Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and have enjoyed reading some of the posts here. I think it is a place where we can ask questions, trade views, and learn from one another. I was asked this question in my Sunday School Class a few weeks ago, and have not been able to find a definite answer that I can sustain with Scripture. I would appreciate comments/help. the question is --- Does it say anywhere in the NEW TESTAMENT that God does not hear the prayers of sinners?
? about does God hear a sinners prayer
- Thread starter Dee
- Start date
- Status
well, he certainly hears all people.
becuase we must CONFESS and believe unto salvation.
romans 9.9
so, if he cant hear us, we cant be saved.
though i dont know how much power he has to answer their prayer, becuase there is no one interceeding for them. they dont have that bridge to cross, as we do in christ. they want to get across, but jesus must interceed, or go between the father and us. or else we cant be saved. no one comes to the father except by him.
we have power in prayer becuase jesus interceeds for us, though a sinner does not have that.
though one thing the bible does teach me is "DONT PUT GOD IN A BOX" you never really know what he can do.
jesus healed the samaritan womans daughter, who was not a jew, when jesus flat out said THE CHILDRENS BREAD IS NOT FOR DOGS. she hungered for god so much, and she believed so much, that she still got her miracle!
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.
i truely believe god will never turn away a pure, hungry heart.
they do not have an intercessor. they are not children of god.
but one thing to always remember,
when you think you know it all, remember what god said
I WILL DO A NEW THING! (i think thats ezekeil, or isaiah)
if the new testament teaches anything it is
GRACE GRACE! you never know what god will do. hell do anything he can to see his children saved! he everyhuman more than we love our own children! thats why the bible says the spirit of god greives over the bodies in hell.
though you must strive you meet the conditions found in his word. becuase he must fullfill his word, he is just.
jesus said hed leave the flock, to go find that one lost sheep.
god will go to the ends of the earth and back to see a man saved.
dont limit him.
you may never find a clear answer to this question.
sometimes you must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
becuase we must CONFESS and believe unto salvation.
romans 9.9
so, if he cant hear us, we cant be saved.
though i dont know how much power he has to answer their prayer, becuase there is no one interceeding for them. they dont have that bridge to cross, as we do in christ. they want to get across, but jesus must interceed, or go between the father and us. or else we cant be saved. no one comes to the father except by him.
we have power in prayer becuase jesus interceeds for us, though a sinner does not have that.
though one thing the bible does teach me is "DONT PUT GOD IN A BOX" you never really know what he can do.
jesus healed the samaritan womans daughter, who was not a jew, when jesus flat out said THE CHILDRENS BREAD IS NOT FOR DOGS. she hungered for god so much, and she believed so much, that she still got her miracle!
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.
i truely believe god will never turn away a pure, hungry heart.
they do not have an intercessor. they are not children of god.
but one thing to always remember,
when you think you know it all, remember what god said
I WILL DO A NEW THING! (i think thats ezekeil, or isaiah)
if the new testament teaches anything it is
GRACE GRACE! you never know what god will do. hell do anything he can to see his children saved! he everyhuman more than we love our own children! thats why the bible says the spirit of god greives over the bodies in hell.
though you must strive you meet the conditions found in his word. becuase he must fullfill his word, he is just.
jesus said hed leave the flock, to go find that one lost sheep.
god will go to the ends of the earth and back to see a man saved.
dont limit him.
you may never find a clear answer to this question.
sometimes you must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Upvote
0
Thanks so much for your response to my question. I know that God hears a sinner's prayer when we confess our sins, but the question that was put to me involved, an unsaved person's prayer for someone else. Let's say a parent is seriously ill and may be dying, if an unsaved person prays for that parent would God hear that prayer, or I should say would he answer that prayer. You are right about only the saved have Jesus as an intercessor to God, which is what brought the question up in our Sunday School lesson.
Jesus did heal and help the unsaved, but the Samaritan had direct contact with Jesus, He was there, so He was her intercessor to God. You make the good point of you don't know how much power there is in answering prayer, and that should have been how I worded my question, does God answer prayers for others, from the unsaved.
I think a lot of unsaved people are not sure if God will hear their prayers for another, and it is why they call on Christian friends to pray for them when there is a need. As Christians we do have that intercessor to God, because we have accepted Jesus into our lives and we know He hears our prayers. It is a difficult question and I would never tell someone that God does not hear their prayers, unless I could confirm that with Scripture. I like your answer about the New Testament being full of God's grace, and if I truly never find the written answer to that question I can't think of a more beautiful way to answer than you did here. Thank you so much. Blessings, Dee
Jesus did heal and help the unsaved, but the Samaritan had direct contact with Jesus, He was there, so He was her intercessor to God. You make the good point of you don't know how much power there is in answering prayer, and that should have been how I worded my question, does God answer prayers for others, from the unsaved.
I think a lot of unsaved people are not sure if God will hear their prayers for another, and it is why they call on Christian friends to pray for them when there is a need. As Christians we do have that intercessor to God, because we have accepted Jesus into our lives and we know He hears our prayers. It is a difficult question and I would never tell someone that God does not hear their prayers, unless I could confirm that with Scripture. I like your answer about the New Testament being full of God's grace, and if I truly never find the written answer to that question I can't think of a more beautiful way to answer than you did here. Thank you so much. Blessings, Dee
Upvote
0
I don't Biblically know the answer to your question, Dee, but Jesus heard and answered many sinners when they called out to Him in need.
I believe that God hears and answers sinners' prayers, when He chooses. I think that God uses many different circumstances today to get the attention of people, both believers and unbelievers. What better way to get someone's attention when there's no where to go but on your knees? Some people discover the Lord's unending love, comfort and strength when they don't know where else to go. I would always encourage an unbeliever to pray with me if they asked for prayers, explaining "where two or more are gathered"...
I believe that God hears and answers sinners' prayers, when He chooses. I think that God uses many different circumstances today to get the attention of people, both believers and unbelievers. What better way to get someone's attention when there's no where to go but on your knees? Some people discover the Lord's unending love, comfort and strength when they don't know where else to go. I would always encourage an unbeliever to pray with me if they asked for prayers, explaining "where two or more are gathered"...
Upvote
0
will god answer a sinners prayers asking for another person to be saved?
ive really never seen that happen since people who dont choose to be saved themselves wouldnt feel the need for someone else to be saved.
but this does make it easier to address.
john 20.23
whos soever sins YE REMIT they are remitted, and whos soever sins YE RETAIN they are retained.
this isnt really saying we need preists or that i as a christian can keep a sinner from getting saved if i dont want him to.
we remit sin by bringing them to the knowlegde of the truth, and praying for god to do this, so they can be saved.
as paul said "you cant call on whom you havent believed, or believe in whom you havent heard, and how will they hear unless we send a preacher?"
i dont believe anyone who isnt saved really knows enough about god to feel the need for another to be saved.
but as far as a sinner who knows enough about god that they could feel the need for another to be saved.
well, why arent they themselves saved then?
if they know that much about god, yet are not saved themselves, then they are in rebellion or disobedience or something, because gods grace is so good, that there is no reason for them not to be saved except there own rebelloin.
and no i dont beleive god will hear a prayer from such a person.
becuase
2 chr 7.14 gives 4 steps to answered prayer.
1. IF MY PEOPLE, (you must be his people, but that was old covanent, the veil has been ripped, god is free to all men)
2. WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES (or be humble, and be in complete subjection or obedience to god. rebellion and disobedience or willful sin disquallifies you from answered prayer)
3. AND PRAY. (well duh, haha)
4.AND SEEK MY FACE (seek god, not just the things of god, ya know, to love him, not just his blessings?)
THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVON, AND FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND!
man, thats one of my faveorite verses! YESS!
those 4 things are what we need for god to hear our prayers.
if a person knows enough about god that they would want another person to be saved, yet THEY are not saved themselves, then they are not HUMBLED before god.
no i do not believe god answers such prayer.
and really,
i do not believe what you asking about ever happens unless someone is rebellious. thus disquallifiing them from answered prayer.
is there such thing as a sinner who isnt in rebbellion who knows about salvation? i think not.
understand what im trying to say?
if they know enough about god to pray for someone else TO BE SAVED BY JESUS CHRIST, why arent they themselves saved?
but a sinner who doesnt know about JESUS CHRIST, but is seeking GOD, may pray something like
"god, i dont know you, but if your real, help us"
then i believe god has grace, and whos to say god wont answer that prayer? but how much power he has i dont know.
but to pray for someone to be SAVED BY JESUS, then you must already know about JESUS, and theres no reason to still be a sinner. unless your in rebellion, killing your prayers anyway.
ive really never seen that happen since people who dont choose to be saved themselves wouldnt feel the need for someone else to be saved.
but this does make it easier to address.
john 20.23
whos soever sins YE REMIT they are remitted, and whos soever sins YE RETAIN they are retained.
this isnt really saying we need preists or that i as a christian can keep a sinner from getting saved if i dont want him to.
we remit sin by bringing them to the knowlegde of the truth, and praying for god to do this, so they can be saved.
as paul said "you cant call on whom you havent believed, or believe in whom you havent heard, and how will they hear unless we send a preacher?"
i dont believe anyone who isnt saved really knows enough about god to feel the need for another to be saved.
but as far as a sinner who knows enough about god that they could feel the need for another to be saved.
well, why arent they themselves saved then?
if they know that much about god, yet are not saved themselves, then they are in rebellion or disobedience or something, because gods grace is so good, that there is no reason for them not to be saved except there own rebelloin.
and no i dont beleive god will hear a prayer from such a person.
becuase
2 chr 7.14 gives 4 steps to answered prayer.
1. IF MY PEOPLE, (you must be his people, but that was old covanent, the veil has been ripped, god is free to all men)
2. WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES (or be humble, and be in complete subjection or obedience to god. rebellion and disobedience or willful sin disquallifies you from answered prayer)
3. AND PRAY. (well duh, haha)
4.AND SEEK MY FACE (seek god, not just the things of god, ya know, to love him, not just his blessings?)
THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVON, AND FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND!
man, thats one of my faveorite verses! YESS!
those 4 things are what we need for god to hear our prayers.
if a person knows enough about god that they would want another person to be saved, yet THEY are not saved themselves, then they are not HUMBLED before god.
no i do not believe god answers such prayer.
and really,
i do not believe what you asking about ever happens unless someone is rebellious. thus disquallifiing them from answered prayer.
is there such thing as a sinner who isnt in rebbellion who knows about salvation? i think not.
understand what im trying to say?
if they know enough about god to pray for someone else TO BE SAVED BY JESUS CHRIST, why arent they themselves saved?
but a sinner who doesnt know about JESUS CHRIST, but is seeking GOD, may pray something like
"god, i dont know you, but if your real, help us"
then i believe god has grace, and whos to say god wont answer that prayer? but how much power he has i dont know.
but to pray for someone to be SAVED BY JESUS, then you must already know about JESUS, and theres no reason to still be a sinner. unless your in rebellion, killing your prayers anyway.
Upvote
0
My question was does God hear a sinners prayer if they are praying for someone who is ill, not to be saved. I know if they are not saved they would not be concerned with getting someone else saved.
My example was, if a parent /relative were seriously ill and they ,the unsaved person, prayed for God to make them well, do you feel He would hear their prayers for that person.
You make a good point with the Scripture, "and seek my Face".
There are indeed so many people who do know enough about God to pray for someone they love in times of illness, yet they do nothing about turning to God themselves. The person who asked this question of me asked if there was any Scripture in the New Testament that specifically says, God does not hear the prayers of the unsaved.
Your answer makes sense, why should God hear the prayers of those who do not hear Him, but I am reluctant to say that without specific Scripture to back it up. Chr. 7:14 would be excellent Scripture to suggest they read. I think I will not attempt to answer the question, with a yes or no but give them Scriptures to read pertaining to prayer. Thanks for your input. Dee
My example was, if a parent /relative were seriously ill and they ,the unsaved person, prayed for God to make them well, do you feel He would hear their prayers for that person.
You make a good point with the Scripture, "and seek my Face".
There are indeed so many people who do know enough about God to pray for someone they love in times of illness, yet they do nothing about turning to God themselves. The person who asked this question of me asked if there was any Scripture in the New Testament that specifically says, God does not hear the prayers of the unsaved.
Your answer makes sense, why should God hear the prayers of those who do not hear Him, but I am reluctant to say that without specific Scripture to back it up. Chr. 7:14 would be excellent Scripture to suggest they read. I think I will not attempt to answer the question, with a yes or no but give them Scriptures to read pertaining to prayer. Thanks for your input. Dee
Upvote
0
I believe that kimanne is closest to answering your question.
As you know, God chooses us, we do not choose Him. It is in His power to answer all prayer, either negatively or positively.
I believe He will answer the unsaved persons prayer only as He chooses and according to His will. So, some He answers and some He does not. But I also, believe he answers all prayers asked by the saved or His people Israel. That is His covenant.
Even then, we cannot force the hand of God. All that He does is according to His will. We can choose to accept that or not.
I have heard a prosperity preacher say God has to do what we want. Do not believe it.
So, if we are not saved, we dont know if he has turned a deaf ear to our prayer or not. Whereas if we are saved, we know that
He hears our prayers, but but we may not like the answer.
As you know, God chooses us, we do not choose Him. It is in His power to answer all prayer, either negatively or positively.
I believe He will answer the unsaved persons prayer only as He chooses and according to His will. So, some He answers and some He does not. But I also, believe he answers all prayers asked by the saved or His people Israel. That is His covenant.
Even then, we cannot force the hand of God. All that He does is according to His will. We can choose to accept that or not.
I have heard a prosperity preacher say God has to do what we want. Do not believe it.
So, if we are not saved, we dont know if he has turned a deaf ear to our prayer or not. Whereas if we are saved, we know that
He hears our prayers, but but we may not like the answer.
Upvote
0
Blessed-one
a long journey ahead
well, since we're all sinners (starting from the day we were born), the answer is yes.
Upvote
0
God is not Lord to a nonbeliever. He will not hear their pettitions. He will not bless their life. Some seem to be successful but they are not blessed by God. God sometimes will not hear a Christians prayer.
James 4:3
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
(KJV)
Notice also that nonbelievers are an enemy
James 4:4
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
(KJV)
enemy to us seems like a strong word.GK (echthra) can mean just plain "opposition"
I believe satan answers prayers. It will always be in a way that leads away from Christ.
2 Cor 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(KJV)
James 4:3
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
(KJV)
Notice also that nonbelievers are an enemy
James 4:4
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
(KJV)
enemy to us seems like a strong word.GK (echthra) can mean just plain "opposition"
I believe satan answers prayers. It will always be in a way that leads away from Christ.
2 Cor 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(KJV)
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Blessed-one
a long journey ahead
....... oh, i see.
in that case..... i think it really takes trust and atitute.
say, one prays to God, hoping that He'll reveal himself and let her experiece Him more, (she's not totally convinced that she should believe in Him - but she prays sincerely for an answer)
so, question is, is she saved?
but would God turn away a prayer like that?
in that case..... i think it really takes trust and atitute.
say, one prays to God, hoping that He'll reveal himself and let her experiece Him more, (she's not totally convinced that she should believe in Him - but she prays sincerely for an answer)
so, question is, is she saved?
but would God turn away a prayer like that?
Upvote
0
That is one of the big differences in being God's children or not.
At least we know as His adopted family, He will lend an ear.
If not in His family, He may or He may not. If He has chosen that person to be saved down the line, the chances are much better.
The reason I know this is I was saved 7 years ago this month and
I know that in many circustances over 46 years, He watched over me. Yet, I knew those in the same circustances, life was prison and/or death. So, go figure.
It just depends when you are not saved.
At least we know as His adopted family, He will lend an ear.
If not in His family, He may or He may not. If He has chosen that person to be saved down the line, the chances are much better.
The reason I know this is I was saved 7 years ago this month and
I know that in many circustances over 46 years, He watched over me. Yet, I knew those in the same circustances, life was prison and/or death. So, go figure.
It just depends when you are not saved.
Upvote
0
Blessed One, thanks for your response, but solo 66 man was right in that I meant those who have not accepted Christ in their lives, not saved by the blood of Jesus. Scripture teaches us that our intercessor to God is Jesus Christ, and the person who asked that question was referring to someone who does not seemingly acknowledge Christ in their life. They were looking for Scripture in the New Testament that states that God does not hear the prayers of the unsaved, unless of course they were praying for their own redemption. They are trying to lead this person towards Christ. I believe many unsaved find a Christian to pray a prayer for their needs, knowing God will only hear their prayers through intercession prayer, those prayers of a Christian. I also believe an unsaved person can be turned to Christ if those prayers , through another Christian, are answered. I do appreciate your taking the time to respond. Dee
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Apoloquist, Solo, that is an interesting way of looking at that question. If God does answer and unsaved person's prayer it will be because it is of His own desire/choosing. Then you have opportunity to say, don't you want to be sure He hears your prayers, just accept Him into your life. Thank you so much . I think with all the posts I get here, I can help the person who asked that question. Dee
Upvote
0
Technically yes, there is a verse in John 9:31 that reads, "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him". I don't know how to correlate this verse with Romans 10:13 "whosover will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved". Anyone out there that can clue me in I would welcome your input.
Upvote
0
Thunderchild
Sheep in Wolf's clothing
Does God hear a sinner's prayer? The answer is unequivocably -YES!
Would he hear the prayer of the sinner in the circumstances described - the answer is unequivocably - YES!
In every instance? - well, ummmm, afraid not.
It is because such prayers are answered that people will turn from their way and live. This recalls a comment of Paul's. Though it is not directly relevant, it serves as a basic starting point. 1Cr 2:4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
I cannot off-hand recall any New Testament scriptures that state this in so many words. The tax collector's prayer contrasted with that of the self righteous Pharisee, for example, was not within the parameters of the described circumstances - Though his prayer was heard, he had a basic belief in God which precludes it as an example. Here I must needs call on personal experience.
THE FOLLOWING IS A FACTUAL ACCOUNT - DATING BACK ABOUT 25 YEARS.
A young man heard that healings had been performed in the name of the Christ. He doubted the report, but nonetheless gave the concept of a god's existence a little consideration. Though he had no belief in any god, he concluded that if a deity existed, miracles were inevitable.
In time, a matter arose which caused him to call on the (to his way of thinking) hypothetical Christian God - as the Christian God was the only god who could or would respond in the circumstances that had arisen - and that call was answered with a direct demonstration of power.
The young man became a believer on the basis - not of what he had heard - but on the basis of a miracle performed, that he had himself witnessed, with no other person on hand to account for it. And that demonstration of power also convinced the one on whose behalf he had asked that power be extended.
In this occurrence we have the very circumstances that were needed for an unbeliever's prayer to be answered. It was a selfless request, based on love for another and that other's need for a miracle. It was asked in humility.
It did NOT, however, even presume that God actually exists. I doubt that this example taken from real life would be as compelling as a scriptural reference, and only on my word for it that it happened - but I am confident that God himself will find a way to confirm to the reader that what I have written is in accordance with truth. If there is variance in some areas from fact, that too will be shown.
Would he hear the prayer of the sinner in the circumstances described - the answer is unequivocably - YES!
In every instance? - well, ummmm, afraid not.
It is because such prayers are answered that people will turn from their way and live. This recalls a comment of Paul's. Though it is not directly relevant, it serves as a basic starting point. 1Cr 2:4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
I cannot off-hand recall any New Testament scriptures that state this in so many words. The tax collector's prayer contrasted with that of the self righteous Pharisee, for example, was not within the parameters of the described circumstances - Though his prayer was heard, he had a basic belief in God which precludes it as an example. Here I must needs call on personal experience.
THE FOLLOWING IS A FACTUAL ACCOUNT - DATING BACK ABOUT 25 YEARS.
A young man heard that healings had been performed in the name of the Christ. He doubted the report, but nonetheless gave the concept of a god's existence a little consideration. Though he had no belief in any god, he concluded that if a deity existed, miracles were inevitable.
In time, a matter arose which caused him to call on the (to his way of thinking) hypothetical Christian God - as the Christian God was the only god who could or would respond in the circumstances that had arisen - and that call was answered with a direct demonstration of power.
The young man became a believer on the basis - not of what he had heard - but on the basis of a miracle performed, that he had himself witnessed, with no other person on hand to account for it. And that demonstration of power also convinced the one on whose behalf he had asked that power be extended.
In this occurrence we have the very circumstances that were needed for an unbeliever's prayer to be answered. It was a selfless request, based on love for another and that other's need for a miracle. It was asked in humility.
It did NOT, however, even presume that God actually exists. I doubt that this example taken from real life would be as compelling as a scriptural reference, and only on my word for it that it happened - but I am confident that God himself will find a way to confirm to the reader that what I have written is in accordance with truth. If there is variance in some areas from fact, that too will be shown.
Upvote
0
We know that God is merciful. We know that He is faithful. We know that He is good. We also know that He alone is sovereign, and all knowing. If someone prays an earnest prayer to God for a loved one to be healed, who are we to say that God would lay aside His mercy? Or that He would absolutely answer such a prayer? As for does He hear that prayer? Of course. Is it not the desire of God's heart that men be saved? Who are we to then dictate that God would not use such a circumstance as an unbeliever's prayer to draw them to salvation? I think when we enter heaven's gates, we are all going to be surprised at how little we knew about God.
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Thunderchild
Sheep in Wolf's clothing
Romans 10:13 is a quote from the Old Testament.
In order to understand "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" it is necessary to show whether "calling upon the name" means simply "calling on the name" in the immediately apparent sense, or whether there are conditions to be met:
Acts 19:13 - shows that calling upon the name of the Lord is useless if God is not the person's own lord.
Zephania For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Psalm 105 shows what is involved in "calling upon the name of the Lord" - that it is a matter of worship and dedication to him.
Only in exceptional circumstances is it possible for a person "to call upon the name of Lord" when the one who does the calling does not belong to the Lord. (those exceptional circumstances being most often at the time of salvation - calling on the Lord to establish in the person a clean heart).
In short, if a person has truly "called upon the name of the Lord" - will be heard. Otherwise no "call" has been made, there has just been a shouting into the wind.
To use an analogy: You pick up the phone, dial the number and either someone answers, or no-one answers. Until a person has answered, no call has been made - it is only that a call has been attempted. Not those who have attempted the call will be saved, those who have made the call will be saved.
What does it take to get God to answer the phone? Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. broken as in a horse that is broken btw.
Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Jam 1:26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain(futile). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. What makes the religion futile? The call may be attempted, but it will go unheeded.
In order to understand "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" it is necessary to show whether "calling upon the name" means simply "calling on the name" in the immediately apparent sense, or whether there are conditions to be met:
Acts 19:13 - shows that calling upon the name of the Lord is useless if God is not the person's own lord.
Zephania For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Psalm 105 shows what is involved in "calling upon the name of the Lord" - that it is a matter of worship and dedication to him.
Only in exceptional circumstances is it possible for a person "to call upon the name of Lord" when the one who does the calling does not belong to the Lord. (those exceptional circumstances being most often at the time of salvation - calling on the Lord to establish in the person a clean heart).
In short, if a person has truly "called upon the name of the Lord" - will be heard. Otherwise no "call" has been made, there has just been a shouting into the wind.
To use an analogy: You pick up the phone, dial the number and either someone answers, or no-one answers. Until a person has answered, no call has been made - it is only that a call has been attempted. Not those who have attempted the call will be saved, those who have made the call will be saved.
What does it take to get God to answer the phone? Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. broken as in a horse that is broken btw.
Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Jam 1:26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain(futile). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. What makes the religion futile? The call may be attempted, but it will go unheeded.
Upvote
0
- Status
Similar threads
