How is the sinner’s prayer used in scripture? | Joel Osteen (2024)

Not a single passage describes a “sinner’s prayer” or any prayer related to or connected with one’s being saved or converted. The only passage most used to justify such a prayer¹ actually qualifies “calling on the Lord” not as any sort of prayer. Rather, Paul¹ ties it to belief (heart) and confession (mouth). Further, we see the phrase used again by Paul² to describe the ongoing worship that the saved engage in as a local church. Indeed, we can go to other passages to see a more complete definition, including Paul’s own conversion. There is no such thing as a “sinner’s prayer” in Scripture! And take heed, Jesus warns that there will be those who think they are justified in “calling on the name of the Lord”, but they will be condemned³.

If you were “saved” by praying a prayer, please reconsider what God says — not what Joel Osteen or Billy Graham say — about how one comes into a relationship with Him. He knows better than any preacher or so-called “Pastor”. Read for yourself in His Word (we suggest the book of Acts). Or, consider what we’ve assembled from His word about salvation with their supporting scripture-blocks.