Is the “Sinner’s Prayer” in the Bible?

[Beckworth]

Your focus is on the physical, whereas Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. We must be born again, and that is a Spiritual rebirth. Hmmm, much of your post seems contradictory since you earlier mentioned people being baptized for reasons other than belief.

True. That Was musleading. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I was confining my comments to the wording in Mark 16:16. Let me re-phrase that. The basis on which ANY person would be willing to be baptized is that they believe that Jesus is the son of God. With out that belief, it is ludicrous to think they would be baptized anyway. Yes there are other reasons, GOOD reasons, for being baptized

Your focus is on the physical, whereas Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. We must be born again, and that is a Spiritual rebirth. Hmmm, much of your post seems contradictory since you earlier mentioned people being baptized for reasons other than belief.

 

[Nehemiah6]

There is no such thing as saying a sinner’s prayer to be saved in the Bible.

FALSE. There are many sinner's prayers in the Bible. Dig deeper.

 

[Beckworth]

True. That Was musleading. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I was confining my comments to the wording in Mark 16:16. Let me re-phrase that. The basis on which ANY person would be willing to be baptized is that they believe that Jesus is the son of God. With out that belief, it is ludicrous to think they would be baptized anyway. Yes there are other reasons, GOOD reasons, for being baptized

Reasons to be baptized:
You put on Christ in baptism- Galations 3:27
You are baptized into his death (where the Blood of Jesus is). Romans 6:3
You are united with Christ Romans

FALSE. There are many sinner's prayers in the Bible. Dig deeper.

FALSE. There are many sinner's prayers in the Bible. Dig deeper.

iPlease note that I qualified my statement Iand limited it to those being said in order to be saved. I am not referring to any sinner’s prayer in the Bible. Only those who were prayed by a non Christian who is seeking salvation by prayer. This is what men are teaching today: that you can be saved just by saying a prayer. By the way. Is that not a work? Isn’t that something you have to DO? I find it interesting that you say baptism is a “work” but believing in Jesus is not a work. Trusting in Jesus is not a work and saying a sinner’s prayer is not a work, repenting is not a work? How so? Could it be you have closed your eyes and stopped your ears to the truth?

 

[Beckworth]

True. That Was musleading. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I was confining my comments to the wording in Mark 16:16. Let me re-phrase that. The basis on which ANY person would be willing to be baptized is that they believe that Jesus is the son of God. With out that belief, it is ludicrous to think they would be baptized anyway. Yes there are other reasons, GOOD reasons, for being baptized

Reasons to be baptized:
You put on Christ in baptism- Galations 3:27
You are baptized into his death (where the Blood of Jesus is). Romans 6:3
You are united with Christ Romans

As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches through careful consideration of the language and context of the verse. We also filter it through what we know the Bible teaches elsewhere on the subject. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation.

Regarding Mark 16:16, it is important to remember that there are some textual problems with Mark chapter 16, verses 9-20. There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.

Assuming that verse 16 is original to Mark, does it teach that baptism is required for salvation? The short answer is, no, it does not. In order to make it teach that baptism is required for salvation, one must go beyond what the verse actually says. What this verse does teach is that belief is necessary for salvation, which is consistent with the countless verses where only belief is mentioned (e.g., John 3:18; John 5:24; John 12:44; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). This verse is composed of two basic statements. 1—He who believes and is baptized will be saved. 2—He who does not believe will be condemned.

While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized (they are saved), it does not say anything about believers who have not been baptized. In order for this verse to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a third statement would be necessary, viz., “He who believes and is not baptized will be condemned” or “He who is not baptized will be condemned.” But, of course, neither of these statements is found in the verse. More on Mark 16:16 here.

I seriously doubt that it would make any difference to those opposing baptism for salvation if Jesus himself had specifically said “ if you are not baptized you will not be saved.” After all, he just put Belief and ibaptism equals salvation (1+1=2) and you don’t believe that. He specifically said that baptism is for the remission of sins and you don’t believe that. He said baptism washes away sins and you don’t believe that. he said baptism saves you and you don’t believe that. Are you seriously saying that if God had said those who are not baptized will be condemned that you would have believed him??! I can’t believe that!!

The atheist knows exactly what the Bible says in Genesis 1:1. They just don’t believe it. You know exactly what the Bible teaches about baptism. You just choose not to believe it.

Reminds me of the story that Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. The rich man wanted Jesus to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers here on earth about hell. Jesus’s reply was “they have Moses and the prophets (the Old Testament scriptures). If they won’t listen to them then they won’t believe one who comes back from the dead. So I say, you have the scriptures. If you won’t believe them. Then it doesn’t matter what Jesus didn’t say. You would not have believed that either.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Reasons to be baptized:
You put on Christ in baptism- Galations 3:27
You are baptized into his death (where the Blood of Jesus is). Romans 6:3
You are united with Christ Romans

No man has the power to baptise you into those things, these passages are not water baptism, they are spirit baptism

You are blaspheming the spirit, giving credit to man for his work..

 

[Nehemiah6]

Could it be you have closed your eyes and stopped your ears to the truth?

The next thing you will say is that breathing air to live is a work. After all your lungs have to work. Do you see the ABSURDITY of your position?

 

[Lanolin]

Or Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:1-19?

 

[Lanolin]

Or Simons situation in Acts 18:-24?

He couldnt pay the holy spirit with money. He had to pRay.

 

[Lanolin]

And also Pauls prayer for Israel that they be saved. Acts 10:1

 

[Waggles]

All of the above is irrelevant
the fundamentals of Christian salvation is still and always will be

Acts 2:38

 

[eternally-gratefull]

All of the above is irrelevant
the fundamentals of Christian salvation is still and always will be

Acts 2:38

Actually john 3 - 6 is the fundamental truth..

Not your twisted interpretation of acts 2.

 

[tourist]

FALSE. There are many sinner's prayers in the Bible. Dig deeper.

Half the book of Psalms is a sinner's prayer..

 

[p_rehbein]

Since Peter preached that that’s what you must do to have remission of sins in Act2:38 and since all the apostles were there at the preaching of that sermon and then 3000 people were baptized that day, I believe they were among the 3000 being baptized. It makes no sense to argue that Peter and the rest of the apostles would not do what Peter was saying they must do to have remission of sins. Besides, God said he is no respecter of persons. So why would he require Paul to be baptized and not the other apostles? God does not require one thing from me to be saved and something different for you to be saved. His plan of salvation is the same for everyone.

Ah, but............this is only conjecture on your part, and NOT Biblical Truth because nowhere in Scripture is it recorded that the Apostles were water baptized.

As for the argument you pose............I can use the SAME argument to justify the Commandment of Foot Washing. However, the vast majority of Christians do not celebrate this event given to us by Christ Himself, because it is NOT recorded in Scripture that the Apostles did it.

So, one way or the other.....................please

 

[p_rehbein]

WOW! Do you really not know what the Bible teaches about baptism?? How do you get around such passages as Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21? Just to name a few. Do you attempt to “explain them away” or just cut them out of your Bible?

Acts 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So.... why is one being water baptized? To have their sins forgiven? OR, OR, because when they repented their sins were forgiven?

Simple explanation:

Repent and jump for joy every one of you..........for the remission of sins....

Why is one jumping for joy? To have their sins remitted? OR, OR, in celebration of their sins being remitted when they repented?

Pretty easy to see how so many folks can be so very wrong about Scripture and it's true meaning...........but, then, they have invested huge amounts of time, money, and energy into building a huge Church Group based on this and a couple of other flawed interpretations of Scripture.....

As for the other two, one must ponder the "one baptism" spoken of in Scripture. Which baptism is most likely to be the "one baptism" that is unto salvation?

water baptism?
or
Holy Spirit baptism?

I'm going with Holy Spirit baptism each and every time. Water baptism alone accomplishes nothing but getting a sinner soaking wet and very angry. And, BTW, any Church group that teaches a person MUST be water baptized in THEIR CHURCH to truly be saved, is not one I am going to check for the interpretation of Scriptures.

 

[p_rehbein]

The Precious Blood of Jesus


Leviticus 17:11, 14 (cp. Deuteronomy 12:23) “For the life of the flesh
is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an
atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement
for the soul…. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life
thereof …”

Hebrews 9:22 “Without the shedding of blood, there is
no remission of sins.”

1 John 1:7″… the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin.”

Exodus 12:13 “… and when I see the blood, I will pass over
you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you,
when I smite the land of Egypt.”

Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood
of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony …”

Hebrews 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience …

Hebrews 10:19, 22 “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter
into the holiest by the blood of Jesus … Let us draw near with a true
heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an
evil conscience …”

Hebrews 13:12 “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify
the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”

Romans 3:24-25 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

Romans 5:9 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

 

[p_rehbein]

ALL NEED TO REPENT:
EVEN THE CHURCH IS IN NEED OF REPENTANCE..........Some have strayed from the Gospel of Christ, some have failed to do what God purposed them to do, some have not kept the Commandments of Faith established by Christ during His Ministry here on earth, and some go about to and fro seeking to cause distrust and disruptions within the Church Body.

Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Luke 13:3 - I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ezekiel 18:21-23 - But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. (Read More...)

Revelation 2:5 - Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Proverbs 28:13 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Matthew 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Romans 2:4 - Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

 

[Nehemiah6]

...nowhere in Scripture is it recorded that the Apostles were water baptized.

But it is recorded that they were disciples of John the Baptizer, and in order to be such they were indeed baptized. Then they became disciples of Christ. While this was not Christian baptism, it was enough for Christ, who baptized them with the Holy Ghost personally, and personally underwent the baptism of John.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37)

While only two are mentioned here, these men were either related by blood or marriage or were friends with the other disciples. So it is implied that they two were baptized.

Nowadays it seems that Christians want EXPLICIT STATEMENTS about everything before they will believe. But many things are implied in Scripture.

 

[tourist]

Acts 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So.... why is one being water baptized? To have their sins forgiven? OR, OR, because when they repented their sins were forgiven?

Simple explanation:

Repent and jump for joy every one of you..........for the remission of sins....

Why is one jumping for joy? To have their sins remitted? OR, OR, in celebration of their sins being remitted when they repented?

Pretty easy to see how so many folks can be so very wrong about Scripture and it's true meaning...........but, then, they have invested huge amounts of time, money, and energy into building a huge Church Group based on this and a couple of other flawed interpretations of Scripture.....

As for the other two, one must ponder the "one baptism" spoken of in Scripture. Which baptism is most likely to be the "one baptism" that is unto salvation?

water baptism?
or
Holy Spirit baptism?

I'm going with Holy Spirit baptism each and every time. Water baptism alone accomplishes nothing but getting a sinner soaking wet and very angry. And, BTW, any Church group that teaches a person MUST be water baptized in THEIR CHURCH to truly be saved, is not one I am going to check for the interpretation of Scriptures.

The baptism that really matters is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, not water baptism. John himself said that "I baptize with water but the one coming after me will baptize with the Holy spirit and fire". I'm going with the version that Jesus does and not John. Again, you raised another good point and that is what church or denomination is acceptable to perform this ritual of water baptism and who is authorized to actually perform the rite? if you got baptized in the wrong church or denomination or the person that performed it was not authorized to perform this ritual would you then have to get re-baptized?

 

[tourist]

But it is recorded that they were disciples of John the Baptizer, and in order to be such they were indeed baptized. Then they became disciples of Christ. While this was not Christian baptism, it was enough for Christ, who baptized them with the Holy Ghost personally, and personally underwent the baptism of John.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37)

While only two are mentioned here, these men were either related by blood or marriage or were friends with the other disciples. So it is implied that they two were baptized.

Nowadays it seems that Christians want EXPLICIT STATEMENTS about everything before they will believe. But many things are implied in Scripture.

Exactly, one baptism of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.

 

[mailmandan]

No. There is no such thing as saying a sinner’s prayer to be saved in the Bible

So you pervert the gospel by teaching salvation by works instead. If someone wants to call upon the name of the Lord in prayer to be saved they are free to do so as long as they understand that it's the call from a sincere heart in faith that the Lord will save you that apprehends salvation and not merely reciting a set of words in a prayer as if reciting those words is a magical formula that saves apart from faith.