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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: When you decided to walk in sin (lusts of the flesh) your asking the Lord to leave you or take His Spirit from you is not under your control. God gave his son while you were yet a sinner not thinking about him, that you might be saved, what? do you think that know that you have tasted the goodness of God that you can order Him around? Your feelings of the presence of God and His peace are directly related to too things, your faith and your behaviour. If you are indulging in the lusts of the flesh you are not going to experience peace. If you are walking in darkness you are not going to feel like you are in the light. However if you turn to God in faith and believe that the blood he shed for you on the cross 2000 years ago is strong enough to wash away your sins today even if you did say such a foolish thing then you will in time "feel" His presence, but whether you "feel" it or not rest assured, God is with you if you repent and follow Him. Your ability to want to repent and want to walk in holiness is a work of the Holy Spirit and not of yourself. If it were too late for you, you would not even be asking this question becuase your understanding would not allow the formulation of such a thought. A reprobate mind is not capable of seeking to be forgiven and to want the precense of God. A reprobate mind does not retain the knowledge of God. Dear saint, when you were born again you did not loose the ability to be tempted to walk in sin or the lusts of the flesh. Rather you became a target of the powers of darkness to entice you to such sins. Who do you think is behind the questions and fears that so many saints who have fallen have asked..."Have I commited the unpardonable sin?" If you ask such a question with fear in your heart that maybe you have, then rest assured you have not. Satan loves to try and put that on saints. The person that cannot be forgiven has not desire to be forgiven. Please understand that the work of repentance is from the Holy Spirit, you cannot ask such questions or have such longing without the Holy Spirit doing it through you. However all things you receive from God come by your faith, so if satan can attack your faith, then he can hinder your walk with God. If satan cannot make you lost he can at least cripple you with doubt and unbelief. Your faith will lift you out of this. Just take God at His word just as you would preach to a new believer who is trying to feel too much. Soon your feelings will line up with your faith. This is not a head game but a warfare. Satan wants you to think you are washed up, that you have let too much time pass, that God's grace cannot apply to you becuase you knew better and sinned "in the light", satan is good at hurling these fiery darts and they are effective in hurting us. But if you raise up the shield of faith these fiery darts will begin to be blocked. Your best years are ahead of you. God took Moses (a man who murdered) when he was 80 years old and used him to change the world for the glory of God. God took David, a man guilty of pornography and adultery (when he should have known better and was already well versed in the Word) and forgave him and worked a change in his heart. God took Samson, a man who fell over and over again and made his last moments more meaningful than his whole life. God is not through with you. God is able to take a tragic walk and revive it and make it better than it was before. Lift up your faith and tell God. "I am not able, But you are. I will not doubt that you can change me and use me" God bless you brother. |