ask jesus to come into your heart.?????

[Steveg]

The “ask Jesus into your heart”, or “invite Jesus into your heart” as a way of becoming a Christian is a deceit and intimately linked with the “sinners prayer” popularised by Billy Graham and Bill Bright. It has no scriptural validity. It was helped by the insertion of extra words into the Living Bible which became a popular quote by such preachers.

"Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few welcome and received him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them. All those who believe this are reborn! --not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan--but from the will of God."(Jn 1:11-13) – the embolden section is not in the Greek but a blatant addition (later removed).

[Chuckt]

Steve,

When I look at the definition for heart, I don't think it means literal heart.

Blue Letter Bible - Lexicon

Ezekiel 37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Question: Where does God's spirit live in us? For a hint, see the definition for heart:


b) denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life

1) the vigour and sense of physical life

2) the centre and seat of spiritual life

Chuck

[Steveg]

Steve,

When I look at the definition for heart, I don't think it means literal heart.

Blue Letter Bible - Lexicon

Ezekiel 37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Question: Where does God's spirit live in us? For a hint, see the definition for heart:


b) denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life

1) the vigour and sense of physical life

2) the centre and seat of spiritual life

Chuck

Yes, but that doesn't change my point.

[gibby]

Why do people insist on trying to make the path to Jesus more complicated and difficult? Man, if someone gives their life to God and creates an intimate relationship with Him by using the "asking Jesus into [their] heart" than who can even touch that? I get tired of people shooting down how someone can come to know the Lord. If this is the way someone starts their relationship and then starts learning the Word, great!

[canny]

AMEN Gibby !

[gibby]

Update added

[Steveg]

Why do people insist on trying to make the path to Jesus more complicated and difficult? Man, if someone gives their life to God and creates an intimate relationship with Him by using the "asking Jesus into [their] heart" than who can even touch that? I get tired of people shooting down how someone can come to know the Lord. If this is the way someone starts their relationship and then starts learning the Word, great!

It's a start but it doesn't bring someone into the covenant family. Suggesting that its all that is needed, as some do, is dangerously deceiptful in my opinion.

[Shamu]

Why do people insist on trying to make the path to Jesus more complicated and difficult? Man, if someone gives their life to God and creates an intimate relationship with Him by using the "asking Jesus into [their] heart" than who can even touch that? I get tired of people shooting down how someone can come to know the Lord. If this is the way someone starts their relationship and then starts learning the Word, great!

Amen!




I was quickly flipping into how many times the word 'Heart' is in the bible on biblegateway..at least over 700...I didnt even get that far. If we come to His Truth, and yes that includes repentance, (of course not a watered down gospel as some call it) ....as it goes hand in hand repentance/His Truth, it is awesome no matter how it happens or the terminolgies used.

Just a few verses on "hearts .. I think they are relevant, He is our Lord God Almighty, full of mercy and grace - LOVE Which we often relate to our hearts. (and these are only New Testament,, I didnt even go into OT)

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


1 Thessalonians 3:13
May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.


2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.


2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.


Philemon 1:20
I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.


1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

[gibby]

If someone wants to know God more intimately, He will provide the way. Acts 8:26-40

[iamowen]

Shamu, Just done a search and heart appears 832 times in the KJV (The real bible)