1 Nov 2014-
The altar call is an appeal in which the speaker invites attendees to come forward as a way of acknowledging their decision to follow Christ. Many consider Charles Finney (1792-1875) to be the founder of the altar call even though early Methodist used a similar approach known as the “mourners bench.”
I have had the privilege of working on the field at large stadium events where altar calls have been given, and I have also offered many appeals to come forward as well, primarily in the early years of my ministry.
Let me begin by saying that anytime we give an honest appeal for a person to turn to God, it’s a good thing. But in our zeal to “get people into the kingdom,” we sometimes run the risk of offering false assurance. This is a very real danger in the church today. Many come forward after a sermon, but do they change? Often, it’s the “I’ll give Jesus a try” attitude, rather than a broken heart desperately seeking a Savior — the American gospel versus the true gospel.
The success rate of genuine conversions at crusades hovers between 5% to 15%. Some may argue, “But seeds are planted.” Yes, seed are planted, but are they seeds of salvation or seeds of false assurance?
I have great respect for men such as Billy Graham and Greg Laurie, and for the mass crusades that draw thousands to hear the gospel. I wish that there were more. I’m not challenging this type of ministry…I’m challenging the “overall” approach to altar calls.
Genuine faith produces genuine fruit; yet, many times, we assure people of salvation minus the fruit. As long as a hand was raised or a prayer was said, we’re good with God. But the Bible actually says something different. Biblical repentance involves turning from sin and turning to God—it’s a condition of the heart that produces fruit.
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