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QUESTION 11
We hear about people "making a commitment to Christ." Is this the same as receiving Christ?

ANSWER:
The word "commitment" as used in modern evangelism is not a good one. The scripture says, "If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for battle?" 1 Corinthians 14:8. Terms that are not clear to the hearers ought not to be used since it only obscure the message. The word is not used in the Bible in relationship to salvation.

In 2 Timothy 1:12 it could apply and if it applies to salvation it means to "deposit" commit to one's keeping" I think the word, as we know it, means to pledge or devoted oneself to another person or cause. The devil is often using this word to get people to give themselves to Christ and work for Him to be saved. They take their "stand for Christ" and pledge to do His work and will.

This all sounds good but is missing salvation. Salvation is not giving anything to Christ, but receiving something from Him. Romans 6:23 "but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." In John 4:10, He said to the woman "if thou hadst ask of me I would have GIVEN thee living waters." God says our hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, Jeremiah 17:9. God wouldn't want us to give Him our hearts. On the contrary, He wants to give us a new heart and nature. 2 Peter 2:4 and John 3:3-7.

In 2 Timothy 1:12 the word "commit" means to "place or deposit." If the term is use as putting your faith or trust in Christ then it is a good term. If it is use otherwise, it is not good. More biblical terms would be to "believe, trust or receive Christ as your Saviour from all sin."

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen