When Prayer Is an Abomination

Quite frequently we hear false teachers tell their listeners to “Just say the sinner’s prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart.” Of course, since there is no Scripture that teaches this, no Scripture references are given. Those who are told, and who may be inclined to believe this fantasy, need to read Solomon’s warning in Proverbs 28:9. Hear him: “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.” Since in the New Testament both Jesus and His apostles give in no uncertain words the terms by which man accepts God’s gift of salvation, one is without excuse when he turns away his ear from the law of Christ and imbibes the babble of those who encourage him or her to “say the sinner’s prayer.” These teachers are encouraging them to commit an abomination. Such teachers ought to be ashamed.

Friend, obey the Gospel to have the forgiveness of your sins. As you do so, the Lord will add you to His church, not to some denomination. Then, as a child of the heavenly Father you will have the God-given right to pray, “My Father who art in heaven…” Isn’t this what you yearn to do?