So this brings me into new territory, openly wondering if a statement of belief given at one point in time regardless of what change it actually brings about in someone's life is in fact enough to ensure one's eternal destiny. In order for you go understand why I question this, lets consider this. A hypothetical situation in which a man comes to the end of his rope attending a revival meeting and is moved to walk down the aisle and is led in the Sinners prayer. A year later he murders a man. The next year he murders again. At his trial where he is sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for a total of 12 brutal, cold blooded murders. He serves his sentences and dies in prison. Whatever happened to his confession of faith? Does it still hold true? Despite his complete and utter disregard for that emotional moment will he somehow be welcomed into eternity?
I'm communicating my struggle more than anything else here. My point is not to invalidate this method of evangelism based on my own experience and some armchair theology. Since I am the father of two rambunctious boys under the age of two and I have every intention of raising them in the faith that I hold dear. Therefore I have a personal interest in figuring this out. How am I to present the gospel to my kids? What's a proper age where they can adequately understand it? So theoretical questions become personal real fast.
But enough questions, do we have any solutions to this dilemma?
It is my opinion, that belief in God must be fostered from the very beginning of life. Its not something that is separated from everyday life and reserved for certain moments and times. One or two days a week is no way to treat such an all encompassing thing like faith. If it is possible to raise your children in you faith you should do so, not with the intention of leading them at some point into one single moment where they will commit themselves to God, but with the intention of leading into a life committed to God. Don't get me wrong, it has to start somewhere, but a vision for multi-generational faith that is passed on by example as well as by words is essential if these crazy ideas we have about God and his plan for the world are to be passed on with any effectiveness. And most importantly this faith must be geared toward a life in service of God and his people.
Just as your faith in God should not be reserved for certain days or seasons of the year, so also our achievement of salvation shouldn't be be tied to a specific time or place. The spirit of the matter is not that we said a certain prayer at some point in our lives, but that we have chosen the life that God intended for members of the his family and we live it, day in and day out. Not perfectly, but with our whole heart, walking, falling, repenting, walking again.
It is my opinion, that belief in God must be fostered from the very beginning of life. Its not something that is separated from everyday life and reserved for certain moments and times. One or two days a week is no way to treat such an all encompassing thing like faith. If it is possible to raise your children in you faith you should do so, not with the intention of leading them at some point into one single moment where they will commit themselves to God, but with the intention of leading into a life committed to God. Don't get me wrong, it has to start somewhere, but a vision for multi-generational faith that is passed on by example as well as by words is essential if these crazy ideas we have about God and his plan for the world are to be passed on with any effectiveness. And most importantly this faith must be geared toward a life in service of God and his people.
Just as your faith in God should not be reserved for certain days or seasons of the year, so also our achievement of salvation shouldn't be be tied to a specific time or place. The spirit of the matter is not that we said a certain prayer at some point in our lives, but that we have chosen the life that God intended for members of the his family and we live it, day in and day out. Not perfectly, but with our whole heart, walking, falling, repenting, walking again.
I don't think saying a 5 second prayer gives you eternal life, nor do I consider the process that precedes that 'prayer' to be the good news. The 'Gospel' or 'good news' is this: Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. To repent means to quit sinning, turn to G-d and ask forgiveness and follow His commands outlined in Torah and the Gospels that Yeshua taught. There is salvation in the good news, but salvation is NOT the good news. The Kingdom of Heaven is. It's so close that the King has been sighted and identified. And He's coming back, so repentance is indeed good news for the sinner!
ReplyDeleteI have a problem with these people that go out on the streets to 'evangelize' lost souls and get them to say a 'prayer' so they don't go to hell, but they are told they will gain eternal life in heaven. Then they are never seen again. Not in church, not ever discipled; gone. Nothing changes and nothing happens and the next time they are approached, their hearts are hardened and they were better off not even being approached. I'm very cynical about this whole process.
Perhaps we should study and implement the elementary doctrines that are outlined in Hebrews 6. Might not get the numbers, but would certainly get the disciples. And isn't that what Yeshua said to get? Disciples, not converts?
It was Daniel Lancaster's teaching on the Elementary doctrines that drew me to write this. I agree 100 %. Thanks for commenting
ReplyDelete