THE WHOLE DOCTRINE IS BACKWARD

Some men teach that sinners are to talk to God, rather than God speaking to sinners through His
Word. The whole “mourner’s bench” concept is an exact reversal of scriptural doctrine. The sinner
must hear God’s Word and obey it in order to establish communication with God. It is only when
one has become a child of God that he can pray “Our Father in heaven.” Until he has become a child
of God, his father is in another direction. To men in sin Jesus said, “Ye are of your father the devil,
and the lusts of your father it is your will to do” (John 8:44), Such a one praying to a “Father in
heaven,” has his directions mixed up.
The privilege of prayer is extended to one who obeys God. “He that turneth away his ear from
hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (Prov. 28:9). “We know that God heareth
not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth” (John 9:31).
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).
Remember this: No inspired man ever told an alien sinner to pray or a saved man to be bap-
tized. “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Some men have thrown that in reverse by asking sinners to pray and calling for testimony of
salvation before being baptized.
The whole doctrine is backward! Men ask God to come to the sinner, instead of asking the sin-
ner to come to God. Jesus said, “Come unto me...” (Matt. 11:28). But men plead for God to come
down to the plane of sinful man. But it is man’s move. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Good ideas need landing gear as well as wings!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse