The inconsistency of the common denominational “plan of salvation” can be readily perceived if closely examined. The general position is, “We must each come to God the same way…as a sinner who…relies totally on Christ alone by faith alone for our salvation. If you would like to receive and trust Christ as your personal Savior, you may want to express your faith in Christ by a simple prayer acknowledging your sinfulness, accepting His forgiveness and putting your faith in Christ for your salvation” (http://bible.org/article/gods-plan-salvation).
Notice the inconsistency in their line of argumentation (which could be found repeated on hundreds of sites): First, one is saved by faith alone. Second, one needs to pray. Wait a minute! If one is saved by faith ALONE, why is there anything (including a prayer) even suggested beyond faith ALONE?
The same inconsistency is found in their use of Scripture in an attempt to teach their doctrine. Romans 10:13-17 is a frequent passage cited (but unfortunately misused) to teach that one is saved by faith alone, and that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But, wait a minute! If one is saved by faith ALONE, why is there anything (including calling on the Lord) even suggested beyond faith ALONE?
Study Romans 10:13-14 carefully. “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” To simplify this study, consider the elements in reverse order. (1) A preacher is sent to preach the gospel. (2) The gospel message is heard. (3) The one who hears the gospel believes. Now, at this point, the person should be saved, if salvation by faith ALONE is Scripturally accurate. (But it is not!) (4) The one who believes calls on the name of the Lord.
Therefore, it should be obvious that the “calling on the name of the Lord” is something that is done AFTER believing and signifies a definite step BEYOND faith that is necessary for salvation.
When Peter preached about salvation in Acts 2, did he give two different paths to salvation in verses 21 and 38, or are they the same? Notice when the Bible says that the calling takes place, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
In order to be saved, the sum of God’s truth teaches that one must hear (Rom. 10:14-17), believe (Rom. 10:9-10, 14) and call on the name of the Lord, which includes repentance and baptism (Rom. 10:13; Acts 2:21, 38; 22:16).