Bible Studies/Answering Prayers

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Expert: - 10/21/2010


Question
Refrence 1 John 3:22 & John 9:31
Does God answer prayers of sinners/unsaved?

Answer
It is very important when reading passages like this from scripture to read it in context. First let me address your point directly and then I will comment on these passages. Goes does hear the prayers of those who are saved - I do not think that I need to elaborate that point - I think we would be in agreement. I could back that up throughout the Bible if required but I expect that we both agree that to be true.

We also know that God does hear sinners - if that were not true no one would be saved. God hears at least one type of prayer from sinners, and I don't think that we can say that God is bound to ignore other prayers of sinners if it be within His will to accomplish something in that person's life. John 9:31 does not in any way say that this cannot happen. This is very specific that God works through those who are saved to perform true miracles and healings, and that is the context of what we see hear. This is saying that a true healing sick as Jesus performed would not happen as a result of a prayer of an unsaved person. It is not saying that God turns a deaf ear to everything an unsaved person says.

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Tom Smith

Expertise

I am able to answer a wide range of questions regarding orthodox Christian theology as well as those of many of the more common cults and religious movements (inside and outside of the church). This includes Protestantism, Charismatic movement, New Apostolic Reformation, Strategic Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinism, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Pentecostalism, and Oneness Pentecostalism. I have been a member of or have attended many of the above. I have studied the beliefs and literature of the remaining through a variety of means, including in most cases interacting with members and/or leaders in these organizations. I also maintain a significant library/resource of information on these movements and organizations.

Experience

I have been a lifelong student of the Bible. In addition, I have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and believe in the truth of God's Holy word in the Bible as the inerrant and infallible word of God. I have been a believer for over 43 years. Other qualifications include:

- Former member of the counril of a local church
- Speaker at the "Last Days Bible Conference" and other functions.
- Researcher into religious movements and cults (maintain website with information on some of these movements and cults)
- Member of the Apologetics Coordination Team

I hold to the view that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and I belief that the Bible is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine (Sola Scripture, Sola Fide).

Organizations
Apologetics Coordination Team (http://op.50megs.com/act/) Network of Christian Apologists in Calgary (http://www.whyjesus.ca)

Publications
Website, accessible by means of http://discern.ca or http://www.religioninfo.org; and Audio files of talks at Last Days Bible Conference available at http://ldbc.ca

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

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