Titus 3:7 says, “So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
God wants our grandchildren to know Him. I feel certain that is the heartbeat – the hope – of every Christian grandparent, too.
So how will our grandchildren be justified by His grace so they can become heirs of this hope of eternal life? How will they come to know the only true God and His only Son, Jesus Christ? This is important as they will not experience eternal life without knowing God and Jesus.
A Grandmother’s Story of Salvation
The story below may sound very familiar to many of you. Jane Kehlenbeck, wife of Legacy Coalition CFO and committed grandmother, shares her faith testimony.
Hanging above my bed as a child was a framed cross-stitch which read:
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the LORD my soul to take.
If I should live for other days, I pray the LORD to guide my ways. AMEN”
Several questions passed through my mind as I drifted off to sleep…What exactly is my “soul” and, more disturbing, if I do die tonight, where will I go?
Although my family regularly attended church and I sang in the children’s choir and actively participated in the middle and high school youth groups, I never heard the Gospel.
The Power of Scripture in Salvation
UNTIL, one Sunday evening, our youth pastor was on vacation and asked a local seminary student to substitute. He presented the gospel clearly using passages from the book of Romans…I was listening.
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That was an easy one; I was aware of my selfishness and deceitfulness.
Next, he shared Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death.” That was sobering to me, my sin, all sin deserves death – a separation from God.
He continued with Romans 5:8, “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” What an awesome gift, Jesus paid the price, the wages of sin. He died for me.
Ending with Romans 10:9, “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.” By this point, I was ALL in. I understood that you needed to believe, ask, and be saved.
I stepped forward and prayed to receive Christ as my Savior based completely on His finished work on the cross. The promises from the book of Romans cemented that confidence firmly in my heart.
Unfortunately, the seminary student did not return, and we never again discussed Christ’s sacrificial death, resurrection, or salvation. But God had a plan.
God’s Faithfulness After Salvation
In God’s providence, I fell in love and married my college boyfriend. Soon afterward, we were invited to join a Navigator 2:7 couples Bible study. There, we were challenged to study and memorize God’s Word. Through solid Biblical preaching, committed women’s ministry leaders, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I began to grow in my knowledge and love for the Lord.
When the challenges and frustrations of multiple moves, three young children, and my husband’s demanding career began to overwhelm me, I learned to trust God and acknowledge His sovereignty.
“Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but it’s the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)
As a young mom and wife, God taught me two important lessons.
- Regarding my judgmental attitude: others are accountable to God, not to ME, for their words and actions.
- Regarding my speech: I am fully responsible for how I react to difficult people and frustrating situations.
This is my testimony from Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
God continues to be my rock and my fortress (Psalm 31:3). In answer to our fervent prayers, God provided our children with three incredible spouses. They bring us great joy, as do our seven precious grandchildren. Each has been baptized…a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next.
“This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
May we each look back with grateful hearts and see His hand of faithfulness, and may our daily lives testify to His GREATNESS.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36)
God Commands Us to Tell the Next Generation
Maybe you are thinking about writing out and sharing your testimony with your grandchildren. So what are some things to consider, where do you start, and what are some common things to include?
First and foremost, know that God commands us to tell the next generation what He has done for us. Psalm 78:4 says, “Tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
He also draws our attention to the fact that we need to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Psalm 78:6-7 answers the why by saying, “That the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”
It matters not only for this generation but for the ones coming after we are gone.
How to Write and Share Your Testimony With Your Grandchildren
As you consider what to write, think through not only your salvation experience but what God has done and how He has changed your life since that wonderful day.
I still remember decades later that at a church service, an older gentleman stood up after a person shared his testimony. He said rather loudly, “That’s great to hear your salvation story. Has God not done anything since that you could testify to?” As a young new convert, that plays back in my mind when someone asks me to give a testimony.
Often, we do just tell about our salvation experience – and that is great, but do not forget to share how God has been faithful since then to you. Share how your values and your family’s values are shaped around Scripture, as well as your lifestyle and decisions.
Speaking to the Heart of Your Grandchild
Think about who you are going to share your testimony with. Depending on your grandchildren’s ages and needs, your focus might be different. Consider the words and verses you would use. Use everyday words in a conversational tone. You are not preaching or teaching, you are sharing. Steer clear of religious jargon, phrases, and cliches. Speak plainly and clearly from your heart. Seek to connect with their heart.
Part 1 – Your Life Before Christ
One of the best models of giving a testimony is found in Acts 26. Paul shares his life before he believed or placed his trust in Christ. Think back and seek to answer the who, what, why, where, when, and how of this time. Try to relate to and connect with the needs and desires of those you are speaking with.
Part 2 – Your Salvation Experience
Next, Paul moves to share his actual conversion experience, the turning point. What were the key events, the verses, the people involved, the moments that led to the decision to place your trust in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross?
I remember vividly even the song we sang prior to my acceptance and the one directly after, but nothing was as powerful as the sense of ‘lightness’ I felt. The burden of my sin and guilt had been lifted, praise the Lord!
So don’t just share the facts of the experience but the feelings. Bring them into the experience and help them relive it with you. As you magnify God’s work in your heart at that salvation moment, may it resonate with a heart need they have.
Part 3 – Your Life After Christ
Finally, do not stop at the salvation experience. Continue on sharing how God has been faithful through all the ups and downs of life. Share specific ways He showed up when you needed Him most.
Tell of scripture passages and Bible characters that mean so much to you. Relate how your life changed – behavior, interests, desires, motivations, values, and friends. Explain the difference Christ has made in your life. Again, do not make it all facts but seek to connect to their heart.
It comes down to who you are in Christ. And our grandchildren need to know their identity. Help them to see how your identity changed when you became a saved child of God. Communicate that it was the best decision you have ever made.
This last part of your testimony becomes especially crucial during hardship, suffering, trials, and grief. Your grandchildren need to know that Jesus can be counted on; that He shows up and never leaves. Jesus is our only hope during these difficult times. So tell the coming generation and always be ready to tell, so they will set their hope in God.
Additional Tips
Do not feel you have to share everything at one time. Start with a brief explanation of the three points: before, during, and after. This is especially true if the grandchild is small. Then build upon the points with each conversation opportunity.
Above all, stay alert to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to the readiness of the grandchild, what to say, and how to say it. Bathe it all in prayer, knowing your desire that your grandchildren set their hope in God, be justified by his grace, and become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
