Ayden's Salvation

I remember when we first found out Ayden was on the way.  We took four pregnancy tests, just to be sure. ;)  That seems like just a few short days ago, when in reality, it was 8 years, and my sweet firstborn is 7 years old.

From the time we knew he was on the way, we began to pray for his salvation.  We pray that same prayer for Landon, Camden, and Laney Kate.  What greater joy can there be for a parent than to know their child has given their heart to Jesus?

Ayden is now old enough to understand that Jesus was born to a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose 3 days later, and ascended to the Father all in order to be our sacrifice.  But, Ayden also knew all of the answers.  He has been taught at home, learned in church, and even been in a christian school.  So, it was important to Jesse and I that we not push him. 

We have talked about salvation several times over the last months.  Ayden began to ask some tentative questions, but was never sure if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart.  We told him that when the time was right, God would tell him, and he would just know.

He began asking questions again a little over a week ago at church.  We have seen some people baptized recently, which had been the spark for Ayden's questions.  As we were at church, Ayden told me that he was ready to get baptized. 

We told Ayden that we'd really like to talk to him about it some more, so on the way home from church, he was ready to talk.  Jesse asked him if he understood why we get baptized.  He sort of understood, but Jesse wanted to be clear so that Ayden would know that baptism does not equal salvation, rather it is an act of obedience after salvation and a picture of what Jesus has done in our hearts.

After discussion and being convinced that Ayden knew what he was talking about, Jesse asked him if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart.

I held my breath, because we've asked this question before only to hear, "uh...not yet."

But, this time, he said yes.  Jesse led him in prayer right there in the car.  And we had a family celebration that night.

What a joy to know my boy has chosen to follow Jesus.  When he was a newborn, our pastor prayed over him at his baby dedication that he would grow up to be a giant for Jesus.  Oh, how that has been and continues to be my prayer.  What great things will he do for the Lord?

But, today, my heart is rejoicing, just as it has been since April 14, because my boy has given his heart to the One who loves him with an everlasting love and who gave His own Son so that we might know Him.

Do you know Him?

For God so loved the world that He have his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8

If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ~Romans 10:9-10