they are indeed saved. They are often also told that if they ever doubt their
salvation, they can look back to the day they said that prayer and know that
they are saved.
I have to say that if you have to look back at a prayer for assurance, it can
only mean that nothing else has changed enough to convince you. There must be no change of life or change of mind- no fruit or other evidence of the
indwelling Holy Spirit of Christ. It must mean that you have not become a
creature, brought to newness of life.
If a prayer is all you have to hold onto then what an empty, meaningless salvation you must have. Where is the abundant life? Or fullness of joy?
Where is the peace of God which passeth all understanding?
If the only thing you have to show for it is a prayer from a desperately wicked
heart that is deceitful beyond measure no wonder so many doubt their salvation in Christ- they should. Obviously they have only been “saved” by a prayer; because if they had been saved by Christ, they would know it.
How sad that so many have been deceived. Don’t trust in a prayer.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves.
Philippians 2:12 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done manywonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.