Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan that highlights the lesson objectives: “Study and be able to describe the scriptural basis showing salvation as a gift that cannot be earned through good works. Learn how once someone has received the gift of salvation it won’t be taken away from him/her.” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Salvation-1b,c)

Read “Nicodemus Visits Jesus,” then talk about what Jesus meant when He said we must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God. Read the full story in John 3:3–21. Follow the activity steps explained in “‘Can We See God’ Supplement” of how we can look at the wind as an example of what Jesus described in John 3:8.

Color “‘Nicodemus Visits Jesus’ Coloring Page.”

Read “Salvation Is Free.” After page 2, talk with your children about times when they try hard to be good, but may fall short and sin. Then talk about how reassuring it is to know that Jesus paid the price for our sins when He died for us.

After page 3 of “Salvation Is Free,” look up the word “wage” in a dictionary to help the children understand the meaning of the first part of Romans 6:23.

Next, ask the children if they can think of something really good they could do in order to be saved. Conclude the discussion by pointing out that no one is able to do anything good enough to earn salvation. Explain that God expects and wants us to do good things, but these good deeds can’t “pay” for our salvation.

Listen to “Not by Works (21).”

Memorize “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NLT).

Read “Salvation Is Forever.” After page 2, discuss how once they’ve received Jesus’ gift of salvation, they don’t have to repeatedly ask Jesus for salvation every time they sin. Help them understand how the gift of salvation differs from suffering consequences for their sins, and discuss what a consequence might be for a sin they commit.

Read and talk about the verses on the last page of “Salvation Is Forever.”

Listen to “Salvation Rap.” You can listen to this song again while doing one or more of the following activities.

Do the activity “Safe in God’s Hand,” starting off by reading John 10:28–30.

Additional activity and songs:

• “Nicodemus Visits Jesus” 3D Model.
• Songs on New Life.