There is truth in the statement, “Accept Jesus as your personal savior;” however, as it is normally used in denominational circles it is unscriptural. To denominational people it means an experience of salvation when Jesus “came into their hearts.” But that is a subjective analysis of salvation that depends on what one concludes has happened without evidence from scripture. In fact, in most instances the instruction to “accept Jesus as your personal savior” is contrary to heaven’s decrees. It is a statement that has deluded literally thousands of unsuspecting souls. Upon being told to accept Jesus into their hearts solely by “believing” without repentance and baptism, people conclude that they are saved. Reasoning by evidence from scripture is impossible against such a subjective claim – people must be willing to turn to scripture to find the truth.
The word “accept” necessarily implies an “offer” – has there been an offer from heaven? Absolutely! Suppose that I was speaking about the 1977 Corvette in my garage to my oldest grandson Cliff and he says, “I accept” but I say, “It was not offered as a gift.” He really wants it but he has no money. Jesus came in the flesh to make an offering for sin (John. 1:14). “Grace” is the offer of Heaven’s gift to man for salvation from sins made possible by Jesus’ atonement for sins (1 John 2:1-2; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Grace must be accepted which means it can be rejected but grace is conditional (Ephesians 2:8-9; Mark 16:16). “Accept Jesus as your personal savior” most commonly means just “to believe” as a condition of acceptance -- that is unscriptural and deceptive to those wanting salvation.
The Colossians had “received Christ Jesus” (2:6) and that demanded that they act in harmony with accepting him as Savior and Lord (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). Obviously, one cannot be saved without accepting a savior – “Jesus” is called “Jesus,” because he would save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). There were many boys named “Jesus” in the first century but there was only one savior. There are even distorted concepts of Jesus that are contrary to the Jesus of scripture – these are false and to believe in a Jesus who is not the Jesus of scripture destroys the basis of saving faith. The Jesus revealed in scripture as God’s son who was “God in flesh” (Emmanuel – Matthew 1:23) is the only savior (Acts 4:12). So, Jesus said, “Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins…” (John 8:24). Evidence was presented to prove who he was (John 5:30-39; 20:30-31). And, truly, one must put his trust in the personal savior, Jesus, in order to be saved.
Yes, Jesus is a personal savior. Salvation is not a result of belonging to a group, to a party, to the right denomination or even a “church of Christ.” Salvation does not come to an individual because he has joined a group. I am sure that some even think that they are going to heaven because they belong to the “church of Christ” – such a concept is erroneous. Jesus, saves each person individually and that, obviously, makes him a personal savior. Cleansing from sins can happen only on an individual basis – note Ephesians 5:25-27. How is the church sanctified and cleansed? Only as each person is sanctified and cleansed by the blood of Christ (note Hebrews 1:3; 2 Peter 1:9).
Most commonly “accept Jesus as your personal savior” is a directive stemming from a false concept. Let’s make sure we convey truth by true statements. – Jim R. Everett
There is truth in the statement, “Accept Jesus as your personal savior;” however, as it is normally used in denominational circles it is unscriptural. To denominational people it means an experience of salvation when Jesus “came into their hearts.” But that is a subjective analysis of salvation that depends on what one concludes has happened without evidence from scripture. In fact, in most instances the instruction to “accept Jesus as your personal savior” is contrary to heaven’s decrees. It is a statement that has deluded literally thousands of unsuspecting souls. Upon being told to accept Jesus into their hearts solely by “believing” without repentance and baptism, people conclude that they are saved. Reasoning by evidence from scripture is impossible against such a subjective claim – people must be willing to turn to scripture to find the truth.
The word “accept” necessarily implies an “offer” – has there been an offer from heaven? Absolutely! Suppose that I was speaking about the 1977 Corvette in my garage to my oldest grandson Cliff and he says, “I accept” but I say, “It was not offered as a gift.” He really wants it but he has no money. Jesus came in the flesh to make an offering for sin (John. 1:14). “Grace” is the offer of Heaven’s gift to man for salvation from sins made possible by Jesus’ atonement for sins (1 John 2:1-2; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Grace must be accepted which means it can be rejected but grace is conditional (Ephesians 2:8-9; Mark 16:16). “Accept Jesus as your personal savior” most commonly means just “to believe” as a condition of acceptance -- that is unscriptural and deceptive to those wanting salvation.
