Your Second Birth Certificate

Bible Reading: Romans 10:8-13

“Hey, Dad?” Ember said one night as her dad was making a fire in the fireplace. “Remember when I asked Jesus to be my Savior at church last year?”

“I sure do,” Dad replied as he added another log to the fire.

“Well, how do I really know if God saved me?” Ember asked.

“Let’s think about that,” said Dad. He placed a screen in front of the fireplace and smiled at Ember. “Who are your parents?” he asked.

“Dad! You know that. You and Mom are.”

“How do you know we are?” Dad asked.

“Well…I just know. You said so—and you showed me my birth certificate too! It says that you and Mom are my parents.” Ember grinned. “You showed me a piece of paper that says you and Mom are Seth’s parents too, although it’s not a birth certificate.”

“Right. Since your brother is adopted, he has a different paper that says he’s our son, but both papers prove that you and Seth are our children. Now, you believe what your birth certificate says, don’t you?” Dad asked, and Ember nodded. “Well,” said Dad, “in a way, some Bible verses are like a birth certificate. They remind us of the truth that if we trust in Jesus, we are God’s children. Why don’t you get your Bible and I’ll help you find some verses where God assures you that if you believe in Jesus, you’re part of His family.”

Ember got her Bible from the shelf, and they found and discussed several verses where God promises that those who trust in Jesus are saved and belong to Him. “Why don’t you pick one of these verses and write it in the front of your Bible?” suggested Dad.

“Okay,” said Ember. She chose Romans 10:13 and carefully copied it onto a blank page.

“Now,” said Dad, “are you really saved?” Ember nodded. “Are you sure?” Dad asked.

“I’m sure!” Ember replied.

Dad smiled. “Think of this Bible verse as your second birth certificate. It states the truth about your new birth in Jesus and your adoption into His family. Point to it any time Satan tries to get you to doubt your salvation.”

A wide grin spread across Ember’s face. “Thanks, Dad!”

-Dean Kelley

How About You?

Do you ever wonder if you’re really saved? Click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page and make sure you know Jesus as your Savior. Then pick a Bible verse (such as John 1:12, John 3:16, Romans 10:9, or Romans 10:13) as your spiritual birth certificate—a promise from God saying that since you trust in Jesus, you now belong to Him. Whenever Satan causes you to doubt it, go back to that Bible verse and know you are saved.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You can be saved and know it