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When a person asks what he must do the key is to never go beyond what scripture says. Obviously this rule discards, "Accept him into your heart".
Go to your favorite Bible site and do a search for the phrase "have mercy". This brings up the Canaanite woman, the father of the epileptic, the two men born blind, the tax collector in the back of the temple and many more.
The exciting thing in all of these passages is that Jesus quickly responds to the cry of mercy. Now of course there is no formula involved but what we do see happening is this:
These people have all been quickened by the Spirit and have seen there deep need for Christ. They all address him as Lord, recognizing that he has the cure to their utter ruin. Out of their need and hopelessness they cry out, "Lord, have mercy on me." That is the faith that saves.
After speaking to people of our utter ruin and helplessness I then direct them to 'cry out to God for mercy'. The need is from the Spirit, the cry is from the soul as spirit cries out to Spirit. For this reason, Jesus will answer the cry for mercy - it is not an act of selfishness, it is not an act of the will, it is a 'falling upon' the truth of the Gospel and a confession of final hope in Christ alone.
This brings to mind the words of John Newton:
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.
Last edited by BobVigneault; 05-28-2008 at 12:55 PM.
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