A Prayer for Salvation?
Much of the evangelism practiced today, especially the recording of 'results,' is based on leading a person to say a prayer for salvation. By addressing this subject through some questions, this article looks at whether or not this practice is compatible with Biblical teachings about salvation and evangelism.
What does it mean to "call upon the Lord?"
The phrase, "call upon the Lord," refers to a characteristic, which is unique to believers and descriptive of them. It is a continual part of the life of a believer. It refers to the relationship of dependence upon God that can be shown in worship and service to God and includes supplication (Acts 9:14; 1 Cor 1:2; Genesis 12:8; 13:4; 21:33; 26:25; Isa 12:4-6; Zephaniah 3:9). Some examples of 'calling upon the Lord' are in Acts 10:46; 16:25; 4:24 -31. (See also Hebrews 10:19-25.) Being a result of belief and regeneration that continues throughout a believer's life, it is not the same as praying to receive Christ or praying to be saved.
Click here to read more about the meaning of "calling upon the Lord."
Is it appropriate for a person to pray to receive Christ even though the Bible does not instruct it?
A person who has been saved (justified, regenerated) is forgiven of all past, present, and future sins. Any actions one does after that (though very important in the lifelong journey of salvation and in eternal rewards) does not affect one's eternal destination. This remains true even if after believing or at the time of belief the person unwittingly follows the confused instructions of an evangelist to repeat or say a prayer for salvation (which the believer already has without a prayer). However, what reasoning can justify adding something (such as praying to receive Christ) to the gospel and to how to be saved that is not instructed in the Bible (and thus was not taught or practiced by the apostles)?
Click here to read "The Gospel in Acts."
In addition, if an evangelist gives instructions for a person to repeat a prayer for salvation, isn't it likely to influence the 'convert' to incorrectly associate the prayer as part of a process of being saved - that one must say a prayer to be saved and that the prayer is a necessary part of how to be saved (justified and regenerated)? Wouldn't instructions to say a prayer imply to the convert that a prayer is part of a process by which one can be saved? Is the convert expected to understand differently than what is said by the evangelist? (This may be a reason why some evangelists instruct converts to pray a prayer for salvation. Also, it may be why some who are not regenerated are zealous evangelists.)
Can faith be expressed in a prayer? How does a new believer express faith in Christ?
Yes, one way for believers to express their faith is through prayers of gratitude, honor, and exaltation to God for salvation and the abundant blessings from Him (Acts 10:4). However, since a person who believes is saved already, how can it be appropriate for an evangelist to encourage the new believer to ask for salvation (to say the sinner's prayer)? For a person who doesn't believe, prayer will not save him. Salvation is by the grace of Christ through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9).
Is a prayer to receive Christ into one's life an exercise of faith? Is it the same as faith in Christ for salvation?
The Bible tells us everything we need to know about salvation, and it never mentions 'praying to receive Christ.' 'Receiving Christ' in John 1:12 is the same as believing in Christ; the verse contains no reference to praying a prayer to receive (believe) in Christ. Being derived from misunderstandings of Revelation 3:20 and John 1:12, 'asking Jesus to come into one's heart' and 'praying to receive Christ' are not the same as 'believing.'
Click here to read more about "asking Jesus to come into one's heart."
Shouldn't an exercise of faith match teachings in the Word of God? Shouldn't prayers without Biblical support be discouraged and avoided rather than encouraged? Can doing something not instructed or recommended by the Bible, regardless of one's sincerity, be considered to be an exercise of faith?
Since the Bible does not say to receive Christ into one's heart, does God have any responsibility to save a person because a person prays to receive Christ? Does the Bible say sins are forgiven by Jesus coming into one's heart, or does it say sins are forgiven by the sacrificial death of Jesus? How can 'Jesus coming into one's heart' deal with the problem of sin? Does the Bible ever include 'Jesus coming into one's heart' as part of Christ's work of atonement? (The modern concept of asking Jesus into one's heart is not the same as a new convert being baptized by the Holy Spirit or as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.)
The gospel is simple: the way to be saved is to repent and believe in Jesus - turn from sin and turn to God. The addition of a prayer (a work) only confuses (and tends to create false conversions).
If a person is not yet regenerated, faith is not present. Thus, how can one's request to be saved be an exercise of faith? On the other hand, does a person who is already regenerated through faith in Christ have any need to pray for salvation?
In addition, isn't prayer a work? Are there any exercises a person can do to be saved? How can doing something (including voicing a prayer) for the purpose of procuring salvation be an exercise of faith? Doesn't God give salvation freely through faith?
Is it proper to use the sinner's prayer as a response of faith?
To ask a person to say a sinner's prayer as a response to faith in Jesus Christ is in contrast to salvation by grace through faith. Though it may produce a good feeling in the evangelists and in the person who is being evangelized, it has neither saving power or spiritual benefit to either. Since it confuses the gospel and is an addition to the gospel of the Bible, it can only confuse those who are involved in the evangelistic activities. The evangelist and those who support him thinks God has used them even though the Word of God has been misrepresented by changing the gospel. The one being evangelized, if he has truly believed in Jesus Christ for salvation, will be confused about grace and the role of prayer in salvation. If he has not believed, he has a false assurance of salvation. If those false converts join a church, they will weaken the fellowship and testimony of believers in the church and affect worship. In addition, they can hinder the growth of true believers toward maturity.
Instead of asking God for salvation, wouldn't it be more appropriate if a new believer rejoices and glorifies God (Acts 8:39; 10:45; 13:48; 16:34)?
Do the results of popular evangelism give evidence of confusion?
When asked how they will escape the wrath of God at the judgment, too many church attenders in both the U.S. and Brazil give answers such as the following:
"by being a faithful church member"
"because I asked Jesus into my heart"
"because I accepted Jesus at a revival"
"by reading the Bible, going to church, praying, helping others, ..."
It appears the current practice of having new converts repeat a prayer for salvation is certainly a leading prospect of having caused these unBiblical answers concerning how to be saved.
The eagerness of many evangelists to lead a person in a prayer and their impatience concerning making sure the gospel is thoroughly presented before leading a person in a prayer is another indication of confusion about how to be saved. The use of how many people 'said a prayer' as representative of how many people were saved is another evidence of confusion about salvation. The large percentage of the people (close to 90%), of whom evangelists have lead to say a prayer but who show no evidences of regeneration, is a convincing witness of a confusing message in evangelism. Also indicative of confusion, is when evangelists exclude other evangelists whose gospel presentation does not include asking a person to say a prayer for salvation.
These evidences should give cause for serious concern about the present and future state of Christianity. They should also show the need for concern for those who are presented a false explanation of how to be saved.
Hopefully, these evidences will generate passion and commitment to make sure the messages and methods of evangelism present the gospel in its Biblical purity. Those of us who present the good news of Jesus Christ need to go to extraordinary lengths to make sure our presentations are according to the Bible and are as clear as possible.
Is salvation a one time occurrence or a process?
Regeneration, conversion, and eternal forgiveness happen instantaneously at one certain time in a person's life. They are inseparable from and result in (proceed to) continued sanctification unto resurrection, final salvation, and glorification.
This seems to be where many misunderstand and misuse Romans 10 and misapply the teachings of the chapter. Isn't it true that the context of verses 9-13 is not mainly about the beginning of one's salvation? Rather, its use of the future tense indicates the passage is about the continual and future completion of salvation - "will be saved" "will not be put to shame". Doesn't this mean Romans 10 is not instructing evangelists to procure a prayer from proselytes, either as a sign of salvation or as a way to be saved?
What then is Romans 10 telling evangelists to do?
Answer: Preach (the Word).
What is Romans 10 saying about how to be saved?
Answer: Believe in Jesus.
What is Romans saying about a person who believes?
Answer: The person will worship the Lord and depend on Him - call upon Him. The person will also give witness (confess) in words (and actions) to the truth that Jesus is the risen Lord and Savior.
Does Romans 10 give a formula for evangelism?
The following is a summary of what is taught in Romans 10: Paul's desire is that Israel will be saved (Rom 9:3; 10:1; 11:11-14). However, instead of accepting the righteousness by Christ through belief, they sought righteousness through the law (10:2-5). Paul explains that salvation is through belief (10:4-11) and the person who believes will confess the Lord Jesus (10:9-10) and worship God (10:12-14). Thus, all who believe, of both Jews and Gentiles, will be saved in the end (10:9, 11-13). This faith results from hearing God's Word that is brought by those He sends (10:14-17). Though many of Israel did not believe (10:18-21), God will save some of them (11:4-7). The unbelief of Israel has resulted in salvation to Gentiles (11:11-12, 15-20, 25-30). However, because God has chosen some, all who are Israel will be saved (11:26-27; 9:6).
Romans 10 talks about the completion of salvation of all who believe, and it affirms that salvation is only through belief and those who believe will confess and worship God. It does not advocate a series of things a person needs to do to be regenerated and forgiven. There is only one access to receive salvation: faith in the Lord Jesus.
Is it alright for an evangelist to require a person to say a prayer for salvation if it is done with good intentions?
Many of those who require a potential convert to say a prayer, may have good intentions - they want to reach the lost. They even believe salvation is solely by the grace of God and Christ's sacrifice. However, good intentions expressed in improper ways can have harmful results. Though there are different ways to proclaim the good news, it is important that we continually check our message and practices to make sure they are in accord with the truth as presented by God in His Word?
Much of current evangelistic efforts presents a gospel which has been altered by words, phrases, and concepts that come from recent tradition instead of from the Bible. Isn't this an important concern - that we must be careful how we present God and His gospel to others?
Shouldn't we make certain our evangelism is according to God's Word?
The practice of leading people to receive salvation through a prayer is one product of today's popular evangelism terminology. By saying salvation is through a work (prayer), it presents a false gospel. Shouldn't we be concerned if it misrepresents the gospel and confuses the reader. Shouldn't it, like all human expressions, be subjected to a search of Scripture to see if it is so? Shouldn't the message and practices of evangelism be according to God's Word rather than according to popular tradition or personal preference. Isn't the message dependent on the choice of words and phrases? Concerning the presentation of the gospel, the message, as well as one's actions and the intentions of the heart, must be correct.
Please notice the words of Jesus in Luke 6:45-46: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (See also Hebrews 4:12.) It does no good to claim allegiance to Jesus (or the possession of other good intentions) while one's actions or words are not according to His Word. It is of vital importance for a person whose intent is to reach the lost to make certain one's practices and message is according to the Word of God.
Indeed, evangelism that does not submit to Biblical truths is condemned by the words of Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' " When popular methods of evangelism are not supported by Scripture, they are following a law of their own making. Shouldn't we follow the Bible instead of current popular methods?
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compared one who lived according to His Word with one who did not follow His instructions: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Doesn't the latter part of this statement also apply to evangelism that is not according to the Word of God? Can a church that contains a large amount of false converts be conducive to Christian growth and discipleship? Isn't it vulnerable to the storms of worldly compromise, temptation, and persecution? [Only a small percentage of 'converts' from popular evangelism later show any signs of having been converted.]
With that in mind, does the Bible say one can receive salvation by faith through a prayer (whether stated either in the same words or in principle)? Does the Bible instruct a person to say a salvation prayer? Instead, doesn't the Bible say that salvation is received (by grace) only through faith in Christ? Salvation by faith through a prayer is not the same as salvation by Christ through faith. Both concepts cannot be true.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to say Christ will come into one's heart as a result of saying a prayer is to misrepresent the gospel. Good intentions are no excuse for a faulty presentation of the good news of Christ. Salvation is not through prayer (a work); it is through faith. This is stated in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." and in Acts 16:30-31: "and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household."
Click here to read more about Biblical Evangelism.
