[This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]
“Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior”: if we have heard denominational sermons or read denominational tracts, we are familiar with this direction for being saved. On occasion, we have heard some in the church use the same expression in giving an invitation or prayer. What does “accepting Jesus as our personal Savior” really mean? It is hard to know because it means different things to different people. Usually, it means some degree of mental recognition of Jesus as Savior and a resignation and acceptance at some level of Jesus as our Savior. More simply, it conveys the idea of faith alone as a means of salvation. But it does convey the idea of something being required from us for our salvation. It does speak against any idea of all being saved by God’s grace regardless of belief. It also shows salvation is through Jesus alone (John 14:6) and none other. However, rarely, if ever, is any obedient act ever mentioned or required for salvation. It is merely (as denominations use it) a mental recognition and belief-only system required for salvation.
Of course, this is contrary to the Bible teaching of how one becomes saved from one’s sins.
- Hear the gospel — Romans 10:17
- Believe Jesus is the Son of God — John 3:15,16
- Repent of sins — Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19
- Confess — Romans 10:9,10
- Be baptized — I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38
When one rises from the waters of baptism, that person has Jesus as Savior (saved from sins). Also, one must continue in faithful duty to the Lord to remain in a saved state (Romans 6:3-4; Revelation 2:10). The Bible teaches something very different from what the expression, “Just receive Jesus as personal Savior” would cause one to understand.
In addition, there must be a caution and warning about using the expression of “accepting Jesus as a personal Savior” in prayers and invitations. No matter how well intentioned, we could very easily lead someone astray in an effort to urge people to do what is needed for salvation. They could hear the expression as part of an invitation, understand it in the denominational context, and leave not being a Christian but thinking that they are. We must avoid “borrowing” the vocabulary of the denominations. At best, it causes great confusion; at worst, it leads to apostasy. It has been said, “The first step of apostasy is to adopt the language of the apostates.” “Accept Jesus as our personal Savior” is not part of any Biblical example of conversion. Nor did Jesus ever use it in the gospels. It is an expression used commonly in the denominational world as a call to faith only to be saved.
How does the Bible answer the question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 2:37)? The answer was, “Repent and be baptized.” This should be our answer, not an answer that is used by those who are lost that will misdirect willing recipients. When preaching or teaching or praying and explaining to those who are lost how to be saved, we need to be crystal clear about what the Bible teaches. To the best of our ability we must convey to the lost the terms of salvation revealed in Scripture. Let Scripture answer the question, “What must I do to be saved?” We must not use misleading phraseology that will confuse and lead astray. We need to be clear and not use borrowed terminology of those who do not know and believe and profess error.
