Explain the plan of salvation to a 12 year old

 

Explain the plan of salvation to a 12 year old

The idea of a "plan of salvation" can be complex, and explaining it to a 12-year-old depends heavily on their religious background and understanding. Here are two general approaches you can take, tailored to different levels of familiarity:

For a child with no prior religious knowledge:

• Imagine life as a big adventure game. We start in a beautiful place, full of possibilities, but we also have the freedom to make choices. Sometimes we make mistakes, like choosing the wrong path, and that can lead to challenges.
• God, like the creator of the game, wants us to experience joy and growth. But He also knows that mistakes are part of the journey. So, He sent His son, Jesus, like a super helper, to guide us back to the good path and overcome any obstacles.
• Jesus showed us how to live with love and kindness. He even faced the biggest difficulty - death - to prove that even when things seem really bad, there's always hope. By believing in Jesus and trying to follow His example, we can find our way back to the good place, where we can be happy and close to God again.
• It's like having a super friend who's always there for you, even when you mess up. You can talk to Jesus through prayer, ask for forgiveness, and He'll help you learn and grow. Remember, the most important thing is to try your best and keep moving forward.

For a child with some religious knowledge:

• Think back to stories in the Bible about creation, Adam and Eve, and how sin entered the world. We were meant to live in perfect harmony with God, but our choices created a separation.
• God's love for us is infinite, so He sent Jesus, His perfect son, to bridge that gap. Jesus lived a sinless life and then willingly sacrificed himself on the cross to take the punishment for our wrongdoings. This act of sacrifice, called the Atonement, is the key to overcoming sin and death.
• Following Jesus doesn't mean being perfect, but it means striving to live according to His teachings. We try to be kind, loving, and forgiving, just like He was. This includes things like helping others, making good choices, and praying regularly.

Remember, the key is to explain things in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging. Encourage questions and open discussion, and let the child explore their own understanding of the concepts. You can also use Bible stories, analogies, or even visuals to help them grasp the bigger picture.

Ultimately, the plan of salvation is a personal journey of faith. As a 12-year-old explores these ideas, their understanding and interpretation will evolve over time. The most important thing is to support their spiritual growth and foster a sense of wonder and love for God.