The Sinners Prayer

[JonC]

I can't find where you said that.

That's fine. You missing that point, we were probably talking past each other.

 

[The Biblicist]

That's fine. You missing that point, we were probably talking past each other.

Apparently you are missing that point as well, as you can't quote it or refer to it either. No, we are not talking past each other. Perhaps you did not intent to either say what you said, or you intended it to be understood in a greater context you did not furnish and somehow we are to imagine is there, but Romans 10:13 is not prescriptive for salvation but descriptive and declarative.

 

[SheepWhisperer]

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.



I think, too many times, the 1-2-3 repeat after me, rolls off the tongue before Jesus is in the heart.

 

[JonC]

Apparently you are missing that point as well, as you can't quote it or refer to it either. No, we are not talking past each other. Perhaps you did not intent to either say what you said, or you intended it to be understood in a greater context you did not furnish and somehow we are to imagine is there, but Romans 10:13 is not prescriptive for salvation but descriptive and declarative.

I said exactly what I intended. It is wrong to use a prayer as a formula for salvation (I used the word salvfic formula).

 

[righteousdude2]

Yes, I agree with that -

It shouldn't matter if you agree or not ... I have used the TSP for fifty years, and I happen to know quite a few who accepted Jesus under the ministry and TSP, and fifty years later they are still in love with Jesus. serving Jesus. And leading others to Jesus!

I never invited people forward for the purpose of having them complete a 3x5 card. It was always a six page questionnaire (just kidding).

I believed God laid it on their heart to accept His Son, and used me to share with them the reason they came forward, and if they wanted to pray TSP, we prayed it. It was never the same words, or as some would call it, saved by words of rote! It was simple and from my heart, based on the scripture, and I always let them close with a prayer of thanks for being saved!

Like I said. Over the years, I have come back in contact with s many I had the privilege to lead to Jesus, and every one of them were still on the Narrow Path, and being used to lead others to the Lord too!

I was always leery of the printed out TSP, to much religiosity. So I dumped the standard words, and went from the heart. Shooting from the hip, as the Spirit led, and God did the rest. Of course, I always preached the same way. As the Holy Spirit inspired and led. Of course, you all know that I believe in the gifts of the Spirit, including prayer language. And while this is not about that, it is necessary for you all to know, when I say "Spirit led" I mean Spirit led! There was such a freedom by not using sermon outlines, help cards, etc. Just using scripture and letting God lead my words! Shalom!

This is a great topic, Salty.
Really, and necessary! ​

 

[KLD]

Often the subject of "the sinners prayer" comes up here on Baptist Board.

In order to have a realistic discussion, we need to agree exactly what the sinner's prayer is.

If you have a 3x 5 card with "TSP" written on it and someone simply reads this "prayer"
Is this person truly saved.
Same goes for Bible Tracts - There is usually "TSP" printed at the end of the trac -

Often a teleevangelist will lead the congregation and TV audience in a phrase by phrase adaption of "TSP"

Again - is such a person truly saved?


Lets add a bit to this - Some on this board are totally against alter calls.
Is it because - many use this as a prelude to "TSP"

Open for Discussion

Did prayer save Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9)? After he was struck blind, Jesus told him to go into the city and it would be told to him what he must do to be saved. Saul prayed the whole night, but it wasn't until Ananias gave him the "must do" part. Tell me, what Ananias tell Saul to do (See also Acts 22).

 

[hawg_427]

Let me start off by stating that many Christians that have been saved for years do NOT know what "The Gospel" is. The Gospel is 1 For. 15:1-4 This is how sinners become saved. This is what you are supposed to believe in your heart. Remember that God can look right into your heart, don't ever forget that

 

[Billx]

I will start with the alter call. If it is solely used to entice people to come forward and sign a card after saying a quick prayer - then I am not in support of that.

I would encourage an alter call - - provided that when a person comes forwarded - they are fully and truly counseled - which could be an extended amount of time. More often than not - said person and counselor should retire to a different room, so the individual can fully understand what he is doing - as well as the opportunity to ask questions

(BTW - dont even waste my time saying the Alter call is not Biblical - UNLESS you can show me where the Bible PROHIBITS the Alter Call.)

Now for the Sinners Prayer - what else would you call it- He is a sinner and he needs to pray to be Saved.
As I mentioned in the OP - "reading a prayer" IMHO is not sufficient. As I stated before, when the counselor has properly explained what a sinner should include in his prayer, the individual should understand what he needs to do - ie ask forgiveness - requesting Christ Jesus to be his Saviour.

Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. (tsp) my question is which come first the prayer or counseling or the prayer?

 

[Jordan Kurecki]

Of all the verses in the bible that describe God's requirement for man to receive salvation what percentage of them use the words "Faith", "Believe" or "Repent" as opposed to "Ask Jesus into your heart" or even praying a prayer for that matter? I'll help you out, Faith and Believe are found the most over 100 times, Repent is probably second with at least 33 times, and you could maybe argue that 3-5 particular passages describe a prayer, and ZERO times do we find man commanded to "Ask Jesus into your heart"

 

[Billx]

Of all the verses in the bible that describe God's requirement for man to receive salvation what percentage of them use the words "Faith", "Believe" or "Repent" as opposed to "Ask Jesus into your heart" or even praying a prayer for that matter? I'll help you out, Faith and Believe are found the most over 100 times, Repent is probably second with at least 33 times, and you could maybe argue that 3-5 particular passages describe a prayer, and ZERO times do we find man commanded to "Ask Jesus into your heart"

There is a difference between mental assent and belief. Assent does not require repentance but faith does require changing of heart. Maybe repentance is a part of growth in grace.

 

[Jordan Kurecki]

There is a difference between mental assent and belief. Assent does not require repentance but faith does require changing of heart. Maybe repentance is a part of growth in grace.

I agree, however I fail to see how that relates to my post.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

It seems to me that repentance is proof of a change of heart on sin. Heartfelt faith and change that is needed for salvation.