You found a good article on A.B. Simpson. Smith has some interesting comments on salvation with his own 7 distinct components listed. While there is much said in the article on a two-paradigm approach to salvation: namely justification and sanctification, what is often overlooked is the fact there are actually three components of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Many overlook this fact and see the work of the Holy Spirit as complete upon sanctification. While the Holy Spirit does do an inner work of infilling, this is not the final act of the Spirit in salvation. The Apostle Paul wrote on this in Romans 8:29-30. Glorification is the final stage of salvation, sort of the point at which the doctrine of salvation and eschatology overlap in the life in the world to come. Some key verses to check are: Romans 8:29-30, Romans 8:18-25, John 17:1-5, 1 Peter 1:21.

Romans 10:9-13
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Belief, trust, & repentance can all take place in 1 distinct event. And perhaps (theoretically) they can take place over time. Regardless, belief is the core issue. I would say belief without trust or repentance isn’t true belief. And good works is the fruit that proves true belief.

I think that’s the issue with what you’re saying. You’re separating belief from these other components that it inherently is connected to. Of course trust comes along with belief. Without it, you wouldn’t have true belief!

Jesus says it pretty simply:
John 5:24
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

That sure sounds like conversion to me.

I think probably more what I am saying is that conversion is a collection of distinct events in the life of a believer and not necessarily one distinct event. Distinct and inseparable events.

Does that make sense?

You have to be really careful with a post like this, because (while I know this would never be your intention) it sounds VERY close to being saved through works.

Now, on the positive side, I completely agree that “saying a prayer” doesn’t make you a Christian. It’s a matter of “confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart.” (Rom. 10:9) We have plenty of times under-taught salvation. We have also plenty of times taught about how to be saved without talking about the consequences or opposition people will face because of Jesus. That’s also very dangerous.