The sinners prayer

[Eugene]

.

Where did the idea of a requisite prayer come from?

I would suppose from the need to know, though I may be stating it wrongly. Someone asks and we attempt to give an answer sometimes assuming I reckon that they know what we’re talking about.

Say for instance instead we quote the following scripture; is that enough?
Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

I have met those that believed they were of the faith, or that they had become more assured of it since saying the sinner’s prayer as it were. Sort of a baptismal confession to the world type thing to them., and of course it evidently came from their heart to seek that.

Next I submit:
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

I’ve used this before, but I’ve heard the testimonies of soldiers in a foxhole crying out to God in a moment of terror; did that do it for them, or as Jethro Bodine posted the cool hand Luke scene. http://christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/the-sinners-prayer.65961/#post-1228693.

What about Edward ’s question: will they be saved instantly? http://christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/the-sinners-prayer.65961/#post-1228730

This brings my thoughts instantly to the thief on the cross being told that he would be that day with Jesus in paradise. What is it? a question, a testimony, an immediate need, or any situation that brings us to remember God?

I submit that our LORD knows the intent of us before the foundation of the world, calls us, and we are His in a moment of time. At that moment we are not only born of Him, we are adopted to all the benefits of Jesus in our walk with Him for eternity. Is there only one way of believing and being comforted with the fact we belong to God? Somehow God knows what we need.

I looked at the baptismal picture ezra posted, and it thrilled me to the bone as I see the joy in that young girls face coming up out of the water. Do you think she knows, and/or believes something is real to her? That may have been a confirming moment to her life, but to me the moment she asked Brother Ezra to help her, her heart and purpose were sealed if that’s a good term.

http://christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/the-sinners-prayer.65961/#post-1228730

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Where did the idea of a requisite prayer come from?

That's a good question.
And it is why I say such a prayer is not in the Bible.
We see in Acts that Gentiles were getting saved by hearing the Word of God.
I believe I got saved by hearing the Word of God and then silently in prayer, I said, Jesus, yes, I believe.

 

[WIP]

Why do many copy Jesus prayer?. He said 'this is how you should pray', he never said 'repeat this prayer'.

I mean, I guess there's nothing wrong with it but surely people dont need to be that lazy and can pray to The Most High in there own words from there own heart right?

I will occasionally use the "Lord's Prayer" as a stepping stone or blueprint in my own prayers by using my own words as I feel led.

 

[WIP]

I have wondered a time or two about Jesus' warning against vain repetitions with regard to repeating memorized prayers. When I was young and being taught in the ways of Catholicism I was never taught that prayer was as simple as a conversation with God. Instead we were taught to memorize specific "prayers" and over time they did in fact become vain repetition. I sometimes fear that we do the same even with the Lord's Prayer, that is, we say the words but don't really speak to God.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Where did the idea of a requisite prayer come from?

I think the idea is that you reach out for salvation. It doesn't necessarily just happen.
And it's important to get people to step out, not just make a secret quasi-decision for God that will probably evaporate with the next wind of adversity and temptation because no one knows about it....like when a person goes on a diet in the privacy of their own mind.

 

[Wrg1405]

except for Paul Newman and Elvis

What about me?

I'm prettier than all

View attachment 9519

 

[dianegcook]

What about me?

View attachment 9520

 

[Wrg1405]

Maybe I'm being to semantic and maybe I'm wrong.

Here follows the typical sinners prayer as read our in a call.

"Lord Jesus Christ"

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life (take a few moments to,ask his forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.
Thank you for the offer of forgiveness and the gift of your spirit. I now receive that gift.
Please Holy Spirit come into my life to be with me forever.

The first paragraph states the things we have done wrong, ask for forgiveness and please forgive me now. To me that suggests that a person thinks about the things they have done wrong which most of us call sin. So now the focus is on the things a person has done wrong in order to be forgiven.

A person praying for the first time could confess a sin of lying, but not adultery, but that person in their heart could be lusting in their heart for another. So on one hand they are sinner but on the other hand not.

Jesus said

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

John 16:7-9
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

So to me to start with it seems a bit topsy turvey.

The work of God is to beleive in him, or the only work that God requires is to believe in Jesus, that's why Jesus had to go back to God so the Holy Spirit would come to convict/convince the world of sin, the sin of ubleief.

So to me the focus should be on allowing the Holy Spirit to convict of the sin of unbelief, praying repentance of unbelief and being thankfull that they are now forgiven of it.

When such a prayer is said then we make disciples of them. We then teach them the ways that Christ has asked them to walk now they have placed their faith in him.

What worries me is that we call people to pray the sinners prayer, they feel good about some things but not bad about other things. When they pray that prayer it's another notch and then we leave them to their own devices as such.

Jesus came to reveal the total sinfulness of human nature and his answer to it. Belief in him, and that we need him in every area of our lives. That goes beyond the sinners prayer and that is what needs to be addressed.

So those who pray it are grounded on Jesus and his grace and will hear "Well done my good and faithful servant"

As I said maybe I'm being too semantic.

 

[Wrg1405]

View attachment 9520

Ah that what he looks like

 

[Cygnus]

In this prayer....does one accept Chriat or receive Christ?

 

[ezra]

In this prayer....does one accept Chriat or receive Christ?

what difference does it make. your gnat straining

 

[reba]

Rom 10:9 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.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.


Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Thank You Jesus for your grace and mercy...

 

[ezra]

once again why does man complicate the plan of salvation if the Holy spirit is drawing this is the only thing that matters Romans 10:9 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.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

once again why does man complicate the plan of salvation if the Holy spirit is drawing this is the only thing that matters Romans 10:9 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.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We have lots of people coming to Christ on this alone. Problem is they never start out with the conviction of their sin and so they think Christ and their sinful lifestyles can coexist.

Many Christians pooh-pooh the hell and damnation part of bringing someone to Christ, but it is absolutely essential that one understand, and receive what it is exactly that they are being saved from. The fact that Christ saved me from an eternal separation from him is what energizes my own relationship with Christ. So many Christians don't seem to have that essential element in their relationship with Christ, and it shows. Christ to them is just a nice person who wants to help them live their selfish lives.

Paul's gospel was one of faith and repentance, not just faith.
"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:21 NIV bold mine)
But it seems as each year goes by fewer and fewer Protestant churches are leading people to Christ with the repentance part of the gospel message. And it shows in their lack of love and fervency for righteousness:

"44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:44-50 NIV)

We live in a time of 'little forgiveness' and, therefore, a time of little love (lack of righteousness) in the church. So many have been forgiven little because they are not told about that necessary part of the gospel message and it being an essential ingredient in a genuine salvation experience. Chalk another one up for hyper-grace, the end-times deceit that will eventually destroy the visible church. 'Come out from among her, my people'.

 

[ezra]

We have lots of people coming to Christ on this alone. Problem is they never start out with the conviction of their sin and so they think Christ and their sinful lifestyles can coexist.

Many Christians pooh-pooh the hell and damnation part of bringing someone to Christ, but it is absolutely essential that one understand, and receive what it is exactly that they are being saved from. The fact that Christ saved me from an eternal separation from him is what energizes my own relationship with Christ. So many Christians don't seem to have that essential element in their relationship with Christ, and it shows. Christ to them is just a nice person who wants to help them live their selfish lives.

Paul's gospel was one of faith and repentance, not just faith.
"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:21 NIV bold mine)
But it seems as each year goes by fewer and fewer Protestant churches are leading people to Christ with the repentance part of the gospel message. And it shows in their lack of love and fervency for righteousness:

"44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:44-50 NIV)

We live in a time of 'little forgiveness' and, therefore, a time of little love (lack of righteousness) in the church. So many have been forgiven little because they are not told about that necessary part of the gospel message and it being an essential ingredient in a genuine salvation experience. Chalk another one up for hyper-grace, the end-times deceit that will eventually destroy the visible church. 'Come out from among her, my people'.

imo it is very essential to 1. talk with the person at the moment they come to the altar. i am not a repeat after me say this prayer . but a couple of scriptures with explanation . 2 the church failure they should have some type discipleship class for all new converts.

 

[Hospes]

In my experience in evangelical churches, the Sinners Prayer has often been used as the password that, when spoken, takes you into salvation. It's like the magic word that if you can get someone to say, will save them. In case it is not clear, I find this as deeply wrong.

Personally, at best it is a verbal confirmation of what has already fully happened.

 

[JLB]

My thoughts are, when one prays the so called sinners prayer...are they saved instantly?

Is there a scripture about this?

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith,being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9


This scripture teaches us that the reality of salvation we are hoping for, by faith, we will receive at the end of our faith.

Faith is the substance of the thing we are hoping for [salvation], and the evidence of things not seen [salvation; Jesus Christ]


Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory...

The reality of our salvation, that we are now hoping for, will be received at the end of our faith.

Those who choose to abandon or depart from their faith along the way, through persecution, or the cares of this world, will be lacking the "substance" of the salvation that we who believe and rejoicing are hoping for.

Faith is that divine "substance" of the thing you are hoping for.


No Faith = No Substance
No Substance = No thing you are hoping for.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith is a non tangible reality.
Faith is a noun.

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice...

Believing in this passage is a present tense verb.



JLB

 

[JLB]

so they think Christ and their sinful lifestyles can coexist.

Great Point, and well said.

 

[JLB]

So many Christians don't seem to have that essential element in their relationship with Christ, and it shows. Christ to them is just a nice person who wants to help them live their selfish lives.

The Church in North America, and America itself at present, seems to be a reflection of the False Gospel of:

"Christ is just a nice person who wants to help us live their selfish lives."



Looks like it's gonna be the "stick", rather than the carrot for The US.

Nothing like a good ole fashioned persecution, to get things in order, in a greedy, self centered upside down, society that call's evil good and good evil.

That persecution's name would be: Hillary Clinton.


JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

View attachment 9520

Rollo, you sexy thing :kiss