Luke 18:9-14 English Standard Version
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[prayed to himself] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
We might see a few things clearly here that identify the nature of a sinner’s prayer.
First is the pious individual who prays to himself. His pride is quick to point to the sins of others and declare that he is better than others. He boasts of good things as if his salvation can be bought.
The tax collector in this example does not name his sins but confesses his condition when he begs for mercy. This man understands that forgiveness of sin is the purview of God and God alone. He does not compare himself with others nor does he try to justify himself.
The last thing seen here is while begging for mercy our Lord justifies the man. So often we seek forgiveness and the Lord gives us what we need even if we do not understand it. Justification comes first. Salvation and sanctification are renewed day after day, as needed. Justification is performed only once in our first moments of surrender.