--------------------
The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to
observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to
the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19,20)
--------------------
November 29, 2009
--------------------
Contents:
1) "Praying a Sinner's Prayer" (Jarrod Jacobs)
2) Seed and Soil (Jim R. Everett)
3) Sentence Sermons (on the home, selected)
--------------------
-1-
"Praying a Sinner's Prayer"
by Jarrod Jacobs
A while back, I received a sample packet of tracts from "The Tract
League" (a.k.a. "Faith, Prayer, & Tract League") out of Grand
Rapids, MI. According to their form letter addressed to the "Pastor,"
they have over 300 tracts in stock "designed to point to Jesus Christ
as the only way of salvation." While their intentions may be admirable,
they are going about it in the wrong way. In nearly every tract, they
encourage people to say a "sinner's prayer" and then join a church, be
baptized, etc. I have printed some examples of their "prayers" below:
1) "Jesus, I believe and I need the salvation you have provided. Come
into my heart, rule my life today, and show me how to live. Amen" From
the tract: "The Plain Gospel"
2) "Jesus, I believe that you are the holy Son of God. I believe that
you died on the cross for my sins and that you rose from the dead. You
are my salvation. Please wash all my sins away and make me a child of
God. I give my life to you today. Amen" From The tract: "What Is Meant
By Salvation?"
3) "Jesus, I need your salvation. I open my heart to you. I confess
that you are God's own son, and that you died on the cross to save me
from my sin. Help me to turn from my ways and follow you. Make me ready
for your return and show me how to live in the days ahead. Amen." From
the tract: "Jesus Is Coming Again"
4) "Jesus, I am sorry for the things I do and say that are wrong. Make
me your child, take care of me and help me from now on to follow you.
Amen." From the tract: "Here's A Treat For You And Some Good News."
Probably all of our dear readers have seen similar tracts to these, and
as well have seen these little "model" prayers at one point or another.
Unfortunately, some, after reading such tracts as these may say a
similar prayer, and go on their way thinking that they are saved.
Perhaps you have heard a denominational preacher on the radio or on TV
encourage people to say words to this effect. This is disturbing at
best, and spiritually fatal at worst. Let us study and see what the
Bible has to say about such prayers.
The Bible Never Mentions Such a Thing as a "Sinner's Prayer."
Pray tell, which verse might one use to prove that one can pray a
"sinner's prayer" in order to be saved? Some might look to Luke
18:13 and think that this shows us an example of a sinner's prayer.
There is just one problem with this, and that is that the men mentioned
in this text (Pharisee and publican) were both Jews! They were already
children of God and allowed to enter the Temple; but no "stranger,
uncircumcised in heart, nor ... in flesh, shall enter into my
sanctuary" (Ezek. 44:9). Therefore, the publican's prayer of "God be
merciful to me a sinner" would not be applicable to one outside of
Christ today.
Now, which New Testament passage teaches the necessity of saying a
"sinner's prayer" where, at that moment, one is saved, before and
without anything else, including baptism? Brethren, no Scripture
teaches us to pray some kind of "sinner's prayer." In fact, "we know
that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God,
and doeth his will, him he heareth" (Jn. 9:31).
Each of the Prayers Mentioned are Different.
Reread the "prayers" recorded on this page. Notice please that each one
is different. Two prayers don't even mention Christ's death on the
cross! Two prayers mention faith ("I believe") and two do not. (I
wonder if our denominational friends would consider one saved if he
tried to join them and said he had prayed one of the two prayers that
doesn't even mention faith in Christ?) Further, three of the
prayers mention something about the person following Christ after being
"saved," while one doesn't mention it at all. One prayer mentions being
washed from sins, and the other three do not.
Why bring this up? It is because in the New Testament, we find that
everyone that God considered saved did the same thing in order to be
saved. Each one heard God's word (Rom. 10:17; Acts 8:5, 35, 16:13,
2:22), they believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 2:36,
8:12, 16:31, Mk. 16:16), repented of their sins (Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38,
17:31), confessed their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37), and
were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16; Acts
8:12-13, 16:15, 33, 22:16). Notice also that in the Bible, the washing
away of sins came after one had been baptized (Acts 22:16). Each case
of conversion in the Bible is consistent with the other. We cannot say
this about these so-called "prayers" men have suggested we say in order
to be saved.
These Prayers Offer Another Way to Salvation.
While the "The Tract League" of Grand Rapids, MI claims they are
pointing people to Christ, the truth is that they are not. Jesus said,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me" (Jn. 14:6). People such as Philip (Acts 8:5, 12, 35-39),
Paul (Acts 17:3, 18:8), and Peter (Acts 2:22, 36-38, 3:19) pointed
people to Christ. They did this by telling people what Christ had
taught (Acts 4:20, 9:22). Where in the Scriptures does Christ teach men
to pray a "sinner's prayer" in order to be saved? In truth, the
"sinner's prayer" is the old denominational doctrine of "praying
through" to God. The only difference is that in the past, "praying
through" meant one might pray one prayer after another, with the person
not "getting through" on the first try. This version of "praying
through," as portrayed in the tracts and by modern denominational
preachers, promises you'll "get through" on the first try! Promises;
promises; promises! How convenient!
Once we know what is necessary to be saved, we learn that the "sinner's
prayer" is nothing more than a veiled attempt by man at circumventing
God's law through providing an alternate way to be saved. Remember what
Christ said? "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by
the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same
is a thief and a robber" (Jn.10:1). Who is the door? "I am the door"
(Jn. 10:7, 9). Christ is the way, and He is the door!
Therefore, our responsibility is to follow Christ's word "as is," and
not be caught up in the feel-good, free, no cost, nothing to do, and
nothing to lose salvation that the world is promising. The "sinner's
prayer" promises something it cannot provide (i.e., salvation). Let us
be found doing the will of God, and following His word all the days of
our lives (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 22:16; II Pet. 1:5-11; Rev. 2:10; I Cor.
15:58).
Conclusion
Friend, instead of trusting in man's words, why not go to God's word
and learn what is necessary to be saved. Nothing can compare to knowing
exactly what God expects of you. The salvation of a man's soul is a
serious matter; for no greater injustice can be done to any person than
to give them the impression they are saved, when, in fact, they are
not. The "sinner's prayer" leaves people in their sin.
-- Via “Common Questions -- Bible Answers” (Southside church of Christ,
Owensboro, Kentucky)
--------------------
-2-
Seed and Soil
by Jim R. Everett
The productivity of seed is directly proportionate to the fertility of
soil. It matters not how good the seed is, if it is planted in bad
soil; either it will not germinate or, having germinated, it will
produce a sickly plant. So it is with the word of God and human hearts.
In the parable of "The Sower," stress is laid, not on the power of the
seed, but, on the kind of soil in which it is sown. Four kinds of soil
are mentioned in which the seed is sown -- the wayside, rocky places,
soil in which thorns are abundant, and good soil (Lk. 8:1-15; Matt.
13:1-23). Each of these represents four different kinds of human
hearts, while the seed is called "the word of God" (Lk. 8:11).
The deficiencies of the first three kinds of soil do not, in any way,
cast reflection upon the power of the seed to produce life. The problem
is in the soil and not in the seed. Neither should men speak of the
word of God as powerless to convert men -- the potential to produce new
life and to change men is found in the word of God (see Romans 1:16; 1
Peter 1:22-25). So why doesn't it always bring forth an abundant
harvest? -- because the soil, the human heart, is not receptive or it
is encumbered with the cares of the world. So, let's not blame God for
our lack of productivity -- the kind of soil we are has been our choice.
What are the ingredients of fertile soil? Jesus defines it thusly: "...
they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep
it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Lk. 8:15 ). I believe
there are still human beings with good hearts that want the word of
God. Is your soil good?
-- Via Putting the Brethren in Remembrance, November 2003
--------------------
-3-
Sentence Sermons
A house is built by human hands...but a home is built by human hearts.
A HOUSE is built of logs and stones,
Of tiles and posts and tiers;
A HOME is built of loving deeds
That stand a thousand years.
He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.
-- Selected
--------------------
The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation
1) Hear the gospel,
for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17, John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the
deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins
(Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ
(Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water
for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4;
Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith;
for,
if
not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet.
2:20-22).
-------------------
CHURCH OF CHRIST
201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn), Denham Springs, Louisiana
70726
Sunday services: 9:15 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 4 PM (worship)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
tedwards@onemain.com
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go
DIRECTIONS:
Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of
the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing
Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas
stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road,
and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the
right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to
the reception counter.
--------------------