02.09. The Fourth Proposition

9. THE FOURTH PROPOSITION

God has helped me to help thousands on what I call "The Fourth Proposition." This was suggested to me by hearing Dr. Chapman say, "We invite people forward to be saved, reclaimed, and filled with the Spirit; and I sometimes wonder if we should not have a fourth proposition inviting Christians to the altar to get help."

Here are about the words I use in giving this invitation. "I have been inviting you each night to come forward and seek on three counts, to be saved, to be reclaimed, or to be filled with the Spirit. The altar is still open for anyone in need of any of these three. But tonight I wish to emphasize to you a fourth proposition, not to the unsaved or backslider, but to the Christian.

"This is not for reconsecration, or a ’get closer to God’ appeal, which is so often given, but a definite proposition as to your own personal needs.

"How many Christians are there here who say: ’Preacher, I am not backslidden. I love God and I am trying to hold on to Him, but I will admit I have lost ground. I have seen better days spiritually. I am not at the place I used to be."

"I have not gone back to the old habits, the old haunts, or the old sins but I have been so busy trying to make a living, send my children to school, and support my family that I find my soul lean. I have been so busy in legitimate things that I have neglected weightier matters."

"You definitely admit you are not where you once were, and where you ought to be and want to be. Would you be willing to come and kneel and let us gather around and pray for you?"

I have seen many helped in this way.

Explanation

At the close of the invitation on the fourth proposition, before I call the workers forward to pray, I say to those kneeling: "I said at the beginning of the invitation that the altar was open to any and all who had a definite need to be saved, reclaimed, or filled with the Spirit. Now, that we may know how to pray, I want those whose need is to be saved or reclaimed to raise your hands. Now, those who know your real need is to be filled with the Spirit, raise your hands. We know the others kneeling are here as Christians on the fourth proposition. The Bible says, ’Pray one for another,’ so we are going to gather here and pray for these according to their needs." By asking these questions, a definite division is made, and faith is strengthened rather than hurt.

The Results

You will find that many who come forward on the fourth appeal will, after they are on their knees, raise their hands indicating that they need to be reclaimed or they are not clear in their consecration.

The writer has had many pastors say during the invitation, "I have never heard this appeal before, but it is just what many of my people need."