Is There a Right Thing to Say?

Mark: Is there a script for this? I'd hate to stumble over the wrong words and find out later it didn't count.

Sarah: Mark, I wondered the exact same thing once. There's a line in Acts 2 worth hearing. Listen.

Scripture: It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Mark: Huh. That's simpler than I expected. So there's no special wording I'm supposed to memorize?

Sarah: The verse doesn't give a formula. It just points to calling on the Lord.

Mark: But who's it actually for? My life's been pretty messy. I figured there'd be a list of people who qualify.

Sarah: The verse uses the word 'whoever', so it isn't limited to a list of qualified people.

Mark: Where's that from, anyway? Who's even saying it?

Sarah: It's in Acts, the early church's story. The speaker is addressing men of Israel, quoting God about pouring out his Spirit on sons, daughters, young and old men, and servants.

Mark: Okay, but words feel cheap. What's actually behind them?

Sarah: The speaker goes on to speak of Jesus of Nazareth, crucified, and raised up by God, freed from the agony of death. I believe he did that for our sins, because none of us is good enough, so forgiveness and new life come by trusting him.

Sarah: If that question's been sitting on you, you could simply call on the Lord, as the verse says. Acts 2:21 makes its promise to whoever calls on the Lord. I'm telling you because I love you and want you saved. My door's open too.