Quote Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla View Post
In other words, if you go in expecting salvation you probably won't get it.
I always thought it was important to let people know that God offers them salvation. Of course, you cannot simply think that speaking the words of a prayer for forgiveness will get you into Heaven as US Evangelicalism leads many to believe, wanting salvation just to get into Heaven would not be in the Christian spirit at all. However, when evanglising, you have to make people aware of just how much they are in need of forgiveness - if they ask for salvation knowing the true state of sin they are in, the God would never refuse it. They can expect salvation if they are genuine, not because they feel they deserve it, but because they know that Jesus paid the price for them. The below passage is from a letter written by Oliver Cromwell, I'd just like to post it because to me it is inspiring and reassuring. He knew that God had given him salvation, he could expect it knowing God's mercy, however nowhere does he suggest that he was deserving of it:

"Truly no poor creature hath more cause to put himself forth in the cause of God than I. I have had plentiful wages before hand; and I am sure I shall never earn the least mite. The Lord accept me in His Son, and give me to walk in the light, as He is the light! He it is that enlighteneth our blackness, our darkness. I dare not say He hideth His face from me. He giveth me to see light in His light. One beam in a dark place hath exceeding much refreshment in it. Blessed be His name for shining upon so dark a heart as mine! You know what my manner of life hath been. Oh, I lived in, and loved darkness, and hated light! I was a chief, the chief of sinners. This is true; I hated godliness, yet God had mercy on me. Oh, the richness of His mercy! Praise Him for me - pray for me, that He who hath begun a good work would perfect it in the day of Christ."