Think on These
Things
by Tom McLemore
Question: “Preacher, Is the instruction for sinners to ‘pray the
sinner’s prayer’ from Jesus?”
Answer: Scripture does not indicate that it is. In fact, it is saddening to contemplate what
Jesus must be thinking and feeling when people who claim to represent him offer
such instruction to lost sinners. The
so-called “sinner’s prayer” approach to salvation involves requesting Jesus to
provide salvation simply for the asking.
What is overlooked is that Jesus has offered salvation on condition of
obeying what he has commanded. Jesus
said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not
believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Can we imagine Jesus responding to the praying of the so-called
“sinner’s prayer” in this way: “It doesn't matter that they will not do what I
command. All that matters is that I do
what they ask?” Likely he would respond in terms of Luke 6:46: “Why do you call
me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
Truly, no one should call upon Jesus to save until and before one is
willing to comply with HIS call and commands.
Address questions to tommclemore@juno.com
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