“Did you pray THE Prayer?”
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Hello. My name is Jarin and I’m concerned about your soul. Is it going to be in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, let’s pray THE Prayer. This prayer is the only way you can know for sure if you’re saved. Let’s pray it, come on, let’s pray the prayer. Give your soul to the Lord.
The truth is, I am concerned for your soul. However, I won’t approach you that way. In fact, I won’t ask you to pray the prayer.
“WHAT? YOU WON’T PROMPT WITH THE PRAYER?” is probably what you’re screaming in your head.
The answer is, “no, I won’t.” I’ll show you scripture that lays out how salvation works. In fact, I plan on doing that here.
It’s been almost a couple years since this incident occurred, but I’d like to spell out the story for you.
I was asked about my salvation experience, and I answered something like this:
“Well, when I was in high school, I didn’t have many friends. Before a few key people, I had none. I began going to church because I knew the kids there would have to hang out with me. (You’ve already read this I’m sure in the Jarin, Untold. story.) I didn’t go to learn about Jesus, but only because I was lonely for friendship.
I soon began noticing a change in myself. I began speaking to the Lord and reading scripture, I began developing a relationship with Jesus. I never prayed a ‘prayer of salvation.’ I knew, from my reading of scripture, and acknowledged it was true in my heart/mind/soul, and I believed Jesus is who He says He is. (Notice the present tense, He’s still alive.)
I also began telling people, with my mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and God raised Him from the dead.
My understanding of Romans 10, assures me of my salvation.”
That was more or less, the content of what I said. I’m sure the wording was different; it was quite a while back.
The initial response I received was, “But you did, pray THE prayer….right?”
I was baffled. I was spilling my story and life out, and immediately it was discounted because I didn’t do what current church culture says. I don’t disagree that it has it’s place, and is an easy way to walk people through what scripture says, but I dare say, It’s not the END ALL prayer.
There isn’t a single scripture that says, you have to pray the prayer of salvation, and there definitely isn’t a prayer listed that is THE prayer.
When talking with people, and leading them into a relationship with Jesus, I’ll be the first to say, “There isn’t a magic word, or prayer that makes you saved. What I pray with you is a SUGGESTION of what you could pray however, make it personal. I don’t know everything that’s in your heart or life, and I won’t make a blanket prayer to cover that. I will, tell you what scripture says, though, and that’s what you should formulate your prayer by.”
I then share Romans 10:9-13 with them.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It’s really actually simple, and yet the Church complicates it so much. It’s no power of our own that makes this possible, so why make it about us? Jesus wants a relationship with everyone, so allow Scripture to testify!
Repentance is important too, and often, it’s lumped up with the passage in Romans, 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Confessions of sin to the Lord, and acknowledgement of Him via our hearts and mouth, are the recipe for salvation.
Jesus loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. If you have questions or want more information about having a relationship with him, please hit up our comments page. It sends an email to us, and allows us to follow up with you.
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