"Family Salvation" Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ

Family Salvation

I have some questions about your family's salvation: Is there anyone in your family who needs to be saved? Is leading your loved ones to Christ an option for you?

When we look at our family, it may be easy to feel that some members have gone too far or that their hearts are unreachable. However, that is never the case, and Jesus died for all, no matter their sins.

So, we must know that when we share Christ with them, it’s crucial to remember that our approach matters. Instead of trying to impose our will on them, we should wholeheartedly believe that there is salvation in Jesus Christ for them.

With the help of the Holy Spirit in convicting a person of their sin, salvation and redemption can become a real possibility for family members, regardless of their spiritual state. 

Family Salvation Acts 16:25-34

Let me share a quick story of a family's salvation in Acts 16:25-34. We see the transformative power of faith and prayer in the story of Paul and Silas. 

Imprisoned and shackled, they prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the prison's foundations, opening all the doors and loosening the chains of every prisoner.

The jailer, waking up and seeing the open doors, drew his sword to take his own life, fearing the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out to him, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." Trembling, the jailer asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas responded, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

That very night, the jailer and his entire family were baptized, experiencing the life-changing power of faith.

This powerful passage from Acts reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and redemption. We open the door for transformative change when we learn to trust God's power rather than our efforts.

Just as the jailer's family was saved through faith, so too can we believe in the potential for our loved one's salvation.

Realize It Is God's Will for Them to Be Saved

God's will is for everyone to be saved.

The journey of bringing our loved ones to faith begins with understanding and embracing a profound truth: it is God's will for them to be saved. This realization is the foundational step that empowers us to pray confidently, witness with boldness, and trust in God's plan for their salvation.

The promise to the jailer and his household is no different than the promise for us. 

God desires the salvation of all people, including our loved ones.

In II Peter 3:9, Peter writes, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." 

This verse reinforces that God's heart is for everyone to repent and experience His love's transformative power.

Embracing God’s Promise

Recognizing God's will for our loved ones to be saved should transform how we approach prayer and our call to reach the lost. It shifts our mindset from doubt and hesitation to faith and confidence. We are not operating in our strength to bring about their salvation; we are partnering with God's desire and purpose.

Below are three promises to help lead family members to Jesus.

1. Praying with Assurance: When we pray for our loved ones, we can do so with the assurance that we align with God's will. Our prayers become powerful and effective because they are grounded in the promise of God’s desire for salvation. Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

   
   

2. Witnessing with Boldness: Knowing that it is God's will for our loved ones to be saved gives us the courage to share the gospel with them. We can confidently speak, knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work in their hearts, drawing them to Jesus. Ephesians 6:19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

   
   

3. Trusting in God’s Timing: Patience is key when praying for and witnessing to our loved ones. God's timing is perfect, and He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. Trusting in His timing allows us to remain steadfast and hopeful, even when we do not see immediate results. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

   
   

Living Out Our Faith

Our own lives serve as a testimony to God's grace and power. As we live out our faith authentically and consistently, our loved ones will see the difference Jesus makes in our lives. Our actions, attitudes, and words can become powerful witnesses to the transformative power of Jesus's love for each of us.

Remember, the first step in bringing our loved ones to faith is to realize that God's will is for them to be saved. Embracing this truth empowers us to pray confidently, witness boldly, and trust God's perfect timing. Just as the promise was to the jailer, it is also to us.

As we align our hearts with God's desire, we can stand firm in faith, knowing that His will is for everyone to repent.

Your Faith Comes First

Let's dig a little deeper into the true power of your faith and why it comes first.

When it comes to the salvation of our loved ones, your faith plays a critical role, even before theirs. Faith is the foundation upon which we stand, and it is through our faith that we call things that are not as though they are. This principle is rooted in the belief that our words and declarations are grounded in faith and have the power to shape reality.

Romans 4:17 tells us about God, "who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." This verse underscores the power of speaking faith-filled words into existence. When we declare the salvation of our loved ones, we are aligning our words with God’s promises, bringing them into the realm of possibility. This is where your faith becomes the catalyst for change.

Consider the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. She had suffered for twelve years, but her faith drove her to believe that if she just touched Jesus’ cloak, she would be healed. Her faith preceded her healing.

Similarly, when we stand in faith for our loved one’s salvation, we must believe that our declarations and prayers are just as powerful and effective.

Another vital factor in this spiritual battle is that it is crucial to recognize that the devil is a liar.

John 8:44 describes him as the father of lies. 

He will try to discourage you, make you doubt, and plant seeds of fear and unbelief. He will whisper lies like, "They will never change," or "It's too late for them." But we must stand firm in the truth of God's word, knowing His promises are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Stand Firm in Faith

Standing firm in faith means rejecting the devil's lies and holding fast to God's promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." 

We trust that God is at work even when we do not see immediate changes. 

Our role is to maintain our faith, continue to pray, and declare God's promises over our loved ones.

Practical Steps to Exercise Your Faith

1. Speak Life: Say positive, faith-filled words over your loved ones. For example, "They are coming to know Jesus" or "God is working in their hearts."

   
   

2. Pray Fervently: Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Bring your loved ones before God daily, trusting His power to save.

   
   

3. Reject Lies: When doubts or negative thoughts arise, counter them with scripture and the truth of God's promises.

   
   

4. Stay Encouraged: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray, encourage, and stand in faith with you.

Your faith is the bedrock upon which the salvation of your loved ones can be built by speaking things that are not as though they are. By standing firm against the devil's lies, you can play a pivotal role in their journey to salvation.

Remember, it is God's will for them to be saved, and your faith, declarations, and prayers are powerful tools in this spiritual battle.

As we conclude, remember this truth: we can't force anyone to choose a path they don't desire, and God respects that autonomy. He grants each of us the freedom to make our own choices. Our role is to guide others toward Christ and trust the Holy Spirit to work within their hearts.

Reflect on Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Let this verse inspire you to approach others with grace and compassion as we share the message of salvation.