Evangelist Bryce Crawford is urging Christians to understand that salvation is not found in repeating the right combination of words. Our confidence rests in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished at the cross.
In a recent message centered on Matthew 28:18-20, Crawford challenges a version of Christianity that reduces conversion to raising a hand, praying once and moving forward without discipleship.
“There’s no magic spell,” Crawford says. “Show me the passage of Scripture that says pray this prayer and you’ll be saved.”
Crawford acknowledges that a structured prayer can help someone express genuine repentance and faith. However, he warns that the prayer itself cannot save us.
“This prayer isn’t something that can save you, but it may help a structure on what’s going on in your heart,” he says.
Our salvation is secured through Christ rather than church attendance, emotional experiences or religious accomplishments. Crawford points to Hebrews 12, explaining, “My security, satisfaction and significance comes from the cross. Looking to Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of my faith.”
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Discipleship Does Not End at Conversion
Crawford’s message is not meant to leave Christians fearful about salvation. It reminds us that Jesus invites us into an enduring relationship that transforms every part of life.
“Being a disciple is a lifelong process,” he says. “I will forever be a disciple of Jesus. I will forever be growing and learning.”
That process includes sanctification as the Holy Spirit continually makes us more like Christ. Crawford says our calling is to reflect Jesus so clearly that Christ can “look down and see His reflection in us.”
The Great Commission also requires us to walk alongside new believers. “People aren’t statistics,” Crawford says. “They’re human beings made in the image of God. Treat them like one.”
We are called to offer biblical teaching, fellowship and genuine Christian community. We do not have to fulfill that mission through our own strength.
“He’s closer than our own skin,” Crawford says of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. “We don’t face these things alone.”
Jesus saves us, remains with us and equips us to help others faithfully follow Him.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
