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NASB | Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 10:9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. |
Bible Question:
Alter Calls........ I would appreciate any biblical applications AND opinions/experiences of anyone who would like to respond. I am asking because it has come up several times in my church services where the Pastor has brought the gospel to a clear understanding......and then does not give an "alter call" to those who would respond at that time.....I feel this is crucial to those who are feeling the tug and want to answer the call....they are left without that opportunity AT THE TIME. During these times the Pastor has imparted the salvation message....it leads right up to that expectant point of one taking a step of faith and then "wham" shuts the door. I would appreciate anyones comments and wisdom about this. Also, for those who would think to ask me....no, I have not been in a church that have had alter calls...so I am not familiar with seeing it implimented in church. I just feel that during those times that the Pastor leads there that there should be an alter call...not every sunday. I am planning to ask my Pastor about this too. Thank you all......Hugger P.S. I did a search on this but did not find any questions and answers on this subject on the forum. |
Bible Answer: Hugger CDBJ and Charis gave you good information. "Altar Calls" are actually fairly new to the church world. I think Finney or someone from around his time frame came up with the idea. I especially liked CDBJ’s pastors statement “all they did was to jump through someone's psychological hoop”. I say I like it in that it is contains fact not the idea. The fact is many Pastors give emotion packed charges and many times the people respond as a form of emotional release rather than real salvation. I saw a man give an altar call where hundreds responded and he never mentioned sin, salvation, repentance, cleansing blood, the cross, forgiveness or anything connected to salvation. He gave a rip your heart out and throw it on the floor unless you come to altar type call. I have always wondered what God thought of that. God is looking at the heart, I believe you can be saved lying bed, walking the aisles, sitting/standing in the pew, or grasping your last breath. If you ask Jesus into your heart He is faithful to respond. EdB |