![]() ![]() Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” ( Matthew 19:13-26, ESV). "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, Jesus uses this opportunity to make a bold, definitive statement about salvation that helps us understand the answer to our original question about a “sinner’s prayer.” Jesus said to his disciples: This story (commonly called the “Rich, Young Ruler” passage) illustrates the opposite result of the previous passage because instead of the man coming to Jesus as a child in humility ready to embrace the Son of God, he came in arrogance ready to work himself (or purchase himself if need be) into the Kingdom of God. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” ( Matthew 19:15-22, ESV). If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. ![]() Instead, he is stating that in order to come to Christ, we must position ourselves like a child in a posture of humility, trust, vulnerability, and need.Īnd behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good?. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away ( Matthew 19:13-15, ESV).Īfter studying these verses (and the context in which it was written), it is clear that Jesus is not saying that only children can be saved. Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. After some straightforward statements about marriage and relationships, a famous interchange takes place between Jesus and his disciples: At this point in the gospel, Jesus is deep into his ministry on earth and has been teaching about how he is the Son of God, how to receive salvation, and what the spiritual “Kingdom of Heaven” is. One passage, in particular, that helps us understand these topics a little more is in Matthew 19. Obviously, the best place to find an answer about salvation and prayer is in the Bible. ![]() However, in the church, it is very common to hear people talk about either praying or leading others in a “sinner’s prayer.” So, is there such thing as a “prayer of salvation” or a “sinner’s prayer?” And if not, what is the best way to pray for salvation? Salvation - Have Faith Like a Child The Bible has a lot to say about salvation, but very little to say about a certain kind of prayer to be saved. ![]()
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