One Altar Call, Many Wounded

About a year and a half ago I went to a Christian rally where about four thousand people, mainly youth, gathered to hear about Jesus.  The organizer of the event, whose name will remain unsaid, did a great job getting people to a place where they were ready to hear the gospel.  The testimonies, music and prayers were Christ-centered and God glorifying.  For that, I commend them.

But when it came time for the "altar call", that is when my encouragement quickly became concern. While I am not a huge fan of altar calls, I usually refrain from criticizing those who utilize them.

If you live in the south, you have undoubtedly experienced the end of the sermon when the preacher tells everyone to bow their head and close their eyes.  After this, he typically directs people in self-reflection, helping them to understand their need for the Savior.  This is usually followed by a brief gospel presentation.  That night, the preacher was on this track.  So far so good.  The next few minutes, on the other hand, were not so good.  

After presenting the gospel, he ensured that everyone still remained with their head bowed and eyes closed.   This was undoubtedly done to calm the nerves of those who were ready to accept Jesus, and where to indicate such by the raising of their hands.  This could be a very embarrassing moment for a 12-14 year old, to let four thousand people know that they were a sinner in need of a Savior.

The preacher asked them to raise their hands.  They did.  All I could think about was Spurgeon's comment, that a repentant sinner, after hearing and believing the gospel for the first time, is like a wounded deer, who would rather go off to lick his wounds than parade his decision before men.

A minute or so later, the preacher told them they could put their hands down and that everyone could raise their heads and open their eyes. I was wholly unprepared, however, for what he said next. He told those that raised their hands to stand and come up front!  After about half reluctantly did so, he then told the rest that if they denied Jesus before men then, Jesus says, He will deny them before the Father.

I almost stood up and openly rebuked this man.  I could hardly stay seated.  Not only did he take this Scripture out of context, but he used it to murder the conscience of young believers.  That night, kids were lead to believe that the Christ who forgave all of their sins would now deny them before the Father because they were scared to "go up front." Perish the thought.

The fact that the name of this organization would be recognized by most, if not all, of those who read this post leads me to believe that there are probably thousands of kids who may be burdened in their conscience for not answering that altar call.  If you are one of those people, or know someone who might be, let faith alone in Christ alone be your creed.  Remain in your seat, trust in Christ, be set free.  Those who trust Christ will never be denied.