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NASB | 1 John 1:1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:1 [I am writing about] what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ]-- |
Subject: Salvation is of the Lord... |
Bible Note: 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…… |