False.God says that before He transforms you, you are as dead and cold as a stone (Ephesians 2:1). No one can open his own heart to become a Christian (John 1:13; Romans 9:16). Only God can open hearts (Acts 16:14). A most helpful example is Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44). Just as Jesus took the first step in raising Lazarus from the dead by speaking His powerful Word, so also does He take the first step in entering you heart and mind. He comes into you in a way similar to the way He entered the locked Upper Room where His disciples were hidden (John 20:19) - Jesus miraculously enters your heart and mind WITHOUT your permission, your preparation, or your first opening the door. Then, UNLESS YOU REFUSE HIM, Jesus works in you through His Word to justify and santify you (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Again, courtesy of the Good News, a Lutheran publication.
