The concept of “asking Jesus into your heart” is commonly used in evangelical Christian circles as part of the plan of salvation. However, this exact phrase does not appear in Scripture verbatim. The question then arises – is the notion of “asking Jesus into your heart” theologically sound and biblical?
To properly assess this topic, we must first understand what is meant by “asking Jesus into your heart.” This phrase is essentially referring to consciously and intentionally placing one’s faith in Christ for salvation. It represents the personal decision to repent of sin, believe the gospel, and receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
When understood in this sense, “asking Jesus into your heart” aligns with the biblical pattern of conversion. Scripture is clear that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Christ alone (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10). While the specific terminology of “asking Jesus into your heart” is absent, the conceptual thrust of entrusting oneself wholly to Christ for salvation permeates the New Testament.
Consider the following relevant passages:
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
These verses demonstrate that salvation is activated by a conscious, deliberate act of trusting in and receiving Christ. This aligns with the essence of “asking Jesus into your heart,” even if those exact words are not stated.
Furthermore, the analogy of Christ dwelling in one’s heart is consistent with biblical teaching. Paul prays in Ephesians 3:17, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” He states in Romans 8:9-10 that “the Spirit of God dwells in you” and “Christ is in you.” These passages convey theological realities through the language of Christ dwelling in our hearts.
Overall, “asking Jesus into your heart” helpfully expresses the volitional nature of faith while avoiding passivity. It captures the biblical call to actively entrust oneself to Christ and receive Him as the exclusive hope for salvation. Of course, as with any analogy, it has limitations. It should not be pressed too literally but rather understood as a symbolic way of communicating the gospel.
In summary, although the precise phrase is not stated in Scripture, “asking Jesus into your heart” aptly conveys the biblical invitation to consciously place one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation. It communicates essential spiritual truth when understood properly. As long as it is not presented as a formulaic requirement devoid of faith and repentance, “asking Jesus into your heart” can serve as a fitting way to express the biblical pattern of conversion.
Key Supporting Bible Verses
John 14:23 – Christ dwelling in us
“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
Revelation 3:20 – Opening the door for Christ
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Ephesians 3:17 – Christ dwelling in our hearts
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love…”
Romans 10:9-10 – Confess and believe for salvation
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
John 3:16 – Believe in Christ for eternal life
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Objections and Responses
Objection: “Asking Jesus into your heart” is unbiblical terminology
Response: While this exact phrase does not appear verbatim in Scripture, the essence of consciously entrusting one’s life to Christ unto salvation does permeate the biblical record. The language accurately conveys biblical truth when properly understood.
Objection: It promotes an overly simplistic or superficial view of salvation
Response: It can certainly be presented simplistically. But the concept itself need not be superficial. Taking the deliberate step to place sincere faith in Christ remains essential to conversion.
Objection: It distorts the gospel by focusing on us and what we do
Response: It should always be used in conjunction with teaching on repentance and Christ’s finished work. When presented biblically, it keeps the response required of us rightly in view without nullifying grace.
Objection: The Bible says we receive Christ through spiritual rebirth, not by asking Him into our hearts
Response: Asking Jesus into one’s heart expresses the active part we play by faith in embracing the gift of salvation. It does not exclude the regenerating work of the Spirit, but rather coincides with it.
Objection: There are no sinner’s prayers in the Bible
Response: While no prescribed prayers for salvation are included, the notion of crying out to Christ in repentant faith is evident throughout. Such heartfelt prayer may accompany asking Jesus into one’s heart.
Theological Support and Explanation
Having established the basic biblical foundation for “asking Jesus into your heart,” we can explore some of the key theological realities it signifies:
1. Personal decision to trust in Christ
Asking Jesus into your heart represents the personal, conscious decision to place your faith in Christ for salvation. It involves recognizing your sinfulness, repenting, and relying completely on who Jesus is and what He accomplished for your redemption.
2. Inviting Christ’s presence and rule
Asking Jesus into your heart means inviting His presence to take residence within you. This reflects the theological truth of Christ dwelling in believers. It also indicates welcoming His lordship and submitting to Him as Ruler over your life.
3. Union with Christ
Placing your faith in Jesus signifies being united to Him in His death and resurrection. Asking Him into your heart conveys spiritual connection and identification with Christ.
4. Childlike dependence
Coming to Christ requires simple, childlike faith. Asking Jesus into your heart rightly expresses humble dependence on Him rather than self-reliance for salvation.
5. Cry for mercy
Part of asking Jesus into your heart involves crying out to Him for mercy. This captures the spirit of repentance and desperation that characterizes those who recognize their need for a Savior.
In summary, this commonly used gospel analogy encapsulates key biblical truths. It signifies placing our trust in Christ alone while relying on His grace and power to regenerate and indwell us. When explained properly, asking Jesus into your heart accurately conveys essential aspects of coming to genuine, saving faith.
Practical Application
Here are some ways that the concept of “asking Jesus into your heart” can be applied fruitfully:
Children’s ministry
Using child-friendly language like “asking Jesus to come live inside your heart” can help younger children grasp the message of the gospel in a meaningful way they understand.
Evangelism and altar calls
An invitation to “ask Jesus into your heart” serves well at evangelistic events and altar calls. It provides seekers with a way to express their desire to believe.
Discipleship of new believers
It presents new Christians with a memorable milestone representing their conversion which they can look back upon as they grow.
Gospel presentations
As part of a balanced gospel presentation, it captures both God’s provision in Christ and our needed response of personal faith.
Private prayer for salvation
During personal moments of conviction, it gives language for individuals to cry out to God in prayer to receive Christ by faith.
Of course, we must take care not to present “asking Jesus into your heart” as some type of formula or superficial mantra. When introduced appropriately as an illustration of conversion, combined with the foundational truths of repentance and belief, it can serve as a biblically sound guide for calling people to faith in Christ.
Conclusion
In closing, while the precise terminology of “asking Jesus into your heart” does not appear in Scripture, the concept aligns with the overall biblical teaching on conversion. It accurately conveys critical spiritual truths when properly understood. As part of a holistic gospel presentation and personal conversion process, it aptly represents the life-changing decision to place one’s faith wholly in Christ for salvation. Of course, we must take care to explain it in conjunction with repentance and belief rather than treating it as a formulaic mantra devoid of meaning. Within these necessary parameters, asking Jesus into one’s heart can function as a fitting way to express the biblical pattern of salvation by grace through faith.