Expert: Michael O`Flaherty - 1/19/2006

Question
Hello, I was curious to know as to whether you know the "origin" of the so called "sinners prayer"? When did this erroneous teaching first originate? Also, how can people claim a practice (the sinners prayer), saves them when it is not found anywhere in the Bible (I am just asking your opinion here). Thanks so much, Steven Estes

Answer
Hi Steven!

I believe the sinners prayer originated from an interpretation of Romans 10:

RO 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

However, it is clear from Romans 6 that the recipients were also immersed:

RO 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. RO 6:5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Jesus states in John 3 that in order to get into heaven, you must be born of water and Spirit. Peter understood that directive when he preached to the crowd at Pentecost:

AC 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Water and Spirit. The only way to be saved is to repent and be baptized into the name of Jesus, and by doing so, you will receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit. You are right to say that *praying Jesus into your heart* is not found in the Bible – that kind of teaching is baseless IMHO.

I did a sermon last year on 1 Peter 3:21 if you are interested in immersion. I am NOT a preacher, but I was asked to speak. You can find it here: www.oflaherty.com/the stink or the storm.mp3

If you are not immersed, I would plead with you to save yourself from this corrupt generation and become a child of God.

God bless you!

In Jesus Name!
Michael
www.oflaherty.com/mo.htm