Is the "Sinner’s Prayer" Essential to Salvation?
Dr. Larry Moyer
President/CEO
EvanTell, Inc.
Gospel presentations often conclude with a prayer. You may have heard it called the “sinner’s prayer.” In that prayer, the person trusting Christ acknowledges he is a sinner placing his faith in Christ to save him. Some prayers have clearer terminology than others. The question is, “Is that prayer essential to salvation?”
Let’s back up. What did Christ accomplish on the cross? He satisfied the wrath of a holy God against our sin. As he died as our substitute, he declared, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Through his death and resurrection, he paid for all the wrongs we have done. Our sin account was paid in full. That is why God can now extend eternal life as a gift – completely free of charge. Christ did not make the down payment for our sins. He made the full payment.
A gift, though, can be rejected or received. So how does one receive the gift of eternal life?
The answer to that question can be found in the book God specifically wrote to tell us how to receive eternal life – the book of John. We are told in John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Ninety-eight times in the book of John, the word “believe” is used. John 1:12 reads, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John’s best known verse reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
The word “believe” means to trust. Acknowledging that I am a sinner, I must come to God recognizing that his son took the punishment for my sins and rose again, and trust in Christ alone to save me. A person who deeply impacted my life with the clarity of the Gospel said, “The message behind the Gospel is: ‘Be satisfied with the thing that satisfies God.’” Only when I am satisfied that his Son’s death and that death alone accomplished my salvation, am I eternally his. I acknowledge to God, “If you cannot take me to heaven, I am going to hell. You and you alone are my only way to eternal life.” At that second, we are as certain of heaven as though we are already there. Eternal life begins at that moment and will culminate in his presence. Jesus’ promise was, “He who believes in Me has everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
So what part does saying a prayer have to do with salvation? Absolutely nothing. We are not saved by saying a prayer. We are saved by trusting Christ. That’s why Christ could look at the thief on the cross and say, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Nothing is ever said of the thief “saying a prayer”. There on the cross as he hung alongside of the Savior of the world, he believed in Christ as his Savior. Hence Christ said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
That does not mean saying a prayer at the moment one comes to Christ is wrong. Such a prayer has two advantages. One is that it cements in the person’s mind what he is doing (and probably did at least 30 seconds before he prayed) – trusting Christ. Secondly, having verbalized it to God, such a prayer encourages one to verbalize it to others. God does not need to be informed. He is fully aware of what the person doing – trusting Christ. But having expressed his decision to God encourages the new convert to now express it to others.
Several things are important, though. One is that in leading people to Christ, we need to make clear that saying a prayer does not save. Explain to them that it is trusting Christ that saves. Prayer is only how they tell God what they are doing. That is why if I sense the non-Christian is prepared to come to Christ I ask, “Would you like to pray right now and tell God you are trusting Christ?” If they respond positively, I then say, “Now before we pray, let me explain something. Saying a prayer does not save; it’s trusting Christ that saves. Prayer is only how you tell God what you are doing. But if right now you want to trust Christ, here is how you express that to God. Why don’t you pray aloud with me as I pray?” I then lead them in prayer, phrase by phrase as they tell God what they are doing.
If you have made it clear that saying a prayer does not save, after they have verbalized to God what they have done, here is what should happen. Suppose you ask them, “If you stood before God and He were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into heaven,’ what would you say?” They ought to respond, “I have trusted Christ to save me,” not, “I said a prayer.” Also, it is important not to confuse the Gospel or a clear presentation of it with an unclear prayer. If you lead them in prayer, here’s the kind of prayer to use.
Dear God, I come to you now. I know I’m a sinner. Nothing I do makes me deserving of heaven. I now understand Jesus Christ died for me. He took my place and punishment and rose again. Right now I place my trust in Christ alone to save me. Thank you for the gift of eternal life I just received. In Jesus name, amen.
The “sinner’s prayer” is not essential to salvation. Trusting Christ saves. If you use a prayer in leading people to Christ, make certain you use it in a way that enhances and not confuses their understanding of salvation.
Dr. Moyer is President and CEO of Evantell, Inc. You are invited to visit Dr. Moyer’s new blog, Evangelism.net, for free evangelism articles and podcasts.
Comments
September 16, 2009
47. Paul Mazzio says...
This issue is one that has bothered me for quite some time. When 911 took place, and people on the bottom floor were trapped and there seemed to be no way that they were getting out there were people making their way through their darkened surroundings and people were crying out for those who were trapped to call upon the name of Jesus. I believe in that situation God was very presence as the stories were brought forth in the aftermath. I agree that the key to our salvation is the realization of people calling to Christ and Him responding.
September 30, 2008
46. Jim Kilson says...
The answer the question stated in the title of this article, from a biblical perspective would be “NO.” The concept of the “sinner’s prayer” is a relatively new addition to the world of Christianity. The sinners prayer has no true role in the salvation of man, this because not one person in Scripture ever “prayed” to receive their initial salvation. As Christians our guide for faith and practice is the Bible, and scripture clearly tells us how a person attains salvation. From scripture we know that first we hear the Word proclaimed, we believe the Word, and we then repent of our sins, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, then we are to be baptized for the remission of our sins, and thereafter strive to live a godly life. Those who teach and propagate the “sinner’s prayer” are placing the traditions of men over the Word of God, and countless times Jesus condemned the religious leaders of His day for those actions. I am glad for the open conversation on this topic, and I thank Dr. Moyer for his input. However, we must always remember, when discussing this topic or any other that the Word of God is ours to proclaim, not to modify!
July 28, 2008
45. greg hall says...
the bible clearly states in Rom10:9-10 "that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." v10"For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with he mouth confession is made unto salvation." And also in MK16:16" He that believess and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." So what''s he big problem? Are we going to argue with God''s word or are we going to reason with what man says? NOT! I''m sticking with the word and I refuse to allow someone to tell me I''m not saved.
July 28, 2008
44. Manuel Marrero says...
The Sinner''s Prayer is relatively a new phenomenon to christianity. It does not appear in the gospels and in the first nine centuries of the church history. If we accept the Lordship of Christ over his church and the directional guidance of it to the Holy Spirit, why then was this essential and necessary procedure and technique kept hidden all these centuries. In Acts 2:46b It clearly states ''And the Lord added to their number "day by day those who were being saved". This passage clearly attributes salvation to the Lord irrespective of what the sinner says or really does. What ever he does in turn of repenting and being saved is totally the work of the Holy Spirit. The sinner does not have the capacity to react to the gospel unless he is drawn by Christ through the operation of the Holy Spirit. If directing the sinner to repeat a prepared prayer works for you and it is part of your worship program do it, if you believe that the Lord will bring them that are already written in the ''Book of Life'', then a sinner''s prayer is not essential. Let''s not forget that a sinner''s prayer is not an issue of salvation, wether we use it or not is not going to alter God''s redemptive will. May we continue as good sheperds to preach the gospel and the Lord will do the rest. Amen!
March 10, 2008
43. Larry Moyer says...
I have been encouraged by the number of responses to my recent article: “Is the “Sinner’s Prayer Essential to Salvation?” The church has to wrestle with many issues, but there is absolutely no issue more critical for the church to address than the issue of what the Bible says is essential for salvation. For too long we have laid the Bible to the side when studying evangelism. Everything we do in evangelism and especially the message have to be examined from a careful study of Scripture. May God continue to use this article to help each of us answer the question: "Am I being biblical and clear in what I tell lost people?" I regularly tackle important issues like these at my site Evangelism.net – just look for the "Ask Larry" section.
March 8, 2008
42. Richard White says...
What we must do is go to the Word and do as the Word says. When Peter was asked he did not say, "say this prayer" he said Repent (another word like Believe repeated many times in the Gospels) and be baptized. Not that baptism alone saves us, it is the sign of a clear conscience before God. Faith, Repentance, Confession,Baptism and leading a godly life are essential for salvation. By faith we are immersed into Christ, his death, burial and resurrection, we recieve forgiveness for our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) to help us live the life we are called to live. We cannot go wrong by following the Word.
March 5, 2008
41. Mike McGuire says...
We are not saved by grace and faith. Eph 2:8 says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." It is THROUGH faith that we receive God's grace. Some have turned that into a sacramental system and would say we are saved by grace through sacraments instead of faith (believing, trusting in Christ's already finished work on the cross). Baptism doesn't add to it. Communion (Eucharist) does not add to it. We are saved FOR works (v. 1) not BY works. The thief on the cross did say a prayer, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." The biblical "sinner's prayer" found in Luke 18:13: "God, have mercy on me a sinner."
March 5, 2008
40. Irvin Williams says...
Acts 2:38 answers the question; "What must I do to be saved?" Baptism is not a work of righteousness, it is a work of faith. If sin separates us from God, and the wages of sin is death, then the forgiveness of sins is an absolute must. One is saved from his sins, not in them. No where in the bible are we told to pray a sinners's prayer, repent, confess, or believe in order to the remission of our sins. Only baptism is sufficient for that act of God. Romans 6 tells us very clearly, the old man of sin is put to death in the spiritual act of a death, burial and resurrection, achieved through baptism. How can one be saved from that which separates him from God until the cause of separation is removed? Let God dictate the terms of acceptance of His grace, offered through faith.
March 5, 2008
39. Jim Dixon says...
Isnt' it interesting the dialog that has emerged from Dr. Moyer's article. I have always taught that a prayer doesn't save you, but having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the way to salvation. When the sheep are separated from the goats, there are those who will say, "But wait a minute...I walked an aisle and said a prayer". And Christ will say, "Depart...I never KNEW you"...there was no personal relationship. A prayer doesn't save you; works won't save you. It's the personal relationship...
March 5, 2008
38. Clark Tanner says...
Having read some of the recent comments, not the most recent, but from the last day or two, I'd like to recommend James Montgomery Boice's "Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace", and "The Doctrines of Grace" These were his last two works before going to Heaven, and they are both 'must read's.
March 5, 2008
37. Ron Hietsch says...
In reading some of the comments posted, I see a mixing of justification and sactification. Justification happens in a flash - the Holy Spirit brings us to saving faith. That point where we trust in Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross as our only way to the Father. After justification, sanctification is a life long working of the Holy Spirit in us to overcome sin and produce the fruits of faith
March 4, 2008
36. Louis Butterfield says...
I appreciate so much the question asked by Don Endsley when he asked, "Where does the Holy Spirit come in regards to the new birth?" In Acts 2:38 the Bible says when one both repents and is baptized one will receive the forgiveness of sins and a gift from God which is the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely true that we are NOT born again by works of righteousness which we have done. However, baptism is no more a work of righteousness than is belief. Romans10:10 says, "for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." So if baptism is a work of righteousness, so is belief and so is confession. The New Testament nowhere says one being baptized engages in a work of righteousness. Isaiah says all our righteousness is as filthy rags. Of course, we all know when Jesus was baptized He did so to fulfill all righteousness. To jump to the conclusion that His baptism was an ACT of righteousness so ours must be too, is quite a jump.
March 4, 2008
35. john mitchell says...
I'm sorry my brothers & sisters but I look at this as another example of us (man) trying to over dissect the Word of God. Let's keep to the basics that we are saved by grace and by faith in Christ Jesus. (1) Grace means God will do the judging. (2) Faith means we all will be growing in this until the day we all stand before the throne because we all are on a continuous journey. We as human beings don't have the authority to judge anothers salvation. But we are fruit inspectors. What I have learned in 20 years of ministry is not to take for granted that someone has been "Made a Disciple". And this stretches from the pulpit to the pew. Talk is cheap. Many talk the talk but only a few walk the walk. This is the missing link in our discussion. We go into all the world, preaching the gospel, baptizing, some actually teach doctrinal truth. But to make disciples involves time and effort beyond adding church members - it ensures kingdom building. (Matthew 28:19-20). Some where along the line we have moved from an environment that promotes "Blessed Assurance" to one of "Blessed Insurance". From one that focuses on Holy Living to one that talks to much about being whole. IF, Jesus paid it all, then He PAID IT ALL. Matthew 7:13-14 says: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Not everyone who thinks they are going will actually get to heaven. God has a couple of check points along the way. (Hallelujah!!) I encourage the technical understanding being given in the article. But let's disciple folks on a path a blessed assurance through Holy Living allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in all truth and righteousness. Helping us to grow in excellence of what is good, love of God and love of our neighbor. We may have smaller churches but there are those in our world, saved and unsaved, who will be very appreciative. Remember, we will have to give a greater account. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Grace and Peace to all.
March 4, 2008
34. Jack Clegg says...
I'm glad I don't have to be the one to determine who is really saved (had enough demonstration) of faith -- that is, has done a requisite quantity of good works. This writer obviously knows more about how to spot a "real saved person" than I do. My brother, for example, was not model Christian after he was saved. I remember him crying bitter tears of repentance as I led him to the Lord. He backslid and died as an alcoholic. According to the author, (he must know because he's a "Dr.") my brother may not have added enough points to his salvation experience. I'm hoping that this "Dr." is wrong and we really are "saved by grace." If not, I'm not sure if I've added enough works to my faith yet! Sarcasm aside: I reject the Dr's premise that he or anyone else really knows whether a prayer (Sinner or otherwise) is effectual. Only God knows that.
March 4, 2008
33. luther monroe says...
What about luke 18:9-13. i believe prayer is essential for salvation. we should confess our sins as 1 John 1:9-10 states.
March 4, 2008
32. Bob Marcaurelle says...
The Barna report, like others in the past reveal little lifestyle differences in those who do and do not atttend evangelical churches. One reason is the shallow evangelism culminating in the the "sinner's prayer" and the pronouncement that the person is "saved". The author's article does little to improve upun this. His whole ptrmise of evangelism is presenting the penl, substitutionary view of Christ's death (which I believe). But the reality is, the usual term for punish is never used for the atonement. If it were this vital, and something one "has" to believe, it would be stated clearly and often. He preaches a proposition rather than a living, forgiving Person, who is God. Most "converts" in this system are not trusting a "prayer"; they think they are trusting Jesus. All the author does is change the wording. Either way, he makes this praying like "holy water" that saves. He also, like many today almost ignores repentance, the firt word out ot Jesus' mouth as a preacher. He no doubt makes this a "change of mind"; part of faith. Jesus, however spoke of Nineveh "repenting" and the term is not found in Jonah. What is found is they "turned from their wicked ways." No doubt he views preaching repentance as preaching "works salvation". It is-it is the work of rhe Holy Spirit in all who are truly "saved"(Heb.6). Thank God for men like John MacArthur Jr. who follow Spurgeon and the Puritans before him who preached repentance and the Lordship of Christ as part of being saved.
March 4, 2008
31. Steve Vinson says...
If we want to know what a sinner should do to be saved, shouldn't we look at a passage in the Bible where a sinner (3000 actually) ask, "What must we do to be saved," and an Apostle gives an inspired answer? This would have been a perfect time for Peter to say, 'Repeat this prayer - Dear God, I confess I am a sinner...', but he didn't. What did he say to those people who obviously believed Jesus was the Son of God and had died for their sins (as evidenced by the fact they were "cut to the heart")? He told them, "Repent and be baptized." Peter answered the very question we are discussing. Why would we change the instructions of an inspired apostle?
March 4, 2008
30. warner doles says...
Is prayer necessary for salvation? Absolutely! Whether it's verbal or non-verbal. A person embraces Christ by faith by the means of transferring his or her will to the will of God. If the gospel is properly presented (as in a worship service) and a person steps out to come to the altar, in most cases, the act of salvation has already occured in the pew when he or she decided for Christ. We speak of God all the time in our thoughts, is that not prayer? And is that not essential for salvation, that a person's will is yielded to the will of God to be Savior and Lord? Warner
March 4, 2008
29. Danny Loesch says...
The man made sinner’s prayer is a waste of precious time if it is used as a substitute for surrendering one’s life in obedience to the gospel. The conversion story of Paul is a great inspired example of a sinner’s prayer. He was a penitent believer, an eye witness of the ressurected Lord who was fasting and praying for 3 days. But he was not at peace with God. The Lord’s servant told Paul that he was waisting his time and needed to call on the name of the Lord in baptism to wash his sins away. THIS is the Lord’s commission not’s man’s! In Rom.5 Paul said that peace with God was the result of having been justified by faith. When you find Paul at peace is when you find him saved by grace through the God given avenue of faith. IF Paul was justified before his baptism he did not know it. Clearly God has inseperably linked our response of baptism into union with Christ with salvation because He wants all believers united! All the confusing arguments concerning baptism and sinner’s prayers that we hear today are not found in the Bible. Paul told Titus in 3:5ff (note Jn.3:5ff) that baptism was NOT a work of personal righteousness but HOW one accepts the mercy of God and the Holy Spirit! Mercy is the basis and believer’s baptism is HOW God chooses to save us. This new birth we see in Rom.6 is the avenue of a new life. What a shame to ingnore what Paul says about the purpose and meaning of baptism and use it as an occasion to divide believers. Let’s just obey the Lord’s commission and let Him judge the hearts of men.
March 4, 2008
28. Kelly Venden says...
Mark 16:16 says it all: "he that believes and is baptised will be saved, and he that believeth not will be condemned." Therefore belief includes obedience to the WORD (plan of Salvation begins with belief, repentence, confession, Baptism, and a new life/change of heart), fruits of the Spirit, and good works are the result of Christian faith. Let's not add to God's plan.
March 4, 2008
27. Clark Tanner says...
My, goodness! How little it takes to get a bunch of preachers preaching, huh? Dr Moyer has made a clear and simple point. There are too many people in churches who have never said "I'm sorry" to God, because they were given a cheap, shallow message of 'acceptance' if they 'ask Jesus into their heart', but have never been led to repentance and after a mimicked prayer thought (and were told) they were 'in'. No one can come to the Father unless drawn by the Spirit Who gives life and grants repentance and faith to believe. That is done when the preacher (witness) gives a clear presentation of a Biblical gospel message. Anything short of that the Holy Spirit cannot use. Don't let numbers of people fool you, pastors, even the false teachers can get a big following. Preach the Word. Oops... there I go, preaching...
March 3, 2008
26. Danilo Garcia says...
Yes!!! I totally agree with Larry Moyer. I now warn those conducting mass evangelistic rallies or crusade that when they invite people to come forward to receive Christ, they (the oraganizer or the evangelist) should not tell people: to be saved is to receive Christ as Lord and saviour rather it is through trusting Christ placing their faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Praying the 'sinners prayer' is only a by product of one's faith in Christ.
March 3, 2008
25. William Tucker says...
I agree with Dr. Moyer, salvation comes from Christ and not from some words repeated. Salvation is and always will be a gift from God through Christ. It is my personal acceptance by faith (again a gift given) in Jesus alone. He is not only the author and finisher of my faith, but I believe the author and finisher of my salvation.
March 3, 2008
24. Rick Shoup says...
Thank you Dr. Moyer for your careful inspection on the The Sinner's Prayer. As I scrolled down the list of comments...the Sinner's Prayer issue was expanded by many viewpoints of how a person is saved. Let me remind you, the topic of salvation is a major reason why we have so many denominations. Many of the previous comments agree that we are saved by God's grace, however, some attach baptism or a prayer as a way to confirm a person's salvation. We must be careful not to add anything to Christ's atonement for sin. His atonement does not lack anything...His atonement is enough! As far as judging whether a person is genuinely saved or not...we can know this. The Bible tells us in Matt. 7:16-20..."you will know them by their fruits" who is truly saved and who is not. I am in total agreement with Dr. Moyer on the issue of The Sinner's Prayer.
March 3, 2008
23. Ken Cheek says...
All I have to say is Amen! He is stating one obvious point and he does it well. I am saddened that so many believe that all is needed is to pray.
March 3, 2008
22. Lynn C says...
I'd like to point out another thought, based on Acts 8. It says that after hearing Philip preach, Simon the sorcerer "believed." He must also have publicly confessed his faith, because he was baptized--yet despite believing, confessing, and being baptized, he was not saved. We're told he didn't receive the Holy Spirit (wasn't born again) with the others (vv. 17,18). Why would this be? It was because he apparently didn't believe with all his heart (Acts 8:37; cf Rom. 10:9,10). Acts 15:8 says, "God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit." But in Simon's case, Peter explains that his heart was not right in the sight of God. He had not repented of his wickedness, needed to be forgiven, and was still bound by iniquity (Acts 8:21-23). God saves us based on a repentant heart of faith in the Savior. So, again, there is no basis for praying a "sinner's prayer" or for our giving assurance of salvation. It's a matter of the heart, which only God knows.
March 3, 2008
21. Don Endsley says...
Where does the Holy Spirit come in regards to the new birth? We are born again not by works of righteousness which we have done.Baptism is a work of righteousness.
March 3, 2008
20. Kevin Wise says...
We are saved by God's amazing grace! I love how the NLT puts Ephesians 2 when it says we are saved by grace through faith. "And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." If we want to see how people received that gift, we don't look at John for the examples but we need to look at Acts. And you are right, there was never a sinners prayer. Every example of people receiving God's gift of grace was accompanied by immediate baptism. Three thousand the first time the gospel was presented in it full and finished form. Then a Eunoch has an immediate reponse in the middle of the desert, and a jailer risks his life by taking the prisoner Paul out in the middle of the night to be baptized. Every example- not one sinners prayer. And you were correct in your article- just as you tell people that it's not the prayer that saves them but it's their faith in Jesus on the cross, people need to hear the same thing about baptism. You said the prayer helps them lock down their own commitment to a point in time, that's what baptism does.
March 3, 2008
19. Gerald Devereux says...
I agree that a prayer is optional and that it is the heartfelt response in faith that is the real issue. I do agree as well with the need to confess ones faith. However another perspective on this whole issue is that the listener or evangelist often wants to hear a prayer for their own selfish reasons. Perhaps to be assured that the person they just witnessed to has been saved. So the prayer wrongfully becomes a comfort to the evangelist more than anything. In my opinion it is wrong for us to even use the word 'saved'. Not that I don't believe in salvation, but I believe that for me to make that determination is putting myself in God's place. How can I say with any certainty whether an individual is "saved"? Do I really know that persons heart? My role is to share the gospel, not to determine salvation. I feel it is much more appropriate to say that someone has or has not made a profession of faith. That is a statement of fact. I realize as pastors we must attempt to discern peoples spiritual situation in order to help them but I also realize that leading someone to Christ, can be seen by me and by others as a feather in the hat. I feel it is much more Biblical not to "pass judgement" on another in terms of declaring them saved or unsaved. My calling is to proclaim not to judge.
March 3, 2008
18. Louis Butterfield says...
I appreciate the kindness of each person who has commented, at least up to this point. We all agree we are saved by God's grace. Without it none would be saved. As we also know, we must look at the context of the scriptures to see who is being talked to, what the real subject is, etc. The thief on the cross, for example, was saved while the Old law was still in effect. The Lord's church did not begin until Acts 2. So, the experience of salvation on the cross for the thief, although interesting, has nothing to do with our salvation today. Also, in I John, the writer is talking to those who are already saved not to those who are seeking. See the opening of I John and you will agree this is true. We have to be very careful to keep our opinions or our "wants" from clouding the context. Whether I like it or not, Jesus our Savior told us very clearly what to do to be saved. "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16 How could Jesus have said it any more clearly? He didn't say to quote the "sinner's prayer," he didn't say one could pray through, he didn't say you are saved by your works, it didn't say one is saved by simple faith or belief, or by baptism alone. It takes both belief in Christ and the reenactment of His death, burial and resurrection in immersion to be saved. Many object to baptism by saying it is a work and we are not saved by works. Baptism is no more a work than is belief. In the Gospel of John chapter 6 belief is called a work. No one I know today claims that we are earning (working for) our salvation when we believe. So, why do people claim that being baptized is a way to earn or work for our salvation? On the other hand, a problem with those who have a "formula" for salvation is they actually believe when they complete the formula God "owes" them salvation. God owes us nothing. He give us mercy, grace and salvation when we follow His will as He asks us to do, not just by jumping through a bunch of hoops. May God bless us as we lead our congregations in seeing His will more accurately. We must be showing them His will, not ours or what we may have been taught in seminary, Bible school, or from our traditions.
March 3, 2008
17. David Ibeleme says...
I want to thank Larry for his article and also want to sincerely thank Gene Jones for the comments posted. While I do understand Larry's position that for one to be saved the primary issue is for the individual to believe in Jesus, I beg to differ from the reasoning that the concept of believing and trusting Jesus isn't connected to praying. Believing in the Lord is a statement that carries the presuposition of confessing with the mouth afterwards and this confessing or conconfession can simply be described as prayer. Thats why I believe Rom. 8: 9-10 connects the concept of believing with the heart to confessing with the mouth. This is further clarified in 2 Cor. 4:13 where the bible indicated that if we have the spirit or attitude of faith we would believe and then speak (pray). Faith without works (corresponding action) is dead. The primary corresponding actions to faith are the WORDS of our mouths and the ACTIONS we display in order to back up what we believe. Larry stated that the thief said no prayer. However as you study the account you'll notice that he (the theif) on the cross said "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" Luke 23:42. This can technically be looked upon as a prayer and it was done before Jesus promised him paradise. He also acknowledged or confessed jesus as Lord in this verse. I do sincerely believe that if one really believes something in their heart it would be expressed in their words inaccordance with Jesus' saying that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh Matt. 12:34. this speaking of the mouth is what prayer is in the context of salvation. If you really beieve and trust in the Lord Jesus, you would say or confess it. I do agree with Larry that simply uttering a prayer would not save someone, especially if they don't believe and trust in the saving grace of the Lord. So like Gene, I'll conclude that whats important is the sincerity of the heart from which the individual is praying. The sinner's prayer helps for the most part to put people in the place where they can be sincere with God and sincerely express their faith in the Lord Jesus.
March 3, 2008
16. John S says...
Great article that has stirred some good discussion! I'd like to make a couple of observations on the article, the first being the difference between "believe" and "trust". Dr. Moyer states that believe means to trust. I would agree with this insofar as perhaps the Biblical definition of believe. Unfortunately however, many people believe in Jesus existence (in Scripture, even the demons knew who Jesus was), but they certainly do not trust in Him for their salvation. We have to be careful in equating belief with trust. Second, and maybe this is just semantics, but Dr. Moyer writes, "we are saved by trusting Christ." Again maybe it is semantics, but I would like that to read "We are saved by Christ"; in faith we appropriate the gift of salvation that is offered to all. I'm always sensitive to making faith a work. I also think that this discussion brings out or begs the question of how one "receives" faith. Can sinful humans "generate" saving faith? Of course not, Scripture tells us that faith is also a gift that comes from God (1 Corinthians 12:3; Colossians 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:1; Philippians 1:29). Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us that Jesus is the AUTHOR and perfecter of our faith. So confession of our faith is important (and Biblical), but we should guard against anything that remotely indicates a person's will can generate faith to save - i.e., the "sinner's prayer". Maybe it is best to avoid using this method altogether? One other note regarding E. Larry Ross' comment that un-verbalized confession is not real confession. I'm trusting that he is using the word "verbalize" in a non-literal sense? Because I know some deaf-mute who cannot verbalize their faith, but I trust they have faith and I see fruit of faith in their lives. I appreciate and agree with Lynn C.'s comment that the confession doesn't need to be "cemented in the person's mind." If we rely on subjective feelings to be assured of our standing with God, we'd all be in a heap of trouble and robbed of the certainty that God desires us to have in Jesus Christ.
March 3, 2008
15. Charles Townsend says...
"Following up" a prayer of repentance is of utmost importance. I tell the convert that three things just happened to them if they were sincere when they prayed. 1. Your sins have been forgiven and conversion has taken place. (Explain repentance-Turning away from sin) 2. You are being prepared for Heaven. If you should die tonight you will awake in the presence of Jesus. 3. You have become a part of the "family" of God. I explain that no matter what age they are, they are a "baby" Christian and babies need care in order to grow and survive. In this way I stress church attendance, personal time with God - prayer and Bible study,and witnessing to their decision to follow Christ. That is, their reason for existance.
March 3, 2008
14. David Perkins says...
All of us come to follow Jesus in different ways. Some give fruit instantly and some, like the fig tree, never give fruit. I personally took a long time to begin to give visible fruit and even today I am still growing, as is probably the case with most of us. Look how Jonah ran the other way from God's command. Would some have considered him fruitless? The true fruit of the true vine will, in its own time, give up God's grapes, prayer or no prayer. My word of caution is that God knows when someone, again like the fig tree, will never give fruit. So give our fellow followers of Christ time. God does.
March 3, 2008
13. Gene Jones says...
Prayer is the sincere desire of our heart and Rom 10:9 does say it's needed "that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved". It's the prayer that tells the desire of our hearts to recieve the gift that God bought for us on the cross. I think the question we have so many times is, was that persons prayer sincere or not? God knows when the prayer is sincere or not. A drunkard can pray a hundred times in his life for God to help him but he just means help me get over this. The one time he prays and is sincere in his heart God knows (Rom 10:9). The prayer of theif on the cross was sincere, He was facing death and he trusted Christ and Christ alone. Thats the sincere part admitting to God and to ourselves that only Christ can save us. In Luke 18:9-14 two men went up to pray one trusted in himself and the Publican prayed "God be merciful to me a sinner" Jesus said he went home Justified rather than the the other. Only God & the person praying knows if the prayer is sincere or not. We as pastors sometime try to figure out if that person or the other person was sincere or not but Jonah learned that salvation is of the Lord.(jonah2:9). I don't think the question should be if a person should pray but if it is sincere, and only God knows that.
March 3, 2008
12. Andrew Robinson says...
Acts 2:38 provides the proper plan of salvation for New Testament converts: "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." By following this plan, believers actively and spiritually experience the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ that transforms them into a child of God by the new birth experience. By having genuine godly sorrow for their sins that leads to repentance, they partake of Christ's death (death is always accompanied with sorrow). By being baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ, they partake of his burial. As Romans 6:3-4 states, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death..." Finally, received the gift of the Holy Ghost allows believers to experience the power of His resurrection. Romans 8:9-11 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." This is how the true born again experience happens. Each salvation encounter through the Book of Acts demonstrates this (see Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 10, and Acts 19).
March 3, 2008
11. Richard Wamsley says...
Joe and Jeff are right on. It seems to me that when you want to know what people should do to be saved, you would include a study of the conversion accounts in the book of Acts, not what has become a tradition of men since the nineteenth century Great Awakening in this country. Philip did not say to the Ethiopian eunuch, "You have trusted Jesus as the one Isaiah promised, so now you are saved. In telling him "the good news about Jesus" he must have also taught him the importance of accompanying his belief with baptism, because "As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:35-36) In the account of the Philippian jailer's conversion in Acts 16, when he asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" they replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then Luke's account continues, "Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized." (Acts 16:30-33) Once again "the word of the Lord" must have included something about their need to be baptized along with their trusting in Jesus, because "immediately" they were baptized. In fact, every conversion account in the book of Acts includes a record of the believer's baptism. However, there is no account of telling someone to pray a prayer to be saved anywhere in the entire New Testament.
March 3, 2008
10. E. Larry Ross says...
I agree with Dr. Moyer in principle but have some problems with a few of his statementes. First, the thief on the cross did pray. He said in Luke 23:42 (KJV) "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Prayer is basically having conversation with God. Confession through prayer is exactly that if indeed the person sincerely is confessing to God. There are other verses in the scripture that just might indicate that a prayer is essential, such as Matthew 10:32-33 (KJV) "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." This necessary confession is not limited to the sinner's prayer, of course, but the sinner's prayer is the first step in that confession. 1 John 1:9 indicates that a prayer is essential. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Is confession un-verbalized real confession? I think not. Romans 10:9-10 implies the same thing. Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." So does Acts 2:21. Acts 2:21 (KJV) "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." And what about 1 John 4:15? 1 John 4:15 (KJV) "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." John 12:42 is an intersting verse. John 12:42-43 (KJV) "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." It is true that we should be careful about pressuring people to pray a sinner's prayer thus leading to a false profession. And, it is true that these people are the hardest to win. However, I have never had a problem with any of my church members doing that. My problem is getting them to even share their faith and challenge someone to accept Christ. I think we should be careful to not be guilty of violating Paul's advice to Timothy. 2 Timothy 2:14-18 (KJV) "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."
March 3, 2008
9. Leroy Butler says...
The thief on the cross is not an example or pattern of what a person must do to be saved under the New Covenant. The Thief lived and died under the Old Covenant. While alive upon the earth Jesus could certainly set the terms of salvation for those who expressed faith in Him (Matt 9:6). Since His death and resurrection which ushered in the New Covenant we are bound by the terms of that covenant. Those who would enter the kingdom after the ascension of Christ had to comply with the terms set forth in the gospel as preached by the Apostles (Matthew 16:19). Praying the so-called sinners prayer is not and has never been a part of the Apostle’s doctrine. Peter used the keys given him by Christ to admit the first converts to the faith in Acts chapter two. When asked what must we do (to be saved) his reply was simply, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sin…”. That should be sufficient for any serious seeker today.
March 3, 2008
8. Lynn C says...
While I commend Dr. Moyer for bringing up the topic, I think it's wise to stick with Scripture alone (rather than our tradition) for the answer. The fact is that there is no example anywhere in Scripture of anyone saying a prayer for salvation--much less having another person lead them in a prayer. No one can come to Christ unless God is drawing him, so it doesn't need to be "cemented in the person's mind" what he is doing. Salvation results when an individual who experiences "godly sorrow" repents and wholeheartedly trusts in the Savior. If it's something he'll forget or not understand, he won't be genuinely saved regardless of how many words he prays. God knows the heart. If praying a prayer won't save anyone, and (even with a "disclaimer") it could confuse them into thinking they have salvation when they don't, and it has no basis in God's Word--don't do it. Also, NEVER ask the question, "If you stood before God..." It is also not biblical for any person to judge another's heart and declare that they are truly saved. It is only the Holy Spirit's job to give assurance of salvation.
March 3, 2008
7. Lynn C says...
Regarding John Griffin's comment: I'm not sure how "street witnessing" is related to the "sinner's prayer." First, those who share the gospel with strangers are not "super witnesses." They are merely normal, biblical Christians, obeying Christ's command and following the model given in Scripture. And because their efforts are based in Scripture, they more than anyone know that the "sinner's prayer" has no biblical basis, and I've never known a single one to lead someone in a prayer this way. Usually it is the pastor and church staff who practice and teach this--not individuals who are out witnessing. Please don't disparage those who are faithfully fulfilling the Great Commission.
March 3, 2008
6. Leroy Butler says...
Ravi Zacharias made the observation recently on his radio program that the Hebrew concept of faith always included the dimension of a demonstration. This of course fits perfectly with the testimony of scripture concerning those who trusted or believed God. By faith Abel offered…, by faith Abraham when called to go obeyed…, by faith Noah prepared an ark…, by faith the walls of Jericho fell but they fell after the children of Israel demonstrated their faith by obediently marching around that city for seven days. The gospel asserts that Jesus became “the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). The writer asserts that a person is saved the instant he believes Christ. In other words at the point of faith. I assume he also believes that there are no other intervening acts of obedience that are necessary to secure that salvation. If that is so the sinner would be saved without baptism, and saved without confession. A person is indeed saved when he trusts Christ but that trust has to be demonstrated by obediently following Jesus’ instructions. Mark 16:16 must surely be considered and followed: “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”. Jesus put salvation after baptism and I believe that’s where it is found today. Faith saves but not in the absence of a divinely directed demonstration of its legitimacy. The sinners’ prayer is not divinely directed.
March 3, 2008
5. Greggory Lanzen says...
I appreciate Dr. Moyer's article and I also want to thank Sermon Central for posting it for our thinking. I agree with Dr. Moyer's teaching that heart faith is all that is necessary for salvation. And I think we would all agree that even that faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Often I have heard "testimonies" of people who said they were saved by rasing a hand, going forward, signing a decision slip, saying or quoting a certain prayer, etc. etc. My heart goes out to these people who are basing their salvation on works of righteousness (Titus 3:5-6). I believe that it was this type of easy believism that led Dr. John MacArthur to write his very good yet often misunderstood "The Gospel According to Jesus". I agree that one believes in the heart for salvation. I would add though that I believe that verbal expressions like prayer "prove" to the new convert and the world that they are truly saved. I believe that was what the Apostle Paul was teaching in Romans 10:9-10. Although I fully agree with Dr. Moyer, I would state that I believe the thief on the cross DID pray to Jesus. When he said to Jesus, "remember me when You come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42), that was a prayer of faith to which Christ responded answering his prayer. This exchange was a perfect example of Paul's teaching in Rom. 10:9-10. Finally I want to encourage all who read this to take advantage of Dr. Moyer's and Evantel's easy to use and understand witnessing literature. We use it extensively in our ministry and highly recommend it.
March 3, 2008
4. CHARLES STEELE says...
If you believe that saying the sinners prayer is the when a person receives salvation,don't you think you should be able to find the sinners prayer in the New Testament somewhere....If the sinners prayer is so essential,surely,God would have put it in his book!!!
March 3, 2008
3. John Griffin says...
I have long been concerned that saying words will leave a person the false belief that he is saved. Super witnesses that that go out to do "street witnessing" may be doing more harm than good. I appreciate their commitment and enthusiasm, I probably need more of what they have. However, many is the time when I have worked to bring a person to the point of accepting Christ and mention the simple sinners prayer that they say, "I've already done that", and like Dr Moyer says, there is no evidence of change in their life. In a sense, it is a job of getting them "unsaved" in order to get them truly saved. I cannot discount the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation. Indeed, unless it is there it is a disservice to continue to push a person to say a prayer and leave them with a false sense that they've done all they need to when there is no real belief in their heart. I believe there must be an evident sense of conviction in a person before we try to lead them to say "the prayer" and only the Holy Spirit can communicate that to me.
March 3, 2008
2. Joe Bedy says...
It would be the book of Acts that best describes the act of how people are saved. Certainly what the author wrote is true, but there is a more excellent way. Of the accounts of people being saved in Acts, we read as they hear the Gospel truth, they believe and they are baptized. They are taught to obey all that Jesus has commanded and in so doing express their love for Him. They become overwhelmed by what He did for them and hopefully the church begins to look more like Him everyday. Holy, consecrated, in the world but certainly not like it! We certainly feel the tension in the Scriptures between our assurance of salvation and our obligation to work it out with trembling and fear.
March 3, 2008
1. Jeff Strite says...
The real problem with the "sinner's prayer" is that it isn't Biblical. Like all man-made inventions, it is well intentioned, but it "adds to" God's Word and thus does damage to our integrity. Charles Finney, the great evangelist of the 1800s and a prominent user of the "anxious bench" where people prayed their way through to salvation said this: “The church has always felt it necessary to have something of this kind to answer this very purpose. In the days of the apostles, baptism answered this purpose. The gospel preached to the people, and then all those who were willing to be on the side of Christ were called out to be baptized. It (baptism) held the precise place that the anxious seat does now as a public manifestation of their determination to be Christians.”
