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NASB | Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. [John 7:39; Acts 2:33] |
Bible Question:
I am new, and have been trying to find the answer, but can't seem to find it. My question is, if a christian has grown up in relationship with Christ for some 20 years, and then falls under temptation, to the point that they ask God to remove the Holy Spirit from them, in order that they may not feel the intense guilt from the Holy Spirits guidance, but then a year or so down the road, realizes what a despirerately bad decision that was, prays for God's forgiveness, and invites the Holy Spirit and Christ back to be in relationship.... Does God forgive on that level....because it's doesn't feel that he is...and I know what it feels like to be walking with the presence of the Holy Spirit and have his guidance, and I now what it felt like when he left, and even though I have invited him back, and repented, he has chosen to stay away. And reading the bible is dry to me, whereas before, I could easily get lost in a verse and soak it in. And Praise and worship, is just boring songs, when I used to love basking in his glory and giving him praise. And now, even though, I long for that again, it does not come. It feels as if God tested me, and failed the test...and maybe no one can answer my question, but is it possible for people to loose their faith forever? Cursing the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin....and I fear I have done just that.... Can I be forgiven? |
Bible Answer: Brother, in answer to your question,"Can I be forgiven"? The answer is yes, absolutely! You have forgiveness if you are"in Christ". Outside of Christ there is no forgiveness of sin. According to Eph.1:7, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace". Your forgiveness is not based upon your "temptation" or performance, but on the wholly sufficient sacrifice of Christs' death (Col.2:9-14). Your security is based upon what Christ accomplished on the cross, the Holy Spirit given as a pledge of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). I might ask as to what has changed in your life this past year to cause you to stumble? Also, is your association different now than it was last year? Remember, we are to walk by FAITH not sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Our faith is not based upon our feelings, which can and do change, but is rooted in the FACTS of the Gospel. Let me know if I can pray for you, and if so, how. I hope this offers you some encouragement my friend. Yours In Christ, BradK |