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which invitation?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by nodak, Aug 4, 2011.

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  1. nodak

    nodak Active Member
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    I'm reading a lot these days, and noticing the good folks from the past (ok, way past like 1700-1800's) often referred to the sinner asking God to accept him (save him.)

    Books from today referring to our accepting Christ.

    Do you think the 180 degree turn matters?

    If so, which do you believe to be better and why?
     
    #1 nodak, Aug 4, 2011
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    For a sinner to see himself as utterly unable to do anything to save himself or be saved and fall on the mercy of God (ask God to save him, not ask Jesus into your heart as the modern vernacular) is a result of a strong bible-based theological preaching that is centered on God and not on man.

    Think of the difference between Whitefield and Finney and you can see a good example of the theology in practice.
     
    #2 Dr. Bob, Aug 4, 2011
  3. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    What do you mean by "180 degree turn?" Are you asking if preaching repentance matters?
     
    #3 freeatlast, Aug 4, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 4, 2011
  4. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    "Accepting Christ (into your heart)" a modern innovation?

    Hardly.

    Have you been reading these good folks a lot?

    "Do you receive the word as the word of God, that will put an end to your scruples? then thankfully accept Christ as the offered remedy, and take his prescribed way to come to God; depend on his mercy, and continue in obedience to his precepts, and you will soon find that he is the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him" —Thomas Manton

    "Let the consideration of this wonderful meeting of diverse excellencies in Christ induce you to accept him, and close with him as your Saviour. As all manner of excellencies meet in him, so there are concurring in him all manner of arguments and motives, to move you to choose him for your Saviour, and every thing that tends to encourage poor sinners to come and put their trust in him." —Jonathan Edwards

    "By the bleeding wounds of Jesus and by the Truth of God, I entreat you, accept Jesus! May the Holy Spirit go with my entreaties that your souls may relent, that your stony hearts may melt before the Cross and you may
    receive Jesus Christ to be your All in All this day. Amen and Amen!" —Charles Spurgeon

    "Trembling sinner, accept Christ as your Savior; God appoints him; God anoints him. Are not these two reasons sufficient to make him acceptable to your soul?" —Charles Spurgeon

    "Remove your spiritual hunger by receiving Jesus into your heart. This is the food of which, if a man eats, he shall live forever! Be filled with all the fullness of God as you now receive the Lord Jesus as God and Man. “You are complete in Him.” You are “perfect in Jesus Christ.” Can you say of Him—“He is all my salvation and all my desire”? “Christ is all and in all.” Do not merely learn this lesson as a doctrine, but enjoy it as a personal experience." —Charles Spurgeon
     
    #4 Jerome, Aug 4, 2011
  5. nodak

    nodak Active Member
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    Jerome--of course, God's sovereign action and our responsibility to respond have always been preached--or should have been.

    I'm talking about the whole of the invitation going from "you are a sinner deserving of hell, but throw yourself on the mercy of Christ in hope He will save you" to "you are wonderful and we really want you to come and enjoy peace with God, Who is standing here hoping and begging you won't send Him packing."

    Many today don't tarry for the Holy Spirit--just decide and you are in.

    I'm probably sensitive to this, having had preachers telling me for several years before I was saved that I was saved because I had decided for Jesus.

    Then came one more of those "just decide" invitations. I did--again--only this time I repented and begged for salvation.

    Oh, it was glorious and I KNEW I was saved.
     
    #5 nodak, Aug 5, 2011
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