I’ve often heard preachers talk about the emotional nature of conversation, particular in the “moment of surrender,” if you have a particular one in mind.  I have had the privilege of being present when people do cry their eyes out and are visibly distraught over their sin.  I understand this.  When we realize our utter sinfulness and the absolute perfect holiness of God, we have every reason to tremble.  As I continue to walk with Christ, these times of repentance have much more gravity in my own heart.

Yet that inward brokenness may manifest itself in many different ways.  I was recently reading John Piper’s book, Finally Alive (p12).  He gives this quote from C.S. Lewis.  The non-emotional side of me really enjoyed reading this paragraph.

I know very well when, but hardly how, the final step was taken.  I was driven into Wipsnade one sunny morning.  When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.  And yet I had not exactly spent the journey in thought.  Nor in great emotion.  ‘Emotional’ is perhaps the last word we can apply to some of the most important events.  It was more like when a man, after long sleep, still lying motionless in bed, becomes aware that he is now awake.  And it was, like that moment on top of the bus, ambiguous. Freedom, or necessity?  Or do they differ at their maximum? (From Surprised by Joy, p 237).

So what is the role of emotion in conversion?  I know people don’t just giggle their way into the kingdom, as my pastor likes to say, but I think it’s unreliable at best and maybe even legalistic to try gauging the sincerity of repentance based on the emotion of the moment.  Moments and prayers don’t save anyone anyway.  Faith in Jesus saves.  I think Lewis nailed it.

posted by allen