Jesus into your heart

[Annie39]

Some, if not all fundamental Christians believe that one must ask Jesus into his/her heart to be saved. Does anyone know where this originated?
Thanks,
Annie

 

[DavidFilmer]

I suspect it is derived from Ephesians 3:16-17:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

The “Jesus in your heart” message was brought to prominence in the modern Evangelical community by Billy Graham, who referred to it often.

 

[Annie39]

I suspect it is derived from Ephesians 3:16-17:
The “Jesus in your heart” message was brought to prominence in the modern Evangelical community by Billy Graham, who referred to it often.

Thanks David. That helps. I plan to read Ephesians to get the context.

Annie

 

[Jim_Dandy]

I tell my Protestant friends that I not only accept Jesus into my heart, I accept Him on my tongue, into my tummy, and into my very being, not just once, but daily! Or at least every Sunday!

Jim Dandy
Former Protestant

 

[losh14]

I think this has to do with the understanding of being “born again”, which describes one who is in a state of renewal following an emotional, as well as mental, acceptance of Christ as personal savior.

It’d be interesting to see how authors from the early part of the evangelical movement - 19th century Americans - or even their roots in the Reformation described this personal attachment to Christ at the first moment of belief - which is so essential in Protestant theology.

Within Catholicism, this personal attachment exists but it’s part of salvation rather than the beginning. I’ve heard it phrased as “lift up your heart to the Lord” or “open the dark places in your heart to him”. The mandative “accept Jesus as your savior” is more appropriate to a one-time event while “remain always in Christ” is more appropriate where salvation is seen as a process.