Question: Mr. McLemore, I want to be saved. Will God save me if I simply pray the sinner’s prayer?

Answer: The so-called "sinner’s prayer" basically contains an acknowledgment of sins, a confession of repentance and faith, and an appeal for Jesus Christ to enter the sinner’s life and become one’s Savior and Lord. Those who urge people to pray the "sinner’s prayer" assure them that upon praying that prayer, they will be saved. The the petitions contained in such a prayer are noble and good. They are all essential to receiving salvation. Yet, is it a complete response to the question of what one must do to be saved? Please consider the fact that in the New Testament, no sinner inquiring after salvation was ever told to "pray the sinner’s prayer." Please read Acts 2:37-41; 16:25-34; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21. These passages contain all the elements of the so-called "sinner’s prayer." However, they also indicate that salvation comes only to those penitent, confessing, praying believers who are also baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of sins.