"Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."

If God hears no sinner's prayer, then how can one be saved? It is true that sin separates a soul from God. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66:18. But here is one prayer of the sinner that God will always hear: "And the publican ... smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:13.

The publican obviously was not trying to hold or "regard'' sin in his heart. He wanted deliverance from it. He was earnestly and humbly seeking forgiveness. Such sinners will always be heard and forgiven. Not only was the publican's prayer answered, Jesus said, "This man went down to his house justified." Luke 18:14. He was fully accepted, forgiven, and placed in the family of God.