Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
The entire purpose of preaching, teaching, and Bible study is to bring people to decisions for Christ and church membership. Scripture presents salvation as a present-tense choice: 'today if ye will hear His voice,' 'now is the accepted time.' Delay is dangerous, for conviction not acted upon tends to wear away. The Handbook identifies three necessary elements—Presence, Proclamation, and Persuasion—and describes how the mind moves toward decision through the interplay of knowledge, conviction, and desire. Workers must know Christ personally, live Christlike lives, and depend on prayer before they can effectively call others to decide. Practical principles include being direct but kind, meeting every objection with 'Thus saith the Lord' rather than personal argument, asking for small decisions throughout a study series rather than waiting for one large decision, and using positive alternatives when scheduling steps such as baptism. Four major decision points are identified: accepting Jesus as personal Savior, keeping the Sabbath, embracing lifestyle reforms, and uniting with the remnant church. Bible narratives such as the Israelites crossing the Jordan, the two builders, and the prodigal son provide powerful illustrations for appeal. Above all, the will—the governing power of human nature—must be reverently but firmly awakened, since a decision surrendered to Christ allies the soul with divine power.
Key points
- Scripture presents salvation as a decision to be made now; delayed conviction tends to fade away over time.
- Decisions arise from the interplay of knowledge, conviction, and desire, so studies should weave all three together.
- Objections should be met with Scripture ('Thus saith the Lord') rather than personal argument.
- There are four major decision points: accepting Christ, keeping the Sabbath, lifestyle reform, and church membership, each calling for small decisions along the way.
Key texts
- 2 Corinthians 6:2
- Hebrews 3:15
- Revelation 3:20
From the book
Session 10 · Personal Ministries Handbook pp. 46–60 · Read the handbook
- “When persons who are under conviction are not brought to make a decision at the earliest period possible, there is danger that the conviction will gradually wear away.” (book p. 47)
- “What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will.” (book p. 51)
- “The secret of our success and power as a people advocating advanced truth will be found in making direct, personal appeals to those who are interested, having unwavering reliance upon the Most High.” (book p. 52)
Put it into practice
- Ask for a small decision at the close of every Bible study rather than waiting until the end of a series.
- Prepare to meet common objections directly from Scripture rather than through personal argument.
- Use Bible narratives such as the Jordan crossing, the two builders, or the prodigal son as appeals suited to a person's situation.
- Pray specifically that the Holy Spirit will awaken the will of each person you are studying with.
- Comprehension
1. What are the three 'P's' the Handbook says should govern all soul-winning efforts?
- Doctrinal Clarity
2. According to the Handbook, what three factors interact in the mind to produce a decision?
- Scripture
3. What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 contribute to the theology of decision presented in this chapter?
- Comprehension
4. What are the four major decisions identified as crisis points in a study series?
- Scripture
5. How does the Handbook recommend meeting objections during a Bible study?
- Contrast
6. Contrast the erroneous idea that decisions are 'a matter of chance' with what the Handbook actually teaches.
- Doctrinal Clarity
7. Why is the human will described as 'the governing power' in decision-making?
- Application
8. Which of the four major decisions do you find hardest to call people toward, and why?