The Pilgrim
Coram Deo
Bill
unworthy1
brother Michael
Ten reasons NOT to ask Jesus into your heart.
By Todd Friel
The music weeps, the preacher pleads, “Give your heart to Jesus. You have a God shaped hole in your heart and only Jesus can fill it.” Dozens, hundreds or thousands of people who want to get their spiritual life on track make their way to the altar. They ask Jesus into their heart.
Cut to three months later. Nobody has seen our new convert in church. The follow up committee calls him and encourages him to attend a Bible study, but to no avail. We label him a backslider and get ready for the next outreach event.
Our beloved child lies in her snuggly warm bed and says, “Yes, Daddy. I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” You lead her in “the prayer” and hope that it sticks. You spend the next ten years questioning if she really, really meant it. Puberty hits and the answer reveals itself. She backslides. We spend the next ten years praying that she will come to her senses.
Telling someone to ask Jesus into their hearts has a very typical result, backsliding. the Bible says that a person who is soundly saved puts his hand to the plow and does not look back because he is fit for service. In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (II Cor.5) No backsliding there.
Brace yourself for this one: with very few if any exceptions, anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved…is not. If you asked Jesus into your heart because you were told that is what you have to do to become a Christian, you were mis-informed.
If you have ever told someone to ask Jesus into their heart (like I have), you produced a false convert. Here is why.
1. It is not in the Bible.
There is not a single verse that even hints we should say a prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts. Some use Rev. 3:20. To tell us that Jesus is standing at the door of our hearts begging to come in.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” There are two reasons that interpretation is wrong.
The context tells us that the door Jesus is knocking on is the door of the church, not the human heart. Jesus is not knocking to enter someone’s heart but to have fellowship with His church.
Even if the context didn’t tell us this, we would be forcing a meaning into the text (eisegesis). How do we know it is our heart he is knocking at? Why not our car door? How do we know he isn’t knocking on our foot? To suggest that he is knocking on the door of our heart is superimposing a meaning on the text that simply does not exist.
The Bible does not instruct us to ask Jesus into our heart. This alone should resolve the issue, nevertheless, here are nine more reasons.
2. Asking Jesus into your heart is a saying that makes no sense.
What does it mean to ask Jesus into your heart? If I say the right incantation will He somehow enter my heart? Is it literal? Does He reside in the upper or lower ventricle? Is this a metaphysical experience? Is it figurative? If it is, what exactly does it mean? While I am certain that most adults cannot articulate its meaning, I am certain that no child can explain it. Pastor Dennis Rokser reminds us that little children think literally and can easily be confused (or frightened) at the prospect of asking Jesus into their heart.
3. In order to be saved, a man must repent (Acts 2:38).Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of repentance.
4. In order to be saved, a man must trust in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of faith.
5. The person who wrongly believes they are saved will have a false sense of security. Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved but struggle to feel secure. They live in doubt and fear because they do not have the Holy Spirit giving them assurance of salvation.
6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden. Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.
7. It presents God as a beggar just hoping you will let Him into your busy life. This presentation of God robs Him of His sovereignty.
8. The cause of Christ is ridiculed. Visit an atheist web-site and read the pagans who scoff, “How dare those Christians tell us how to live when they get divorced more than we do? Who are they to say homosexuals shouldn’t adopt kids when tens of thousands of orphans don’t get adopted by Christians?” Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced.
People who ask Jesus into their hearts do. Jesus gets mocked when false converts give Him a bad name.
9. The cause of evangelism is hindered. While it is certainly easier to get church members by telling them to ask Jesus into their hearts, try pleading with someone to make today the day of their salvation. Get ready for a painful response. “Why should I become a Christian when I have seen so called Christians act worse than a pagan?” People who ask Jesus into their hearts give pagans an excuse for not repenting.
10. Here is the scary one. People who ask Jesus into their hearts are not saved and they will perish on the Day of Judgment. How tragic that millions of people think they are right with God when they are not. How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who asked Jesus into their hearts?
So, what must one do to be saved? Repent and trust. (Heb.6:1) The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ. Every man does have a “God shaped hole in their hearts,” but that hole is not contentment, fulfillment and peace. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, we must preach that God judges and Jesus satisfies God’s judgment…if a man will repent and place his trust in Him.
If you are reading this and you asked Jesus into your heart, chances are good you had a spiritual buzz for a while, but now you struggle to read your Bible, tithe, attend church and pray. Perhaps you were told you would have contentment, purpose and a better life if you just ask Jesus into your heart. I am sorry, that was a lie.
HT: A Voice Crying Out via Repent and Believe
Hey thanks so much for this post!
This is something we all have to have very clear and perhaps pass it along to other “christian” friends and several pastors :)
Thanks for sharing it, I’ll make sure to print it out and have it close to my notes… not for myself but so I can give those reasons to people around me.
God bless,
Thanks for this article, it’s so informative.
I attended a Pentecostal super-church for a few years and I saw this practice time and again. The Pastor would cry out, “Ask Jesus into your heart and we’ll give you a bag of goodies”. People would go running out to receive their bag of chocolates and WWJD? stickers. Sad, but 100% true.
After watching this for a number of years and seeing no true convert I can agree wholeheartedly with your article. I praise God for drawing me away from that “church”, but what of those many lost souls? Do they now think that they are truly saved? How sad for them all, and especially the Pastor who lied to them.
Excellent! What more can I say?
Hello I’m a Christan and you have one massive flaw in this. For all people if they have taught well. Have a thing called Faith and that means stepping a void and knowing God will protect you. And also if you have done little research into Jesus over a course of thousands of years and many authors .They made prophecies predections of the future. And Jesus did all these and even the roman solders who killed did some to. Example they took his clothes and gambled for them or not breaking his feet to kill him faster or being stabbed in the side and also the countless people who were not Jews that say him after he rose from the dead now explain to how a man can rise from dead and complete countless prophecies before the age of 33 roughly?
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Sounds like he’s speaking to the individual not to the church to me.
I subscribed to wretchedradio and have heard Todd talk about this before on the radio program and I’m in total agreement.
thanks for posting this.
Gotta be careful with this. We need to recognize the effort and realize that it doesn’t end with the altar call. That’s just the beginning. Our jobs as Christians are to work with them and help them learn the ways of their new life.
The general tone of this post is legalistic and judgmental. It may get you more page views, but this is not the attitude that wins new people to the Lord.
There’s no way a lost soul would look at this and say, I want to be like that. Love, love and love them some more.
Can anyone find this phrase in scripture, ‘ask Jesus into your heart?’
We are not called to twist God’s word and produce false converts who show no evidence of being regenerated. The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from His word {Deut. 4:2, Proverbs 30:6, Rev. 22:18, 19}.
The Gospel is good news, Christ has died, rose from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father. He reconciles lost sinners to a Holy God because of His finished work on the cross. Does a lost sinner understand why the Gospel is good news? No, they must first hear about their condition… sin. They must realize apart from the Lord Jesus Christ they have no hope beyond the grave. Their sins are a crime against Almighty God that come with a price too high for mortal man to pay. Those who reject the Gospel will pay for their sins as they suffer eternally in the lake of fire. God, in His great mercy, has made a way back to Himself through His Son. The Gospel message is summed up in Luke 24:47, ‘And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’
Let us not go beyond what is written.
If we preach love, love, love, we are not preaching the whole counsel {Acts 20:27}. You can ‘love’ people right into hell. We must remember, we are called to proclaim God’s truth, we are not, however, responsible for the outcome. God saves lost sinners, we don’t. He uses His instruments of righteousness to proclaim His truth; “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Cor. 3:7
This post is not for the eyes of the lost, it is for those who profess Christ as Lord and proclaim His truth. If it isn’t proclaimed scripturally, it will save no one. “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel-not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” 1 Cor. 1:17
This is an amazing article, the more people that know and accept the fact that they have to repent, give up ones SELF and completely trust what God has planned for them the better!! Thank you for this truth
Kevin,
You didn’t answer any of the questions asked in the post. What door is Jesus speaking of? Does an individual’s heart have a door? Maybe some other body part has the door.
Dubs,
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t see anywhere in the post that denies that we should not teach new believers (or old believers). Teaching is part of the great commission (Matt 28:18-20), so I’m not sure what you’re getting at.
Furthermore, I think you’re judging us as being judgmental and legalistic, which is very judgmental of you. Also, that would make you hypocritical, since you think judging is bad. I have no problem with exercising proper judgment. My Lord commanded me to judge righteously (John 7:24).
Would a lost person look at this and want to be like that? No, they are children of the devil, objects of wrath, and dead in their sin. Why would they want to obey the God they hate? The only way that would be possible is if God changed them from the inside out, which He does through the Gospel–not by the likability of Christians.
Is there something specific you disagree with?
Thanks,
Bill
lyn very well said, I can not add any more to what you have written.
I encourage all to agree with asking Jesus into your heart to watch this video
super for speaking your mind and stuff but i just strongly dont agree to what you are saying. like i dont get why you hate this subjet so much.like your reason 2 that was compleatly and purly ignorens, because if you are a so called beliver you would know that asking jesus in to your heart is not literal, thats was just a lame exuse for a reason.children are not going to be fritend, there young not stuped. i was told about letting jesus in your heart when i was like 8 and i wanted to know more about the dude. i know im not as well informed as you when it comes to the bible but i know when it says in john 14:20 i am in my father and you in me, and i in you the believer is secure in christ, and christ is in god. well i dont know how you interpritete that but to me it sounds like he is saying that when you are a beliver he is in you and you in him.
and in my belief i dont know about others but when you ask jesus in your heart its just a verbal agreement saying im christian and im proud.
asking jesus in your heart is just a way to get young children people who never really heard of god to understand salvation. this is a statement born out of simplicety, and should not be critesized and dicected for ignorent people to juge.
sorry if i made some people angry for what i said but thats how i feel, sorry agen for the miss spelled words what can i say im only 14
if any one writes back on this then your doing it in vain cuz this will probably be the last time i’ll be here, i only stumbled on this website by accedent
Re: love, love love.
God has softened my heart to love others. Without Him, I would be nothing. He’s changed me, and that shows to others.
From above:
“The only way that would be possible is if God changed them from the inside out, which He does through the Gospel–not by the likability of Christians.”
Change is a process, not an event. If my kindness plants a seed, it’s not because I’m likable, it’s because God’s love is shining through me. I want to be seen as one that loves others because Jesus loved all.
This is a debate for the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The “heart” thing – read all about it in Mark 7. Your ‘heart’ is a big deal to Jesus. It’s not referring to Valentine’s Day.
Great argument Rose, and don’t worry about the spelling. Jesus loves you anyway.
Most if not all of these “10 reasons” can also be applied to the teaching that there must be a “struggle of faith” before salvation.
http://defendingcontending.com/2008/01/23/the-graham-formula/
Kevin,
The verse from Revelation is commonly used by those who subscribe to the “pray a little prayer and ask Jesus into your heart” . And I must say that it is a faulty use of this passage. What is the number one thing we have to remember when interpreting ANY passage of Scripture?
CONTEXT.
Let’s look at the CONTEXT of Revelation 3:20. To do so, we must look back and start at verse 14 and read through verse 22–
First, we do not see anything about a person’s heart in that passage. Nowhere does Jesus mention anything about a person asking Him into their heart. To believe that, one must read it into the text–because it isn’t there.
Second, the mistake in interpreting this passage comes from the phrase “I will come in to him.” To unravel this mistake, we have to understand WHY Jesus said what He did. The church at Laodicea–much like the church in America today–had apparently gotten to the point that they were going through the motions, and doing things just to do them.
To put it in modern terms, they showed up on Sunday, they got their coffee, they talked, they made plans for next weekend, they heard a little message, they checked their watches, they ran out the door to beat the Methodists to Shoney’s.
Then next Sunday, they showed up, they got their coffee, they talked, they made plans for next weekend, they heard a little message, they checked their watches, they ran out the door to beat the Methodists to Shoney’s.
Then next Sunday, they showed up, they got their coffee, they talked, they made plans for next weekend, they heard a little message, they checked their watches, they ran out the door to beat the Methodists to Shoney’s.
Ad infinitum.
When they were “at church” they were…….there. They tolerated the preaching. They yawned through the singing. Then, when they were outside the church, they looked just like the rest of the world–except for that little tiny fish they stuck on their car. They weren’t dead. But they weren’t on fire, either. Jesus says, “Look, you can either be alive to My word–or be cold as a rock. Be one or the other! But if you aren’t going to care for the things of Me, then don’t even use My name!”
So He tells them, “If you want Me, I’m here. I’m not going to make you repent. But if you do, I’ll come back in.” This does NOT mean that Jesus will enter into the person. See Mark 15:43; Acts 11:3. It means He will enter their house–the house of worship. He won’t let their candlestick go out, and for only one reason–if someone–ANYONE–lets Him in. And for each one who does, He will share His feast with them (see Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25), and He will delay removing His hand from that church.
Consider what happened the night Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. What did God tell Abram? If Abram could find 10 righteous men in Sodom, He wouldn’t destroy it. Here, Jesus tells the Laodiceans that if even ONE person could repent, He would keep their candlestick burning.
That is what the passage in Revelation 3:20 is talking about. It is NOT talking about Jesus “knocking on the door of your heart.” It’s a nice human sentiment, but it isn’t biblical.
The word ‘heart’ in scripture does not necessarily mean emotional feelings.
Proverbs 23:26 says, ‘My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways’.
The word ‘heart’ in this passage means -inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding; ‘inner’ meaning -mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory. I.O.W., it’s the giving of ALL of self to God, heart, mind, soul.
To love Christ isn’t the same kind of love we have for each other, which is more of an emotional love. Being obedient to His word, desiring to serve and follow…these are examples of love for Christ. This isn’t possible unless He works it in us. When we see the word ‘heart’ in scripture, it doesn’t necessarily mean what we think it means. I urge all to study passages, and words from those passages in the original language, Hebrew for the Old testament and Greek for the New Testament. A good source for this is found at http://www.blueletterbible.org
The mind is key in salvation and walking in obedience to Christ. The Word of God transforms and renews the mind, which causes the believer to walk, talk, and behave differently than the non-believer.
‘Whatever fillls your mind will control your behavior’ -John MacArthur
For a insightful study on the word heart, go here…
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Study+Guide+Chapter/2139
I find the recent indicts on the “sinner’s prayer” tragic at best. Taking note of your “suggestions” for reference, I find the references to Acts and Hebrews sophomoric. C’mon, I can go to another link on your page and find different context construction for Acts and Hebrews (for the Hebrews–repentance etc.)
I’m doing my best not to be hypercritical and truly am searching for value in your endevour, but it’s difficult.
Check the gospels (even the papal ones)– Jesus only condemned ONE—Who hears and does not believe.
In the “fruit checking spirit,” yours is sour and full of despair.
And just in case, sorrow in your salvation whilst living in a guilt driven fear, is a road absent from Grace and Mercy.
I guess I’m a “Chicken Framer”—salvation is first, and you guys represent the “eggers”—Salvation comes from behavior.
Check a little bit more of Lewis (which you should have done in grad school)–read about his final choice between christianity and norse mythology. Why he viewed christianity as the only Unique religion. And his decision trumped all of the above drivel about guidance pastors needing jobs.
I guess we all want a voice.
I am still waiting for scriptural evidence on a ‘sinner’s prayer’ as well as ‘giving your heart to Jesus’. Where would one find these phrases in scripture?
Tell me plato, does your life reflect a change? Do you now hate the sins you once loved? Is there evidence of God doing a continual work in your heart? Does your life match what your mouth claims? ‘Wherefore the Lord said, “Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men” Isaiah 29:13
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17
“Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation” Galatians 6:15
Outward appearances, confessions and religiosity are NOT genuine and are meaningless; it is the inward work wrought by God that matters.
You express your opinions, yet offer NO passages from scripture to back your views. So we are to bow down to your views and take your criticism seriously?!? On what basis do you make your accusations?
Salvation does not ‘come from’ behavior, salvation is of the Lord. Behavior is EVIDENCE of salvation, or lack thereof. Being born again is a work of a mighty and powerful God which manifests itself in outward actions, i.e., talk, dress, way of life, etc. You may scream legalism, but we call it obedience.
There’s no need to over-complicate what God intended to be quite simple, ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
Christ does NOT want a verbal commitment from any, He demands repentance. You cannot come to Christ and hang on to sin, any sin; whether it be pride, boasting, covetous, greed, immorality, SELF, etc.
We MUST see ourselves as God does…lost – vile – wicked – without any hope apart from His great grace and mercy. Why do you suppose the tax collector cried out, ‘O God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ He NEVER repeated a prayer, or asked Jesus to ‘come into his heart’.
He threw himself upon the mercy of God, emptied himself of all self-righteousness and pride, which led him to his brokenness. God is the one who breaks us over sin, drawing us to His Son and saving us.
Salvation is a miraculous work of a Mighty and Powerful God, done in the hearts of those He saves.
Instead of checking Lewis, check the Holy Scriptures, which have the power to save to the uttermost.
Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish
It never ceases to amaze me that those who defend the mushy-gushy, candy-coated, easy-believeism “gospel,” only run to the Scripture long enough to wrest a verse from its context, throw it at you, then label you a Pharisee and judgmental (all the while judging you . . . go figure), then smugly sit back thinking they’ve just devised the quintessential argument in favor of their error. Boy would they have an issue with the Apostle Paul if they ever read his writings!
In this thread I’ve seen some throw out “love” as if to imply we and others who disagree with them are unloving. This is a sad tactic that does not further their argument but is so easy to use.
As Paul Washer once so aptly said:
The Bible never says that God is “love, love love.” And it never says that God is “merciful, merciful, merciful.” But it does say God is “holy, holy, holy.” And the repetition is important, very important. You want to know what God is–who God is? God is holy. And if there was ever a message we needed to hear in America today, it’s that.
For those who think they have the market on love and that anyone who exercises discernment or tries to warn those on the road to Hell of their impending doom are unloving, I urge you to take this quick, fun, exciting, and relevant little six question quiz entitled A Test: Are You Loving or Unloving?
- The Pilgrim
P.S. Yes, I finally did it. I used the words “fun,” “exciting,” and “relevant” all in one post!
As I have grown in the faith one thing I have learned is that what is false can quickly become what is believed to be true in less than a generation. All it takes is time and the falsehood to be spoken enough that it eventually takes root and becomes the established norm. Vladimir Lenin knew this well when he said, “A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”
This is the case with the so-called sinner’s prayer, isle walking and asking Jesus into your heart. Teachings found nowhere in Scriptures, which are not only wrong in letter but also Spirit. Yet today they are for many gospel truth where a word spoken against them is viewed as harsh, unloving or un-Christian. How tragic indeed that we live in a generation where so many are quick to defend the doctrines of men and thereby deny the commandments of God.
To all those who say words written/spoken against false doctrine ares wrong, you’d do well to read the gospels, Paul’s letters, the prophets, eh, actually the whole Bible. Herein you will not find a cotton-candy, kids-glove approach but rather strong words spoken from strong believers as they were moved by the Spirit of the Lord.
I wish there was a picture of that monk on a donkey, who, on his travels to the holy land decided to chop up most of scripture by making them nice and linear. I wonder if he knew that a simple act of numerical framing would allow gazillions of Christians to take so much away from the narrative (the addition of verses).
Anywhoo. Thanks for the verse lesson. But I will ask you once again to tell me who Jesus condemns? While Augustine did a good job fighting back the Gothic sacking of home schooled Christians, he is responsible for most of your ritual on Sunday (670+ years after Jesus). So most of your “traditions” are not scriptural either.
And guess what? A sinners prayer may just be an option. Believe? Chicken not the egg.
Think I’ll call this “movement” another example of Neo-Gnosticism. Seems to happen when exclusive start losing their grip on their property.
So I hear the word, believe the word and say or do something to that effect out loud and none of you can find a “verse” on that? Hmmm.
To Pilgrim: you would probably like me lol.
Plato Mystic,
I don’t think you understand why we say the sinner’s prayer is bad. No one is against someone saying a prayer admitting their guilt, and calling on the name of Jesus. The problem is when people rely on the sinner’s prayer for their salvation. That is the salvation by works of which you accuse us. It is warmed-over Catholicism where a religious ritual makes you right with God.
Salvation comes when Jesus saves us. He raises us from death to life, and makes us born again. He grants repentance and faith in Him. The natural response of someone who is a new creation is to do good works. That is truly salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
Jesus condemned plenty of people, and anyone who’s read the gospels once would know that. John 3:3 is only one in a long list of examples.
I think you’ve been pretty pompous for someone who hasn’t even attempted to defend their position. I’d like to hear why you think people should ask Jesus into their hearts. Are you born again?
Thanks,
Bill
Many years ago even before hearing such sermons, I was already of the view that saying the sinners prayer is no where to be found in the Bible. It reminds me of muslims or people of other faiths reciting some verses as an act of initiation or converting into a particular religion. .
But having said that, I am of the view that there are genuine conversion among those who invited Jesus into their hearts.I myself heard the gospel for the first time through a tract I found on the floor. I was convicted of my sins and lost state and the need for Jesus to save me from hell. I desired His grace and salvation and just followed the sinner’s prayer in the tract and the Holy Spirit did the rest.To me that was a miracle as I heard the gospel without any human telling me. Therefore I feel that to insist that we do away with the sinners prayer is abit legalistic.The Bible says that a person is saved if he believed Jesus in his heart and confess Him with their lips.Isn’t saying the sinners prayer a good way of confessing Jesus. It’s also a way of reassuring the person who prays and the person who hears of the commitment made.Saying the sinners prayer is just a good way of making a commitment to Christ, if prior to that, the gospel was very clearly spelt out and the person was convicted by the Holy Spirit of his sins and helpless state and repents and take Jesus as his Saviour and Lord. Who are we then to judge that person is not saved. It is rightly between him and God. Of course ultimately the genuine conversion must be shown by evidences of the truly born again.
I’ve seen many conversion of persons praying to receive Jesus into their hearts.There are of course the non genuine cases as there will be cases of seeds falling on poor soil.
Plato, I will ask, again, the questions from my previous post,– does your life reflect a change? Do you now hate the sins you once loved? Is there evidence of God doing a continual work in your heart? Does your life match what your mouth claims? Has God done a work in your heart, changing you daily from the inside out? Do people notice you no longer walk in habitual sin, if, in fact, you don’t?
Again, where in the bible do we find the sinner’s prayer, or the phrase ‘ask Jesus into your heart?’
Are you born from above? Has God re-birthed you? If so, then why is it you express your opinion with NO scriptural backing? God’s word is the ONLY source of truth, if what you believe cannot be found in scripture, then you may be in serious trouble.
I must agree with Bill, you are a bit prideful. Pride is the root of almost all sin. Pride is a sin detested by a Holy God. Do you understand the word repentance?
It would be decent of you to at least be courteous and answer questions directed at you, without being pompous. You seem to avoid any confrontation that demands biblical proof. You believe what you believe, and that’s it…no passages from God’s holy word to back up your belief, just a pre-conceived idea of what you think salvation is.
One of the biggest sins most fall into is creating a God in their own image; a God they can believe in any way they choose. A God that loves everybody, and saves all who simply make a verbal commitment. The problem with all that is…it’s NOT the God of the bible. In Matthew 24, the disciples ask Jesus what will be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the age. The very first thing Jesus says is ‘take heed that NO MAN DECEIVE you’….deception will send more people down the broad road.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob be merciful to you…may He crush you under the weight of your sins, drawing you to Christ, granting you repentance and the new birth. May He gift you with true genuine salvation.
Before I make my comment let me first qualify it:
I agree 100%, wholeheartedly with the opinion that using a ‘sinner’s prayer’, asking Jesus into one’s heart, etc. as a way to secure and assure salvation is a sure fire way to produce a false convert – it is not biblical and has had horrific results that will only be truly seen on the Day of Judgment. What ought to be said is: ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel’, for the forgiveness of your sins. (Mark 1:15)
My comment however is simply this:
I believe it is important to strive for biblical balance and to not just react to heresy and false teaching, as is so common among us. So while it is wrong to tell a lost person that in order to be saved they simply need to ‘ask Jesus into their heart’,
the Apostle Paul certainly felt this was an appropriate way to describe the Christian’s reality:
“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…”
(Ephesians 3:17 – ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV).
So while a child may take this literally, the error is not in using biblical language, but failing to properly explain what the Bible means.
For His glory.
I really don’t know about Todd Friel but I feel his 10 reasons are really overstretched. We are all very clear that the sinners prayer is no where to be found in the Bible, and that repentance and faith in Jesus are essential for salvation. However, to make a statement like in his point no 10 sounds almost self righteous. Did God tell him that , and made him so very sure that all who invited Jesus into their hearts are doomed for hell. These are irresponsible statements and merely his human viewpoint but he boldly declares condemnation like he is God’s newly appointed reformed prophet. Reminds me somewhat of some groups of Pentecostals who confidently question a person’s salvation if they are not baptised in the Holy Spirit or speak in tongues.
I believe being born again happens at a specific point of time and for many they articulate that point of conversion in their hearts by confessing with their mouth, and this is often through the best way they know ie the sinners prayer. For many that is an important and meaning point in their lives. Of course a person can be saved without saying the sinners prayer as long as there is a genuine conversion in their hearts .
Anyway, how do they know a person is saved in the New Testament, seeing that changed lives will take awhile to be seen. They did not wait for evidences before they baptised the new converts. They were baptised immediately when they were saved. How did they know they were saved? In Acts 2:41, 3000 souls ‘received the word’ and were added into the body of Christ in one day.What do they mean by receiving the word? They were baptised on same day. Do we dare question the validity of these conversions or salvation. In Acts 8:36-38, the eunuch ‘believed and confessed with his mouth’ and was baptised immediately. What about the conversion of Lydia and Cornelius. I am sure this is the pattern of conversion in the New Testament. These people were baptised simply based on their verbal confession of faith.
Let’s not be reckless concerning the sinners prayer.Just correct the flaws like making sure the gospel is clearly explained and not rushing someone to receive Jesus into their hearts. Don’t throw the baby with the bath water.It may not be in the Bible but there is nothing in the Bible that says it is wrong either, especially after reading conversion pattern in the New Testament. Further the fault is often with the church which slags when it comes to follow up of the newly born child of God and discipleship.
In regard to young children, I’ve already explained to my six year old daughter that salvation is through repentance and faith, she seems to understand it just fine. The main issue is that “asking Jesus into your heart” is redundant, misleading, unbiblical, unnecessary, and it has the ability to lead people to hell. Can people be saved by asking Jesus into their heart? Sure, but not because of it, but in spite of it. Jesus himself said unless you repent, you will perish. Your eternal salvation is nothing to hash over, like Paul says, we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
“Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced”.
Many true Bible-believing, Christ-loving Christians do get divorced. There is Biblical divorce for cases of unrepentant adultery, and believers can find themselves abandoned by a divorce they never wanted in the cases of so-called “no fault” divorce where contesting it is to no avail, because eventually it will be granted if the other partner is committed to abandoning the marriage. Condemning the abused and/or abandoned serves no one.
Many true Bible-believing, Christ-loving Christians do not adopt, for various reasons, including recognising they would not make good parents (not everyone should have children), or by not being able to meet the special needs (emotional, financial, etc.) of children who need adoption. There is nothing wrong with people recognising their shortcomings and responding appropriately.
Broadbrush judgments like this weaken a very logical and well-reasoned discussion on an important matter. Their inclusion detracts from your overall message.
In Acts 2:41, the number of souls saved through Peter’s preaching and added to the body of Christ was super big, 3000 souls in just 1 day. I don’t know of any modern day crusade or rally that can match that number of salvation.
And the common practice in the New Testament was to baptised converts immediately. How do we reckon they verify each and every individual to ascertain if they have truly been convicted of their sins and truly repented, and that they now put their full trust in Jesus. The apostles must have just depended on some form of verbal confession or declaration or a form of ‘sinners prayer’ and that enabled the apostles to confidently baptise them as believers immediately on the same day. Do we question the validity of the ‘decisions’ of these new believers.
Don’t condemn the practice of saying the sinners prayer as an evil just because of some christians or evangelists who use it carelessly and irresponsibly. The evil is in the failure to explain clearly the gospel of Jesus Christ and explaining the need for repentance and obedience before leading a person in the sinners prayer. The evil is in pressuring and rushing a person for a decision. And after we have explained the gospel clearly and the person decides to ‘receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord’ we take him at his word just like the apostles did when they had them baptised immediately, all 3000 of them.
Hi Barry K,
Why do you think they would have to verify someone’s salvation before they were baptized? No good Jew would want to get baptized in the name of Jesus without counting the cost. If you want to replace the sinner’s prayer or asking Jesus into your heart with baptism, I think you’d be on the right track.
As far as what you say about point #10, I agree with Friel. If someone asks Jesus into their heart to get saved they’re not saved. If someone repents and puts their faith in Jesus, and then is lead in a prayer to ask Jesus into their heart, then they’re saved because they repented. If I asked Jesus into my heart right now, Friel didn’t mean that I would lose my salvation.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill,
Friel reason as in point 10 is faulty, as there are true salvation among those who received Jesus into their hearts, of course with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Not all are doomed to Hell, just as we are unsure that all those who choose not to pray for Jesus to come into their lives will go to Heaven. If you are so against praying to receive Jesus, what then is the best way to lead a dying man to Christ just before he dies. Even the dying thief on the cross confessed Jesus as Lord.
You ask the elementary question why should someone’s conversion be verified before baptism. Its because baptism is for believers, ie for the born again, Jew or Gentile alike. Otherwise you are just giving the person a bath. That is why I believe the apostles must have just relied on some form of verbal confession of faith , not much different from declaring and receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour, before they baptised the new believers on the same day.
You presumed no good Jews will want to be baptised without counting the cost. You can then also presume that no sensible person today will want to pray for Jesus to be their Lord and Saviour without counting the cost of discipleship, the cost of giving up their old live style, their old religion, their goals and ambitions, their friends etc.
Further the Jews were not the only ones converted. Read on through the book of Acts and discover that gentiles (not some good Jews whom you presumed will count their costs) were also converted and also baptised immediately, again the apostles must have relied on their verbal confession as proof of salvation. This is the pattern in the book of Acts.
Don’t be quick and careless to declare hell for those who verbally confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour through saying the sinners prayers and inviting Jesus into their hearts on the presumption that they are all unrepentant or have not count the cost of discipleship. Is this a ‘new revelation’ of some reformed prophet ? And why is he not insisting that converts be baptised immediately or on the same day, as that is the practice and standard of the New Testament. And why do we need baptismal classes which is also not mentioned in the Bible. What I am saying is, don’t turn the minor into a big doctrinal issue. As I’ve said in my previous comment, the problem is not with the sinners prayer but the failure to explain the gospel clearly and not emphasing repentance and obedience enough.
Barry,
It seems that you’re giving the disciples a problem that they didn’t know about, and proposing that their solution was a sinner’s prayer. I don’t see them deliberating over the problem of trying to figure out who they’d be willing to baptize, and I don’t think the sinner’s prayer is a solution, anyway.
This post is about asking Jesus into your heart. The only way to get saved is to repent and put our faith in Jesus. If someone prays a prayer or asks Jesus into their heart but DOES NOT repent and place their faith in Jesus, they’re going to hell. That’s all I’m saying, and all Friel intended. If someone NEVER repents, they will perish (Luke 13:5).
The thief on the cross received Jesus by repentance and faith, not by being lead in a prayer. If a dying man wants to get right with God, he doesn’t need us to lead him in a prayer. He needs to repent and put his faith in Jesus.
Thanks,
Bill
The gospel preached today by most doesn’t require laying down their lives. There is no real cost of discipleship. It is something done lightly to an emotional plea. How many would put their hands up and say they have accepted Jesus into their hearts. Maybe half the population. How many walk daily with our Lord and Savior, forsaking the world, and the things going on in the so called Christian church. A very small number. “Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it.Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it ” Matthew 7- 13, 14
John MacArthur has an excellent sermon on above
Bill,
What I am saying is the early apostles did not make an issue over how each individual confess their faith. It could be in any form but as is in the book of Acts, it is through some verbal confession of faith in Jesus before they were baptised. I am not proposing that they said exactly today’s version of the sinners prayer but that they made an indication of faith in Jesus like the eunuch. This is similar to the practice in confession or declaration of faith in Christ today for those who turn to Him for salvation, whether they are led in the sinners prayer or confess in their own words or prayer. It is merely an outward expression of an inward faith in Christ, and just in case your legalism catch me, I will therefore add , made after being convicted of sin and with repentance. If the apostles made no issue of that ,why do we?
You are being legalistic again by harping on the obvious that the thief was saved by Jesus through repentance and faith and not by being led to say the sinners prayer. I obviously know that. The thief confessed Jesus as Lord as an outward expression of an inner faith, but every one knows he was not saved by the confession or for that matter the sinners prayer if he had said that, but by the finished work of Jesus on calvary. If you do not prefer to ask some one to outwardly express their inner conviction and faith, it is entirely up to you, but do not be technical and legalistic and run down others who carefully do that.
The weaknesses connected with praying the sinners prayer is the real issue that needs to be addressed, not the prayer itself. But Friel instead chose to throw the sinners prayer in bad light, like we don’t know that you are not saved by it but by the blood of Jesus. He could have just made a simple statement that NOT all who said the sinners prayer will enter Heaven but instead chose to made the confession sound like an evil. Along his same line of condemnation as is in his “scarry” point 10, he could also preach the following obvious sermons :
1 All those who were baptised are not saved
2 All those who read the Bible regularly are not saved
3 All those who prays regularly are not saved
4 All those who believe in doctrine of election are not saved
5 All those who are Calvinists are not saved
6 Etc
UNLESS they have repented of their sins and put their faith in the finished work of Jesus.
Isn’t that stating the obvious and not a ” new revelation” and need only be taught and not be made into a huge doctrinal issue.
Thanks Bill.
Jude,
I love to read and listen to John MacArthur. Currently I am reading his book Hard To Believe. Being a Christian is a tough call, a life of self denial and a daily carrying of the cross. I don’t know if you can boldly claim to be among the few who ‘met’ these high standards. I wouldn’t dare claim that for myself but I won’t judge you. Similarly, I won’t get too hasty to judge and proclaim that all who pray to receive Jesus into their hearts, will perish on the day of judgement ( Friel reason no 10 ).
I don’t meet these high standards and couldn’t. When I sin I humbly go to the throne of grace and plead forgiveness through my Lord and Savior’s perfect righteousness. Through the blood He shed for me on Calvary. ” If we confess our sins He is perfect and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1-9. I am incapable of living a perfect life. My righteousness is as filthy rags. The thing with the sinners prayer is the total reliance on it to save sinners. How many times I have heard people being reassured if they said the prayer they are saved. Write the date down and when you have doubts or the devil tells you that you’re not saved, then you know you are. We are incapable of making a decision to be saved, God draws us by His Spirit, He opens our heart to the gospel, He gives us faith to believe. We are dead in our trespasses and sins. We respond to the gospel because God has prepared our heart. Not by a decision we make. We then respond with repentance. The point is a prayer without conviction of sin and heartfelt repentance is false
Jude
You and Friel make sweeping statements regarding those who invited Jesus into their hearts, ignoring the fact that there are many who are genuinely born again and walking faithfully in the light with God, many I know who gave up riches and many things to serve God in fulltime ministry. With one sweep, you declare all of them condemned. They all made “decisions” to receive Christ into their “hearts” which you seem to frown upon, choosing to pridefully uphold your doctrinal beliefs over evidences of spiritual fruits and the cost of discipleship which they bear.
We rightly share the same admission and position of failure and inability to match up to the high calling of being a true disciple of Jesus, the life of self denial and complete submission and obedience. You and I rightly depend on God’s grace and mercy to forgive our sins and our daily shortcomings 1 John1:9 . We all know our righteousness are like filty rags, so do those who invite Jesus into their hearts,otherwise they would not need a saviour. Only the works of Jesus on calvary(not our works) will get us to Heaven. I agree with you wholeheartedly that we are unable to live a perfect life(our righteousness is imputed). But is it not unreasonable and even hypocritical to doubt someone’s salvation merely because he invited Jesus into his heart and with one sweep delcare them unsaved but at the same time we don’t doubt the salvation of those who expect high standards, but themselves fail to measure up and show evidences of true discipleship but instead hold on to 1 John1:9 as a safeguard just for ourselves, but not necessarily for others whom we readily condemn.
Do not make generalisation and sweeping statements. There are equally many in the reformed church who think they are born again through their adherence of strict reform teachings and traditions, but are not.
For man to claim he made a decision for Christ is to say he had a part in his own salvation. This goes against what Scripture teaches, ‘by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that NOT of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, that no man may boast’. Eph. 2:8,9.
It’s part of the free will/arminian belief that just does not square with scripture. The word of God clearly teaches man is dead spiritually to the things of God, dead in sin {Jer. 17:9, Eph. 2:1}. No one calls on the name of Christ unless the Spirit of God has done a work in their heart.
So, when Jude says we are incapable of making a decision to be saved, he is only saying what Scripture clearly teaches.
I will site my own testimony for example. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with God, Jesus, the Bible, or anything of ‘religious’ nature. I was steeped in sin, all the while knowing I was doing wrong, but I really did not care. Then Almighty God brought me to my knees with devastating news concerning a loved one. I then cried out for mercy. It was a powerful work of a merciful and gracious God that saved me, not a verbal confession by me. I didn’t want Jesus until He crushed me under the weight of my sins; until He opened my spiritual eyes and ears to just how sinful I am. All who respond to the Gospel do so because God has drawn them to Christ {John 6:44} and gifted them with repentance and faith. He justifies, He sanctifies, He regenerates. He works the greatest miracle known to man in every one He saves, He brings to life and re-births a dead sinner. Let’s not rob God of glory due Him and say we made a decision, like God is waiting for us to say yes or no to His gift of salvation. Like Paul Washer says, there are some who are saved in spite of the sinner’s prayer, not because of it. The same could be said for making a decision.
The pride of man wants to take credit for something we could never do, bring ourselves back from spiritual death.
Here is another message from Paul Washer concerning making a decision….
Lyn
I am neither a 5 point Calvinists nor an Amenian. I embrace the truth and sound teachings from both camps as long as it is in line with the word of God. And I am not a cessationist as I belive miracles and spiritual gifts may still operate today according to His sovereign will and no theology, Calvinists or Amenian can stop what He chooses to do. But I am not a word faith believer. Having said that, evidences of changed lives and Godly living of the truly born again are more valid proofs of true salvation then the theological views of conditional or unconditional election. These I have seen among those who make ‘decision’ for Christ, and ‘receive’ Him as Saviour and Lord and may I qualify that it was in response to the conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit and all glory goes to God. Who are we to judge and say that it is not so.
Your story is much the same as those who made decision to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord except that you tell it with words and in a way to match with your theology of unconditional election. Those people who receive Jesus can instead of using the unacceptable word ‘decision’ , tell it in a more theologically correct way ; that they responded because Jesus called them and gave them the faith to response. If you are still not satisfied with the new rewording , will you then accept the many evidences of their changed and godly lives as proofs of their salvation. Or will you still proudly hold on to your doctrinal position. Their prayers were MERELY outward expression or confession of an inward faith. The genuiness of the inner faith is up to each individual and only God can judge the hearts of men. The outward confession will not save them. But did not the Bible encourage us to believe in our hearts and confess Jesus is Lord with our mouth. Rms 10:9. The Ethiopian eunuch did.
Except your testimony tells us that you knelt down on account of your human sorrow because of some sad news, and you cry to God for mercy. Many people who receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour have also gone through similar or worse experiences. Once they were hostile but now they turn to God in desperation, acknowledge their sins and lostness,repented and prayed for mercy and forgiveness surrendered their lives to Christ .Is that any different from your experience, except you choose not to pray the sinners prayer or confess Jesus is Lord( Rms 10:9) . But how did you beg for mercy if you did not pray.There must be a point of time where you first confess or call Him Lord.That’s your confession though not in the exact words as the sinners prayer. But that does not matter because it not our prayers that save us.It is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings about conversion and salvation.
Finally, it is not Calvinism or Amenian, nor the doctrine of conditional or unconditional election that will save us but only JESUS CHRIST.
.
I don’t tell my ‘story’ to match any theology, my words match what scripture teaches {btw, I am not a calvinist or an arminian, I believe solely what scripture teaches}. Read the passages I quoted. As for my ‘doctrinal position’, I gave scripture to support what I said, where are your passages to support man’s ability to choose to accept Jesus, or repeating a prayer for salvation? Doctrines don’t save, doctrine brings clarity to how God works salvation in those He saves.
Not everyone who says to the Lord Jesus, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter into the kingdom, only those who do the will of the Father. There are superficial Christians all over this planet, it really doesn’t matter if they repeated a model sinner’s prayer, or if they believe or deny the doctrine of election. Unless God does a work in your heart, whatever you believe is useless.
You seem to be a staunch supporter of the sinner’s prayer. As I’ve already stated in my previous post, some are saved, but not because they decided to pray and receive Jesus on their own power; it is by grace we are saved…nothing we do brings about salvation…period.
Those whom God saves will be changed from the inside out.
I prayed out of a broken and contrite heart, not a formulated prayer someone told me to repeat, or a card to sign, or a phrase to ask Jesus into my heart. God is the One who gets all the credit for what He has done in me.
You make this claim, ‘Who are we to judge and say that it is not so’. This is not an issue of judging, this is an issue of making sure we get the Gospel right. How did people come to the belief that they must pray a certain prayer? The content of that prayer is what the gist of the post is about. To merely mouth some words and think you have salvation because of those words is not the Gospel. Christ never asks us to repeat a prayer, or make a decision, or invite Hiim into our hearts. I challenge you to prove from God’s word where He does.
Your argument is like a cat chasing its own tail, you go round and round and never really make a clear concise biblical stance for what you are arguing against. You seem to misunderstand the reason behind the opposition of the sinner’s prayer…it cannot be found in scripture. To pray as prompted by the Holy Spirit at the time of conviction is NOT a ‘sinner’s prayer’. The sinner’s prayer is praying what someone tells you to pray in order to be saved…there is a HUGE difference between this type of prayer and prayer wrought by the Holy Spirit of God upon salvation.
Hi Lyn, I am a woman.
Barry K I will say what I said before. The sinners prayer is thought to be like a magic formula to guarantee salvation, it is not biblical. I will say no more
Jude,
You said, “…It doesn’t matter if they repeated a model sinner’s prayer( or not),or if they believe or deny the doctrine of election. Unless God does a work in your heart your believe is useless.” Exactly what I have been trying to convince you of, while instead you run down the sinners prayer per se. It’s about the Holy Spirit work in your hearts and only God can read the heart, so don’t be too quick to pass blanket judgement like Friel. Same applies to those who prefer not to verbally confess Jesus as Lord, your position is not one bit different, you may be saved or lost. The answer is in the working of the Holy spirit in your heart.
As to verses concerning verbal confession, I have already quoted Rms 10: 9 and Rms 10:13. The ethopian eunuch confess Jesus ,Acts 8: 37. Are those verses less valid or inferior to your verses. Israel was God’s elect but many rejected Him and chose other Gods but Joshua made his choice and declared that he and his household will serve the Lord, Jos 24: 15.
The sinners prayer may not be in the Bible, but nowhere does it say it is forbidden either. It is akin to the confession I have stated above. It is merely an outward expression of an inner coversion by the Holy Spirit. Do I have to keep repeating this to convince you that those are not magical words of conversion. Neither did I say it is mandatory that we must say a certain sinners prayer , you need not pray if that is your preference but don’t judge others who choose to.No one is taking Glory that belongs to God.
Lastly, I wrote in my earlier comments about how Jesus made Himself known to me, through a dirty piece of tract, I found on the floor. No human told me about Jesus and it was the FIRST time I ever heard the gospel. I was living in an underdeveloped country then, with very little evangelism and no contact with missionaries, not as privileged as USA. In that context, what happened was God’s hand. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my personal sins and lost state, and I prayed the sinners prayer. He did the rest. Is my experience and that of many others less valid than yours, because we uttered the sinners prayer.
We are equally Bereans.
Jude
The last comment was addressed to Lyn and not meant for you .Sorry about that.
Jude,
You thought wrongly and should now correct yourself. They are not magical words or formula to guarantee salvation. It is simply an outward expression of an inner work of grace by the Holy Spirit. Anyone who reject it pe se or misuse it as magical words, are both stumbling blocks to evangelism.
Barry K Exactly, it is a stumbling block. Also the holy Spirit convicted you of your sins and lost state and you said the sinners prayer. This is what I have been saying. It doesn’t matter what prayer you said then because you were repentant and saw your need for forgiveness. The prayer was a result of a sinner crying out to God. The normal sinners prayer is said after a sermon or whatever, as “do you want to invite Jesus into your heart,” without knowing if there is conviction or what is going on. I live in Australia. The sinners prayer is used so churches can write down how many are saved. I have seen so many go forward to an altar call who never go back. It was an emotional decision at that time, that did not reach the heart. A lot of the people wake up the next morning and wonder what they did. I don’t know where you live or what church you go to, but here in Australia the sinners prayer is responsible for so many false conversions that it is a major stumbling block
Barry~ Consider what I stated earlier, “The sinner’s prayer is praying what someone tells you to pray in order to be saved…there is a HUGE difference between this type of prayer and prayer wrought by the Holy Spirit of God upon salvation.” It is when professing Christians tell lost sinners to ‘pray this prayer, ask Jesus to come into your heart’ that causes a false convert. I.O.W., we cannot repeat some words somebody tells us to say and be saved. No prayer saves us; crying out to God for mercy is a result of Him bringing us to repentance. The misunderstanding seems to be coming from the type of ‘sinner’s prayer’ Jude, myself, and this post is referring to.
Jude~ I apologize for referring to you as a man. You are right, this method of evangelism is producing more goats than sheep. Salvation is not a process of ‘do this, say this, repeat this’ etc., salvation is solely of the Lord.
I am not saved because I cried out/prayed to God, I am saved by His grace—period.
Todd,
the asking into the heart is just an expression, I think the vast majority of Christians understand that its a faith and trust issue which naturally produces repentance.
You are also hitting on a larger theological issue called Lordship Salvation.
This debate is whether salvation is given when someone trusts Christ or must someone have Christ reign over every part of their lives to be saved.
Most scholars side with the simple trust in Christ is saving, since we continue to know and trust Christ more through our whole life and continually repent giving Christ more and more Lordship.
You do make a great point, that no incantations or special wording saves us, but we must accept Christ through genuine faith. Often people use the idea of heart to represent soul/spirit of a person, which is fine as long as the person understands this.
In Christ we are not just forgiven, we are justified and declared righteous. There is no work to be done, only response to his great love which will be repent and change.
In response to a couple of your points you may need a little more exegetical studies, at least this is how I see them:
-Plow verse, neither you nor me, nor anyone is truly worthy or fit for the kingdom of G-d, we are only worthy because of Jesus’ grace. Jesus is describing how we should follow, but never think that we can prove or be worthy apart from Christ.
-Yes we are a creation!!!!!! But we still have a sinful nature, thus backsliding (an awful word in general) and more specifically is possible and will happen, we need to thoroughly practice 1st John 1!
#1. The Revelation 3:20 is relevant because it describes a relationship in which Christ is initiating. The ancient world custom of dining together was very important sign of trust, think no police or phones back then, so when you invited someone in you were trusting them, having intimacy and relationship. This is why it upset the Pharisees so much when Jesus dined with supposed sinners.
#2. I think I addressed above.
#3. Most Gospel presentations go to repentance and need forgiveness, before a call for response (asking Jesus in) otherwise asking Jesus to be part of your life would be meaningless.
#4. Good point, but man see asking Him in as trusting God instead of one’s self. But people can mistakenly understand this you are correct.
#5. ^ same as above. Speech and wording should be clearer.
#6. ^ same as above.
#7. God is very much trying to reach and love all His creation and even weeping for us (see Israel in OT), but I understand your thoughts.
#8. Yes people who don’t have a relationship with Christ aren’t going to act any better. We should have compassion and aid them on to understanding.
#9. ^ I wouldn’t blame this all on just the ‘heart’ thing, sometimes Christians are saved but refuse to follow well and end up very lost…thus the absolute importance of follow up, discipleship and community.
10. Good point, this is a poignant example of the relationship we must have with Christ.
I hope this helps. God bless.
You are also hitting on a larger theological issue called Lordship Salvation.
This debate is whether salvation is given when someone trusts Christ or must someone have Christ reign over every part of their lives to be saved.
Most scholars side with the simple trust in Christ is saving, since we continue to know and trust Christ more through our whole life and continually repent giving Christ more and more Lordship.
I don’t know what “scholars” you’ve been reading, but most scholars who know the Scriptures agree that there is no salvation apart from declaring Jesus Christ as Lord. This is one of those things that I hear these mealy-mouthed, little-boy “preachers” keep babbling about, asking people to “Make Jesus Lord today!” Friend, We don’t make Jesus Lord.
HE ALREADY IS LORD OF ALL!!!!!!!
Luke 2:11–”For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Acts 2:36–“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 10:36–”The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He IS Lord of all…”
In all, there are 106 references in the New Testament to the fact that Jesus Christ IS LORD. NOT ONCE does it say ANYWHERE that WE “make” Jesus Lord. To believe that WE “make Jesus Lord”–and I am not afraid to say this–that is a belief that borders on heresy. WE don’t make Him Lord. God already has!!!!!!! And if a person does not know Jesus as Lord, they have not truly been saved. Romans 10:9–IF you confess with your mouth Jesus Christ as Lord, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Notice, Paul did not say, “If you confess Jesus Christ as Savior…” One must confess Him as LORD. Philippians 2:11–…and every tongue WILL CONFESS that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD…
The Revelation 3:20 is relevant because it describes a relationship in which Christ is initiating.
Again, Jesus does not say ANYTHING about someone asking Him into their heart. That is a made-up teaching that has no biblical basis. I answered it here.
To claim that one must make Jesus ‘Lord’ is unbiblical. We cannot make Him Lord no more than we can save ourselves. The Bible commands us to repent in numerous places, the Bible also states we must be born again. We can do NONE of these things. Even our faith is a gift of God. The gift of salvation is given by God, through His grace. When He gifts us with salvation, He gifts us with repentance, faith, sanctification and regeneration; and the understanding that Christ is Lord. If you do not understand the concept of Christ being Lord, you better examine yourself to see if you are in the faith.
Amen and amen, Four* Pointer! I was just getting ready to respond. There are some well-known preachers who proclaim this nonsense that you can accept Jesus as Saviour and then add the appellation of “Lord” later down the road! This includes Charles Ryrie, and Zane Hodges.
When a person is first saved, they Repent and believe. True Repentance and True faith will continue in that persons life.
They will continue to repent of sin and continue to believe in Christ alone for salvation.
This is from former RCC priest Richard Bennett…
Bennett examines the common notion that one is saved by ‘accepting Jesus into your heart.’
“It is unscriptural to think that salvation begins by Christ first coming into the sinful heart of a man. The dead and ungodly person can be made acceptable to God only as he is “ in Christ“, as the New Testament makes so clear. According to the biblical concept, salvation is being made accepted in Christ. The whole theme of Ephesians chapters one and two is summarized by verse 6 of Chapter one, “to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Compared to this, the terminology “accept Jesus into your heart” is literally backward. It assumes that the human heart is a fitting place for Christ to dwell and it takes for granted that the human person initiates salvation. Often we will hear such as the following, “Accept Jesus into your heart, as He Himself asks you in His Word, ‘behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’”39 To misuse this text to imply that salvation does in fact begin in the human heart is a serious decep-tion. The invitation expressed in Revelation 3:20-21 comes after the Lord had given a list of disgusting and offensive sins committed in the church of Laodicea, and then warned them of His chastement and judgement. They were then commanded to repent, “I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”40 Fellow-ship with the Lord presupposes repentance and faith in the Lord. So to misuse the text by totally ignoring this vital groundwork of repentance and faith in the Lord, is soul damning.”
from http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles/The_Invincible_Gospel_and_the_Modern_Evangelical_lie.pdf
While I am no fan of seeker sensitive practices nor a a defender of the sinner’s prayer, I agree with
much of what Barry K has stated. I like Todd Friel and he has taken on false prophets like Todd Bentley and emergent pastors, but the broad brush condemnation of every person who has said the sinner’s prayer to hell is just over the top. I could just as easily have said that every person baptized as an infant is going to hell because they never repented, but as much as I believe the practice to be unbiblical I will not go to that extreme.
Just after posting this I discovered that not only does the above statement contradict itself, but it actually it not the point I am trying to make. So I want to clarify myself and try again. I think a better broadbrush statement for Todd would be to state that anyone baptized as an infant is going to hell since an infant can’t repent and believe the Gospel.
Lets rephrase his statement: “How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who believed they were saved because they were baptized as an infant?”
I think we need to clarify Todd’s statement…if someone is trusting in a prayer another told them to repeat as their means of salvation, they are not saved. Why? Because that is not what the Bible teaches. Read Ephesians 2:8.9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast ”
To insist you’re saved because you prayed a prayer lines up with verse nine, ‘not of works’. There is nothing we can do to acquire salvation; this was the gist of Todd’s post. Salvation is of the Lord, this is what the Bible clearly teaches.
It would seem Todd’s statement was taken out of context; I encourage all to re-read this again, ’6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden. Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.’
Notice the wording, ‘he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer’. Todd did NOT say crying out to Jesus was wrong {all who are saved by His grace who do cry out do so because the Holy Spirit has brought them to this point}, he said repeating a formulaic prayer doesn’t save.
This is not outside the boundaries of scripture.
As for point number 10, there is no biblical proof for ‘asking Jesus into your heart’. Again, salvation is not a work of man, but a miracle of God. If someone is trusting in his/her ‘work’ of inviting Jesus into their heart as a means of salvation, they are disillusioned. You need look no further than God’s own word. If there is evidence of a changed life, it is solely because of grace, not because of a man’s ‘work’.
For all who say, ‘I know I’m saved because I prayed a prayer’ or ‘I made a decision’, then they’re basing their salvation on their own work. This is in direct violation to Ephesians 2:8.9. That is what this post is geared toward, those who think they’re saved because of something they’ve done. This is what matters…
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.”- Galatians 6:15
Once again: Whom does Jesus condemn?
Jesus asked/discussed verification of belief over 100 times in the gospels (do a search). Mark 16:16 is probably the most relevant to this discussion.
Most of you critique the formulaic “sinners prayer” and yet add variables into your formula “repentance, grace, mercy, clean-livin’” etc. Most conversations, parables, rebukes by Jesus were designed to invoke a belief.
He wants us to make a stand. Repentance is realization or “belief” that we can DO NOTHING. Thus the turn. If the “sinners prayer” is that STAND for the individual, who are you to challenge that?
I am sure you will continue irrelevant scripture (Ep 2:8-9). Try continuing all the way to the next verse.. Better yet, read the first part of the letter (see silly monk on a donkey who added verses to confuse)–Ep 1:13 READ IT.
Make a stand. Then STAND with those who have.
For the silly person who questioned my life earlier. The answer is:
I have sin (maybe even more than you).
I also keep stones in my pocket at all times and hand them out frequently to you, the “christian”, who would rather challenge my faith, my stand, than worship and praise our King together.
So many of you have so much wisdom, energy, and resources. For the Kingdom, please. . . we need it now. It’s wasted on fear and desperate rhetoric.
Watch or listen to D. Wilkerson’s “sorrow and aguish” one more time and then toss it, burn it, delete it whatever. Introverted godless chatter.
Good luck
Plato Mystic,
Your screen name appears to reveal your theology.
Who does Jesus SAY is condemned? John 3:18 tell us: “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
The one who does not believe – the Word says nothing about having heard and then does not believe. All men are born unbelieving – it’s in our DNA. Believing is a gift from God, who chooses those whom He will save, see John 1:12-13:
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
On the screen name: :) read about the demise of the gnostics and how it came about. better yet, why the goths didn’t destroy us all.
John 3:18 yep.
John 1:12-13. nope. your translation is backwards. further noted in verses 5 and 6 of same chapter, “all men might believe”
Thus the tragedy of the verse (we lose meaning in chopping it up).
Summary, “all” have a choice, but maybe not all have heard :)
Thanks, you were clear.
And yes, my handle suggests I would like to end the war between the blues and the greys (because I am both). LOL chew on that one :)
PM,
Do you think Jesus was talking about salvation in Matt 10:37-39?
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
What must someone believe about Jesus so be saved? For example, Catholics believe in Jesus, are they going to heaven?
Thanks,
Bill
Plato Mystic,
Regarding John 3:13, choose a different translation and tell me how the KJV is backwards. http://bible.cc/john/1-13.htm
The ESV Study Bible notes for these two verses:
John 1:12–13 Receive him implies not merely intellectual agreement with some facts about Jesus but also welcoming and submitting to him in a personal relationship. “Believed in” (Gk. pisteuō eis) implies personal trust. His name refers to all that is true about him, and therefore the totality of his person. Born, not of blood . . . , but of God makes clear that neither physical birth nor ethnic descent nor human effort can make people children of God, but only God’s supernatural work (8:41–47; cf. 3:16). This extends the possibility of becoming God’s children to Gentiles and not just Jews (11:51–52; cf. 10:16). See also 3:3–8. To all . . . who believed . . . he gave the right indicates that saving faith precedes becoming members of God’s family through adoption as his children.
Bill,
Anyone who trusts in the works of the flesh as any part of the merit that gains salvation is condemned. Not on does Roman Catholic doctrine teach this false doctrine, but many mainstream and evangelical churches who have embraced Charles Finney rather than the Word of God.
Manfred,
It’s difficult covenant stuff. To simplify, I agree with the revelatory framework. However, I (based on the overwhelming amount of choice examples) suggest that if we have no investment in our decision to take up our cross, but hold all the cards in our decision to fall essentially mitigates calvary.
I do know people who choose to believe, have a revelation, then turn. However, I don’t see the relationship between that and an “alter call.”
“no trust in the flesh” Hmmmm. . . my choice is based on that premise :)
Chicken/Egg and Faith/Works. LOL
Plato Mystic,
Thank you for your cordial responses.
From the human perspective, we can’t see all – but we must trust the Word of God. Folks who believe, have a revelation, then turn represent folk who have been called by the Lord to belief and repentance. Theologians will argue about the order of salvation – I agree with the reformed perspective on “ordo salutis”: http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Ordo-Salutis/
I agree with you – no trust in the flesh. I am exhibit “A”.
Regarding chicken and egg – definitely, the chicken came first. God created all the creatures, not all the eggs :-)
I don’t believe you are interpreting the saying correctly. From what I understand about letting Jesus into your heart is that you are accepting him and loving him as lord and savior, not simply acknowledging him, and repenting for all the sins you’ve committed. Jesus preached love as one of his foremost teachings, so does it not makes sense that you love him as well? Should one not love AND repent? Did you not love your parents, and still say that you’re sorry for something bad you did when you were a kid?
I’m trying to carve my own way to salvation with a personal, loving relationship with Christ, and viewing God as a loving parent as opposed to a brutal tyrant that he was portrayed as through much of the church’s history as an effort to maintain power and control over medieval Europe. I’ve done a lot of studying of the Bible, what it means, and how to live my life according to what I’ve interpreted to be true biblical Christianity. And much of what is in this blog simply negates the aspect of love that is needed. Christianity isn’t a science, it’s an experience of love, trust, worship, and repentance.
Jimmy,
I understand that many may very well be referring to repentance and faith when they say “ask Jesus into your heart.” They may mean very well, but we are responsible to explain the gospel properly. If we tell an unsaved person that to get saved they must ask Jesus into their heart, I think we’ve done a poor job of explaining what should be done.
Why would you want to leave an unbeliever to reason through that asking Jesus into your heart involves repentance and trust in Jesus. Why don’t you just tell them to repent and trust Jesus? Why would you prefer to use a phrase that isn’t in the Bible to describe how they should respond to the gospel?
There is so much unbiblical evangelism out there, and for you to step up to the plate in its defense seems silly, and terribly unloving.
Thanks,
Bill
It’s not me that lives, but Christ that lives in me, and you let him lead you down the path. That is faith, which is the answer!
Hi Mac,
No one here doubts that Christ is in us. The question is, does He come into us by us asking Him to come into our hearts. If that is how it happens, the Bible makes no mention of it.
Thanks,
Bill
I am so confused right now. I thought God the Father called us to Him through the Holy Spirit and then we decided (because we realized how horrible we are and how much we need Jesus) to repent of our sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are saying we make no decision at all, then is everyone saved? Or only certain people? I prayed I guess what you would call a sinner’s prayer, but it was a lot more than that. I bet I prayed with my friend’s mom for like 15 minutes, not 15 seconds. Living for Christ is hard. I am ashamed that there is not much fruit in my life. I am finally getting into the Bible after praying 22 years ago. I have gone to church my whole life and been exposed to the Bible, but I have never really read it in-depth. I strive to do this, but I can only do it with God’s help.
Nicole,
God calls us and NONE that the father gives to the Son will be lost. (see John 6:37)
So the “choosing” of Christ that a redeemed person exercises is a function of the faith God gives to those whom He calls. As a sinner cannot help but sin – as that’s his nature, so a new creature in Christ cannot help but cry out for mercy – as that’s his new nature.
From a human perspective, it’s easy to think we choose Christ. So we must be careful to look into the Scriptures to see the Truth that God chose those whom it pleased Him to do and nobody else can come to the Father.
Your acting like Christ is a linguist and if you don’t say the exact right words to express your faith in Christ, then you aren’t saved. Where are your statistics that people who use the words “come into my heart” backslide?
If some confesses with their mouth Jesus as Lord and believes in their heart God raised him from the dead but use the wrong words we’re condemned.
I have an idea…lets stop saving the saved and go out and preach to the lost!
Karen Twombly – to whom are your comments addressed?
Tithing is part of the law. If you practice even a small part of the law what what are you doing talking about Jesus in the first place?
The only problem I would have with this article is the statements that someone that is truly saved will never backslide into carnality, and that they would never get divorced and always adopt kids. I’m not sure why these comments were stated like this because they were the only comments made in the original article that were untrue.
Mueleski,
I don’t believe that any of the contributors here at DefCon would believe the three statements that you made. We do believe that a true believer will sin, but they will not remain in that sin without firm discipline from the hand of our Heavenly Father. Sadly, true Christians have gotten divorces. However, they are in sin when they do and must seek repentance. Finally, not all true believers will adopt children, although it must be said that when our hearts are filled with the love of God that we will seek to reach beyond ourselves in many different ways – including adoption for some people
The Desert Pastor
Desert Pastor,
Did you even read the article or is the person who wrote it not one of you contributors? Here is what he wrote:
“In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (II Cor.5) No backsliding there.”
So why would you even say I made the statement? I don’t understand the disconnect.
Mueleski
___________________________________________________________________
Desert Pastor,
What you said I do agree with, but that isn’t how the article stated those same views. We are, after all, only sinners saved by grace.
I do think that quick prayerism, easy believism, just ask Jesus into your heartism, or whatever you want to call it is not good and is only hurting the cause of Christ and giving people a false assurance of salvation. The author of this article hit the nail on the head when he stated that there is no sign of fruit in many of these professions (I use this word loosely), because there was no conviction of their sin, understanding that there is a penalty for their sin, a penalty we could only pay for in hell, Christ paid that penalty on the cross, we are offered a free gift of salvation bought by the blood of Christ, and we must turn from our sinful lives turning to God and receive that gift.
Mueleski
Mueleski,
Thanks for seeking to clarify. The comment was not supposed that you made. I was merely repeating that you had said something in a previous note – something you read in the blogpost by Friel, who is not one of our contributors by the way. I did not intend for it to come across that the quotes were believed by you. My apologies.
I stand by my thoughts in regards to sin in the life of a believer. I do not believe the Bible teaches anywhere in the New Testament though the principle of “backsliding” as held to and preached in so many evangelical churches.
The Desert Pastor
I must say that, while I agree with many ideas and doctrines put forth by the members of this site, I have not found the general tone of the conversation to be edifying and encouraging to my faith. I wholeheartedly agree that false doctrine and unbiblical beliefs must be corrected, and that our love for fellow brothers and sisters often includes a very stark, realistic statement of truth and the need to repent and follow it. However, I do not see how the unrestricted condemnation of everyone who has spoken the sinner’s prayer is justified in this context.
I believe what Friel meant when he said “People who ask Jesus into their hearts are not saved and they will perish on the Day of Judgment” was that if someone merely trusts in the utterance of a few words for their salvation, they will be horribly surprised to find themselves turned away at the Second Coming. I don’t think anyone who has commented here has affirmed anything different. However, what he meant to say, and we all agree with, is not what he actually said, and therefore is misleading and unhelpful.
To continue with Barry’s example, one could say, “People who are baptized are not saved by their baptism, but by the grace of God effectively changing their hearts and behaviors, which they publicly proclaim by their baptism.” Or, one might say, “People who are baptized and trust in the physical act of the baptism for salvation are not saved.” However, the writer of this entry chose to format his statement like “People who are baptized are not saved.” It was this abrupt and unfinished thought that most of the comments on this post have been in response to.
As far as the actual sinner’s prayer is concerned – I agree that it has in many cases been unwisely taught, applied, and promoted, and that its significance has often been overstated, perhaps even to the point of trusting in it as the means of salvation. I would never use it in evangelism as a key ritual that must be performed before salvation can happen, and dislike mass altar calls for the very reason that they make it easy to come forward once and then disappear into the crowd. But I would encourage anyone who has been convicted by God of his sin and utter depravity, and who understands Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the entirety of the life of sacrifice and holiness he is called to in Christ, to fall on his face before his Creator and to pray for His unmerited grace to fall on him, to count Christ’s obedience and punishment as the sole basis of his justification, and to change his mind and heart in continual sanctification. This is not a magical prayer that one looks to for salvation, but a deep and heartfelt cry of submission to God’s will.
Personally, I came to Christ with a full understanding of the source (Eph. 2:4-6) and effects (Eph. 2:10) of the grace I was receiving. I have seen God change my heart and attitudes, seen Him instill in me a passion for evangelism and study of the Word, seen Him break off patterns of sin and rebellion in my life. When my parents explained to me the fullness of the gospel and what it entailed, they communicated clearly and effectively that the effect of Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith (Eph. 3:17) was increasing holiness and commitment to his will (Eph. 4:20-24). This is how I have always understood Christ living in my heart. As for the “invitation”, I would say that it is submitting to God’s authority and humbly requesting that he indeed dwell in us as He has promised (Eph. 3:17), which is motivated solely by his effective call on our lives and impossible apart from His grace. It is not an attempt to wrest our will free of God’s providence and determine His actions, but rather His providential grace which enables us to respond to the call He has placed on our lives before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-6,11). I have no doubt that I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and I see the same changed lives and hearts in dozens, if not hundreds, of others in my life who have prayed the sinner’s prayer in one form or another.
In conclusion, although the sinner’s prayer is unequivocally unsuitable for any hope of salvation based on its own merit, I do not believe that a prayer uttered as a confession of a heart’s submission to God is in any way sinful. To categorically and incontrovertibly claim that all who have prayed such a prayer are condemned to hell is simply prideful and untrue. If you meant to speak specifically against those who trust in their one-time prayer as their ticket to heaven, please be more careful in specifying the target of your criticism.
John,
Many here have a deep heartfelt concern for those who are trusting in THEIR work as a means of salvation, i.e., ‘I prayed that prayer’, or ‘I invited Jesus into my heart’, or ‘I made a decision for Jesus’. I just heard someone make this very claim yesterday, believing himself to be saved because of his own work. As Pastor Paul Washer says, ‘you will NOT find that anywhere in scripture’. I have yet to see someone point me to passages that say we must repeat a prayer to be saved. Prayer is not a means of salvation, grace is. This is a fine line that many cross and lean upon as assurance of salvation. If one is indeed saved, it certainly is not because they had anything to do with it, it is because Almighty God has looked upon them with favor, drawn them to Christ, brought them to repentance, and gifted them with faith and salvation. A lost sinner must understand his/her own unworthiness before the cross of Christ even makes any sense. Again, only God can open the deaf ear, the blind eye, and the dead heart. Praying to God is wonderful, IF you understand fully that your prayer was wrought by divine supernatural power. The Spirit of God brings us to repentance and leads us to cry out for mercy and forgiveness. Our cries aren’t what saves us, His grace is.
There are tons of people who base their salvation on something they’ve done, yet their lives do not reflect what their mouths are saying. They believe themselves saved because they performed one or more steps {which is NO different than what the RCC teaches}. Todd may have been too harsh, and indeed there may be some who actually are saved in spite of their claim of repeating a prayer, or making a decision, etc…but it’s not because they prayed a magic formula type prayer, it’s because the grace and mercy of a God who is filled with compassion has saved them. As they grow in Christ, they will come to the realization that they had nothing to do with being gifted by God with eternal life.
Let us be very very careful NOT to lead the lost astray, we must not give them a sense of false security by claiming salvation is based on a work we do. The Bible does not tell us to command lost sinners to pray a systematic prayer, the Bible commands us to give the Gospel. We must steer clear of evangelism that prompts lost sinners to simply repeat prayers, or make decisions, or invite Jesus into their hearts. All of mankind is totally depraved, dead in sin, unable to comprehend the things of God UNLESS God FIRST does a work in the dead heart to quicken that heart. Wicked men must hear of their crimes against a Holy God, the severity of those crimes, and the beauty of Christ on the cross. It is the Gospel itself that has the power to transform lives {Romans 1:16}. When we tamper with that powerful message and bring it down to ‘man’s understanding’ of what salvation is, we have made it of no affect…it saves no one. Unfortunately, this is where we are at the present time, with so many who name the name of Christ making the way of salvation so easy, just repeat prayers, or get baptized, etc. This is not the true Gospel.
Lyn
I made a comment much earlier in the posts that apparently upset/worried some people. I am sorry if I mixed terms or caused anyone anger. Since the 2 posts after were a bit intense, though I appreciate the concern.
I mean to say that santification, growing to be more like Christ, is a process in which we realize what is already true. Christ indeed is Lord. We do not need to ‘make’ Him so. However, growing more like Christ is continually repenting of all of our sins and giving every piece of our being to the Lord. I meant to by ‘make Him Lord’, as us choosing to give Christ control over everything in our lives and soul. This is continual process as the Spirit continues to show us parts of our lives and hearts that need the application of the Gospel. And re-application and re-application. Christ is already LORD! Amen! We must strive to be willing to the santification process in which Christ’s Lordship becomes more and more visible through our lives. Thus bringing Him increasing glory.
I agree wholeheartedly with Todds message here.
My observations .Often the call to “the sinners prayer”is preceded by a talk that has nothing to do with the gospel.How can they believe unless they hear? The prayer itself often has nothing to do with the gospel.
The preacher often makes the papal announcement ,Now you are saved and going to heaven.Presumptious at best
I believe that the whole sinners prayer ask Jesus into your heart thing is to bring glory to the preacher “I led 20 people to the Lord on Sunday night”The biblical response of faith in Christ is baptism not lift your hand (while every eye is closed) and repeat this prayer.
I went to a church years ago that emphasized the ‘aisle-walk/say the sinner’s prayer’ and I cannot tell you how many times I prayed the prayer, thinking that my ‘sincerity’ was the measure of whether I’d get saved or not. Years later, when He opened my eyes to realize salvation wasn’t based upon me/my ‘decision’ but upon solely what Jesus had done at the Cross, I cried out to Him and He had mercy upon me and turned a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. I FINALLY understood. All I know is that once I was blind, but now I see….He answered two prayers I had “Please don’t forget me” and “Please don’t give up on me”.
Our God is faithful, merciful and gracious, and He gave me a thankful heart, the faith to believe, and the priceless gift of salvation and eternal life…..my heart belongs to Him…
………I LOVE THE ACCOUNT OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS AND THE TWO HOODLUMS WHO SHARED THE HILL THAT DAY. ONE VOICED “IF YOU ARE THE CHRIST SAVE US ALL”. ( BAD ATTITUDE DUDE) BUT THE HEAVEN BOUND SCOUNDREL VOICED “REMEMBER ME LORD WHEN YOU COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM”. WOW!!!! REVELATION, REPENTANCE AND REDEMPTION IN A 30 SECOND CONVERSATION WITH THE SAVIOR. ” FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU SHALL BE WITH ME”. AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND. SHAME ON THE WELL MEANING RELIGIONIST WHO USES THE WRONG APPROACH TO BRING ABOUT A HEART FELT REVELATION. NO DOUBT HIS CHURCH LEADERS WERE NOT DISCIPLED WELL EITHER. I PRAY GODS MIGHTY AND LOVING GRACE ON NIEVE PEOPLE WHO SOMEHOW FELT HE OR SHE WAS MAKING A RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE RIGHT REASON WHEN THEY CLOSED THEIR EYES AND RAISED THEIR HAND OR RAN TO THE FRONT FOR PRAYER AFTER AN INVITATION. OUR GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
Didn’t read all of the replies against this post that are here but have heard most of them before. I have been ridiculed and hated by family and friends who have just put me off for saying just what you have said here. Even that I was being legalistic.
The truth is I find it a miracle that God opened my eyes to the truth of his word and the repentance and the spirit to fight sin in my life. It couldn’t have came from anywhere else other than his kindness that has called me to repentance and trust in what he did through his son. I also know that I am still not perfect and must die daily to sin, I’ve not reached perfection. But when I see him I will be perfect as he is perfect. But the comforter has given me peace and knowing his Spirit leads me in good works.
America is full of Churches but finding a church that teaches this truth are few and far and in between.
As I travel around and see the depth of the error I am amazed that people call this a Christian nation seeing the depths it has fallen into. You turn on the TV and you get this message everywhere that it is filthy money that God will bless you with. And then another that teaches that I’m OK, your OK. Then the one where you can make your self righteous before God with your free will. Its no difference than going to a man to make you righteous before God. That is not what the bible teaches, and if it does it is in a warning in Acts chp 8. And they have taken it around the globe. And realizing this I look to Gods word. And in it I see that there will be this falling away. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
I am so surprise to have found a place on the enter net that proclaims the truth.
Lord God have mercy and give me strength to proclaim your Righteousness and the great work of yours through your son, giving glory to your name.
The Bible tells us exactly how to be saved:
Romans 10:9~That if thou shalt CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Matthew 10:32~Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Luke 12:8~Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Acts 2:24~Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Acts 16:31~And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 4:24~But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Romans 14:9~For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Philippians 2:11~And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
God is NOT going to leave something as crucial as salvation a mystery. He laid out what we have to do very clearly within His Holy Words.
Psalm 51 is a beautiful model of how to restore the JOY of your salvation after sinning. David was one of the biggest backsliders we see, as an example, in the Bible, yet he was still called a man after God’s own heart. Did God mean his left ventricle?
For Kevin from July 21st 2009. If you read just the verse, it does seem that way. but if you read all of Chapter 3, it’s clearly written to the Church of Laodicea. I’ve learned to always read the verse before and after a single verse, or even the whole chapter or book to get the true meaning of the one verse.