I just read a tract that talks about how simple it is to be saved. Here it is if you would like to see it.
After reading that tract, there was a little conflict that started in my mind over how we present salvation to others. While I will agree that the PRINCIPLE of salvation is simple (repentance and faith), but in practice, it is the hardest thing someone will ever do. In fact, it is impossible without God working through a person to bring them to salvation. So how we present the gospel is HUGE.
A person has to die to themselves, broken over their sin. That is so contrary to human nature and we are SOOO full of pride. The Bible even says that because of their pride, men will not seek after God. (Ps. 10:4) It takes a miracle to bring us to our knees. We have to be at a point where surrender our very being to God himself as a living sacrifice to his glory. Salvation is nothing short of a miracle!
And yet so many times I have read tracts or heard invitations that trivialize salvation down to a simple decision to follow God, or a prayer to ask him into your heart. They generalize sin and omit Hell, and in the process, water down both. Everybody does it, don’t you feel bad? Say this prayer quick!
Now I have nothing against someone crying out to God in prayer, but sites like www.Jesus2020.com (which advertises all over Godtube) are telling people to recite some words and then pronouncing them saved. That is how “easy” some want to make the gospel.
What are we missing here? Where is the personal conviction of sin? The personal responsibility before a Holy God for our crimes? Where is repentance? Judgment? Hell? Where is God’s Law- the schoolmaster that leads us to Christ? It has been thrown out of our pulpits and out of our theology.
To quote George Whitfield, “Secure sinners must hear the thundering of Mt. Siani before we bring them to Mt. Zion”. In other words, if you leave out the wrath of God, His judgment, or Hell, then you are doing your hearer a disservice.
–Danny
McChristian, that’s what. All the ‘as easy as’ things in the tract are valid claims, but when you realise you have to implement them every single moment for the rest of your life… Salvation is a training course from which we graduate only upon entering the Hereafter.