Bright Idea Blog

Here is a post on the issue of whether a person can lose their salvation. Or more specifically someone who has "prayed the prayer" when they were young.

Thus, my friends, it is important that we do not pronounce that someone is saved only because he or she has prayed the Sinner’s Prayer. That prayer doesn’t save; faith alone saves. And we need to hold on to our faith, until we die, no matter how difficult our lives get (and they will get difficult—but that’s for another time). Those who are truly saved will live like it.

Matthew 24:9-13: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

I think too many folks think, falsely, that because they have prayed the prayer (or come down the aisle, etc), that somehow negates everything they do that is contrary to God's commands. This is a tricky subject, sometimes. Partly because on this side of heaven, we still sin against God.

On the other hand, I think it is the difference between continual, repeated rebellion against God, and feeling bad or guilty when we don't measure up and turning to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. It is the difference between excusing your sin against God by saying you once prayed the prayer and realizing our sinfulness apart from Christ and nothing but the Gospel has saved me from my sin. (And continues to renew my life).

I don't think it is a safe place to be, thinking I am covered because of the "prayer" while I live like hell. That would be the height of presumption.