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Once the Christian and the seeker are alone in IM, the process of leading the seeker to salvation begins. I use the term seeker to mean a lost person who is ready to be saved and seeking the means of salvation. My comments and instructions below are directed to the Christian in IM with a seeker.
A generality can often accomplish this. If you type in "Of course, we have all done things we shouldn't have," the seeker will probably acknowledge this fact.
A question will also work. "Have you ever done something that you knew you shouldn't have?" If the seeker turns this question back on you, asking if you have sinned, acknowledge that you have. According to Romans 3:23, we are all sinners.
In addition to stating the availability of grace, a statement like the one above lets the seeker know that salvation will be based on his decision to receive what God has already done. Stress that the hard work is done, and that salvation is waiting to be claimed as a gift (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8).
Eternal separation from God is the penalty for sin (Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Revelation 20:11-15). The seeker can never save himself by his own effort (Eph. 2:9).
Be sensitive. Many seekers have had their sinfulness brought up to them repeatedly. A quick refresher is usually sufficient for them to get the point. The seeker should see himself as a wrongdoer who cannot make himself anything better in God's sight. Once this is established, move on.
Acknowledging
Jesus' Payment for Sin
When the seeker mentions Jesus' crucifixion, acknowledge the right answer. Then proceed to the meaning of the Crucifixion. Stress that when Jesus was dying, He was also being punished for the seeker's sins. The three hours of darkness during the Crucifixion (Matt. 27:45) were three hours when Jesus was suffering an eternity in Hell for each of us (Isaiah 53:6; Matt. 27:46). His cry, "It is finished!" (John 19:30) is better translated "Paid in full!"
It is very important that the seeker realize that Jesus took the full punishment for his sin. This is what makes the gospel good news! In explaining this point, I often quote my friend and mentor, Mark Haynes. When I heard him present the gospel to others, or when he discussed it with me, he often said, "Sin is no longer the issue between you and God." I hope he still uses those words, because my experience in online witnessing has taught me that those words are the best news in the good news for many seekers.
At this point in the IM, the seeker is standing on salvation's threshold. The most important event in this person's life is beginning. Treat the moment as a sacred one. While you wait for the seeker's responses to your input, pray! Break back into the chatroom, and solicit the saints' prayers there. If twenty people see "Please pray for salvation for my IM partner!" on the screen, at least one of them will do just that. (If you ever see that message, pray! And tell the sender that you are praying. He needs the encouragement.)
At this point, some seekers are overcome by the responsibility of living a godly life. You can reassure the seeker by telling him that God will send the Holy Spirit to enable him to discern God's will and obey Him.
Some seekers are confused about how they will know God's direction in life. Again, the Spirit is the answer. Let the seeker know that the Spirit will interpret the Bible as he reads it. The Spirit will also lead him to fellowship with other Christians, who will serve as a support network. God does not abandon His children (Deuteronomy 31:6). His Holy Spirit will make sure of this.
Keep answering the seeker's doubts and reassuring him. If the dialogue has reached this point, the seeker, once assured of God's aid in living for Him, is almost always willing to commit to that life.
Some say that a "prayer to receive Jesus" is not Scriptural. I wrestled with this issue for years. I think Romans 10:13-14 addresses this controversy. The praying seeker is calling upon God for salvation. He will not make this call if he does not believe that God will save, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. If his mouth is confessing the words of the prayer, his heart is already believing (Rom. 10:9-10).
Instruct the seeker to type in the words of the prayer after you. Tell him to pray the words at the same time, from his heart to God's.
The words of the prayer should review earlier parts of the dialogue. They should show a firm commitment to faith in Jesus. They should be simple and memorable. Remember: This is the greatest moment of the seeker's life on Earth. You are a witness and facilitator of this event. Make it special!
Here is an appropriate prayer. Type it in sentence by sentence, always waiting for the seeker's response before sending the next line.
Dear God,