Re: The Sinners Prayer: Does it Save You?

Refreshed,

Thank you for your reply.

Here's the thought that comes to my mind: Matthew 7:21 -Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven..."

It's a challenge to debate scripture with more scripture so I guess I'll speak from experience.

I was the guy who thought exactly like you and I had no issue with it. I thought as long as I followed in action what the Bible said in regard to verbally confessing Jesus as Lord I was "good to go". However, the only way I can explain it, I didn't have any life in me. Where were the "rivers of living water" flowing from me like the Jesus talks about? I felt dead. And I had repeated "Jesus, you are my Lord" countless times and I had no peace in my heart and was full of fear.

My other challenge with what you said regarding the sinners prayer being able to be said without understanding or even agreeing with words, is that to me this doesn't really present a challenge to the believer for their heart to change. If we don't look into out heart then I feel we ignore the challenge that Jesus presents us with. I believe people confess "Jesus is Lord" because God has already done a work in them. To me, it's the confirmation of God's work, not an act that's done to become saved. The Bible also says: "None can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit". I think what this is saying that none can actually and truly admit or believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit working in their life.

I know God works in many different ways so I don't want to put God in a box. Ultimately who is and isn't "saved" is between God and that person. Maybe you didn't read the blog posts attached to my initial comment, but in the posts I talk about how I went from being dead to having life.

I feel that if new Life doesn't enter us then a Christian walk feels very ritualistic and religious. Not everyone feels this way, but I do believe that God will awaken both peoples minds and hearts confirming His work in them.

But along the lines of what you said, no. Not always will we feel something and not always will there be some amazing transformation. And yes, in certain cases we don't have to understand or even agree. Sometimes we just have to trust Him at take His word for what it is and keep pursuing Him. I just don't know that I personally agree with that applying to salvation.

Anyhow. I appreciate your reply. Tweet