Quick and Easy

With social media, smart phones and on-demand live streaming video it seems everything we do must be simple and instant these days. Trouble-free high-speed internet, assessable WiFi, fast food and quick meals has become a necessity in our every day lives – “quick and easy” pretty much describes this modern high-tech world we live in.

In religious circles one would think the idea of “quick and easy” would be illogical. However a few hundred years ago when Alter Calls and the Sinner’s Prayer was introduced, it is almost impossible to think of church without it! For not only has it benefited the church financially by filling the pews but has also become a booming marketing tool as well.

With this concept thousands upon thousands can instantly become a Christian in a matter of a few quick and easy steps: 1) Visit any one of today’s Christian churches (or events / crusades) 2) wait until the end of the sermon 3) listen for what’s called an Alter Call (an emotion-filled experience layered with tear-jerking Christian music) 4) then walk down the aisle and repeat a public confession better known as the Sinner’s Prayer and viola instant Christianity!

Now I know that sounded like something you would find in the instructions of some Easy Oven Bake recipe but the stark reality is these steps have been practiced for hundreds of years and has been the primary source for creating multitudes of quick converts.

A Jesus Reference

If we look at the steps Jesus took as a child we find absolutely no “quick and easy” steps. Rather we read of Him “…sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46), it wasn’t until years of studying scripture and increasing in wisdom (see: Luke 2:52) He was baptized by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:13-17).

Scripture teaches us that when it comes to Christianity everything has to involve a proper understanding of what God’s word teaches (see: Eph. 4:14, 2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Tim 3:16). Jesus didn’t take a short cut so we shouldn’t either.

His ministry as well shows us that He started it with “teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23) no where does it state an Alter Call or a Sinner’s Prayer of any kind. In fact His entire Sermon on the Mount was a delivery of vast information explained in detail over a period of time, and the only invitation that followed was: “Come unto ME” (Matt. 11:28)

We really need to grasp what He is saying here and how it pertains to us in this present day. When Jesus said “Come unto me” He was physically there. Today however, Jesus is not “physically” in the church or auditorium; Jesus is not the Pastor, the Evangelist, the speaker; nor is He in front of the church, at the end of some aisle or even in the decision we make.  “Come unto me” does not mean an alter call or to repeat some prayer, within the context of scripture sinners must come to Christ by “believing” in Him (see: John 5:24, John 6:35, John 11:25,  John 12:46) through faith which is the working of God (Col. 2:12)!

Contradicting Scripture

Ephesians 2:1 tells us that we are all “dead in our sins” and Jesus Himself said: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). If this be the case how can we, who are dead in our sins have the power to save ourselves through a man-made quick and easy concoction like the Alter Call and Sinner’s Prayer? Do we really believe that we have the power to control the Father by forcing Him to save us through something “we” do or say?

One of the most devastating things to our salvation is the idea that “we” have the ability to save ourselves. The Alter Call and Sinner’s Prayer not only contradicts scripture but encourages this idea. We are told in Ephesians 2:8-9 that: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Boasting is definitely found in those who believe in the invitation system. People like Greg Laurie, Billy Graham, and many others who endorses the idea always seem to “count” their converts. In fact it is quite common to hear things like: “Over 5000 people came to Christ”, “Through our crusades, millions are coming forward and being saved” and “We had this many converts in this city and that many converts in that city…” In contrast to this, those who believe otherwise are too humbled by God’s grace to even utter such nonsense.

Nevertheless there is such a thing as “works” in a Christian’s life, it is the evidence of his/her salvation. However works cannot be the prior condition of salvation, for how could it if we are all dead in our sins (Eph. 2:1)? Unfortunately the “idea” that responding to an alter call will save us is definitely rooted in a salvation through works.

In Conclusion

It is quite common for us to seek out short-cuts when trying to get somewhere in a hurry. However a short-cut to Christianity was never found in scripture nor was it practiced. A man named Simon thought he could take a short-cut by purchasing the Gifts of the Spirit but was quickly rebuked and sent away for not having his heart “right before God” (see: Acts 8:18-24)

In Acts 2 we find about three thousand people were saved that day “without” the invitation of an Alter Call or the repeating of the Sinner’s Prayer. Furthermore we read of Peter saying: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (v.38 emphasis added)

If 3,000 people can be saved without an alter call or sinner’s prayer it is obvious the idea is false. Furthermore, if the Holy Spirit comes “after” baptism how can it be the “Holy Spirit” that moves you to accept an alter call as so many believe? It is not. Sadly our own desire that craves a quick and easy conversion; our own emotions influenced with music and its surroundings; and the persuasion by man is what makes people accept an alter call or repeat some sinner’s prayer.

In the end, Christians ought to hold true to God’s word by directing sinners to Christ and not to some event, crusade, or the aisles of a church building. Let us be extremely careful and not give the impression that a sinner’s eternity relies on his “quick and easy” reaction to a Pastor’s sermon or the repeating of some prayer. We need to keep in mind that Christians are in the business to plant and water, it is God’s business to add the increase (Acts 2:47).

Think About It.