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How to Bring Your Children to Christ... & Keep Them There: Avoiding the Tragedy of False Conversion
Eighty-eight percent of children raised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of eighteen never to return. Nothing is more important than where your kids will spend eternity. As a parent, you don't want to suffer the heartache of your children rebelling against their Christian upbringing. In this practical book, noted author/evangelist Ray Comfort counters the unscriptural belief that a child can be saved merely by "asking Jesus into his heart," and shows parents (and children's workers) how to guide their children to experience genuine salvation and avoid the pitfall of rebellion. Filled with creative ideas for family devotions, tips for safeguarding kids from harmful influences, and great suggestions for helping kids learn God s holy standard, the Ten Commandments.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
78 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Ray Comfort
253 books397 followersRay is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters and the best–selling author of more than 80 books, including, Hell's Best Kept Secret, Scientific Facts in the Bible, and The Evidence Bible. He co–hosts (with actor Kirk Cameron) the award–winning television program "The Way of the Master," seen in 200 countries. He is also the Executive Producer on the movies "Audacity," "180," "Evolution vs. God," and others, which have been seen by millions. He and his wife, Sue, live in Bellflower, California, where they have three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 12, 2012
This book had some good points and good quotes. A lot of really good stuff. However, he said a few things that I believe are too extreme.
August 22, 2025
A book written to raise awareness as to how parents can effectively aid in the process of guiding their children on a path to coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The approach employed by the author, Ray Comfort, is one in which law (i.e., the Ten Commandments) and Gospel are utilized in concert so that children can understand not only that they are sinners (like all the rest of us are), but what/Who specifically they are sinning against. Without a presentation of the Law, it is difficult for children (and for that matter, anyone) to truly understand or appreciate the depth of their depraved state and utter need for the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Here are some excerpts of note that I found striking:
"The messages of contemporary Christianity are often about self. Many pastor preach on how we can obtain what is rightfully ours in Christ, but fail to speak about the dreadful fate of the lost. Rarely do they call for Christians to pray for the salvation of those around them, let alone speak to them about the issue. The eternal salvation of the world should devour our thoughts, and if it doesn't, something is radically wrong." - pg. 36
"If you love your children, feed them spiritually. Clothe them in righteousness. Teach them the importance of clothing themselves in humility. Educate them about what will harm them in this life and in the next....Be sensitive to what pleases God. Have your senses exercised to discern both good and evil (see Hebrews 5:14). - pg. 44
"..Charles Spurgeon explains why the Law is necessary in salvation:
...You cannot expect God to clothe you until he has stripped you, nor to heal you until he has cut the proud flesh out of your wounds...To some people, it seems to be a dreadful thing to give a man such a bad opinion of himself, but, indeed, it is the greatest blessing that could come to him, for when he despairs of himself, he will fly to Christ to save him....You must starve the sinner's self-righteousness to make him willing to feed on Christ; and thus the very depths of his despair, when he thinks that he must be lost for ever, will only lead him, by God's abundant love, to a fuller appreciation of the heights of God's grace." - pgs. 74-75 (from Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908 "God's Providence" (Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library) .
"The messages of contemporary Christianity are often about self. Many pastor preach on how we can obtain what is rightfully ours in Christ, but fail to speak about the dreadful fate of the lost. Rarely do they call for Christians to pray for the salvation of those around them, let alone speak to them about the issue. The eternal salvation of the world should devour our thoughts, and if it doesn't, something is radically wrong." - pg. 36
"If you love your children, feed them spiritually. Clothe them in righteousness. Teach them the importance of clothing themselves in humility. Educate them about what will harm them in this life and in the next....Be sensitive to what pleases God. Have your senses exercised to discern both good and evil (see Hebrews 5:14). - pg. 44
"..Charles Spurgeon explains why the Law is necessary in salvation:
...You cannot expect God to clothe you until he has stripped you, nor to heal you until he has cut the proud flesh out of your wounds...To some people, it seems to be a dreadful thing to give a man such a bad opinion of himself, but, indeed, it is the greatest blessing that could come to him, for when he despairs of himself, he will fly to Christ to save him....You must starve the sinner's self-righteousness to make him willing to feed on Christ; and thus the very depths of his despair, when he thinks that he must be lost for ever, will only lead him, by God's abundant love, to a fuller appreciation of the heights of God's grace." - pgs. 74-75 (from Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908 "God's Providence" (Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library) .
August 21, 2018
Not surprisingly, this book is big on Law and short on Grace. I read it because I liked the idea of using the 10 Commandments to share the Gospel. The author goes way too far, essentially beating you and your children over the head with the Law. There were so many things wrong with this book, perhaps most tragic, that the spotlight is taken off of Jesus and put on the parents, who appear to be charged with doing the saving. Scaring the Hell out of your kids for 18 years will more than likely drive them to seek freedom outside of the church. However, showing them their spiritual condition and then showering them with God’s Grace and Love is where they will find true freedom, ironically, apart from “Mr. Comfort’s” never-ending Law.
August 10, 2020
How to Bring Your Children to Christ… & Keep Them There: Avoiding the Tragedy of False Conversion
By: Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron
Aware of The Way of the Master Ministries, I put this on my “to-read” list because of my emerging interest in spiritual formation of children. At the time I was making sense of how parents provide an environment that would encourage their children to thrive in the Lord. Years later, I finally read the book and it addressed a lot of my concerns (not in the way that others books on the topic do -- but we will get to that), provided a lot of great anecdotes and analogies (which the Way of the Master if famous for) and gave my big picture things to think about.
I am convinced the Lord called me to read this at this time and it made the reading of this book special. This book uses the work guilt and conscience a lot which was poignant to me because I just finished reading a great book on the conscience (By Andy Nasselli: check it out!) and it has been better forming my thoughts on the topic. A wonderful chaser to how I think about the conscience. I have never before reading this book realized how much the conscience of even an unbeliever convicts them to the point of guilt. I was also educated in the understanding that guilt is not a bad emotion. Too many people (secular especially) think guilt and shame are ALWAYS bad emotions. They are actually good. For the Christian with the appropriate worldview, we are all guilty so after sinning we WILL feel guilty. That guilt makes us aware that we have wronged a good God and moral Judge. It makes us (the Christian) repent and trust in Jesus’ perfect life. The guilt we feel provided by our conscience is a gift from God –a common grace sort of gift provided even to unbeliever. Praise God!
I am convinced many people in more conservative streams like Comfort and Cameron get pegged as people who love the law to the point of not loving Jesus. While I think this is not true of them, I do think there were points that I felt the display of the gospel (to children) was only even done in a way that made them feel guilty and eager to repent. While true, this book lacked the sense of God being good and his presence being light and enjoyable. Books like Donald Whitney’s on Family Worship and other books on my “Read” list have more holistic views, I would say.
I do think they did touch on some problematic ways of thinking in their stream. At one point in the book the authors mentions that while mothers can love ugly looking babies for fathers it is very difficulty. Essentially that mothers see the good physically and spiritually in their children right away while fathers are more skeptical. This book is also dated. The authors mention at one point how a person who has sex before marriage is like something that was used but repackaged as new, making the point that sex outside of marriage is bad. While I absolutely agree in this case that the person is not devalued – “repackaged/new”, he does make the assumption that those people are not as valuable in a sense. I do think he makes a point (poorly) that for the person who has sex outside of marriage things might not be the same as they would if they did not especially as far as bonding (then again I guess we would never know b/c those who have sex never can go back and become virgins again). Again he could have made that point in a way that was more aware of God’s grace. That being said, we all have blind spots and I am sure they both might rethink writing through that if they could. They might have even not expressed truly their thoughts (the frustration of being a writer! That people don’t know what you are thinking in your head).
The idea of consistence and genuine faith of parents is not lost on me and the authors go to great length to highlight its importance. Some of the anecdotes were off-putting but many were challenging to me. Definitely not the most straightforward and simple way of explaining biblical principles but challenging none the less.
By: Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron
Aware of The Way of the Master Ministries, I put this on my “to-read” list because of my emerging interest in spiritual formation of children. At the time I was making sense of how parents provide an environment that would encourage their children to thrive in the Lord. Years later, I finally read the book and it addressed a lot of my concerns (not in the way that others books on the topic do -- but we will get to that), provided a lot of great anecdotes and analogies (which the Way of the Master if famous for) and gave my big picture things to think about.
I am convinced the Lord called me to read this at this time and it made the reading of this book special. This book uses the work guilt and conscience a lot which was poignant to me because I just finished reading a great book on the conscience (By Andy Nasselli: check it out!) and it has been better forming my thoughts on the topic. A wonderful chaser to how I think about the conscience. I have never before reading this book realized how much the conscience of even an unbeliever convicts them to the point of guilt. I was also educated in the understanding that guilt is not a bad emotion. Too many people (secular especially) think guilt and shame are ALWAYS bad emotions. They are actually good. For the Christian with the appropriate worldview, we are all guilty so after sinning we WILL feel guilty. That guilt makes us aware that we have wronged a good God and moral Judge. It makes us (the Christian) repent and trust in Jesus’ perfect life. The guilt we feel provided by our conscience is a gift from God –a common grace sort of gift provided even to unbeliever. Praise God!
I am convinced many people in more conservative streams like Comfort and Cameron get pegged as people who love the law to the point of not loving Jesus. While I think this is not true of them, I do think there were points that I felt the display of the gospel (to children) was only even done in a way that made them feel guilty and eager to repent. While true, this book lacked the sense of God being good and his presence being light and enjoyable. Books like Donald Whitney’s on Family Worship and other books on my “Read” list have more holistic views, I would say.
I do think they did touch on some problematic ways of thinking in their stream. At one point in the book the authors mentions that while mothers can love ugly looking babies for fathers it is very difficulty. Essentially that mothers see the good physically and spiritually in their children right away while fathers are more skeptical. This book is also dated. The authors mention at one point how a person who has sex before marriage is like something that was used but repackaged as new, making the point that sex outside of marriage is bad. While I absolutely agree in this case that the person is not devalued – “repackaged/new”, he does make the assumption that those people are not as valuable in a sense. I do think he makes a point (poorly) that for the person who has sex outside of marriage things might not be the same as they would if they did not especially as far as bonding (then again I guess we would never know b/c those who have sex never can go back and become virgins again). Again he could have made that point in a way that was more aware of God’s grace. That being said, we all have blind spots and I am sure they both might rethink writing through that if they could. They might have even not expressed truly their thoughts (the frustration of being a writer! That people don’t know what you are thinking in your head).
The idea of consistence and genuine faith of parents is not lost on me and the authors go to great length to highlight its importance. Some of the anecdotes were off-putting but many were challenging to me. Definitely not the most straightforward and simple way of explaining biblical principles but challenging none the less.
May 19, 2016
Very good book on basics. One may find it slightly on the side of legalism in a few particulars, but it is very sound on why one cannot preach grace without a solid foundation on the law.
April 5, 2023
It's easy to talk to your kids about Jesus' love and miracles -- it's less comfortable to discuss the Law (10 Commandments), how exceedingly sinful sin is in the sight of God, their guilt before a holy God, and the just consequence of eternal punishment. In order to experience true repentance, they need to know the reality of sin. Only then will they appreciate what Christ did for them on the cross, and the great debt they have been forgiven when they repent and trust him.
This book gives a parent practical tips on sharing the gospel (not just Bible stories!) with your children. Don't underestimate their ability to understand and be grieved over their sinful state.
I know I struggled with how to approach this with my children...after all, I didn't want a false conversion (something I experienced) for my kids. This book will help give you confidence in speaking and presenting the Law and Gospel plainly...your child's heart and conscience will reveal their understanding and readiness. For example, after going through the Law with my six year old, she revealed a "broken and contrite heart" and sobbed over her sin. I then gave her the good news of the gospel. My 3.5 year old listened to the same words, and just asked why we were crying.
This book gives a parent practical tips on sharing the gospel (not just Bible stories!) with your children. Don't underestimate their ability to understand and be grieved over their sinful state.
I know I struggled with how to approach this with my children...after all, I didn't want a false conversion (something I experienced) for my kids. This book will help give you confidence in speaking and presenting the Law and Gospel plainly...your child's heart and conscience will reveal their understanding and readiness. For example, after going through the Law with my six year old, she revealed a "broken and contrite heart" and sobbed over her sin. I then gave her the good news of the gospel. My 3.5 year old listened to the same words, and just asked why we were crying.
April 10, 2025
There are a few points in this book that I don’t agree with, and I wish it had a good dose of GRACE alongside all the law. But I do like the fun and practical ideas he gives for teaching kids about the Ten Commandments, and I agree that false conversions are a real danger for kids growing up in Christian homes. I especially appreciated the reminder that ultimately only God can soften our kids’ hearts and draw them to Himself. Parents should be diligent in teaching truth to their kids, but we don’t need to panic. God loves them even more than we do.
February 13, 2019
Excellent book full of practical ideas and ways to communicate the gospel to our children! Thought-provoking reminder of the need to use the Law when dealing with our children, especially in balancing character training (“You’re doing a good job!”) with constantly impressing upon them how utterly hopeless they, like their parents, are at keeping the Law and how much they need a Savior.
December 9, 2019
Excellent Book!
I really loved this book. Every chapter is great and I really love the ideas he gives to teach the kids. I have read it once straight through, now I'm planning to go chapter by chapter to try the teachings he shares. It's a book to read and reread. Thank you Ray Comfort for writing this book!
I really loved this book. Every chapter is great and I really love the ideas he gives to teach the kids. I have read it once straight through, now I'm planning to go chapter by chapter to try the teachings he shares. It's a book to read and reread. Thank you Ray Comfort for writing this book!
November 2, 2017
Te brinda una perspectiva Bíblica para la crianza de tus amados hijos, te muestra lecciones para que puedas cumplir con proverbios 22:6 "Instruye al niño en su camino, Y aun cuando fuere viejo no se apartará de él.", muy recomendado
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August 7, 2020Best biblical book on parenting!
This is the most helpful book on child training that I've read. Ray nails the biblical theology and shares how to apply that theology to everyday life. I've recommended this book to every friend of mine that has children.
This is the most helpful book on child training that I've read. Ray nails the biblical theology and shares how to apply that theology to everyday life. I've recommended this book to every friend of mine that has children.
September 29, 2020
I liked the hands-on ways of sharing the Ten Commandments with my kids, but was disappointed in some of the less than gracious language Comfort used in some sections. Worth reading, but with a grain of salt.
July 2, 2024
Is purposefully written in very practical
Connect excellent book written by ray and his team.I love the The statistical data and the examples that were given as well as all of the history given alongside anecdotes.
Connect excellent book written by ray and his team.I love the The statistical data and the examples that were given as well as all of the history given alongside anecdotes.
September 11, 2018
Quite a helpful book on parenting with biblical principles and practical advice.
January 1, 2019
Basic principles; lots of stories (not real meaty), but generally good advice.
December 13, 2022
Another must read for christian parents. Short and fun read.
March 5, 2019
Very convicting to personal faith and to evangelism.
June 16, 2014
LOVE this book! So many great helpful illustrations and advice, with sound Biblical teachings, to aid in raising our children up right with a true love and understanding of Christ. He offered so many practical ways to teach children different lessons and ways of life that even the smallest will understanding, like buying a new toothbrush, unwrapping it, cleaning a dog's teeth with it, then the floor, so it is grossly dirty, then wrapping it back up and putting it in the package, handing it to the kids and saying it is a gift. Then telling them that that is exactly what it is like to have sex before marriage and offer your spouse a defiled and impure body, and why purity is so important. I will keep this book with me as a the ultimate Parenting Handbook throughout the years. LOVE IT!!!
September 4, 2009
Another good book by Ray Comfort. My biggest fear has always been that my children will not have their own personal relationship with Christ, and this book really guides you on how to show them the way. Only 10% of people who accept Christ as their savior actually remain true to him. I don't want that for my kids. This book gives you the tools to help kids see their sins, and how without God they will stand before him on judgment day and be help accountable for them. I don't want my kids in hell one day, and now I feel like I am on the right track in witnessing to them. This is a fantastic book.
January 12, 2011
It is indeed very fire and brimstone but that's what I think we need at this point in the U.S.A.. I would have given it four stars but the entire Chapter 11 was devoted to making me feel like I am sinning by sending my kids to public school.
I am certainly a vile worthless sinner for many reasons but sending my kids to public school is not one of them.
Other than that, and the occasional anti-intellectual and anti-evolution thread, I felt I was a great, convicting tool for saving my soul and the souls of my children.
I am certainly a vile worthless sinner for many reasons but sending my kids to public school is not one of them.
Other than that, and the occasional anti-intellectual and anti-evolution thread, I felt I was a great, convicting tool for saving my soul and the souls of my children.
July 12, 2013
Ray Comfort is one of our all time favorite street preachers and authors. I love hearing him and never tire of his written words. This is a book that took me longer to read only because Nathan took it to work with him to read when he could. So it disappeared for lengths of time. It is so good. It does encourage me as a parent as I disciple my children and gave me so many thought provoking stories of families similar to our. A must read.
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February 4, 2014Challenging short read that deals with the need for our children to experience repentance for their sins before they can truly understand and accept Jesus' death on the cross for salvation. Don't necessarily agree that Ray's method is the only way to come to this place, but I do believe that too often we push children into a "false conversion" which ultimately innoculates them from a true understanding of what it means to be a Christ follower.
March 4, 2016
I would recommend this book to parents. It warns against false conversion and the importance of using the Ten Commandments to help kids see their need for repentance. It rightly emphasizes the parent's role in preparing the soil for the gospel seed. However, the author has strong opinions on certain issues. One example is public education.
December 18, 2007
This book again is another Christian book I am currently reading. This book is great for parents. If you know of any parent seeking this type of help this book does a great job. It is short and to the point and yet it has valuable information that one could use for the rest of their lives.
January 22, 2012
I've watched the program "The Way of the Master, " and I'm familiar with how Ray and Kirk use the Ten Commandments to share the gospel. This book waqs a good reminder of how to sctively witness to your children.
December 31, 2014
Read this book!
This book will benefit anyone who has kids whether they are small children or grown adults, it's never too late to bring your children to Christ and to set a proper biblical Christian example
This book will benefit anyone who has kids whether they are small children or grown adults, it's never too late to bring your children to Christ and to set a proper biblical Christian example
June 27, 2008
If you are looking for a book to help you learn how to raise your children, this is it.
September 12, 2008
Very fire & Brimstone
July 8, 2010
Ray Comfort, an excellent evangelistic Christian author, writes a parenting book dealing specifically with their salvation.
July 24, 2009
Superb! I recommend this along wtih Shepherding a Child's Heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews