"Mom, how do I know if I’m saved?"

“Mom, how do I know if I’m saved?” That question stopped me in my tracks. “How do I know that I’m really a Christian and not just saying that because my Dad is a pastor?” As I looked at my daughter, I could tell that God had been at work and that we were on the precipice of the biggest day of her life. What unfolded from that moment was an open and honest conversation about how the God of the gospel that we often talked about was doing a work in her heart.

Questions like this didn’t arrive unprompted. Earlier that day, my daughter had been at a birthday party for a friend from school who had asked her, point-blank at the base of the zipline, if she was a Christian. She first replied that she went to church and knew about Jesus, but the friend was not deterred. She pressed, “Do you believe?” At the time, she wasn’t so sure.

Now we celebrate an annual born-again birthday with her and remember this story, the story about how one pre-teen was brave enough to talk to another about her savior. And how those questions led to a declaration at the dinner table, “I believe that Jesus died and rose for me and I want to follow him.”

I share this story for two reasons:

1. Asking good questions is a great way to help kids and teens think through the implications of the gospel and direct their minds and hearts to salvation. I’ve seen it firsthand in my family and with my years mentoring youth in our church. Isn’t it what Jesus often did himself? “Who do you say that I am?”

2. The friend who asked hard questions was a part of the church and ministry of Champ Thornton. His ability to ask good questions, impress the truth of the gospel into his work and ministry, and minister well to kids and teens had a direct (and blessed) impact on our family. I will always count him as someone who helped lead my child to the savior.

It’s with these two reasons in mind that I am honored to commend this careful, gospel-centered devotional by Champ. The questions he poses are common but essential– questions that everyone needs to think through and be able to answer. But the devotions that help lead kids and teens through the answers are penned by someone who deftly and tenderly communicates on their level. Champ's years as a father, pastor, and author shine through. He is a good and trusted guide.

Get this book for your family, for your church, and for any tween in your life. Help them ask (and answer!) essential questions about the gift of the gospel and their salvation.

More about 10 Questions about Salvation: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families

The 10 Questions series invites children ages 8-14 to investigate spiritual questions and provides reliable theological and practical answers on their level. The first book, 10 Questions about Salvation, helps readers find joy, security, and hope in God's gracious love. Each 10 Questions book presents one main topic, poses 10 vital questions on the topic, and answers each question through 3 short devotions. Readers can work through the 30 readings in any order they choose.

Written to be read alone or aloud with family, 10 Questions about Salvation is the perfect way to start or end each day reflecting on the things of God.