10 REASONS TO NOT ASK JESUS INTO YOUR HEART!
By Todd Friel
Todd Friel is the co-host of The Way of the Master radio.
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.
If you have been preaching that people should ask Jesus into their hearts, I beg you to stop immediately. You will give an account for all the souls you have led astray.
*NOTE by JMK
Scripture does mention that “Christ… dwell in our hearts by faith.” (Ephesians 3:17), but asking him in is not how he gets there.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hearing God Speak
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all,
I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all,
I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
Evidence that You are Filled
Evidence that You are Filled with the Holy Spirit
Eph 5:18 “…. be filled with the Spirit” A young Italian boy knocked on the door of an artist's studio in Rome. When it was opened, he said, "Please Madam, would you give me the master's brush?" The famous painter had died, and the young boy, with a desire to be an artist, wished to paint with the master's brush.
The lady placed the brush in his hand, saying, "This is the brush, try it my boy!" The boy made a supreme effort, but soon found out that he could paint no better with this brush, than he could with his own. The lady then looked at the boy and said, "Remember child, you cannot paint like the great master, unless you have the master's spirit!"
God the Holy Spirit is not an INFLUENCE, or an IDEA, but an INDIVIDUAL! He is just as much God as God the Son and God the Father.
All Christians are INDWELT by the Spirit (Romans 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” , but NOT all Christians are INFILLED with the spirit!
It is a matter of surrender and submission.
What is the evidence that you ARE filled with God’s Spirit? Following the command to be filled with the Spirit, we find a list of spiritual attributes that counteract fleshly, selfish living. By displaying these traits, saints show that the Spirit is in control of their lives. Here they are:
1. Verse 19 says we should be “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Joyful, not mournful music, characterizes Christianity. When we are filled with and by the Spirit, the heart is filled with merry and melodious music.
2. Notice the next verse: (Eph. 5:20), “Giving thanks always unto God” a spirit filled Christian is not grumpy and griping. We should have an attitude of gratitude!
3. And again the next verse: (Eph. 5:21). “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” The world is filled with rebellion against all authority. The flesh is anti- authority, but a Spirit-filled person will respect authority “in the fear of God.” The next two verses deal with husbands and wives submitting to each other in love.
We must be Spirit-filled Christians to live like this. We must walk by faith in constant dependence on the Spirit of God!
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
Eph 5:18 “…. be filled with the Spirit” A young Italian boy knocked on the door of an artist's studio in Rome. When it was opened, he said, "Please Madam, would you give me the master's brush?" The famous painter had died, and the young boy, with a desire to be an artist, wished to paint with the master's brush.
The lady placed the brush in his hand, saying, "This is the brush, try it my boy!" The boy made a supreme effort, but soon found out that he could paint no better with this brush, than he could with his own. The lady then looked at the boy and said, "Remember child, you cannot paint like the great master, unless you have the master's spirit!"
God the Holy Spirit is not an INFLUENCE, or an IDEA, but an INDIVIDUAL! He is just as much God as God the Son and God the Father.
All Christians are INDWELT by the Spirit (Romans 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” , but NOT all Christians are INFILLED with the spirit!
It is a matter of surrender and submission.
What is the evidence that you ARE filled with God’s Spirit? Following the command to be filled with the Spirit, we find a list of spiritual attributes that counteract fleshly, selfish living. By displaying these traits, saints show that the Spirit is in control of their lives. Here they are:
1. Verse 19 says we should be “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Joyful, not mournful music, characterizes Christianity. When we are filled with and by the Spirit, the heart is filled with merry and melodious music.
2. Notice the next verse: (Eph. 5:20), “Giving thanks always unto God” a spirit filled Christian is not grumpy and griping. We should have an attitude of gratitude!
3. And again the next verse: (Eph. 5:21). “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” The world is filled with rebellion against all authority. The flesh is anti- authority, but a Spirit-filled person will respect authority “in the fear of God.” The next two verses deal with husbands and wives submitting to each other in love.
We must be Spirit-filled Christians to live like this. We must walk by faith in constant dependence on the Spirit of God!
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
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