1. The Sinner’s Prayer
Acts 2:21

2. The Danger Of The Sinner’s Prayer
Many versions of this prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now ask Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I am willing, by God’s grace, to follow and obey Christ as the Lord of my heart and life. Amen.
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

3. The Danger Of The Sinner’s Prayer
They contain some truths:
All have sinned (Rom. 3:23)
Jesus died to save (Rom. 5:8; Mt. 26:28)
All need to obey Jesus (Heb. 5:8-9)
This makes them dangerous!
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

4. The Danger Of The Sinner’s Prayer
Satan wraps lies in truths
Gen. 3:1-5; Mt. 4:1-10; 2 Cor. 11:12-15
No N.T. examples of “Sinner’s Prayer”
Image: By Evan-Amos (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
No N.T. conversions by “Sinner’s Prayer”
Some Evangelicals fear false sense of security
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

5. Alleged Proof Texts Simon The Sorcerer (Ac. 8:22)
Outside or inside of Christ?
Baptized believer (Ac. 8:12-13)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

6. Alleged Proof Texts Pharisee & Publican (Lk. 18:10-14)
In the temple (Lk. 18:10; Ac. 21:28)
About humility, not salvation (Lk. 18:9)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

7. Alleged Proof Texts Church at Laodicea (Rev. 3:20)
Letter to lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-16)
Christian’s in need of repentance, not unbelievers (Rev. 3:19)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

8. Alleged Proof Texts Calling On The Name (Rom. 10:9-13)
O.T. call (1 Kgs. 18:24)
But what is it here?
More than words (Mt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46)
The Bible explains itself
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

9. Alleged Proof Texts Calling On The Name (Rom. 10:9-13)
Peter quotes Joel (Ac. 2:21)
Preached Jesus (Ac. 2:23-36)
People commanded to repent and be baptized, not pray (Ac. 2:37-38)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

10. Alleged Proof Texts Calling On The Name (Rom. 10:9-13)
Saul told to call (Ac. 22:16)
Not by prayer
Arise and be baptized
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

11. Alleged Proof Texts Calling On The Name (Rom. 10:9-13)
Paul quotes Joel too (Rom. 10:13-17)
Messenger preaches gospel
Hearer believes and obeys the gospel
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

12. Alleged Proof Texts Jesus Mt. 28:18-20 Mk. 16:15-16 Lk. 24:46-47
Calling On The Name (Rom. 10:9-13)
Ac. 2:21-38; 22:16; Rom. 10:9-13
Faith
Repentance
Confession
Baptism
Prayer?
Jesus
Mt. 28:18-20
Mk. 16:15-16
Lk. 24:46-47
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

13. Two Sinner’s Prayers Saul Of Tarsus Devout Jew/persecutor(1 Tim. 1:13)
Heard the Lord’s voice (Ac. 9:5)
Told to go, not to pray (Ac. 9:6; 22:10)
Fasted, prayed 3 days (Ac. 9:9-11)
Told to be baptized, not pray (Ac. 9:18; 22:16)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

14. Two Sinner’s Prayers Cornelius The Centurion
Devout, praying Gentile (Ac. 10:2)
Not saved (Ac. 10:4-6)
Not told to pray, but send for saving message (Ac. 10:5; 11:13-14)
Commanded to be baptized, not pray (Ac. 10:36-43, 47-48)
ROBISON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST- EDNACHURCHOFCHRIST.ORG

15. The Sinner’s Prayer
Acts 2:21