When asked if Scripture justifies the use of public invitations (altar calls) or not, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responded quite directly.
“The invitation should be in the message. We believe the Spirit applies the message, so we trust in the power of the Spirit….
…I feel that this pressure which is put upon people to come forward in decision ultimately is due to a lack of faith in the work and operation of the Holy Spirit. We are to preach the Word, and if we do it properly, there will be a call to a decision that comes in the message, and then we leave it to the Spirit to act upon people. And of course He does. Some may come immediately at the close of the service to see the minister. I think there should always be an indication that the minister will be glad to see anybody who wants to put questions to him or wants further help. But that is a very different thing from putting pressure upon people to come forward. I feel it is wrong to put pressure directly on the will. The order in Scripture seems to be this – the truth is presented to the mind, which moves the heart, and that in turn moves the will.”
You can read the entire response by Dr. Lloyd-Jones on this subject over at Banner of Truth [HT: Aaron Sauer]. Also be sure to check out a few posts I’ve done related to this issue, of the “altar call”:
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was considered an Evangelist, although he pastored two churches. Every Sunday night was an evangelistic, Gospel sermon, and he encouraged his people to endeavor to bring lost people on Sunday night. He also preached in scores, perhaps hundreds of churches across Great Britain on a regular basis, often with an evangelictic thrust. Thousands trace their conversion to hearing him preach.
Why do I make a point of this? Because he knew by experience that the altar call is not necessary for effective evangelism. The fact that there are no altar calls in the Bible should settle the issue for every Bible believing Christian. But having numerous examples from history of fervent and successful evangelistic preachers should cause those who think the altar call necessary to thoughtfully reconsider.
Thanks, Bob, for this helpful post.
In the bonds of Christ,
Greg
Very good points you’re bringing up, Greg. Thanks for sharing.
Spurgeon never gave altar calls either….
Nor did Wesley. Amazing to modern Christians. A neighbor lady once asked one of my daughters, then age 14, if it was true that her Daddy’s church didn’t give altar calls. “Yes,” replied my daughter. “Then how did anyone get saved?” replied the puzzled neighbor. “Now Francais,” said my daughter, “you just think real hard about what you just said.”
Since we are changed in a twinkling of an eye…one moment totally reprobate, the next totally washed by blood…It does make one wonder…When DID I get saved? At the moment my friend question me…just before she asked the question…when I broke into tears…when I took the first step toward the alter…when I said the prayer? Confessing salvation IS important and we need to do it, but it becomes our testimony…like baptism…not the point or moment in time of salvation.
Nancy,
I think most of those who are truly saved in the context of an altar call, were actually regenerated by the Holy Spirit while sittting in their pew, listening to the Word of God. Because they had now been born again, and because the preacher whom God used to convert them was now urging them to “come forward,” and because they were no longer resistent to spiritual entreaties, they did as requested and came forward. What many believe is the moment of salvation is actually the time when they receive assurance of salvation.
Blessings,
Greg
Thank you Greg. I agree absolutely! That IS the beginning…the understanding takes the rest of our lives…as we live them…Day by Day!