If the bases of our faith is "faith alone" in Christ, and that theme runs throughout the Bible, then why do we try to imply or even outright say we need to implant a sense of belief with a confession? Isn't that a work? If you read Romans 10:8 it says, "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)"
Remember; in the beginning of chapter ten, Paul's first word is "Brothers" which shows this entire passage is for believers and not unbelievers.
9BECAUSE, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
The word "because" changes the context because you cannot divorce a transitional word from verse 8. "It is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" which is a present tense statement. Paul is encouraging believers to go out and confess and believe.
11 For the Scripture says,“Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all,bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
I believe there is a lack of teaching of the doctrine of regeneration which is the true essence of Paul's letter to the Romans.
Tony Miano shares his concerns about the "Sinner's Prayer" and how Romans 10:9-10 is in every closer from the "Plan of Salvation", "The Fours Spiritual Laws" and "The Roman's Road", etc. "gospels". The glorious passage of Romans 10:9-10 is so regurgitated that it is not discerned and properly applied. I also included a sermon from Steven Bratton entitled "Are You Giving Them Law?". Sermon HERE
Closing the Deal: An Unbiblical Component of Modern Evangelism by Tony Miano (Repost)
Well, let's take a look at Romans 10:9-10. "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Even a cursory look at the text reveals there is no "sinner's prayer" to be found, here.
Who is Paul's audience? Believers or unbelievers? He is writing to believers, the Church, in Rome. The recipients of his letter would have never taken from this text that Paul was instructing unbelievers to pray a prayer in order to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Nor would his readers have received Paul's teaching, here, as a suggestion, much less a mandate, to lead the unsaved in a "sinner's prayer."
I could not find one legitimate Bible scholar who suggests that Paul's words in Romans 10:9-10 is an example of either a "sinner's prayer" or a suggestion that believers are to lead unbelievers in such a prayer, or to "ask Jesus into their heart."
Again, there is absolutely no biblical support or justification for the implementation of the "sinner's prayer," in any evangelistic effort. Full Article HERE
