Alter Calls & Sinners Prayer Questions

[ahimsaman72]

JoeyWarren:

It’s not in there!

The Scriptural basis would be the words of Jesus when he said, “Whoever denies me before men I will deny him before the Father and whoever acknowledges me before me, him I will acknowledge before the Father”. So, the altar call takes care of that. There is an acknowledgement of the need for Christ and the commitment to be a Christian the rest of your life.

Peace…

p.s. I posted this before but just in case it was missed on accident I re-posted it.

 

[Pug]

ahimsaman72:

The Scriptural basis would be the words of Jesus when he said, “Whoever denies me before men I will deny him before the Father and whoever acknowledges me before me, him I will acknowledge before the Father”. So, the altar call takes care of that.

I consider the context of this quote to be almost the opposite of an altar call. In the context the twelve disciples are being sent to preach and are being lectured about how to handle it when they are dragged before **hostile authorities **and that they will be given what to say at the time. They are not to fear those who can kill the body,rather the one who has the authority to toss in to hell. He came to bring the sword, not peace, dividing households, etc. If they **persecute **you in one city, go to the next one, etc. See Matt 10, all of it. 11:1 closes off this discourse. The overall context does not appear to be your first baby steps in a Christian congregation.

However, I am happy to concede that one might derive or infer that it would be nice to do this in front of a non-threatening congregation first. Also, I know the quote also appears in Luke 12, and the context sayings are somewhat similar there as well.

 

[ahimsaman72]

Pug:

I consider the context of this quote to be almost the opposite of an altar call. In the context the twelve disciples are being sent to preach and are being lectured about how to handle it when they are dragged before **hostile authorities **and that they will be given what to say at the time. They are not to fear those who can kill the body,rather the one who has the authority to toss in to hell. He came to bring the sword, not peace, dividing households, etc. If they **persecute **you in one city, go to the next one, etc. See Matt 10, all of it. 11:1 closes off this discourse. The overall context does not appear to be your first baby steps in a Christian congregation.

However, I am happy to concede that one might derive or infer that it would be nice to do this in front of a non-threatening congregation first. Also, I know the quote also appears in Luke 12, and the context sayings are somewhat similar there as well.

Given the atmosphere of the Lord’s closest disciples in the midst of a crowd filled with believers and unbelievers alike, it is a logical step that if these disciples in the midst of trouble and turmoil can commit their lives to the calling of Christ and stand by him, then those 2000 years later can make that same commitment with the same results.

Many passages have double meaning I think you would agree, and this is one of them in my opinion. Some passages are absolutely meant for certain people alone, but the truth is the same no matter what. That’s the way I see it.

Peace…

 

[Pug]

ahimsaman72:

it is a logical step that if these disciples in the midst of trouble and turmoil can commit their lives to the calling of Christ and stand by him, then those 2000 years later can make that same commitment with the same results

I do agree the passage is talking about standing by Christ when put to the point. Standing by him both then and now is good. I’m not especially afraid of public speaking, so perhaps if I were, I’d see the altar call in a different light.

I think a certain verse can really speak to us in a personal way now and then. I myself heard an altar call and did not go up precisely because of my mother next to me…

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (I’m sure you know this is that same context we are talking about).

 

[ahimsaman72]

Pug:

I do agree the passage is talking about standing by Christ when put to the point. Standing by him both then and now is good. I’m not especially afraid of public speaking, so perhaps if I were, I’d see the altar call in a different light.

I think a certain verse can really speak to us in a personal way now and then. I myself heard an altar call and did not go up precisely because of my mother next to me…

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (I’m sure you know this is that same context we are talking about).

Yes, this passage is along the same vein. I read the book once titled, “Jesus Freaks” (I’m sure you know this one) and it really changed my understanding of what it means to be a Christian and give it all - body, blood and soul for the cause of Christ.

Yes, it’s all about devotion and commitment that excels worldly interests. It is a letting go of ourselves to embrace that which is above us.

Peace…