WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE PICTURE?

We have all seen pictures of a weak, effeminate character who is supposed to represent Jesus, standing outside a bolted door knocking for permission to enter in. The door is supposed to represent the human heart. I recall a Sunday School teacher holding that picture before a class of young boys and saying, "Look closely. There is no handle on the outside. The only handle is on the inside. If Jesus comes into your heart, you will have to let him. He wants to save you. But he can't come in if you don't let him in." What's wrong with that picture? Several things!

1. It is idolatry, a breach of the second commandment (Ex. 20:4-6).

2. It is a perversion of Revelation 3:20. That text of Scripture represents the Lord Jesus as knocking at the door of local churches, promising sweet communion to all who open to him.

3. It makes salvation to be determined by the will of man, whereas the Bible declares that salvation is by the will of God (Rom. 9:16-18).

4. It represents the Son of God as a pathetic, helpless, impotent savior, who has no ability to save sinners without their permission, consent, and assistance. That is blasphemy! If Christ cannot save us without our help, WE HAVE NO HOPE! Can dead sinners help themselves? If Christ cannot open the door of your heart and come in without your opening to him, HE IS NO GOD AND NO SAVIOR AT ALL! If the finger of omnipotent grace touches the door of your heart, it will cave in! If King Jesus comes to reign in your heart, he will bring his welcome with him!

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DANVILLE

2734 Old Stanford Road

Danville, Kentucky 40422

236-8235