The Heresy of the Sinner's Prayer

It's only a heresy if you're telling someone to pray instead of repenting and accepting. However, every form of a "sinner's prayer" seems to include a statement of repentance and acceptance. I think those who will say that a sinner's prayer is heretical as a rule are likely broadbrushing.

 

I was led to an empty salvation as a child with the sinners prayer. I'm glad I wised up and saw the truth, otherwise I would, in my ignorange, still think I'm all fine. Too many people think they are saved because they followed the 1-2-3, Repeat-After-Me sinners prayer.

 

nobody prays himself to salvation. that is just not scriptural. God chose those who will be saved in Christ from eternity past and in due time regenerates them with His Spirit.. None who were thus chosen can ever be lost.
Christ saved them, not their prayers.
At the moment of regeneration there are those who utter prayers, yes, but those prayers were not the cause as to why they were born again.
They were born again by God's will (John 1:12-13).

 

So then is it likewise wrong to tell someone that if they repent of their sins and accept Christ as Savior they will be saved?

 

Yeah, because often its empty words. Somebody thinks its a magical prayer to get them saved and is told if they "mean it enough" they'll go to heaven with God. They might not even understand what Jesus did for them! I was told when I wanted to be saved to "pray it until you mean it" because you can never be sure enough! Wow.

That kind of thing majorly confuses us.

Its better to just tell people to accept the free gift of salvation that God has purchased for them by His death on the cross.

People can't believe how easy it is so they make up all these different conditions to add along to it.

 

So then is it likewise wrong to tell someone that if they repent of their sins and accept Christ as Savior they will be saved? </font>[/QUOTE]Only the regenerate soul can experience Godly repentance. Paul says to the Corinthians:
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Cor. 7:10)

 

Why wouldn't we tell those who are wanting salvation to pray? And why wouldn't we teach them what to pray?

 

The answer to this question lies in the order you believe scripture presents us with being born again.

I would not discourage praying for one seeking assurance. I would strongly discourage praying by one who is lead to think their prayer at some point in time is the cause or source of their regeneration.

This last order is unbiblical. Christ said except ye be born again, not except ye pray, repent, and be born again.

Simply stated, the work of beleiving and of Righteousness is a work of God in the heart (John 1:29; Romans 10:10).

The confession on the mouth comes only after such a previously regenerated individual hears the Gospel, it is then, as faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, these individuals are brought into the realization of life and immortality through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10 has often been grossly misused. These who possess the work of righteousness in their hearts cannot confess Christ because they may not have heard, vs. 14. They cannot hear except by the voice of God, vs. 17.

Bro. Dallas

 

To discourage one from praying for salvation because you think he might get the wrong idea is not only antibiblical, it's insane. Good teaching in time will correct bad thinking.

 

Nobody's saying that. All we're saying is that true, repentant prayer comes from an already regenerate heart, and prayer does not result in salvation,it is evidence of salvation. God does not save unregenerate individuals on the basis of their prayers and their faith.

Paul prayed after Christ met him on the Damascus Road. Before that, all his prayers and actions were pharisaical prayers from an unregenerated heart.

On the road to Damascus was where he first acknowledged Christ as Lord.

 

He recevied salvation.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

 

And you are saying that regeneration precededs faith. Not so.

 

Yes, it does. Regeneration is a quickening of the spirit dead in sin and trespasses. Faith is the character of a living soul.

John 1:12-13 says But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name :

which were born , not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God .

They believed on his name is evidence of their faith. They had faith because they were born again by the will of God.

 

Yes, it does. Regeneration is a quickening of the spirit dead in sin and trespasses. Faith is the character of a living soul.

John 1:12-13 says But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name :

which were born , not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God .

They believed on his name is evidence of their faith. They had faith because they were born again by the will of God. </font>[/QUOTE]But as many as received him he gave the power to become the sons of God.

This is how salvation is obtained.
Verse 13 speaks of the orgin of salvation not the method by whic it is received

 

Yes, it does. Regeneration is a quickening of the spirit dead in sin and trespasses. Faith is the character of a living soul.

John 1:12-13 says But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name :

which were born , not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God .

They believed on his name is evidence of their faith. They had faith because they were born again by the will of God. </font>[/QUOTE]But as many as received him he gave the power to become the sons of God.

This is how salvation is obtained.
Verse 13 speaks of the orgin of salvation not the method by whic it is received </font>[/QUOTE]