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Misconceptions About Salvation (2)
John R. Gentry
Last week we discussed two false teachings that provide a false hope for salvation, namely, "We’re saved by grace alone through faith alone," and "Some are predestined to be saved, others are not" (check web site for archives). This week we want to discuss the following common misconceptions about salvation:
The Sinner’s Prayer
A very popular means of teaching people how to be saved is to get them to repeat some kind of sinner’s prayer. The exact wording of the prayer varies from denomination to denomination. Did you know that the sinner’s prayer is not mentioned in the Bible? It’s true. Not a single person mentioned in all of the New Testament received the forgiveness their sins because they simply prayed to God for it. As a matter of fact in 1 Pet. 3.12 we learn that God does not hear the prayers of sinners (that is to listen with the intent of answering). Some base their use of the sinners prayer on the passages that deal with calling on the name of the Lord to be saved (Rom. 10.13; Acts 22.16). But a close look at these passages will show that we call on the name of the Lord so as to be saved when we are baptized, not by repeating some sinners prayer! (See also 1 Pet. 3.21.) If someone ever says you can be saved if you will repeat some set of words they have labeled as the sinner’s prayer, ask them to show you where a single person in the Bible was commanded to utter or was saved by repeating those same words. If they can’t put their index finger on the passage, you should not believe them! I challenge anyone to find the sinner's prayer in the Bible!
We’re Saved By A Man, Not By A Plan
Whenever we mention God’s plan for our salvation, some immediately object and say that by submitting ourselves to some plan we make void the shed blood of Jesus. Such people fail to realize that the only way to escape the consequences of sin is to submit ourselves the plan and pattern that God has revealed to save us (Rom. 6.17-18; 2 Tim. 1.13; Heb. 8.5). Yes, we are saved by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1.18-19), but we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Matt. 7.21-23), and we will go to hell if we do not obey the gospel, i.e., his plan for our salvation (2 Thess. 1.7-9).
Lord willing, next week we will discuss the common misconception that "we must earn our salvation." Have questions? Want more information from the Bible about these misconceptions? Contact me anytime (see below).
originally published in the Banner-Gazette
2007.09.05