at 4 years old, let alone what was in my heart.
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MikeMcK
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Unfortunately, pop-Christianity has ingrained that phrase into the brains of many Christians, but this idea that Christ is some lovestruck schoolgirl, just waiting for us to ask her to the big dance couldn't be further from the truth.
To the contrary, the Bible tells us that Christ is the sovereign creator of the universe and that is we who are called to take up our cross, to lay down our lives and follow.
Simple. Repent of your sins and believe by faith that Jesus Christ, who lived a completely sinless life, died as the perfect sacrifice for your sins and was raised again on the third day.
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To believe that on faith alone is asking a lot. In any case is it possible for someone of not sound mind to do this?
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MikeMcK
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I didn't say to believe on faith alone, but to believe by faith.
It may or may not be possible for a mentally ill person to do this. I don't know. It depends on the person.
However, what I do know is that the Bible tells us that God is merciful and will take their inability to do so into account.
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childofGod31
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I was a believer in God ever since I can remember. But I remember sobbing at one of the services and asking God to forgive me when I was 9. Since then I can remember that I believed in God and Jesus and when I sang the songs in the church I meant every word. So I believe that I accepted Christ at that time.
If a person is not of sound mind, but can understand that God is the creator, and that Jesus died to save him, and prayed for forgiveness of his sins, that is all that's needed for salvation, so I think he would be saved.
Christ is knocking on the door of our heart.
REV 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
ROM 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
JOH 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
ISA 55:3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
If a person is not of sound mind, but can understand that God is the creator, and that Jesus died to save him, and prayed for forgiveness of his sins, that is all that's needed for salvation, so I think he would be saved.
Christ is knocking on the door of our heart.
REV 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
ROM 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
JOH 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
ISA 55:3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
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Digit
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I believe it is to do with your heart. If you have pure morals, and a sincere heart, then you can accept Christ. Age is irrespective, as these things are present from the day we are born, until the day we die.
In regards to soundness of mind, we are not told of God's plans in this regard in any detail. So we have faith in God, and His decisions.
Digit
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