As a Lutheran I subscribe to the principle of Sola Scriptura; this does not mean, however, that I believe in what has sometimes been called
Nuda Scriptura.
I am not saying something cannot be true unless it is stated explicitly in Scripture.
I am saying, however, that the idea that an unregenerate person can simply speak some kind of prayer or incantation and this act flips some kind of switch from unsaved to saved is entirely without support in the text of Sacred Scripture; it is also entirely without support in the historic faith and practice of the Church of the last two thousand years. It is a purely modern theological innovation introduced by certain neo-Protestants in the last hundred years.
The tradition of the Sinner's Prayer can be traced back to late 19th and early 20th century; operating from within the Revivalist Tradition which emerged during the 19th century religious movement known as the Second Great Awakening; of chief importance in this area is the influence and work of
Charles G. Finney,
Dwight L. Moody,
Billy Sunday, and
Bill Bright.
Scripture, and the entire history of the Christian faith, maintains that salvation is not some kind of light switch that can be flipped on and off; but instead is the multifaceted work of God operating in the world, especially in the human life, through His grace. It is the operational power of the Holy Spirit who works through gracious means, e.g. Word and Sacrament, by which God creates, works, and strengthens faith; repairs in us the damage of sin, calls us to a life of good works and repentance, and speaks to us our justification whereby, on Christ's account, we are reckoned as righteous and holy before God. Not on the basis of our own strength, ability, or merit; but on the basis of God's mercy, Christ's work, and the Holy Spirit's power.
I am, therefore, made new in Christ, by the Holy Spirit, by the grace of God through the work, activity, power, and mercy of God in what He does--through the call of the Gospel, through the comfort of Christ who died for us and rose again, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism by which we are washed and renewed, cleansed and united to Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection, through the Holy Eucharist where we receive the very flesh and blood of the Savior who gave His life for us and who lives and reigns at the right hand of the Father, through the continual good mercy of God who absolves me of my sins through Holy Absolution. So that I, though a sinner and wretch, might boldly approach the Throne of Grace--boldly, not because I am worthy, but because Christ is worthy, and I come before God clothed with Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
-CryptoLutheran
