does repeating save you???

[one love]

so we know that many times in services someone can say if you want to be saved just repeat after me "Jesus forgive me " etc.

Now I am curious what about all those people that are at church with a friend, some family or a family friend and they convince him to go up front with the hundreds of others and he repeats a prayer. Is he saved?

Also what if you go out witnessing and run into some people walking and you witness to them and ask them to repeat that prayer and they do but really only said the prayer for you to go away. Are they saved? they did ask christ to forgive them etc.

Okay finally can one be saved without true holy ghost conviction? that is what I am getting at, hope that makes sense.

This should bring out at least 3 or 4 really different opinions when it is all over..

[Full Quiver]

I still believe it takes the work of the Spirit in the heart of the unbeliever thus making one a believer, conviction/convincing and leading them to repentance and into conversion.

I'm old school though. Does that make one perfect? Absolutely not but it is the start, the foundation upon which the child of God can build their life of purpose and worship to God.

[Pastor Bill]

I think repeating a prayer is not the real issue.

Often times this is used to get around the "I don't know what to say" hurdle, and honestly I don't see a problem with it, but repentance comes from the heart, as a response to the Spirit. Under those conditions, I believe someone can repeat a prayer and be saved, beginning their Christian walk, but I also believe a person can repeat a prayer outside of those conditions and it change nothing.

More important though than that, even when sincere this is just the beginning, and further discipleship and support are needed, if all a person ever receives is an encouragement to repeat a prayer, the Church isn't doing it's job.

Personally I was saved at a concert repeating the prayer with them, but God had already been drawing me, I was sincere, and it didn't stop there, so yes it can be a solid start, but I wouldn't rely on that alone.

[Brian]

Just a thought......does the new convert have to convert with the typical mindset ie: sad, heartbroken, solemn? or can someone be overjoyed with hearing the good news and simply want to convert there lives over to what seems to be a better thing than what they now have?

I guess what I'm asking is that does the conversion process have to be all boo whoey tears and broken heartedness in order for people to take there salvation seriously? Can't someone just here the good news and commit to serving Christ, repeat the common prayers of accepting Christ and move on into there christian walk? Of course one needs to be sincere, but does sincerity aways equal sadness with a heavy heart?

[Pastor Bill]

Brian, I'd say it should be joyful. It's nothing to be sad about, Christ is wiping the sadness and burden of sin away.

[Full Quiver]

A contrite spirit and then joy unspeakable would be expected.