Easy Believe-ism/Prayer-ism is a method of Evangelism that is easily refuted by scripture, and only supported by tradition and teachings of men; yet it is widely accepted throughout modern Christianity. Why? “…but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6) Easy Believe-ism: Promotes a means of salvation reduced to a mechanical device (work)-the act of saying a prayer. Bible: Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Easy Believe-ism: Promises salvation to all who profess to believe . Bible: The bible tells us of many who profess to believe, but are not truly saved. Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Easy Believe-ism: Offers assurance of salvation upon merely reciting the sinner's prayer. Bible: Offers assurance of salvation to all who are born again by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Easy Believe-ism: Instructs converts to never doubt their salvation. Many soul-winners will instruct the new convert to write down the day they prayed a prayer and hold fast to that in times of doubt. Bible: Instructs us to examine ourselves to be sure we are in the faith, and lists many proofs of the evidence of the indwelling holy spirit, as well as evidences of deception. (see 1John) 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Philippians 2:12 … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Easy Believe-ism: Claims that salvation is as easy as ABC or 123- just say this simple prayer. Bible: The bible says to STRIVE to enter in at the strait gate of salvation and that many will desire to enter and NOT be able. Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Easy Believe-ism: Instructs its hearers to make a decision (an act of the will) for Christ. Bible: The bible tells us to BELIEVE, and makes it clear that we are NOT born again by the will of the flesh or the will of man. It is a miraculous spiritual regeneration which comes at the point of true belief (faith). Faith cometh by hearing, not by deciding. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Easy Believism: Tells the unsaved to admit that they are sinners, or confess their sin. Bible: Tells us to repent. Anyone can admit to being a sinner, or even confess their sins and not be repentant. Catholics confess their sins regularly. This is in no way the same as repentance. Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Easy Believe-ism: “Seals the deal” with a prayer. Bible: True believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Easy Believe-ism: Omits, or distorts repentance so that the way of salvation is plenty broad enough for any to enter in (along with their false beliefs, sin, and self-righteousness). Bible: Declares that salvation is the narrow way Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Easy Believe-ism/Prayer-ism is at best, ignorance of the way of salvation and at worst, sinister and devilish. If you are reading this post, then ignorance is no longer an excuse. Will you continue to stand on tradition or will you stand on the bible? What reasons could you possibly have for holding to something so clearly unbiblical?
1 Comment
connie
10/6/2016 09:29:25 pm
Excellent blog article! You paint a concise, biblical argument against easy-believism, that should make any Scripturally-sound soul winner shout Amen - and anyone handing out salvation like candy, repent!
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i invite your sincere questions and comments, and will do my best to answer according to God's word. While i do not claim to be without error; I will try to be as true to His word as I know.Sandra Platt
is a Fundamental, Bible Believing Christian with a passion for His word and a desire to earnestly contend for the faith. Archives
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