I have been doing a recent study on the mechanics of conversion/salvation; i.e., looking at the response side of the salvation equation that ends in actual conversion, largely based in the record of Rom. 10:9 FF as the pattern. Part of that study has been to apply the accounts of the conversion narratives through the Gospels and Acts. The manifestations of Rom. 10--confess, believe, call--is pretty varied in these accounts.
There has been a lot of blow back in evangelical circles around the mechanics of receiving Christ. At least one well-known national voice has anchored his identity in "Declaring War on the Sinner's Prayer."
After all was said and done, I thought it might be a worthwhile exercise to fill out a"decision card" representative of many you might find in churches, camps, or other evangelistic outreaches with the information available through Scripture of the conversion experiences. This was done to help us "see" what a biblically true conversion might "look like." Below are a couple of samples.
Why did you respond? I wanted to come to Jesus because I was really sorry about how I lived
What steps did you take in your decision? I cried—a lot!!—and kissed his feet
What was the result? My sins were forgiven; I got saved!!
Name: Anonymous Occupation: Prostitute
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Why did you respond? I was curious. I just wanted to see Jesus
What steps did you take in your decision? I gave away half my stuff and repaid a bunch of people I had stolen from
What was the result? I got saved!!
Name: Zacchaeus Occupation: Tax collector
Thoughts?
There has been a lot of blow back in evangelical circles around the mechanics of receiving Christ. At least one well-known national voice has anchored his identity in "Declaring War on the Sinner's Prayer."
After all was said and done, I thought it might be a worthwhile exercise to fill out a"decision card" representative of many you might find in churches, camps, or other evangelistic outreaches with the information available through Scripture of the conversion experiences. This was done to help us "see" what a biblically true conversion might "look like." Below are a couple of samples.
Why did you respond? I wanted to come to Jesus because I was really sorry about how I lived
What steps did you take in your decision? I cried—a lot!!—and kissed his feet
What was the result? My sins were forgiven; I got saved!!
Name: Anonymous Occupation: Prostitute
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Why did you respond? I was curious. I just wanted to see Jesus
What steps did you take in your decision? I gave away half my stuff and repaid a bunch of people I had stolen from
What was the result? I got saved!!
Name: Zacchaeus Occupation: Tax collector
Thoughts?