What is the sinner’s prayer? II

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What’s Your Question? for June 11, ‘08

What is the sinner’s prayer?

Simon was told to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22). Some teach this as the way to become a child of God, but they ignore the context. Simon had believed and been baptized (v. 13), and then he sinned by trying to buy apostolic power to perform miracles. Cornelius prayed (Acts 10:2), but was told to send for Peter who would tell him "words by which you and your household will be saved" (Acts 11:14). Those who are children of God are told to confess their sins and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9), but the Bible does not teach what is called the sinner’s prayer for salvation. We become children of God by obedience to the gospel (Mk. 16:16), and then we have the privilege of praying for forgiveness.