Integrity and purity of motive of the
preacher is most important when issuing a public invitation following
the preaching of the Word. There is the danger of falsely assuring those
who come in front of the church that their walking up, or emotional
response, or tears proves their conversion. On the other hand, not
offering the invitation is missing an opportunity for a public response
to the Gospel. So, the real problem does not lie in the invitation (done
in pure motive) itself, but rather in false assurance of guarantee of
salvation.
As
the Word of God is powerful and effective unto salvation ( 1 Cor 1:18)
and following Christ is, in fact, a public endeavor and lifestyle, it is
appropriate to provide the opportunity for a lost soul to respond
without delay following the hearing of the Good News of Salvation. The
key is integrity and pure motivation from the preacher and sincerity
from the heart of the lost soul. The meaning and significance of
becoming a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ should be clearly
explained to the one who walks up in front. Well-organized follow-up ministry is also essential to those who would respond positively.
Who can limit the Sovereign omnipotent omniscient God? He has saved
people truly by both private and public invitations, and otherwise. We
must not exaggerate or be in any extreme but rather be balanced.
Let's just make sure that everything is done in purity, integrity, and
true faith (Rom 14:23). We must certainly not neglect the power of
prayers in all ministries.
God is absolutely sovereign. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and
omnipotent. Who dare to restrict Him in His move? We need to recognize
also that we are nothing and can do nothing without Him (John 15:4-5).
No evangelism or invitation must be done in the flesh. We are to do
it only when led by the Holy Spirit, not otherwise. This is why it is
essential that we abide in Christ continually so that we become
discerning too (John 15:1-9).
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