I may be missing something and that is fine with me. But I’m just wondering why the phrase “ask Jesus into your heart” is so wrong. For even if you phrase your acceptance of the gospel differently, Jesus still indwells you at that point of that conversion.
This debate creates a tension among those who preach an those who would accept the gospel message…
“Did I do it right?”
“Did I say the right thing?”
“Oh know I asked Jesus to come into my heart when I prayed the prayer… maybe I’m not saved now….”
“I’ve lead people wrong for many years… Oh No!”
We do not need this.
The fact is once someone has realized they are a sinner and in need of a savior. (regardless of how they might term the last sentence). I say just let them pray to receive, accept, began a relationship with Christ in whatever way they want to word it.
If a pastor leads a group of people in a prayer to receive Christ, just let Him word that prayer as he sees fit in accordance with the scriptures, and let those who want to repeat it.
And if part of that prayer is asking Jesus to live in their heart…
so be it.
I am pretty sure God doesn’t mind.
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
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