How to Teach Children What it Means to Be Saved Free Bibe Lessons for Kids
Theme: God saves us through Jesus—when we trust Him, we are forgiven, made new, and promised eternal life.
Opening Story: The Lost Hiker
Once upon a time, a boy named Caleb went hiking in the mountains with his family. He loved adventures and wanted to explore a little trail off the path. But as he walked further, the trees got thicker, and the trail disappeared. Caleb turned around—but he couldn’t find the way back.
He was lost.
It got cold. The sun was setting. Caleb sat on a rock and began to cry. He knew he couldn’t save himself. But then—he heard a voice calling his name. A rescue team had come looking for him! His parents had called for help, and the rescuers had lights, maps, and radios. They found Caleb, wrapped him in a warm blanket, and led him back safely.
That, kids, is what it means to be saved. Caleb couldn’t find his way. He needed help. And someone came to rescue him.
What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
In the Bible, being “saved” means that God rescues us from sin, forgives us, and gives us a new life that lasts forever.
Let’s take a closer look at what that means.
1. We All Need to Be Saved
Key Verse: Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Sin is anything we think, say, or do that disobeys God. It separates us from Him, like a wall between us and our Creator.
Have you ever told a lie? Been mean to someone? Disobeyed your parents? We all have. The Bible says everyone has sinned, and sin leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23). That means we’re separated from God, and we can’t fix it on our own.
Like Caleb lost in the forest, we need someone to find us and bring us back.
2. Jesus Came to Save Us
Key Verse: John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God didn’t want us to stay lost in sin. So He sent Jesus—His Son—to rescue us.
Jesus never sinned. He lived a perfect life. But He chose to die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. Three days later, He rose again, showing His power over death.
Jesus is our Rescuer! He made a way for us to be saved, forgiven, and brought back to God.
 |
Top 50 Creative Bible Lessons: Fun Activities for Preschoolers The Top 50 Creative Bible Lessons for preschoolers has everything you need to teach children ages two to five for a whole year! It’s filled with great Bible stories; step-by-step, easy-to-use instructions; fun activities; and TONS of reproducible pages. These lessons have everything you need to reach young children with the good news of God’s amazing love. About the Series |
3. How Can We Be Saved?
Key Verse: Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Being saved isn’t something we earn. It’s a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). But we do need to respond.
Here’s how:
- Believe – Trust that Jesus died for your sins and came back to life.
- Repent – Be sorry for your sins and turn away from them.
- Accept – Ask Jesus to forgive you and come into your life.
- Follow – Live in a way that pleases God and shows love to others.
Salvation is like opening the door when Jesus knocks (Revelation 3:20). He offers you the gift, but you have to accept it.
4. What Happens When We Are Saved?
When we believe in Jesus and are saved, amazing things happen!
A. We Are Forgiven
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”
No matter what we’ve done, God promises to forgive us completely.
B. We Become God’s Children
John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him…he gave the right to become children of God.”
You’re not just rescued—you’re adopted into God’s family!
C. We Get a New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…”
God gives you a fresh start. A clean heart. A life filled with His love.
D. We Are Promised Heaven
John 14:2-3 – Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you…so that you also may be where I am.”
Being saved means one day we’ll live forever with Jesus, where there is no more pain, sadness, or sin.
Let’s Review: What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
- We all sin and need rescue
- Jesus came to save us
- We are saved by believing in Him
- When we are saved, we are forgiven, made new, and promised heaven
Discussion Questions
- What is sin?
- Why do we need to be saved?
- What did Jesus do so we could be saved?
- Can we save ourselves? Why or why not?
- What happens when someone believes in Jesus?
- Have you ever asked Jesus to save you?
Simple Salvation Prayer
If a child wants to respond, lead them in this prayer:
Dear Jesus, I know I’ve sinned and need Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. I believe You rose from the dead. Please forgive me, come into my life, and help me live for You. I want to follow You forever. Amen.
Memory Verse Activity
Romans 10:9 – Write each word of the verse on a card. Mix them up and have the children put them in the correct order.
Then repeat it together until they can say it by heart.
Song Suggestion
🎵 “Jesus Loves Me” or “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
Music helps truth stick in the heart.
Closing Thought
Salvation is the best gift we can ever receive. It’s not just about going to heaven someday—it’s about walking with Jesus today. He loves you, forgives you, and wants to be your friend forever.
Have you been saved? If not, Jesus is ready to rescue you today.
 |
Childrens Sermons One year’s worth of sermons for pastors and children’s ministry leaders to teach children about God and the Bible. Each lesson highlights a specific Bible verse and provides an insightful children’s message complete with suggestions for easy-to-find visual props for object lessons. |