Comments on: The Sinner’s Prayer, David Platt and the SBC

By: Kris Blanchard

Kris Blanchard — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:04:13 +0000

This article is careful, uplifting, and well-put, Dr. Akin. As a former student of yours last semester, I clearly recall you consistently reminding us to enforce a greater understanding of the importance of repentance of sin in our churches, our families, and in our private confessions before the Lord. I remember you telling us that it is very important to realize that many evangelicals today are quick to become divisive and argumentative concerning matters of the faith that all of us, regardless of how we word our thoughts on these issues, should understand we are to ultimately be united on. You told us “Our desire to remain united for Christ should far outweigh our eagerness to pick points of contention”. This is a powerful reminder of the character of Christ. I hope that this motivates a greater effort throughout the body of Christ to consider that we all should strive to hold each other’s best interests at heart. Regardless of how we perceive what one another is saying or has said. You helped teach me that the perception of something does not always truly reflect what is really being said. Scripture speaks clearly to how this unity both pleases and glorifies God in Psalm 133:1, and even more-so in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Thank you for re-directing our attention back to one of the central components of our faith: loving one another as Christ has loved us. After all, as He has been to us: We must be to others.

By: Will Dixon

Will Dixon — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:41:17 +0000

God has permitted me to be a part of dozens of people professing salvation as a result of walking through the sinner’s prayer found in the back of a Gideon Personal Workers Testament in work settings, personally and while ministering in jail. Some of the changes in the lives of the people involved has been profound and wonderful. A SEBTS student who was preaching a Sunday School class at our church said “using a sinners prayer is the same as witchcraft.” I am glad to get clarification of the school’s position and see that some staff still use the prayer with their own family. Had I interrupted the student’s message it would have destroyed the tenor of the class and flesh would have overwhelmed spirit. I will still follow up with the student for clarification but it is good to read these pages which provide better understanding that you are not rejecting this as a tool, but rather urging the sanctification process that needs to accompany it. G. K. Chesterton said if you tear down a fence, first find out why it was erected.

By: SBC Resolution says the Sinner's Prayer is not an "incantation" - Christian Forums

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 21:56:40 +0000

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By: Robin Foster

Robin Foster — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:06:05 +0000

Dr. Akin

Thank you for this article. I believe if things were originally stated as a concern for manipulating people with this prayer I would have concurred also. As a preacher of the Word, I have also stated things in a manner I wish I hadn’t and asked for forgiveness when things did not come out right or were misunderstood because of my lack of clarity. I have enjoyed Platt’s book and ministry and I am hopeful this was a big misunderstanding. Thank you for your wiilungness to use prayer as a means for others to profess what has happened in their hearts.

By: The Damnable Heresy of Hyper-Arminianism in Churches Today - Christian Forums

The Damnable Heresy of Hyper-Arminianism in Churches Today - Christian Forums — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:26:16 +0000

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By: Trey

Trey — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 13:25:20 +0000

Well said, Dr. Akin. I fully agree with Bob’s point as well. Too many times, ministry figures have their words taken in a twisted context. I know exactly what David meant and I wholeheartedly agree with him. I support the “sinner’s prayer” and think that as Christians, we need to actually listen to what our leaders are saying instead of searching for twisted contexts in which we can criticize them.

I am thankful for Southeastern, leaders like Platt and Akin and most importantly, a merciful,loving God who hears my repentant cries to Him daily.

By: Martie Mangum

Martie Mangum — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:25:15 +0000

I am thankful for your leadership, but respectfully disagree on the “sinner’s prayer” resolution. Yes, there are many “wild exaggerations” and “misrepresentations”, but there is also a genuine concern.

Part of the resolution stated:

“RESOLVED, That we affirm that repentance and faith involve a crying out for mercy and a calling on the Lord (Romans 10:13), often identified as a “sinner’s prayer,” as a biblical expression of repentance and faith; and be it further”

My problem with this particular resolved statement is although some understand the “sinner’s prayer” to be this type of crying out in repentance and faith, from my experience most church members (at least the churches that I have been involved with) do not.

I do believe most understand that the “sinner’s prayer” is an expression of Faith, but my fear is that a much needed emphasis on Repentance will still be lost for many.

The great thing about SBC polity is I can disagree on matters like this one, but remain united for the advance of the gospel. This is a much needed discussion, but by no means needs to dominate the discussions we have.

Grace and Peace to you,

By: Bob Cleveland

Bob Cleveland — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 22:16:39 +0000

If we were throw out everything that can be misused, we’d have to toss out scriptures themselves. I’ve seen enough preachers misuse them, too.

By: cb scott

cb scott — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:13:05 +0000

Well stated and thank you for a timely response to this little brushfire among us.