Bible Question:
Is there anything wrong with a church that does not offer an invitation to salvation at the end or during any part of regular sunday service? i have recently come across this and was wondering if there is anything scriptural regarding sunday service and the invitation to salvation? Thanks. |
Bible Answer: I don't find anything in the Bible about an "offer to accept salvation." I do find the command to repent. You find it everywhere. The preaching of the Gospel is complete in the Bible as opposed to what is common today. Today - the "bad parts" are left out. What are you saved from? The wrath of God, which you are exposed to if you are not saved. You read these Gospel tracts, they have John 3:16 and ignore :17,18,19 and 20, 21,......! Its less "marketable." I am opposed to the long-drawn out pleas to come foreward, accompanied with music or what-have-you. To me, that is emotional manipulation. I think it is good to mention that someone would be available to answer questions. The unregenrate are not interested in repentance, the regenerate, though unconfessed, do. They have legitimate questions that they would rather discuss privately, as a rule. The churches I have attended that use this method(emotional pleas) often have a Sunday service that consists of John 3:16 amd that's it - meanwhile, those that are saved are starving for instruction - being fed milk and nothing else! I think it is a dis-service to the people of God to tailor the Sunday worship to address the un-saved. To teach the Law convicts - and that is what the un-regenerate need to face - their guilt! People who don't think they are guilty repent. My conclusion is that I think it is right not to "offer salvation" in the sense which you talk about. Offer a time for testimony, a time for confession, an opportunity to have questions answered - If they are in church, they may be ready to confess faith! But to engage in these drawn-out invitations, I find no scriptural support for and I think it is harmful to the faithful that are there. Matt. |