Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | JRdoc | 61177 | ||
God does more than initiate salvation. He is its Author and Finisher. The process of salvation is much to complicated on this forum to discuss because of length alone. I would suggest a Systematic Theology by L. Berkhof (it is Presbyterian--I'm Baptist--but very well written though of course I do disagree about certain issues such as baptism, but these have no bearing on eternity....). You asked What must I do to be sure of my salvation?--The scripture says work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. May I ask you why you "think" you are saved? What evidence have you seen? What evidence have others seen? How does this evidence compare to 1 John which I asked you to read and study? No you do not believe despite any "proof"--if there is no "proof" there is no "root"! Root of salvation that is. But, your proof should not be an emotional proof it should be biblical proof--again 1 John. One is not saved because he recites a sinner's prayer--God is not some cosmic genie that you control with some magical potion spell of words. Rather a person will desire to confess Christ and see the value of something like the sinner's prayer when God changes his/her nature. The process is so quick that normally most get the order of salvation incorrect and attribute it to their own works instead of by the grace of God alone. Again a good Systematic Theology is worth the read to understand the complete process. |
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2 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61307 | ||
Jrdoc, you are obviously well educated regarding these topics. I don't need to know all the nuts and bolts of it all right now, I just want to be saved. One Sunday three years ago, I woke up happy, with the thought "Go to church". So I did. I went to a small non-denominational church because I knew the pastor a little through a mutual friend. I didn't go in that day, but I did manage enough courage to go inside and grab a bulletin. I called him and met with him soon after. We had a 3 hr conversation in which I told him that I wasn't sure if Jesus was real or not, but if I found out that He was, I would follow Him the rest of my life. I did a lot of reading. Some books on apologetics. I read the bible looking for proofs. I spent many hours reading and asking questions. When I saw an apparant contradiction, I asked about it. I'm not an educated man, but I've never found anything that convinces me that Jesus isn't who He says He is. There are some things in 1 John taht I can say I believe. One, that Jesus is the Son of God. It also says some things I'm not sure I have, like love for others. I can't say I'm not free of hatred. I've had people tell me that I'm going to be a preacher. I've had people prophesy over me and say that I'm going to be the spiritual father of many. There have been other s as well. They are encouraging to me, but they never end the uncertainty I have in my heart. I know that salvation is all from the Lord, from begining to end. I've read so many different opinions on the how's and why's of salvation it makes my head spin. All I want is to be saved, to be born again. To be able to believe. To be sure. I know it's by faith from first to last. Why do I doubt so much. Why can't I believe. People tell me all you have to do is put your trust in Christ. I try, but I can't get away from the nagging suspicion that it's not finished. I believe that if it was finished, I would know. I believe the Lord would let me know that it was. That He wouldn't let me go on suffering like this, wondering whether I was or not. I know that God requires that we trust him, like Abraham did, despite the evidence to the contrary. Maybe He wants me to believe without having any evidence too. It's the only thing I haven't done yet. Surrender to not knowing. I apologize if I've gone over the boundaries of this forum. I just can't put this to rest. It's all I think about. It disturbs my sleep. I know now that I haven't committed an unforgiveable sin. I'm grateful for that relief. I just want this fear to be replaced by the Joy of Salvation. That the Lord would create a new heart in me. It's getting late, and I forget this is not a private e-mail. Forgive me. |
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3 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | JRdoc | 61323 | ||
Of course I can tell no one that they are lost or saved. Only God and NO ONE else may give you that assurance. But some “highlights” of your post I will make a brief comment on. 1. The fact that you are seeking God is encouraging and I encourage you to continue. 2. You said “There are some things in 1 John that I can say I believe. One, that Jesus is the Son of God.” a. Do you know this just as a fact or a reality. For instance I have met the President of the U.S. before. I know “of” him, but I do not “know” him. I do not have a relationship with him. b. What kind of relationship do you have with Christ. Do you just know “of” Him or do you “know” Him and “knowing” Him everyday more and more. Judge yourself here, no one else can. 3. You said “It also says some things I'm not sure I have, like love for others. I can't say I'm not free of hatred.” a. What do you interpret as the term “love” meaning? Love (agape in Greek) is NOT a feeling that you have towards others nor anything that you will perfect in this lifetime here on earth. “Love” is activity (1 Cor 13, etc) that comes from the heart towards others and God. Do you love with “activity” based upon the Word of God? Do you seek to grow in this area of your spiritual walk? Judge yourself here, no one else can b. Hatred or anger there is a difference. Many individuals have the idea to be angry is a sin. The Scripture says TO BE ANGRY and SIN NOT. In other words anger is an emotion given to us by God, to perform what is right and holy and just. This of course takes patience and continual obedience to reading, studying, and following God’s Word tempered with prayer. The Scripture also says as Christian we are to hate evil, sin, and the like, but handle it according to His Word. Judge yourself here, no one else can. 4. You stated; “I've had people prophesy over me and say that I'm going to be the spiritual father of many. There have been other s as well. They are encouraging to me, but they never end the uncertainty I have in my heart.” This statement gives me grave concern that you are following the prophecies of man and depending on them for your reassurance and not God Himself (prophecies such as you are asserting are not biblical…..). This is where allot of your doubt is stemming from. You said a non-denominational church—I am guessing but it is probably Charismatic/Pentecostal and thus much of their theology I totally disagree with. Again, I am only guessing here, but MAKE SURE you are in a good biblical church (Reformed Baptist to me is the correct “version” of church one should belong too, but I have many friends that are Presbyterian as well). This you need to make an immediate matter of prayer and begin IMHO seeking a new church. 5. YOU SAID “I've read so many different opinions on the how's and why's of salvation it makes my head spin. All I want is to be saved, to be born again. To be able to believe. To be sure.” My counsel to most people when they first get saved is NOT to read ANY OTHER books other than the BIBLE itself for at least 3 years. Attend, attend, attend a good Bible believing Church and serve, serve, serve. Learn from others in the church. After the initial 3 years begin on a limited basis to read other books. Your faith MUST be in CHRIST and it is BY GRACE ALONE. No man may give it to you. Faith cometh by hearing……..Hear God’s Word. God and only He may give you the assurance you need or show you what is lacking. Prayer and study God’s Word. 6. YOU SAID: “Why do I doubt so much. Why can't I believe. People tell me all you have to do is put your trust in Christ.” a. Your doubt may be there because you are not saved, but God is working you through HIS process. b. You may be saved, but doubt is there to make you keep seeking Him and to grow in faith IN HIM and not others—I know whom I have believed and am persuaded Paul said. Ask God to persuade you. c. God is not some cosmic genie whom man controls with a potion of spells and words. God is God. He does thing His way for a specific purpose. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him. Study His Word. Delight yourself in Him. Continue to taste and see that the Lord is good. d. Remember His grace is sufficient in ALL things. 7. You have not committed the Unforgivable sin. You are not a 1st century Jew…erase that thought…. 8. It appears to me that you have reoccurring sin in your life that you have not “fully” dealt with and thus doubt each time it re-occurs. Of course I do not know what that sin is and do not need to. Find two other, same sex, friends and establish an accountability trio of sorts. These individuals should not be “family” members, but people you trust and are mature in the faith. James says confess your faults……begin dealing with issues…confess them…be held accountable to your group for them…..this will help you to grow in grace and truth…… |
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