Altar Calls and the Sinner's Prayer?

Who's ready to get saved? I see that hand! Come on down! You're the next contestant on the altar call! All you have to do is say this prayer and ask Jesus into your heart and you will have everlasting life!

The Origin of the Altar Call and the Sinner's Prayer

Except that model for salvation is not given anywhere in the Bible. It's believed that the altar call originated with the Methodist Church in the 1700s. It was later picked up by Charles Finney, a Presbyterian minister from the Second Great Awakening who used the altar call to sign up converts for the abolition movement.

By the end of the 19th century, the sinner's prayer was incorporated. In responding to an invitation to come forward, a person would pray a prayer of confession and commit their life to following Christ.

Later wording involved asking Jesus into their heart. After the Billy Graham crusades of the late 20th century, the sinner's prayer has become so prominent in the church that many can't imagine doing evangelism any other way.

Why the Sinner's Prayer Cannot Save

Some genuine conversions have resulted, but it has contributed heavily to apostasy. People are led to believe that just because they prayed a prayer, they're saved, as if they came to a magic altar, recited a magic spell, and poof!

They live forever! But that's not how a person is saved. Repentance and faith are not momentary. They should be ongoing in the life of a believer. We should display an increasing love for others, holiness in our lifestyle, and belief in sound doctrine.

Abiding in Christ and Salvation by Grace

Jesus said, He it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. A person's walk of faith can begin with a prayer, but it doesn't save them. We are not saved by works, but by the grace of God, when we understand the text.