by Jeremy Paschall
What must a person do to be saved? There is not a more noble or more significant question that could ever enter the human mind. There is no other question that carries with it greater ramifications. Knowing and acting on the correct answer to this question can mean the difference between an eternity of agony in Satan’s hell or everlasting peace in the heavenly presence of our Creator. If there is a single question for which it is essential that you have the correct answer, it is this.
Unfortunately, your search for an answer will likely yield a wide variety of responses. Each denomination with its particular creed will prescribe its unique solution for the salvation of your soul from sin. Some will propose a kind of emotional, “better-felt-than-told” experience. Others will suggest a faith-only solution, with no action required on your part for salvation.
One of the most common plans of salvation offered in the religious world today involves something commonly referred to as “the sinner’s prayer” (sometimes called “the believer’s prayer”). The basic doctrine is this — once a person comes to believe in Jesus as the Savior and Lord, he or she is simply to recite this simple prayer asking for the forgiveness of sins, upon which they become a saved person and enter into a relationship with the Lord. The prayer, though it varies depending on the specific source, generally goes as follows: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as Lord and Savior. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me as Your Word promises. Amen.”
While I do not question the sincerity of those who believe or teach such a doctrine, I must ask this question — From where does this idea come? The teaching of salvation by reciting “the sinner’s prayer” does not come from the Scriptures! The text of the prayer is entirely foreign to the Bible, and even the general concept is nowhere to be found there. Can you point to one instance of conversion in the entire book of Acts in which “the sinner’s prayer” had a part? You cannot, because it is not there.
Most who practice and teach salvation via “the sinner’s prayer” will attempt to justify their position by pointing to the quotation of the prophet Joel in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Two things need to be said about this argument: (1) Nowhere in the context of Acts 2:21 or Romans 10:13 is prayer under consideration; and (2) The Scriptures clearly define “calling on the name of the Lord” with Ananias’ instruction to Saul in Acts 22:16 — “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Calling on the name of the Lord is essential to the salvation of your soul, but it must be done His way, not according to the doctrines of men (Matthew 15:9). We call on the Lord — appeal to Him for the salvation of our soul — when we do what He commands! “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16). “...Baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).
Will you humbly submit to the clear and simply teachings of the Scriptures? We pray that you will.