Is the Sinner's Prayer Necessary For Salvation?

Where does the sinner’s prayer come in? It’s not in scripture.

Evangelical church services, and many charismatic church services, end with an altar call and recitation of a sinner’s prayer, in which a person acknowledges their sinful state and need for Jesus’ redemption. They ask Jesus into their hearts.

But is saying or reciting a sinner's prayer necessary for salvation?

As someone who's never prayed a sinner's prayer but believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, I set out the answer this question. I investigate the origins of the sinner's prayer tradition and what scripture says about belief and righteousness.