RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salvation?
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/18/2008 5:30:50 PM
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greatdivide46
Posts: 1308
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quote:
ORIGINAL: drmark
quote:
NO... a person has to believe the gospel to be saved.
quote:
But if a person really believes the gospel, they'll ask, won't they?
So does an unbeliever ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of their life before they believe the Gospel is true, OR do they believe the Gospel and then ask for salvation?
I'd say a person would have to believe to ask, wouldn't you? Why would someone ask for salvation if they don't already believe in the Gospel?
Of course, I'm sure there are those who will say that God just "zaps" us so we will believe, therefore, we have no need to ask. It's all God.
_____________________________
greatdivide46
SFC, USA (Ret)
The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD -- Proverbs 16:1
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/20/2008 4:36:30 PM
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theredhog
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Does a person have to ask in order to receive salvation?
quote:
Does a drowning man have to request help ?
Sometimes. I've seen a drowning person shouting for help and I helped her.
I believe once a person realizes his condition without the Lord, I mean really realizes it, depending on how he sees salvation coming to us, will either 1. desperately appeal to God to save him, or 2. will, with unspeakable relief and joy, simply thank God for the salvation that has been provided for him.
When Adam and Eve found themselves unclothed, God didn't wait for them to ask for clothes, He just provided. I can't see Adam or Eve, saying "no, thanks". I don't know if Adam and Eve would have asked for new clothes or not. They may just have gone through leaf after leaf trying to stay covered, thinking they had brought this on themselves and were not worthy of being clothed... ( our job today is to tell those who are going through leaf after leaf to stay covered, "Hey, God has made you some good clothes. Those leaves will never last." That is good news!)
In the parable of the Pharisee and Publican...the publican, realizing his undone position, asked for mercy. Jesus said this man was justified. In my pitiful opinion someone who will not humble themselves to ask for God's grace and salvation, just does not realize their true condition. Or, they don't realize the love their creator has for them.
redhog
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/21/2008 12:24:02 AM
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HisFish
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I never asked for salvation and i never prayed the so called "sinners prayer" to receive it, it was given me. I didn't choose Him but He chose me. I did however say "thank you", then and now and every day in between.
_____________________________
The theology of the present aims at the deification of man, but the truth of all time
magnifies God . C. H. Spurgeon
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/21/2008 5:13:36 PM
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eschatologist
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JefferyT
Does a person have to ask in order to receive salvation? I know someone who is a very good Christian but feels uncomfortable asking for anything that personal.
Yes. You do have to ask for Salvation, but Jesus works in people's lives differently and the asking part is not necessarily a question that you ask Jesus.
First, a few verses on the subject:
Romans 10:9-10: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
People do have to realize that confessing their faith in Jesus is a necessary part of Salvation.
Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but this doesn't mean that the whole world is automatically saved and pulled out of the fires of destruction and hell. This is brought out in Revelations 20:15: "And whosever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
So, we know that some people are going to die in their sins and get thrown into the lake of fire, while others are going to be saved and go to Heaven. So, what's the difference? After all, we're all sinners and are imperfect and none of us are deserving, in ourselves, of God's heavenly perfection. The people who are saved must have to do something to recieve their Salvation. I'm not preaching that we're saved by works. I believe it's all by the Lord's grace and that once saved, always saved. But the one thing we do have to do is to believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and ask Him to forgive us our sins and give us His free gift of everlasting life. It is not something that is automatically forced on people.
Revelations 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come into him and will sup with him and he with me."
Jesus stands patiently at the door of each person's life waiting for them to open the door to Him. He's not going to break the door down and force His way in. He waits for people to ask Him in. Once you ask Him in He will come in and stay with you forever. He cleanses and washes you of all your sins, and mistakes and badness. Once He has done this, you are automatically passed from death unto Life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and once you have this life in you He will never leave you nor forsake you. "For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Hereby know ye the spirit of God: Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God" (IJohn 4:2)
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God." (IJohn 4:15)
"He that hath the Son hath Life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (IJohn 5:12) You have eternal life because you have Jesus. You have Jesus because you believe in Him and asked Him to come into your life, and have made your confession of Faith to others.
These are just a few more verses to show that you do have to ask in order to recieve Salvation.
< Message edited by eschatologist -- 11/21/2008 5:19:57 PM >
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 1:07:41 AM
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bob97
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Let me ask a question...Lets say I'm a sinner...I've heard about Jesus but I don't know all that much about Him (I really don’t know Christ is the Son of God and I really don’t understand the resurrection).
However I am drawn to Him by a need that I can't really explain, so one night in my desperation and with a sincere heart… I call out “Jesus please come into my life and save me”. What is my status?
The reason I ask this question in this way is because I feel it is a situation that many face. They are short on facts but have a burning need to fill that void in their life.
Anyone care to jump in?
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 8:43:34 AM
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drmark
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quote:
However I am drawn to Him by a need that I can't really explain, so one night in my desperation and with a sincere heart… I call out “Jesus please come into my life and save me”. What is my status? In this hypothetical, could you please explain what the person would like to be saved from.
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 10:09:39 AM
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bob97
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drmark...I guess it would be that the person feels lost in life and nothing really makes senses...there has to be something more and in their heart they feel that a need to connect to a higher power.
This is the point in a person’s life when they explore many different mysticism but this person has (for reasons they don’t really understand) called out to Jesus Christ.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 11:40:33 AM
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eschatologist
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bob97
Let me ask a question...Lets say I'm a sinner...I've heard about Jesus but I don't know all that much about Him (I really don’t know Christ is the Son of God and I really don’t understand the resurrection).
However I am drawn to Him by a need that I can't really explain, so one night in my desperation and with a sincere heart… I call out “Jesus please come into my life and save me”. What is my status?
The reason I ask this question in this way is because I feel it is a situation that many face. They are short on facts but have a burning need to fill that void in their life.
Anyone care to jump in?
Bob
Acts 2:21: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
I believe this means that when people call on Jesus to help them and save them He immediatly does even if they don't understand all the why's and wherefore's of Salvation or exactly what it means.
When people are desparate and call out to the Lord to help them, this pleases the Lord because it shows that they are humble enough to admit their own failings, mistakes and shortcomings and that they need God's help to save them and they can't do it on their own. They may not say a sinner's prayer, per se, or specifically ask the Lord to forgive all their sins and come into their heart, but He still does because that's really what they are doing when they call out to the Lord to help them. That's why I said in my previous post that, although you do need to ask, this asking does not necesarily come in the form of a question to the Lord such as what is usually found in a standard sinner's prayer.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteouness for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
Then...
Jesus said, "and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him." (John 14:21) Eventually, the Lord will manifest Himself to the person in some miraculous way so that he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is real and that He dwells in his heart. All truly saved born again Christians know that they are saved and bound for heaven. It's really the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot recieve because it seeth him not neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you." (John 14:17)
"Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit." (IJohn 4:13)
So, we don't have to understand everything before we can recieve Jesus and be saved. Faith and belief come first, then understanding. I think it was St. Augustine who said, "Understanding is the reward of Faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe, that thou mayest understand."
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 5:14:23 PM
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drmark
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quote:
drmark...I guess it would be that the person feels lost in life and nothing really makes senses...there has to be something more and in their heart they feel that a need to connect to a higher power.
This is the point in a person’s life when they explore many different mysticism but this person has (for reasons they don’t really understand) called out to Jesus Christ. Well, I'm not sure we can ever know the intent of anyone's heart, much less this hypothetical heart you've made up. "Connecting to a higher power" does not save sinners! However, God's grace is sufficient to meet any sinner at their own personal point of need and understanding. So I guess I will just leave my answer at that - only God knows the heart of each repentant sinner and the infinitessimal part they must play to receive His salvation.
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 11/23/2008 8:23:52 PM
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bob97
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eschatologist...drmark,
I agree the heart needs to be sincere but when that is the case I think God hears that person’s plea for help and will respond.
The reason I ask this question is; I think this is the mental state of many who come to Christ. They are not knowledgeable about spiritual things…some knowing more that others. Some understand they are sinners and make confession but others don’t. Some understand the relationship of Christ and His resurrection but others don’t.
It’s the heart that counts and sometimes I think we forget that. God quickens the heart but He doesn’t extend a PHD.
Thanks for the response.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/4/2008 10:06:53 PM
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girlbassist
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To receive salvation, you must consciously accept God's gift. Otherwise, people could go around thinking they're Christians just because they grew up going to church or have Christian family. I grew up going to church and believed in God, but it wasn't until I made the conscious choice to accept the Holy Spirit and forgiveness, etc, that I had salvation. I think there must be a decision on the part of the follower.
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 12:02:53 AM
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bob97
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quote:
but it wasn't until I made the conscious choice to accept the Holy Spirit and forgiveness, etc, that I had salvation.
How long during that time period did you feel God drawing you?
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 9:09:24 AM
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girlbassist
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I was at a Christian summer camp (I was 14) and I felt God drawing me toward him the whole week and finally made the decision to accept the last night. I think we chose salvation...God offers it, but we must accept. By the logic of not having to make a conscious choice, then people could have salvation whether they want it or not. I don't think God forces it upon us. We have free will after all.
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 10:07:33 AM
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jimr1
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Did the apostle paul ask for salvation on the road to damscus. Jesus said no man can come to me unless he be drawn to me. The twelve were chosen. i think it works both ways, God chooses some to fulfill his providence. Eventually he will reconcile all men, for his good pleasure.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul. I thank the Lord that one day I too will be changed. I will shed this body of corruption and put on a new incorruptable body.
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 10:16:21 AM
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raivyne
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I agree with ben and bob (from first page).
I also agree with girlbassist.
< Message edited by raivyne -- 12/5/2008 10:46:20 AM >
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P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens
What if God is asking us for a sign?
Knowledge is proud; wisdom is humble.
Patiently waiting for my KSA
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 2:17:56 PM
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bob97
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quote:
I felt God drawing me toward him the whole week and finally made the decision to accept the last night.
You made the decision Girlbassist but it was God who motivated and quickened your heart...telling you that He desired you to become His child... that He loved and cared for you very much.
I'm of the opinion when God starts the drawing process you will eventually accept although it might take years.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 2:22:12 PM
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girlbassist
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Yes, my point was that God can call us, but we ultimately have to make the decision to accept it--we have to submit to Him. I don't think salvation is a passive thing. Just saying yes I believe in God or going to church doesn't make one a believer. I believe there has to be some sort of conversion experience. I don't think it necessarily means saying a formulaic prayer, but we must call out to Jesus, submit to Him and acknowledge that He is God.
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 2:37:07 PM
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LCannon
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Perhaps this 'choice' is between the reasonable response to come into salvation versus remaining in one's arrogance against the blood/obedience of Christ Jesus. Actually there no choice involved in usual sense, it's destination.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 9:18:52 PM
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HisFish
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bob97
quote:
I felt God drawing me toward him the whole week and finally made the decision to accept the last night.
You made the decision Girlbassist but it was God who motivated and quickened your heart...telling you that He desired you to become His child... that He loved and cared for you very much.
I'm of the opinion when God starts the drawing process you will eventually accept although it might take years.
Bob
God bless you Bob. It's Him, it's ALL of Him. God takes no prisoners against their will, He frees the captives. If God draws you, you will be saved, if He doesn't draw you, you will NOT be saved.
_____________________________
The theology of the present aims at the deification of man, but the truth of all time
magnifies God . C. H. Spurgeon
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/5/2008 11:37:45 PM
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bob97
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May God bless you to brother fish...we are all rich in His Grace.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/6/2008 5:24:20 AM
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Josh4LinC
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I can still recall my own experience. I had just entered high school. Prior to this, I had been educated in a Christian school and had gone through confirmation. Even after this time, I was merely going through the motions because that's what my parents expected of me. I didn't understand it nor was I that concerned. I was focused on school and play. It was within a year after this that I was convicted in such a way that I can only attribute it to the Holy Spirit piercing my heart. One night, I was just overwhelmed and compelled to pray to Jesus for salvation.
I was surrounded by Biblical teaching for a number of years prior to this, but it wasn't until after I left that environment that I would be born again. The seed was being sown, but it wasn't until the Holy Spirit enabled the growth of that seed that I believed in the name of Jesus. After studying God's Word, I understand how this works and have a better understanding of my own experience. The Holy Spirit regenerates us and enables us to believe. He rescues us from the slavery of sin and makes us free to believe in Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
_____________________________
In Christ Jesus,
Josh
“Well,” says one, “I like to be my own master.” Yes, and that involves two things;
first, you have a very bad master; and, next, your master has a fool for his servant.
- Charles Spurgeon
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/6/2008 11:55:03 AM
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bob97
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Thank you girlbassist...
Every once in a while you enter an envelope of fellowship and grace that is really special and I think we just experienced one.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/6/2008 9:24:17 PM
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HisFish
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quote:
ORIGINAL: girlbassist
Josh, Bob, Fish: That's what I meant to say, but you guys are much better at putting it in words.  Ironic for someone who has a Master's in communications. lol! God calls us, but he doesn't take people against their will. I think there must be a point where you finally submit to Him. Otherwise, how would you know if you've got salvation? Like, Josh pre-salvation, you could go through the motions say you believe, etc, but not have it really in your heart yet.
There is that point and we do. God bless you girlbassist, i think you communicated that perfectly.
_____________________________
The theology of the present aims at the deification of man, but the truth of all time
magnifies God . C. H. Spurgeon
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RE: Does a person have to ask in order to receive salva... - 12/7/2008 10:33:47 AM
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jimr1
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Correct me if i'm wrong. God chooses whom he will, and the rest of are dead players. If thats true you are truely blessed.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul. I thank the Lord that one day I too will be changed. I will shed this body of corruption and put on a new incorruptable body.
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