When we teach our kids covenant theology, we provide a framework for life built on eternal truth. But if our instruction stops at memorization or behavior modification, we will not call them to abide in the Vine, the Lord Jesus Christ. We want to call our children to respond to Jesus in faith and to grow in the Vine through the means of grace.

When we send our kids to Sunday school or VBS, what are we hoping they will receive? How can we help them connect seemingly obscure Bible characters to the big picture? What exactly are the essential truths that have radically transformed the lives of Christians?

Ligonier Ministries’ new children’s curriculum, Growing in God’s Word, unpacks the basics of the Bible in a yearlong study, uniquely written from the covenantal framework of Scripture that gives us the big picture of God’s plan of salvation and dealings with humanity. We don’t need to wait until our kids are older to share the foundational truths of the Bible or to introduce them to theology. This resource seeks to make the key elements of covenant theology accessible with developmentally appropriate activities and questions.

Churches, parents, and teachers are solemnly called to follow Jesus’ command: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). Here are just a few themes we can begin with as we seek to consistently and faithfully make the Bible accessible to our children in their early learning.

1. Creator

When we introduce children to covenant theology, we can simply begin with the beginning. God is the creator. God spoke creation out of nothing. He is revealed in His creation, but it is only in His Word that we can understand the significance of life, death, sin, and the person of Christ. Martin Luther said, “If I do not know the works and power of God, I know not God himself; and if I know not God, I cannot worship, praise, give thanks to, or serve him.”1

God made all things and sovereignly cares for His creation through covenant (see Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 15). A covenant is a promise with blessings and commitments.2 God’s covenants are not arbitrary or transactional; rather, they display the self-revelation of His holiness and His works in His creation. He acts consistently with His triune nature and not erratically from passions, convenience, or pragmatism. The Bible reveals three foundational covenants: the covenant of redemption, the covenant of works, and the covenant of grace.

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