Christian in College

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1. 

   [...] the blog, ChristianInCollege.com, this article on Ten Reasons Not To Ask Jesus Into Your Heart was somewhat traditional for a supposed “college” blog authored by a 20- and 16- year [...]

   Pingback by Seeking and Discovering Life on Other Blogs « Thinking Out Loud — November 20, 2008 #

2. [...] was randomly reading a post today called Ten Reasons To Not Ask Jesus Into Your Heart. I found myself strangely bothered. I say strangely because the post quite rightly points out that [...]

   Pingback by It Might Be Wrong, But That’s Okay at Between the Trees — November 20, 2008 #
3. 

   “Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved” UM… how can this happen it’s ridiculous. how can u b sincere & belief u r saved & not b saved?

   Comment by Anna — November 21, 2008 #
4. 

   this is ridiculous and a truly foolish article this article is only meant to instigate argument and cause spread a true confusion and since God is not a god of confusion there is obviously unqestionable problems in this please consider before posting somethingelse like this!!!

   Comment by t — November 21, 2008 #
5. 

   Well, it’s not a question of asking Jesus into your heart, it’s realizing how sinful you are and seeing how much Christ really did for you. It’s kinda sarcastic here. They weren’t sincerely repentant and broken. They asked Jesus to come to the hearts. Scripture states that a man must be born-again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. A lot of people trust in a superstitious prayer rather than Christ. They are told that if you ask Jesus into your heart you will be saved. They don’t teach that if you are not changed and regenerated that you are lost. I know people who prayed and asked Christ into their hearts, but they also repented and their lives were changed. The latter, not the former was the source of their salvation. If that makes sense.

   Comment by Jacob — November 21, 2008 #
6. 

   Hey Anna. There will be a lot of people who sincerely believe they are saved and aren’t. Read Matthew 7:21-23: “21″Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

   Comment by Justin — November 21, 2008 #
7. 

   I am a little confused by this post. I want to point out that faith is not in a prayer, whatever that prayer entails. If you “ask Jesus into your heart” but mean that you want Him to save you from your sins, I believe that you will be in heaven in the end. The Bible doesn’t mention prayer as a necessity for salvation, so asking Jesus into your heart could be meaningless or it could be someone’s way of admitting that they need a Savior and want Him to forgive them. Just my $0.02.

   Comment by teens4evangelism — November 22, 2008 #
8. 

   As long as you have repentance and faith in Christ, you will be saved. But the problem with asking Christ into your heart is that people will get emotional, pray this prayer, believe they are saved, and absolutely nothing will change. They still sin without caring; they have no interest in the things of God; they still lust, lie, steal, hate and don’t think anything of it; but if you were to ask them if they were Christian, they would say yes. You know that’s not true because a true Christian is a new person. They are sensitive to their sin and repentant of it. The problem with saying come ask Jesus into your heart and not talking about repentance and what will happen if you are truly saved is that people will believe they are saved, but are not. If you want some verses for this, check out Hebrews 10:26, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 16:24-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 28:13
   And I could go on, but the point is the evidence that someone is truly a Christian is that they’re life is changed and is continuing to change into more and more holiness and lovingness.

   Comment by Jacob — November 22, 2008 #

9. [...] Ten reasons not to ask Jesus into your heart – tips on avoiding false conversions [...]

   Pingback by Roundup « 4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters — November 28, 2008 #
10. 

    I get what you’re saying and agree with your intent but I think that your argument leaves a few issues:

    First, the phrase “Invite Jesus into your heart” is a cultural idiom which we use to codify the process (whatever it may be) of accepting salvation and becoming a Christian.

    Just as 99% of us will never have a horse and therefore the idiom “never look a gift horse in the mouth” does not literally apply to us, we recognize it can apply to us insofar as we will not look at things given too closely for risk of offending the often well-meaning giver.

    It is completely valid to argue that the process described by the idiom “Invite Jesus into your heart” is in need of re-definition and/or correction in our culture, and I agree completely with that aim. However, to argue that the phrase itself is incorrect and can be judged on a literal interpretation when it is correctly applied only as a figurative illustration, is weak at best.

    Second, in point 7, the statement that the act of Jesus knocking on the door or asking to be invited into our hearts makes God to be a beggar can be no more true than stating that whenever I go knocking on neighbors doors offering Christmas wishes and baked goodies makes me a beggar.

    Certainly, God’s offered gift is significantly more substantial than baked goods and good wishes, but the quality of the action is the same. In fact, consider the implied pleading tone when we learn that “God is not willing that any should perish” and even the statement “Behold I stand at the door a knock”, if we interpret it as him trying to gain entrance to His church or to our hearts, is His statement and any begging read into it would be applied at His word, not ours.

    But taking that verse, Rev 3:20, “anyone” is in the singular sense. Most mainstream english translations use the words “anyone” or “man” which are not words understood to mean an entire church or even a group. The word “TIS” in greek is in the nominative singular masculine, and therefore is an individual, the masculine form can be assumed to apply to females, it literally means “any individual human”. Jesus is indeed wanting to be an intimate and indispensable cornerstone and bedrock of His church, and to do that He must first be an intimate and indispensable part of each and every member of that church.

    Comment by matthew — November 29, 2008 #
11. 

    I see what your saying in your first point, but the cultural version of “asking Jesus into your heart” is wrong. I guess the point you’re argueing is point #2, and I agree that is a pretty silly objection, but it’s there less to make a real objection and more to sarcastically(sp) show just how silly the phrase it. This isn’t my list, it is Todd Friel’s from Way of the Master Radio.
    Yes, but the way God is represented in a lot of churches is more like He’s begging for cookies than offering them. I was in my church one time and they played a song that went like, “The saviour is waiting to enter you heart, oh how he wants to come in. He’s waiting for you to open your heart. Oh won’t you let Him come in.” I like what Paul washer says to these kinds of things, “Jesus Christ owns the door (to your heart) if he wants to open it He’ll kick it open.”
    I agree that Jesus Christ does want to intimate with every member of the church, and the word does mean that, but He is talking about a church. He is just saying that if any person in the church opens the door he will come in to the church. Thanks for the input Matthew. God bless.

    Comment by Jacob — November 30, 2008 #

12. [...] (If you think I’m just charismatic bashing, then you’ll have to argue with well-known charismatics Andrew Strom and Derek Prince on these same issues. And for evangelicals, see “10 Reasons to Not Ask Jesus into Your Heart.”) [...]

    Pingback by Fumbling the Gospel | Cerulean Sanctum — July 27, 2009 #
13. 

    Though this could be confusing to a non-believer, and though I understand why it is so offensive to some of the commenter, I think the big idea of the post is right-on and very important.

    For me, #3 is the crux of the matter: Jesus calls people to active, continual repentance, and “accepting Jesus into your heart” is a very passive activity. I believe many people have been deceived by this language, even though the one witnessing had great intentions.

    I have certainly been guilty…

    Comment by Zack — July 27, 2009 #

14. [...] To continue reading the article click here. [...]

    Pingback by We shouldn’t ask Jesus into out hearts… « Duffy's Deliberations — July 27, 2009 #
15. 

    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 need a little more exegetical studies:

    -Plow verse, re-read 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.

    Comment by lastinglewis — July 27, 2009 #
16. 

    [...] it?  Well, lately the idea of repentance has been on my mind.  Today, two blog posts (here and here) got me thinking about it even more.  They handle this much better than I’m going to be able [...]

    Pingback by Repentance « Tree Newt's Southern Domicile — July 28, 2009 #
17. 

    Thanks for posting this list. I agree very strongly with the fact that to ‘ask Jesus into your heart’ is an unhelpful and confussing phrase. But I struggle with the thought of people who have either responded to such an invitation not really being saved or the thought of people offering the invitation offering a false hope.

    I know of many people who use this kind of terminology but they are using it (though I think unwisely) in the context of an appeal to respond to a message which has laid out clearly the Gospel and the need of faith and repentance. The phrase itself comes out as a kind of cliche to make that real offer to respond to the message but people have been made aware of what they are really responding to and what will be involved (faith and repentance) should they decide to ‘ask Jesus into their hearts’.

    For an example, I was reading recently an article by John Piper about bringing young children to faith. In it he describes his invitation to his son like this “There was a time, a year or so ago, when I asked Benjamin if he wanted to pray and ask Jesus into his heart. He said no. That really set me to praying.”

    He then describes his son’s conversion in this way: “So I tried again. He was more than willing. This is what he wrote in his new Bible: “On October 30, 1982, at 8:25p.m. I prayed with Daddy and asked Jesus to come into my heart and be my Savior. I know I am a sinner, but God loves me and sent Jesus to die for me. I want him to be my Lord. I believe he is now in my heart.”

    I think this is a great example of what I mean: I am convinced that a son of John Piper, growing up in that background would know with absolute clarity what would be involved in becoming a true follower of Jesus Christ, yet he still describes that moment as asking Jesus into his heart. And I am certain that in inviting his son to ask Jesus into his heart, John Piper was using an oft-used phrase to bring his son to a point of desicion about all that he has already taught him.

    I think it is the same with a lot of evangelists (though, I’m sure, not all) who phrase their invitation in this way. They have done the groundwork so that people who respond by asking Jesus into their hearts are aware that in receiving Him they are trusting in His finished work on the cross on their behalf and turning from their sins to a new God-centred life.

    Again, I do agree with you that it is a phrase that is confusing and that we could drop to the benefit of those with whom we are trying to communicate the Gospel, but just a few thoughts.

    Comment by Stuart Mackinnon — July 28, 2009 #
18. 

    There is another problem with all of this “sinner’s prayer”, “ask Jesus into your heart” stuff. I deal with it on a regular basis. There are many folks that I believe have regenerate hearts, show evidence of regenerate hearts with much fruit and love Jesus but are racked with doubts about their salvation. They think they did not say the prayer sincerely enough or did not ask Him their hearts correctly, etc.
    The church has them totally confused. Even though they have repented and placed their faith in what Jesus has done and who He is they have been told that that is not enough. They have to have the extra works of walking down front, etc. And they are really confused.

    Comment by Marc — July 28, 2009 #
19. 

    Dear Jacob:

    This has also been my experience. Saying a prayer does not save anyone.

    I used to be constantly haunted by the idea that I wasn’t trying hard enough to save souls. Now that I understand God alone saves and He does His will with or without my “help”, I am free to love people without fear or guilt. If they are going to be “saved” (chosen by God and indwelt by His spirit), God will do the saving. If they are not, I can only love them for this short span of time before eternal judgment. My job is to pray, to be prepared to share the Word, and to live a life of good works. My desire and ability to do these things is completely dependent on the Holy Spirit’s act of empowering me. If God uses my example or words to draw His elect, wonderful; if He does not, no one ends up in hell because I didn’t “try” hard enough.

    Keep writing.

    God bless! Laurel

    Comment by Laurel Foster — July 28, 2009 #
20. 

    Thats it I’m doomed…eternal damnation

    Comment by allanleroy — July 29, 2009 #
21. 

    “In other words, a true convert cannot backslide”

    Does this mean Peter was not a true convert? What is Todd’s definition of backsliding? If denying the Lord is not, I don’t know what is….

    Comment by Pilgrim — July 30, 2009 #
22. 

    I believe Todd means that one cannot return to being pagan after they are saved. They will never backslide out of Christianity completely if they were truely saved to begin with.

    Comment by Justin — July 30, 2009 #
23. 

    I think most Christians use the term “backslide” to refer to a temporary lapse of faith or even a season of disobedience. If by “backsliding”, Todd is referring to apostatizing, then yes, I believe it is Biblically correct to say that person was never truly saved. I think it helps bring clarity to the conversation when we take the time to define our terms.

    Comment by Pilgrim — July 30, 2009 #
24. 

    I would also add that your geography probably has a lot to do with how you interpret this.

    Todd, out of curiosity, where do you live?

    Comment by Zack — July 30, 2009 #
25. 

    I don’t understand the difference between “asking Jesus into your heart” and “repenting and trusting.” It sounds like the same thing to me.

    Comment by CM — July 31, 2009 #
26. 

    Zach, Todd (who wrote this – I just copied it) has nothing to do with this blog. He is a Christian radio and television host. See http://www.wretchedradio.com

    Comment by Justin — July 31, 2009 #
27. 

    Consider Romans 8: If we live to the flesh we will die, but if we live to the Spirit we shall live. Is Paul talking about our physical bodies or our spirit within us?

    Let look, if Body, then when we sin we will die, but if we don’t sin then we will live forever. In other words, Paul must have been a sinner just like every one in the world and no one is going to heaven b/c they are or will become dead.

    Paul must have been referring to our spirits. If we continually so to the flesh it will produce death, ie seperation from God. But if we sow to the Spirit we shall live, ie shall in eternal life with God.

    Therefore, believers can walk away from God by choice.

    Something to consider in this discussion…

    Comment by Justin — August 20, 2009 #

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