Dear Editor,
I refer you to the above article by Aaron Menikoff in August’s en. As a young Christian in the 1950s, I remember a regular feature of local Baptist Church services was the appeal for those who were under conviction of sin through the Holy Spirit there and then to repeat in their hearts the prayer the evangelist used for repentance and to come forward as an act of commitment to Christ. Chosen folk would be at the front of the church to counsel any who came forward.
Also we had the Billy Graham campaigns held at Haringey and Earls Court. Billy would never preach a sermon evangelistically without giving the congregation a chance to confess Christ if they had received him at the service. Many went forward each evening and counsellors were there to pray with those who had come forward.
In both these situations there was a tremendous urgency in the preaching – ‘tonight may be your last opportunity to receive Christ’.
Why do we not have altar calls much these days? I suggest firstly we don’t expect instant conversions. However, Jesus did – what about Peter and John, Levi, and the apostle Paul later? If that was not an appeal, what is? Not all responded to Jesus’s call; he said the cost for some is too great.
Secondly, in those days there was, I suggest, much more prayer for church services. Nearly all evangelical churches had a prayer meeting early on the Lord’s Day and a brief time of prayer before each service – or a similar pattern. We called and wrestled for souls during the preaching. There is pain in a new birth.
Thirdly, we have forgotten for the most part that it is the Holy Spirit who produces the new birth – not man’s efforts or persuasive powers in oratory – no, the dew of the Spirit working in the heart yields a wonderful harvest; but only if we prioritise prayer to back the preaching of the Word. Baptismal services often had an appeal .
Fourthly, in those days there was a personal fear of hell which is so lacking in current preaching. Jesus never apologised for preaching on the fires of hell. warning all to flee the wrath to come.
I was converted to Christ through evangelist Don Summers preaching at RAF Sutton Coldfield on 3 July 1955. He made an appeal for all those who were secret believers and had never confessed Jesus before men – to come forward there and then. I responded and became an unashamed disciple. I suggest the going forward confirms that the new birth has really happened – it was with me.
I cannot fault Aaron’s reasoning, but I haven’t noted much emphasis that it is only the Holy Spirit through the Word of God who can bring a needy sinner to new birth. Scripture is not used to back up his article. How about Romans 10.8: ‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ and v.13: ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Jesus called and they left their nets, their money-changing careers, etc. and they went forward.
Yours sincerely,
