Thursday, April 8, 2010

Is it Biblical to Lead a Person in a Sinner's Prayer?

Jesus is never recorded in Scripture leading anyone in a “Sinner’s Prayer,” nor are His disciples. Instead, Jesus (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:3-5; 24:47), the twelve (Mark 6:12), Peter (Acts 2:38; 3:19) and Paul (Acts 16:30-31; 17:29-30; 20:21; 26:20) told people to repent and believe. We should do what they did. Many modern day “evangelical” types (Pat Robertson, Joel Osteen etc.) lead people in a “Sinner’s Prayer” as a means to supposedly lead them to Christ. For the most part, these evangelicals will tell people it’s not about the prayer or the words, but then, if that’s true, why is there such a strong focus on it. Granted, a person who is convicted by God and has their eyes opened, will likely call on the name of the Lord in prayer and I’m not against a contrite person doing this (Psalm 51; Romans 10:9-13; Luke 6:45). However, we should follow the example of Christ and his disciples and tell people to repent and believe, not try to lead them in a prayer. Sadly, many people look to a “Sinner’s Prayer” for assurance of salvation, not solely to God through the work of Christ. Eternal life in Christ is a free gift received by faith (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).