Is The Sinner’s Prayer Biblical?


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Just_a_Christian

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It does not say he that is not baptized is condemned. It says he that does not believe is condemned.
We see examples of those who were saved without baptism, as well.



Very clever in the way that you snipped that verse. It's actually says:

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts of the Apostles 22:16).

In other words, it is saying to wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord. It is saying it is something future that Paul will have the capacity to do (see 1 John 2:1 and 1 John 1:9).



Right, it is a command, but not all commands are a salvation issue. For example: There is a sin unto death and a sin not unto death (1 John 5:16-17). Sin is merely transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4).
If you believe any of the Bible ALL commands are a "salvation" issue, just so happens this particulare command deals with forgiveness of sins too.
In Him
 
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Transgression of the law

I do believe I quoted the Bible saying that already. Why are you repeating something I have already told you?
 
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If you believe any of the Bible ALL commands are a "salvation" issue, just so happens this particulare command deals with forgiveness of sins too.
In Him

Sins That Do Not Lead Unto Spiritual Death:

#1. 1 John 5:16-17 mentions the "sin not unto death."
In context to 1 John 5: This would be talking about confessed grievous sin that one is striving to overcome with the Lord's help. In 1 John 5, the brethren are praying for this believer to have victory (life) over their sin as this believer confesses their sin.

#2. Psalms 19:12 says, "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults." I believe these would be faults of character or minor errors that a person might make with people. Example: A person may not be a great listener, and they do not allow others to speak like they should. By not listening to others may come off a little like they do not care (even though they care in their own way or a different way). Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem. The Spirit warned Paul not to go. He was still determined to go because he loved His fellow Jews and wanted them to know the love of Jesus. The Spirit told the brethren that Paul will be imprisoned by his going to Jerusalem. The brethren warned Paul not to go. They were in tears and loved him and begged him not to go. But Paul did not listen. He would not hear them. He did not want to hear it. Fault of character. Hidden fault. Minor error of his character. It is not something that condemned him (See Acts of the Apostles 21, and read this article here by Ray Stedman; Note: There is even a better write up than this one by Bible commentator James Boice here; Please keep in mind I do not share their views on Soteriology, though; I merely agree with their view on what happened with Paul in Acts of the Apostles 21).

#3. The Command to Baptized.
Paul says Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17). If it was essential to salvation, then why would Paul say something like this? In 1 Peter 3:21: Peter says baptism is not for the putting away of the filth of the flesh. If you were to turn to 2 Corinthians 7:1, you would see that it uses similar wording ("filthiness of the flesh") that is clearly in reference to sin. So Peter is saying that baptism is not for the putting away of "sin" [i.e. filth of the flesh]. In other words, baptism is not a command that if disobeyed, leads to spiritual death.

#4. Other Commands in the New Testament that do not seem like a major violation of loving God and loving your neighbor that had not death penalties attached to it. One example would be the command to Rejoice when men persecute you or falsely accuse you of evil in Matthew 5:11-12.

Real world examples: Going 5 miles per hour over the speed limit in area that is not life threatening to others. Not taking out the trash yesterday when it was a little stinky. These minor transgressions would obviously not send a Christian to hell.

However, the Bible describes those kinds of grievous sins that will cause of a loss of salvation (See: Matthew 5:28-30, Matthew 6:15, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 9:62, 1 Corinthians 16:22, 1 John 3:15, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Revelation 21:8).

Side Note:

Please understand that I am not saying we should disregard or make light of any of God's commandments. Christians will want to obey all of God's commands. It is just that if all commands led to a loss of salvation, we would all be doomed. For him to know to do good and he does it not, to him it is sin. So if you failed to do something minor in your life like cleaning the house (When you know you should have) but you were too tired, are you going to hell over that? I do not believe so. For remember, that in the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant, there were servants who were a little profitable and they were able to enter God's Kingdom and be rewarded.
 
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Just_a_Christian

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Sins That Do Not Lead Unto Spiritual Death:

#1. 1 John 5:16-17 mentions the "sin not unto death."
In context to 1 John 5: This would be talking about confessed grievous sin that one is striving to overcome with the Lord's help. In 1 John 5, the brethren are praying for this believer to have victory (life) over their sin as this believer confesses their sin.

#2. Psalms 19:12 says, "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults." I believe these would be faults of character or minor errors that a person might make with people. Example: A person may not be a great listener, and they do not allow others to speak like they should. By not listening to others may come off a little like they do not care (even though they care in their own way or a different way). Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem. The Spirit warned Paul not to go. He was still determined to go because he loved His fellow Jews and wanted them to know the love of Jesus. The Spirit told the brethren that Paul will be imprisoned by his going to Jerusalem. The brethren warned Paul not to go. They were in tears and loved him and begged him not to go. But Paul did not listen. He would not hear them. He did not want to hear it. Fault of character. Hidden fault. Minor error of his character. It is not something that condemned him (See Acts of the Apostles 21, and read this article here by Ray Stedman; Note: There is even a better write up than this one by Bible commentator James Boice here; Please keep in mind I do not share their views on Soteriology, though; I merely agree with their view on what happened with Paul in Acts of the Apostles 21).

#3. The Command to Baptized.
Paul says Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17). If it was essential to salvation, then why would Paul say something like this? In 1 Peter 3:21: Peter says baptism is not for the putting away of the filth of the flesh. If you were to turn to 2 Corinthians 7:1, you would see that it uses similar wording ("filthiness of the flesh") that is clearly in reference to sin. So Peter is saying that baptism is not for the putting away of "sin" [i.e. filth of the flesh]. In other words, baptism is not a command that if disobeyed, leads to spiritual death.

#4. Other Commands in the New Testament that do not seem like a major violation of loving God and loving your neighbor that had not death penalties attached to it. One example would be the command to Rejoice when men persecute you or falsely accuse you of evil in Matthew 5:11-12.

Real world examples: Going 5 miles per hour over the speed limit in area that is not life threatening to others. Not taking out the trash yesterday when it was a little stinky. These minor transgressions would obviously not send a Christian to hell.

However, the Bible describes those kinds of grievous sins that will cause of a loss of salvation (See: Matthew 5:28-30, Matthew 6:15, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 9:62, 1 Corinthians 16:22, 1 John 3:15, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Revelation 21:8).

Side Note:

Please understand that I am not saying we should disregard or make light of any of God's commandments. Christians will want to obey all of God's commands. It is just that if all commands led to a loss of salvation, we would all be doomed. For him to know to do good and he does it not, to him it is sin. So if you failed to do something minor in your life like cleaning the house (When you know you should have) but you were too tired, are you going to hell over that? I do not believe so. For remember, that in the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant, there were servants who were a little profitable and they were able to enter God's Kingdom and be rewarded.
Those who are in Christ have a continual forgiveness of sins,
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
the Bible says we are to be baptized into Christ
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27
This baptism is for the remission of sins.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Acts 22:16

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. - 1 John 2:3-4
Why refuse that which is plainly written?
In Him
 
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Carl Emerson

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Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:21-23
Please, listen to God's word. These people had FAITH

Dear Friend, we must be careful to divide His word carefully. This passage does not say that these folks had faith. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. Rom 10:17. Clearly He was not directing them to do these deeds. By contrast Jesus says My sheep hear my voice and they follow me... Jesus Himself could only do the works He saw the father doing. Many 'Christian' works are done without hearing His voice or seeing what He intends. This is very serious. Hearing His voice is critical to salvation. Without this, combined with obedience, we are not doing the will of the Father.

Blessings to you all...

Carl Emerson
 
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You have not defined it ... transgression of the law

It does not appear you understand what I am saying with the Bible plainly. Whether this is intentional or not, I do not know. However, I will not continue to engage with posters who do not appear to understand what I have written. Most people do not misunderstand me on public Christian forums over the years like in your case. So I am moving on from taking to you.

In either case, may God’s love shine upon you.
 
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Those who are in Christ have a continual forgiveness of sins,
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
the Bible says we are to be baptized into Christ
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27
This baptism is for the remission of sins.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Acts 22:16

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. - 1 John 2:3-4
Why refuse that which is plainly written?
In Him

If you are correct, then please explain the verses I brought forth.

Also, how do explain Romans 6:4-5 as baptism being a metaphor or parallel of salvation? For it says that baptism is a picture or symbol of Christ’s death or burial.

Metaphors usually point us to the real thing.
For example, the fruit of the vine in the Lord’s supper represents the cleansing blood of Christ. But that does not mean that our partaking in the Lord’s supper is a salvation issue.
 
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Those who are in Christ have a continual forgiveness of sins,
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
the Bible says we are to be baptized into Christ
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27
This baptism is for the remission of sins.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Acts 22:16

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. - 1 John 2:3-4
Why refuse that which is plainly written?
In Him

I am also very familiar with 1 John 1:7. But does walking in the light include the command of baptism for the thief on the cross?
 
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New Birth

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I am also very familiar with 1 John 1:7. But does walking in the light include the command of baptism for the thief on the cross?
I think your spanning two covenants. The thief was under the law if he was a Jew but he may have been a Greek or gentile. Either way he died in the time period of the law and not the new covenant of the new birth.
 
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I think your spanning two covenants. The thief was under the law if he was a Jew but he may have been a Greek or gentile. Either way he died in the time period of the law and not the new covenant of the new birth.

Not true. Jesus died before the thief. The New Covenant began officially with Christ’s death. For Hebrews says a testament is not in force until the testator dies.
 
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New Birth

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Not true. Jesus died before the thief. The New Covenant began officially with Christ’s death. For Hebrews says a testament is not in force until the testator dies.
the new covenant consist of being born again of water and the spirit. the spirit was not poured out until the day of Pentecost. This is when the new covenant came into effect. the guy on the cross was not under the new covenant as the holy ghost was not yet poured out and Jesus had not even resurrected yet.
 
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Carl Emerson

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As Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom signifying a desecration of the temple by God Himself, the termination of the authority of the priesthood and the end of the Old Covenant. The thief died later after his legs were broken by the soldiers. He clearly did not die during the old covenant period as it had already ended.

Blessings

Carl Emerson.
 
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Just_a_Christian

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Dear Friend, we must be careful to divide His word carefully. This passage does not say that these folks had faith. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. Rom 10:17. Clearly He was not directing them to do these deeds. By contrast Jesus says My sheep hear my voice and they follow me... Jesus Himself could only do the works He saw the father doing. Many 'Christian' works are done without hearing His voice or seeing what He intends. This is very serious. Hearing His voice is critical to salvation. Without this, combined with obedience, we are not doing the will of the Father.

Blessings to you all...

Carl Emerson
I am rightly using the word, to deny something that is so plainly written is wringly using the word. It is no different than any other directive given in the New Testament, by the mouth if our Lord no less. Im not minimizing the role of Faith, I'm not ignoring other scriptures.
What human has the right to say God's word doesn't say that which it does??
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:21-23
These didn't have faith? They most certainly did, so faith clearl will not save, we must be willing to obey God.
 
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Just_a_Christian

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As Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom signifying a desecration of the temple by God Himself, the termination of the authority of the priesthood and the end of the Old Covenant. The thief died later after his legs were broken by the soldiers. He clearly did not die during the old covenant period as it had already ended.

Blessings

Carl Emerson.
Regardless of when he died, Jesus forgave him before He died. Major difference.
 
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Carl Emerson

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the new covenant consist of being born again of water and the spirit. the spirit was not poured out until the day of Pentecost. This is when the new covenant came into effect. the guy on the cross was not under the new covenant as the holy ghost was not yet poured out and Jesus had not even resurrected yet.

The indwelling spirit promised to come with the New Covenant in Jeramiah 31 and 32 was available before Pentecost as Jesus appeared to the disciples and breathed on them, they received His indwelling presence - John 20:22. The giving of the Spirit at Pentecost was an empowering for ministry the same was as Jesus received as a permanent anointing to empower His ministry. Salvation comes with the indwelling of Jesus in the New Covenant. Empowering for ministry is a different issue.

Blessings,

Carl Emerson.
 
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Just_a_Christian

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If you are correct, then please explain the verses I brought forth.

Also, how do explain Romans 6:4-5 as baptism being a metaphor or parallel of salvation? For it says that baptism is a picture or symbol of Christ’s death or burial.

Metaphors usually point us to the real thing.
For example, the fruit of the vine in the Lord’s supper represents the cleansing blood of Christ. But that does not mean that our partaking in the Lord’s supper is a salvation issue.
You are saying it is a metaphor, Paul is clearly simply making a point. The prior verse makes that extremely clear.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: - Romans 6:3-5
We are raised a new creature in Christ, having our sins forgiven. Our old body of sin is crucified with Christ.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. - Romans 6:6
 
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Carl Emerson

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I am rightly using the word, to deny something that is so plainly written is wringly using the word. It is no different than any other directive given in the New Testament, by the mouth if our Lord no less. Im not minimizing the role of Faith, I'm not ignoring other scriptures.
What human has the right to say God's word doesn't say that which it does??
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:21-23
These didn't have faith? They most certainly did, so faith clearl will not save, we must be willing to obey God.

The biblical definition of faith requires first that we hear His Word on a matter. The scripture you quote does not say the the condemned had faith. We must be careful not to add to His word.

Blessings,

Carl Emerson.
 
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Just_a_Christian

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The biblical definition of faith requires first that we hear His Word on a matter. The scripture you quote does not say the the condemned had faith. We must be careful not to add to His word.
What does calling Jesus lord signify to you?
The Etheopian eunuch heard the word and was baptized right away. On the day of pentecost, those who had heard the word said what MUST we do. Peter's answer:

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. - Acts 2:38

IN HIM
 
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