The Lutheran faith does not  believe that the key to salvation is “Decision Theology” i.e. accepting Jesus.   Now there is nothing wrong with saying you believe.  That is a “Profession” of faith.  But have you noticed that those who believe in that theology talk endlessly about what they did.  They remember their date and ask you about yours.  1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NIV)  “Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.  For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”   We believe as scripture says that Baptism unites us to Christ’s death and resurrection.  In that we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and with it all its gifts.  No where does it say to ask Jesus.  Romans 3:22-23, 9:16, 11:32 just to list a few of hundreds of verses I could share.  They will use John 1:11-12 and Romans 10.  Romans 10 is speaking to Jews and adult converts.  He is quoting Deuteronomy 30:11-14  “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12  It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13  Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14  No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” Notice that the word is already in their mouth and heart as is reflected in Jeremiah 31:31-14.  To the adult Jew conversion will be by hearing the word of God;  But notice that even though they heard they did not believe.  This does not negate all that God said as the one who gives us faith.  If you continue to Romasn 11:32 and then Romans 12:3 it will clearly defend our theology.

Also, you will need to know that confession is homolegumina.  It means to echo or literally one speak.  We see it in 1 John 1:8-10.  We echo what God has said of us.  Be careful when looking at confession as profession!  1 Peter 3:18ff.  The flood is symbolic of Baptism.  IF baptism is a symbol of faith, then the flood is symbolic of the faith.  First, that would be two symbolisms which would be ridiculous and second, faith is not like the flood.  Baptism IS like the flood since it drowns the Old Adam.  This argument takes much more discussion, but to get you thinking: Eph. 4:5 states there is only one baptism!  The word “Teaching” in Greek  is doctrine.   How can something symbolic have a  doctrine?  Acts 8:16-17 Why not just re-baptize if that was true doctrine?  Going back to John 1 the word “receive” in Greek is Lambano and is the same in 1Cor. 4.  Heb. 11:35 is also lambano.  Note how it’s used.   It does not mean to ask for, but to get.   I have extensive work on this discussion, too much to blog, but if you see a glimpse of the truth in my words then I will provide that resource other ways.  BOTTOM LINE:  Our whole thing as Lutherans is that all the credit goes to God.  He gives us faith and fills all our needs.  Anyone who takes from God’s work is bringing Jesus’ redemptive work down.  That’s the over simplified reason we resist.  It’s not your “profession.”  God loves to hear it!  It is “who” gets the credit and for that God is a jealous God!  For me as long as I do not reject God’s gift I am saved, even though I may go through various “levels” of faith.  The baby Christian is just as saved.  In “Decision Theology” no one has any clue.  Who can say their acceptance is “real” acceptance?  You will spend endless hours discussing “True” faith and who is saved.  Our faith gives all the credit to Jesus.  Saved by Grace through faith AND THIS IS NOT FROM YOURSELF, IT IS A GIFT OF GOD, not by works so no one can boast!   How can anyone refute that???????