Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to new believers in Christ who had asked what they must do:
"Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins ("so that your sins may be forgiven"; New International Version) and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."; ACTS 2:38)
Plan #2
On the back page of a tract, sinners were urged to pray this prayer to be saved. This prayer is not found in the Bible; nor were alien sinners commanded to pray for their forgiveness.
The Sinner's Prayer:
"O' Lord, I accept that I am a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. I now accept Him into my heart as Lord and Savior asking for your mercy and forgiveness in His name. Amen."
The editors of Expository Files are happy with plan #1 and thankful to the God of all grace for it. We cannot recommend Plan #2 at all, but will change our minds when this prayer can be shown to us in the Bible.
