A Biblical Case For Repentance

[Bible Highlighter]

I believe the Sinner’s Prayer is just another way of the Bible saying to “Repent.”

My Biblical Case For Repentance:

Introduction:

Please keep in mind that the word “repent” can carry multiple meanings in the King James Bible. When it refers to God, it often signifies His grief or His decision to turn away or withhold something, depending on the context. However, when God calls man to repent, the meaning significantly changes.

Generally speaking, when the Bible tells man to repent, I believe that “repentance” means for us to “ask God for forgiveness” (such as through the Sinner’s Prayer), which, of course, naturally then leads to forsaking sin or seeking to overcome it. This would include also doing works of faith, as well. Meaning, the Bible teaches that true repentance is always followed by the “fruits of repentance.”

Yes, it is also true that in the New Testament, the Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō), translated as “repent,” can mean “a change of mind,” often encompassing the idea of turning from sin and directing one's heart toward God. This concept is illustrated in parables, which often use earthly stories to reflect spiritual truths about God and His kingdom.

For example:

Matthew 21:29
KJV: "He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went."
Context: In the Parable of the Two Sons, the son changes his mind and decides to obey his father’s request.

Yet, in another context, it can simply mean a 'change of mind' without necessarily implying turning from sin and approaching God.

Hebrews 12:17
KJV: "For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."
Context: Esau sought to change his father’s mind (or the consequences of his actions), but the decision was final, as Isaac had already bestowed the blessing upon Jacob, fulfilling the earlier prophecy that 'the older shall serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23), and reflecting Esau’s own earlier decision to sell his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:29-34).
In Hebrew, we see a similar idea:

Exodus 13:17
KJV: "Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt."
Explanation: Here, "repent" appears to refer to the Israelites changing their minds about leaving Egypt when faced with the fear of war. The passage implies a shift in their resolve or intent.

Early church writers, as well as Erasmus, understood μετανοέω (metanoeō) to mean a “change of mind.” In fact, this is the base meaning of the Greek word (see Category 4 section below). Additionally, while μετανοέω (metanoeō) has a wide semantic range, in certain contexts it is clear that it can mean “change of mind” alone, as well (as I have shown above). While I believe that "repentance" involves a "change of mind" to some degree in certain places in Scripture (e.g., a person changing their mind about their old life of sin) or “changing one’s mind” as in Hebrews 12:17, I do not believe that "repentance" exclusively means a “change of mind” alone when God tells man to repent. Otherwise, certain passages of Scripture that use the word “repent” would not make sense within their respective contexts.

Also, repentance toward God must include godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). A person who truly repents or seeks forgiveness with the Lord Jesus Christ will either genuinely be broken to tears or sorrowed greatly over their sin (or their past life of sin), desiring mercy from Jesus (who is God). Remember, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We see an example of being humbled before God with an example of repentance in the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee (See: Luke 18:9-14).

"Asking God for forgiveness of sin" can refer to two distinct contexts: the "Sinner's Prayer," which may be part of one's initial salvation when believing the saving gospel message (Romans 10:13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), or the ongoing confession of sin by a seasoned believer as part of continued fellowship with God (1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1).

Anyway, here is my Biblical Case for Repentance:

Category 1: Repentance Towards God ​

(Seeking Forgiveness with the Lord)​

(Eight points):

1. Jeremiah 8:6
   "I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle."
   • Here we see the words “repented of wickedness” tied with the words, “What have I done?” This is an acknowledgment of one’s sin to God as a part of asking His forgiveness.
2. Matthew 12:41
   "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here."
   • Jesus highlighted the Ninevites as an example of true repentance, saying they "repented at the preaching of Jonas." In Jonah 3:6-10, we see repentance as the cause and its fruits as the effect:
     • (a) Cry out to God (repentance): The king of Nineveh instructed the people to call upon God, acknowledging their sins and seeking His forgiveness (Jonah 3:8).
     • (b) Turn from their wickedness (fruits of repentance): The Ninevites demonstrated the effect of their repentance by turning away from their sinful ways and making good on their crying out to God, aligning their actions with their plea for forgiveness (Jonah 3:10).
   • In Jonah 3, the Ninevites crying out unto God (the cause or repentance) led directly to visible right actions (the effect), demonstrating that seeking forgiveness with God in humility naturally results in a transformed life, reflecting the fruits of true repentance. Forgiveness is a central theme in this story, as the Ninevites sought it by their repentance, and this theme is brought full circle in Jonah 4. After the Ninevites repent and God spares the city, Jonah becomes angry and questions God’s decision. In response, God contrasts Jonah’s fleeting pity for a plant that provided him shade with His own boundless compassion for the 120,000 people in Nineveh. Through this rhetorical question, God closes the narrative with a profound lesson on His mercy and His desire for repentance and forgiveness for all people, even those Jonah deems undeserving.
   • In Matthew 12:41, Jesus not only draws attention to the Ninevites’ repentance but also points to Himself as the Messiah, the ultimate source of forgiveness. By declaring, "a greater than Jonas is here," He foreshadows His own death and resurrection, referencing the three days He would spend in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40). This act of redemption parallels Jonah’s three days in the belly of the great fish and underscores Jesus’ role as the One who would secure forgiveness through His sacrifice. Just as the Ninevites sought God’s mercy and were forgiven, Jesus calls the Jews to repent—seeking forgiveness through Him—and believe in Him as their Savior.
3. Joel 2:12-13
   "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
   • The Hebrew word underlying the English word “turn” is שׁוּב (shuv), which is also translated as “repent” in other Old Testament Scriptures. In Ezekiel 14:6, the same Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuv) is rendered as “repent” when it says, "Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols."
     The translation of shuv as “repent” in Ezekiel 14:6, tied into the broader context of Joel 2, underscores the need for a complete and heartfelt return to the Lord. While Joel highlights the personal aspect of seeking forgiveness through fasting, weeping, and mourning, Ezekiel emphasizes forsaking idols as part of the fruits of repentance. Together, these pieces of Scripture reveal that true repentance in seeking God’s grace and mercy leads to turning away from sin.
4. Acts 8:22
   • We see Peter telling Simon to "repent of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." Peter is clearly instructing Simon to seek forgiveness from the Lord for this specific sin through prayer. Here, repentance involves acknowledging the sin and turning directly to God in prayer to ask for forgiveness. The idea of "repent" meaning "change your mind about sin" seems illogical in this context. It seems highly unlikely that Simon the sorcerer was planning to continue in this particular sin, as it was a very unique situation.
5. Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son)
   • We see repentance being discussed in Luke 15:6 and Luke 15:10, which is followed by the "Parable of the Prodigal Son." The Prodigal Son desired to be reconciled with his father, saying:
     “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18-19).
     • This shows that repentance involves seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, which ties into the larger theme of repentance in the chapter.
6. Luke 10:13
   • "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes."
   • If we interpret the word "repented" to mean "a change of mind" in this verse, it doesn't really add up. It seems highly improbable that Jesus is referring to Tyre and Sidon having some kind of "change of mind" about sin while also sitting in sackcloth and ashes. Is this supposed to be a meditation on the need to do what is right? That interpretation doesn’t make much sense. Typically, people change their minds about their sins in an instant, and they don’t need to be sitting in sackcloth and ashes to do so.
   • In addition, this verse also rules out the idea that repentance is exclusively forsaking sin, as well. While forsaking sin always follows true repentance (crying out to God for forgiveness), repentance here is described as a one-time event, tied to the act of sitting in sackcloth and ashes. Similarly, in Jonah 3:6, the King of Nineveh sat in sackcloth and ashes and told the people to:
     • Put on sackcloth and cry mightily to God (repentance).
     • Turn from their evil ways (fruits of repentance).
7. Luke 3:8
   • John the Baptist says we are to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. "Fruits" are deeds (or obedience to God). How can repentance be the same thing as the fruit? Is the fruit the same thing as the tree?
8. Matthew 3:6 and Mark 1:4-5
   • "Matthew 3:6" (which then lines up with Matthew 3:8). Also, Mark 1:4-5 says John preached the "baptism of repentance" for the remission of sins (verse 4), and it then defines this "baptism of repentance" by saying they confessed their sins when they were baptized (verse 5).

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Category 2: Repentance Between Men:​

This point highlights repentance as it relates to seeking forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships among mankind.

1. Luke 17:3
   "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."
   • This verse doesn’t make sense if “repent” means “believe in Jesus” (as some teach), “have a change of mind about sin” (as others teach), or “forsake sin exclusively.” While forsaking sin is part of repentance, it comes later (as a part of the fruits of repentance). Repentance here involves acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness with another person to mend or restore the relationship. How can reconciliation happen if one does not say they are sorry but instead acts as if nothing happened?

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​

Category 3: Selfish or Misguided Repentance:​

(Remorse Without Proper Resolution)​

This category addresses an instance where feelings of remorse or regret do not lead to the proper repentance that God desires (which is seeking forgiveness of one’s sins with Him).

1. Matthew 27:3

• In Matthew 27:3, the Greek word μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai) refers to feeling “regret” or “remorse.” At its heart, the concept of “repent” can involve the idea of being sorry or remorseful over one’s sins. In this case, Judas’ remorse was not directed toward God but was rooted in self-pity. The KJV notes, “he... repented himself,” showing his inward regret. Yet, Judas did not seek God’s forgiveness or mercy, and instead, his self-centered regret led to despair and ultimately to his death. This highlights that the word "repent" here can carry the meaning of remorse or feeling sorry, even if it is not properly directed toward the Lord our God.

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Bonus Category 1:
(Synonyms for the word “Repent” in Scripture):
The following points below do not use the word 'repent' (along with its morphological variations) but instead use other words that convey the meaning of repentance (i.e., seeking forgiveness with the Lord). Two points are repeated to emphasize their importance in understanding this study more thoroughly.

1. Romans 10:13
   • "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This reflects seeking forgiveness with the Lord Jesus Christ in faith and seeking His salvation.
2. Luke 18:13-14 (The Publican)
   • The publican’s plea, "God be merciful to me a sinner," is an example of repentance involving humility and asking for God’s mercy.
3. Proverbs 28:13
   • "Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Repentance involves confessing sins (seeking forgiveness of your sins before God), which in turn leads to forsaking sin (fruits of repentance).

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(Continued in next post):

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Bonus Category 2:
(Comparing the LXX Greek, Masoretic Hebrew, and KJV English):

Note: Yes, I do acknowledge that the various LXX manuscripts are not perfect and were not created before Christ. However, I still find them to be useful, particularly in studies like this one.

1. Job 42:6

• LXX (Septuagint):
  • "διὰ τοῦτο ἔβδελξα τὸν ἐμαυτὸν καὶ ἐμετανοήθην ἐπὶ χοῦν καὶ σποδόν."
  • ("Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.")
• Hebrew Word Equivalent:
  • נִחַמְתִּי (nihamti):
    • Root: נָחַם (nacham).
    • Meaning: This Hebrew root means "to regret," "to be sorry," or "to comfort oneself." In this context, it conveys sorrow or regret directed toward God, acknowledging error or wrongdoing. It often carries a nuance of repentance in relation to God's majesty and sovereignty.
• Greek Word:
  • ἐμετανοήθην (emetanoēthēn):
    • Root: μετανοέω (metanoeō).
    • Meaning: The verb means "to repent," "to change one’s mind," or "to reconsider." It is often used in a spiritual sense to indicate turning away from sin and aligning with God’s will. In this passage, it reflects Job’s humility and acknowledgment of God’s greatness.
• English (KJV):
  • "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Context Explanation:​

Job repents for his presumption in questioning God’s justice and sovereignty. His use of dust and ashes reflects mourning, humility, and a desire for reconciliation with God. Both nacham in Hebrew and metanoeō in Greek emphasize sorrowful repentance.

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​

2. Joel 2:12​

• LXX (Septuagint):
  • "Νῦν λέγει Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῶν, ἐπιστρέψατε πρός με ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν νηστείᾳ καὶ ἐν κλαυθμῷ καὶ ἐν κοπετῷ."
  • ("Now says the Lord your God, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.")
• Hebrew Word Equivalent:
  • שׁוּב (shuv):
    • Root: שׁוּב (shuv).
    • Meaning: This Hebrew root means "to turn" or "to return." It is often used in the context of repentance, signifying a physical or spiritual turning back to God. In Joel, it represents heartfelt repentance and a reorientation of life toward God.
• Greek Word:
  • ἐπιστρέψατε (epistrepsate):
    • Root: ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō).
    • Meaning: This verb means "to turn," "to turn back," or "to return." Like shuv, it conveys a literal and figurative turning, especially in the sense of returning to God in repentance.
• English (KJV):
  • "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."

Context Explanation:​

Joel delivers God’s call to Israel to repent in the face of national disaster. The call to "turn" (shuv/epistrephō) is a plea for sincere repentance, seeking forgiveness and mercy from God through fasting, mourning, and weeping. Both words emphasize a spiritual turning back to God.

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3. Jonah 3:8​

• LXX (Septuagint):
  • "καὶ περιβαλέσθωσαν σάκκους οἱ ἄνθρωποι καὶ τὰ κτήνη, καὶ βοήσουσιν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐκτενῶς, καὶ ἐπιστραφήσονται ἕκαστος ἀπὸ τῆς ὁδοῦ αὐτοῦ τῆς πονηρᾶς."
  • ("And let men and beasts be covered with sackcloth, and let them cry earnestly to God; and let each turnfrom his wicked way.")
• Hebrew Word Equivalent:
  • שׁוּב (shuv):
    • Root: שׁוּב (shuv).
    • Meaning: As in Joel, shuv here means "to turn" or "to return." It conveys a turning away from evil and a return to God. In Jonah, it is a collective and individual act of repentance toward God.
• Greek Word:
  • ἐπιστραφήσονται (epistraphēsontai):
    • Root: ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō).
    • Meaning: As in Joel, this word signifies "to turn back" or "to return." In Jonah, it underscores the repentance of the Ninevites as they turn from their wickedness and cry out to God for mercy.
• English (KJV):
  • "But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands."

Context Explanation:​

The king of Nineveh issues a decree urging repentance by fasting, wearing sackcloth, and turning from wickedness. The use of shuv/epistrephō highlights the act of repentance and seeking forgiveness. The collective turning from sin toward God reflects genuine contrition and a desire for divine mercy.

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Bonus Category 3:
(Understanding Lexemes and the Greek word for “Repent”):

A lexeme is a linguistic term that refers to the dictionary or base form of a word, encompassing its core meaning and all its inflected forms. For example, in English, the lexeme run includes variations like runs, ran, and running. This concept is essential for understanding how words function in biblical Greek, where a single lexeme can carry a range of meanings depending on its context.
One significant Greek lexeme is μετανοέω (metanoeō), often translated as "repent" in English Bibles. While the base meaning of metanoeō is "to change one’s mind," its biblical usage frequently extends to include a moral and spiritual transformation, often characterized by a direct turning to God.

The Lexeme Metanoeō and Its Meaning​

1. Base Meaning
   At its foundation, metanoeō signifies a "change of mind" or a reconsideration of one’s thoughts and actions. This base meaning provides the groundwork for its broader applications in Scripture.
2. Semantic Range
   The semantic range of metanoeō includes various meanings, shaped by the context in which the word is used. In biblical passages, the word often reflects not just a shift in thought but a deeper, more comprehensive spiritual response:
   • Turning from Sin: A decisive rejection of sinful behavior and attitudes.
   • Turning to God: An active pursuit of God’s forgiveness and restoration, often through prayer.
   • Seeking Reconciliation: A recognition of one’s need for divine mercy and grace, expressed in acts of confession and supplication.
3. Contextual Meaning in the Bible
   The theological depth of metanoeō often arises in contexts where repentance involves more than intellectual acknowledgment. It encompasses a heartfelt response to God, marked by both contrition and a commitment to change.

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Summary​

The Greek word metanoeō, commonly translated as "repent," starts with the base idea of a "change of mind" but often takes on a richer, more profound meaning in Scripture. Its biblical usage frequently conveys a moral and spiritual turning to God, involving prayer and the seeking of forgiveness. Acts 8:22 and other verses exemplifies this extended usage, where repentance is not just an internal shift but an outward appeal to God for mercy. Understanding metanoeō in this way underscores its dynamic role in calling individuals to align their hearts and actions with God’s will.

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​

I hope this study blesses you greatly, and may the Lord Jesus Christ shine all manner of good things upon you.

Sincerely,

~ Bible Highlighter.

 

[redleghunter]

Is The Sinner’s Prayer Biblical?

I will give my answer below (with Scripture).

Hi Jason, did you have one in mind as you called it The sinners prayer.

However, if you meant 'any' or 'a' as in use, there is one for sure I know of and that is Psalm 51.

 

[CodyFaith]

I have no doubt some have been saved through a sinner's prayer.

All that is required for everlasting salvation is genuine faith in Jesus sacrifice on the cross as atonement for all your sins, past, present and future. And God covers many forms of ignorance to simpler folk as well as those confused by theologies... his grace and mercy is abundant.

A truly humble person who recieves Christ into their heart has eternal life and has their name written in Heaven forever, never to be removed. And so by saying the sinner's prayer, whatever version, many came to recieve the forgiveness of God.

 

[A_Thinker]

Is The Sinner’s Prayer Biblical?

I will give my answer below (with Scripture).

Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner ???

Luke 18

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive.’

13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Hi Jason, did you have one in mind as you called it The sinners prayer.

However, if you meant 'any' or 'a' as in use, there is one for sure I know of and that is Psalm 51.

It can refer to The Sinner’s Prayer in the singular sense that it refers to a prayer of forgiveness towards Jesus Christ when coming to the faith for the first time. Repentance can refer to confession of sin by prayer to the Lord, as well. The Sinner’s Prayer is commonly referred to as an initial prayer in seeking forgiveness with Jesus. Hence, why I labeled it as I did.

 

[Dave L]

I think the sinner's prayer is a ritual people trust in for salvation instead of trusting directly in Christ. They end up being their own savior focusing on and artificial means of grace. The gospel is simply believing what you hear about Jesus' death for our sins. His burial and resurrection on the third day. And your belief is evidence you have eternal life. Jesus said whoever believes has eternal life. And repentance follows true belief.

 

[Brian Mcnamee]

In the Bible there is a line and you are on one side of it or not. Saved or not. The gospel is preached and the call to respond to it is what we see in Acts 2 when Peter preached this is what happened.
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly[fn] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added

So Peter managed to get a message and a response and we see they even were Baptized right then. All of his words are not mentioned but he managed to make it clear you were crossing from one side of the line to the other.

The sinners prayer without the right gospel is wrong every time. People need to know why they need to be saved and saved from what and how. They need to know what repentance is and if these ideas are shared offering a chance to make a confession of faith is a good thing. But not a necessary thing. There is a moment in every believers life when they are converted and many have made this a ceremony and now a custom of saying the prayer.

 

[Basil the Great]

The problem with the sinner's prayer is that it is not a "get out of jail free card" in terms of avoiding Hell, not in and of itself anyway. Jesus clearly emphasized that if we fail to show mercy to the hungry and the homeless, we will not make it to Heaven. Hence, the sinner's prayer is but a beginning first step.

 

[Jonaitis]

I agree with DaveL, what is typically known as the sinner's prayer has lead many people to trust in it as the means to be saved, and many of those people never heard the gospel to begin with (which actually saves), or end up falling out of the church in the future.

Simply trusting and repenting under the gospel is sufficient enough, no need to pray for it, although I don't immediately discourage a confession in prayer. I would emphasis in a case like that to the people that this prayer does not save you, just as baptism does not save you, but rather you resting your faith in the person and work of Christ.

 

[timothyu]

The gospel is simply believing what you hear about Jesus' death for our sins. His burial and resurrection on the third day. And your belief is evidence you have eternal life. Jesus said whoever believes has eternal life. And repentance follows true belief.

None of this or other statements here takes into account Jesus' Gospel of the Kingdom which divided itself from the world of man and gave us the choice to repent of one way of living for the other and producing fruits to confirm it.

 

[d taylor]

The sinners prayer saves no one, just as the Bible saves no one. The only object for a person faith to directed toward is The promised Messiah from the Old Testament prophecies and that person is reveled in the New Testament as Jesus The Christ.
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

There is no life in a sinners prayer a person has to go to the only place where there is eternal life to receive eternal life and that is Jesus.

 

[Dkh587]

No. “The sinner’s prayer” teaches a false way of salvation, which is “pray this way & you are saved”.

 

[worshipjunkie]

I really don't see how you express repentance and trust and faith in God except through prayer. It's not that you're believing in that prayer for salvation, it's that the prayer is how you are expressing the faith you have in Jesus Christ.

 

[timothyu]

I really don't see how you express repentance and trust and faith in God except through prayer.

Fruits of your actions in ways contrary to man's?

 

[GingerBeer]

No. It's just revivalist but not biblical.

 

[Just_a_Christian]

Absolutely not, 100%. And of course the verses everyone wants to use to prove otherwise is, "whosoever believes shall be saved", while this is true it is only half true. The whole word says totally different.
Does the Bible say, did Jesus say, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature he who believes and is baptized shall be saved"? No matter how badly anyone wants that to mean something else, it still says the same thing. Does the Bible say, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". No matter what anyone wishes or wants that to mean or say, it says for the remission of sins. It will always say that which it says, even untill the dawn of that etternal day.
In Him

 

[Bible Highlighter]

In the Bible there is a line and you are on one side of it or not. Saved or not. The gospel is preached and the call to respond to it is what we see in Acts 2 when Peter preached this is what happened.
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly[fn] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added

So Peter managed to get a message and a response and we see they even were Baptized right then. All of his words are not mentioned but he managed to make it clear you were crossing from one side of the line to the other.

The sinners prayer without the right gospel is wrong every time. People need to know why they need to be saved and saved from what and how. They need to know what repentance is and if these ideas are shared offering a chance to make a confession of faith is a good thing. But not a necessary thing. There is a moment in every believers life when they are converted and many have made this a ceremony and now a custom of saying the prayer.

Nobody is suggesting that the Sinner's Prayer is separate from the gospel. I believe the word "repent" is another way of saying "Sinner's Prayer" and it played in harmony with the gospel (i.e. believing in Christ's death and resurrection for salvation). The gospel is all about God's grace and mercy. So obviously seeking forgiveness with the Lord goes hand in hand with that.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I think the sinner's prayer is a ritual people trust in for salvation instead of trusting directly in Christ. They end up being their own savior focusing on and artificial means of grace. The gospel is simply believing what you hear about Jesus' death for our sins. His burial and resurrection on the third day. And your belief is evidence you have eternal life. Jesus said whoever believes has eternal life. And repentance follows true belief.

John 1:12 says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"

 

[timothyu]

and it played in harmony with the gospel (i.e. believing in Christ's death and resurrection for salvation). The gospel is all about God's grace and mercy.

The Adversary knew this to be the case. No salvation for him. Jesus' Gospel, the true Gospel, however which exposes the ways of man being contrary to the will of God and shows repentance, that is change from the will of man to will of God as shown by fruits, is a threat to his dominion here, especially as he has no place in the Kingdom.