Salvation

[mcop]

Hello all, I’m somewhat new here I tend not to post just read I hope this is the correct place to post this. But lately I have been going through alot in the last 3 months, and it has caused me to question my faith and really examine if I’m in the faith or not. First of all I believe I was saved as a teenager. I attend church regularly and am an active member. I read my bible daily and try and consume as much preaching on the radio as I can (I drive all day at work).

My problem is I am unable to overcome some sins in my life that I’ve had forever. I try and try to stop sinning and cant. I am missing most of the fruits of the spirit. I have no peace or joy in Christ. I find it hard to love or trust other people mostly due to my job I usually only see the worst in society. I don’t like to tell people about my faith but mostly because I’m afraid they will see how I live which is not reflective of the way a believer should act. On the other hand I can honestly look back at my life since I became a believer and can see the way God has moved and directed me into positions I never would have went. I am very aware of my sin but I still do it. Whereas before I didn’t feel anything or even think about sin when I was doing it.

Another thing is that God is on my mind every moment of every day I can’t do anything especially sin without thinking about God and knowing I am wrong. Isn’t it impossible for a non believer to live like that? I think it’s possible that I was saved but may not have grown in my faith. I have had no close Christian friends or mentors to instruct me. I have had no accountability in my Christian life and that may be why I have no fruits. My issue is that when I examine myself I see so much that makes me say "No way could you be a Christian" yet when I look back over the last 13 years I say "There is no way God was not with me or directing me or protecting me".

I have been studying a lot lately about salvation and I see a lot of scripture where Jesus says Believe on the son of God and you will be saved. (seems to simple) I believe totally what the bible says about God and Jesus. But I’m afraid that I only believe like the demons believe. I have been praying a lot for several months for Got to reveal to me if I am not in the faith. Problem is I don’t get an answer. God says that he wants all to come to him and all who ask anything in his name he will grant it. I can’t understand how I couldn’t get an answer to this prayer as it’s the reason Jesus came to die. I know He desires us to trust him and IF I’m not saved wouldn’t he speak to me as a seeker of Jesus and answer my prayer for salvation? If I am saved and just not living correctly and or growing (which I’m not) could that be why I feel so separated from God and my prayers feel like they are hitting the ceiling and going no farther?
Sorry for the long post. There is much more but I didn’t want to make m first post a book! I guess I’m just looking for a full proof way to know one way or the other.

 

[Glow]

Perhaps, if you are not saved, this could be God's way of convicting you of your sins and showing you Jesus. Do you understand the gospel? Do you understand that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way?

Ah, of course it is simple! Do you not know the scripture that says, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

If you are trying to overcome sin on your own, it will always fail. If you are trying to save yourself by being righteous, it will always fail. The only way to have a right standing before God is to have faith in Jesus Christ. Preaching will not save you, and neither will church attendance or reading the Bible. Although they will naturally come as you enjoy walking with Christ, they will not save you in and of themselves.

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Galatians 3:6)

Have you cried out to God to give you faith? Have you confessed your sins to Him and asked Him to forgive you? If you have not, please do so, and place your faith in Jesus Christ, because the only way anyone is saved, or can come to the Father, is by Him alone.

Jesus was God. God came down to earth as Jesus Christ and became a sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Instead of us paying the penalty, He paid the penalty. Instead of us getting the wrath of God, He received the wrath of God. He lived a perfect life so we wouldn't have to. He died so we wouldn't have to die spiritually.

Trusting in Him means trusting that it is finished, and that Jesus' atonement is enough to save you. It means trusting that you know that Jesus' atonement is the only way of being saved.

It is finished. It has already been completed. All you have to do is receive the gift of salvation, and ask God to forgive you. But you have to be willing to give up your sins.

You can't force yourself to give up your sins on your own. All you need is a willing heart and a mouth of confession. Confess everything to God, all of your sins.

I hope this helps. Please, please don't let yourself rest until you are fully assured in your salvation. I will pray for you, and I pray that you will not give up hope.

 

[Glow]

Let me also clarify:

Believing in Jesus is more than just believing that God exists. After all, James 2:19 says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe -- and tremble!"

If even the demons believe that there is a God, then what does the Bible truly mean when it says to believe in Jesus? It means that you trust in Jesus; trust in Him alone to save you, and not your works, or your self-righteousness, or any other "holy" thing you think you can do to save yourself. It means to throw yourself on Jesus as the only one who can save you, and to cling to Him as your only means of salvation.

 

[mcop]

Believing in Jesus is more than just believing that God exists. After all, James 2-19 says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe -- and tremble!"

This is what im afraid of. I have cried out to God before many times asking for salvation and to save me. Matter of fact ive been baptised 2 times lol. However I dont feel "Saved" I continue to sin every day but now i am "aware of it and feel bad for it but i cant stop.

Perhaps, if you are not saved, this could be God's way of convicting you of your sins and showing you Jesus. Do you understand the gospel? Do you understand that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way?

Yes I believe i do. I have read my bible many times.

Have you cried out to God to give you faith? Have you confessed your sins to Him and asked Him to forgive you? If you have not, please do so, and place your faith in Jesus Christ, because the only way anyone is saved, or can come to the Father, is by Him alone.

I have but im not sure if I did it correctly or not? And i think this is my problem. How can you know that your saved and not have any dobut???

These are questions that have been with me for years and i dont know how to answer them or where to find the answers.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37

Greetings @mcop

I have been praying for you dear brother.....I really do understand what you are going through

The Lord knows your heart....He knows you have been crying out to Him
And His word says.....Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out

This sin in your life that you say you can't stop.....is what is taking away the joy of your salvation
And the devil will be having a field day creating doubt, fear and unbelief in your heart.

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling....... Jude 1:24
Commit these sins unto Him who is able to keep you from falling
Tell Him your struggles, ask Him to help you to deal with them
Hallelujah.....He is able.....let these words ring out in your heart brother

When doubt troubles you look to the Lord and His perfect word.....His word is steadfast and will not fail

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee
Isaiah 26:3

For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

Praying for you brother
Rejoice....The Lord is able.....to deliver you from this trial

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25

 

[amadeus2]

Hello all, I’m somewhat new here I tend not to post just read I hope this is the correct place to post this. But lately I have been going through alot in the last 3 months, and it has caused me to question my faith and really examine if I’m in the faith or not. First of all I believe I was saved as a teenager. I attend church regularly and am an active member. I read my bible daily and try and consume as much preaching on the radio as I can (I drive all day at work).

These are good things, but enough is never enough. Paul expresses what is needed here:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom 12:1

This is an impossible thing to ask of us yet it is asked. To become an overcomer, we must first learn to surrender. In the world men often believe that by becoming martial arts experts they will be OK, but that is in and for the world of men, not in and for the kingdom of God.

"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt 23:12

My problem is I am unable to overcome some sins in my life that I’ve had forever. I try and try to stop sinning and cant. I am missing most of the fruits of the spirit. I have no peace or joy in Christ. I find it hard to love or trust other people mostly due to my job I usually only see the worst in society. I don’t like to tell people about my faith but mostly because I’m afraid they will see how I live which is not reflective of the way a believer should act. On the other hand I can honestly look back at my life since I became a believer and can see the way God has moved and directed me into positions I never would have went. I am very aware of my sin but I still do it. Whereas before I didn’t feel anything or even think about sin when I was doing it.

Your faith should not be based on already leading an overcoming life, but on admitting that you have not overcome and cannot.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. " Prov 3:5-6

Another thing is that God is on my mind every moment of every day I can’t do anything especially sin without thinking about God and knowing I am wrong. Isn’t it impossible for a non believer to live like that?

The thinking about God and knowing you are wrong is God talking to your heart. If that stops, you are in serious trouble. Your present trouble is that you cannot overcome your own faults. Be at ease for none of us can.

Surrender and come to the Lord as a child! A child is easily persuaded by an older person because he trusts without question. For a child in the world this can be dangerous but with God there is no danger for He is trustworthy.

I think it’s possible that I was saved but may not have grown in my faith. I have had no close Christian friends or mentors to instruct me. I have had no accountability in my Christian life and that may be why I have no fruits. My issue is that when I examine myself I see so much that makes me say "No way could you be a Christian" yet when I look back over the last 13 years I say "There is no way God was not with me or directing me or protecting me".

To whom should you be accountable? Not to me certainly nor to anyone on this forum. Only to God.

"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 18:13-14

I have been studying a lot lately about salvation and I see a lot of scripture where Jesus says Believe on the son of God and you will be saved. (seems to simple) I believe totally what the bible says about God and Jesus. But I’m afraid that I only believe like the demons believe.

No, for demons would not waste their time on this forum asking for help. Learn to take baby steps. Remember that you are coming as a child who at the start doesn't know how to talk or to walk. It is better to remain silent than to speak foolishness. If God doesn't give you words to speak then hold your tongue. Your mouth will eventually be filled, but don't try to press God on this. The choice of the proper time is His rather than yours.

In the beginning Moses complained to God that he didn't know how to speak. If you have read from Exodus to Deuteronomy then you know that Moses did learn to speak. The Lord did fill Moses mouth with the proper words at the proper times:

"(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3

I have been praying a lot for several months for Got to reveal to me if I am not in the faith. Problem is I don’t get an answer.

Sometimes you don't recognize an answer when you see it before your eyes. You came to this forum, didn't you? Don't expect an audible voice from out of the blue. Sometimes God speaks directly to your heart, but sometimes He speaks through people or even through donkeys. Stepping out on faith doesn't mean you will hear a voice from the blue sky. It means you will keep on stepping out because something in your heart told it was the right thing to do. That something in you heart was God. Believe it!

God says that he wants all to come to him and all who ask anything in his name he will grant it.

Why do you want an answer and what answer do you want to hear? You have read your Bible. Do you remember what it says that faith is?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1

"Things not seen"! Why are you asking to the see the unseen with natural eyes? Why are you asking to hear the unheard with natural ears?

Jesus said more than half a dozen times: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." He was not talking about the fleshly ears and related inner ear workings in the side of your physical head. Don't expect to hear it there!

I can’t understand how I couldn’t get an answer to this prayer as it’s the reason Jesus came to die.

Jesus came that we might have Life and have it more abundantly. The Life in you is the reason you are still reading your Bible and praying and listening to the preachers and asking questions on this forum. Accept that! Acknowledge that! Give God the glory!

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

I know He desires us to trust him and IF I’m not saved wouldn’t he speak to me as a seeker of Jesus and answer my prayer for salvation?

There was a story circulating on some of the forums a while back about a man who was hanging onto his sinking boat in the middle of a lake. Three times people came by trying to rescue him. Three times he waved them away because he was trusting in God to save him. He drowned. When he had the opportunity to ask God why he had been ignored in the lake, God told him, I sent three different rescuers but you refused their help.

Don't look for the loaves and the fishes when the Lamb of God is in front of you.

If I am saved and just not living correctly and or growing (which I’m not) could that be why I feel so separated from God and my prayers feel like they are hitting the ceiling and going no farther?

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." John 20:24-25

Later after Thomas had seen Jesus with his physical eyes, Jesus said to him:

"...because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John 20:29

Don't keep asking for signs, just believe!

Sorry for the long post. There is much more but I didn’t want to make m first post a book! I guess I’m just looking for a full proof way to know one way or the other.

Don't line with the Pharisees of old who kept pressing Jesus for a sign...

Live on by faith: "the substance of things not seen".

Not enough faith? Then if you have read your Bible then remember also this verse:

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17

Don't expect an answer in your time and under your terms. God, not you, is God. The times are His and the terms are His. Accept that! Acknowledge that! Give God the glory!

 

[mcop]

Thank you for the replys. It is very helpful.

 

[Boanerges]

Press into Christ.]
Read His Word everyday; ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means and how to apply it in your life.
Pray - stay in an attitude of prayer all through your day.
Worship God- spend time loving on Him.
If you do these things you will find the draw of the world weakening on you daily.
If you do not do these things you will find the opposite.
You are in my prayers.

Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

My problem is I am unable to overcome some sins in my life that I’ve had forever. I try and try to stop sinning and cant. I am missing most of the fruits of the spirit. I have no peace or joy in Christ.

At least you acknowledge what God really wants you to know first and that is you can do nothing without him.
So many people fail God on this point because they can force themselves to appear good (at least the worlds version of good)by sheer will power as if to prove to God how awesome they are all by themselves.

Romans 11:32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

How frightening to think that if you had enough will power you could have gone on calling God a liar for the rest of your life..
Whew...that was close.
For God has bound everyone over to disobedience


Prayer:
OK Father I agree with your word I can't stop on my own.
So now Father fullfill the rest of the scripture and remove these element/entities/false imaginations whatever they are
and wherever they have a stronghold or dominion in my life that I might see and know the mercy that you have planned for all.
Amen

 

[DHC]

Hello all, I’m somewhat new here I tend not to post just read I hope this is the correct place to post this. But lately I have been going through alot in the last 3 months, and it has caused me to question my faith and really examine if I’m in the faith or not. First of all I believe I was saved as a teenager. I attend church regularly and am an active member. I read my bible daily and try and consume as much preaching on the radio as I can (I drive all day at work).

My problem is I am unable to overcome some sins in my life that I’ve had forever. I try and try to stop sinning and cant. I am missing most of the fruits of the spirit. I have no peace or joy in Christ. I find it hard to love or trust other people mostly due to my job I usually only see the worst in society. I don’t like to tell people about my faith but mostly because I’m afraid they will see how I live which is not reflective of the way a believer should act. On the other hand I can honestly look back at my life since I became a believer and can see the way God has moved and directed me into positions I never would have went. I am very aware of my sin but I still do it. Whereas before I didn’t feel anything or even think about sin when I was doing it.

Another thing is that God is on my mind every moment of every day I can’t do anything especially sin without thinking about God and knowing I am wrong. Isn’t it impossible for a non believer to live like that? I think it’s possible that I was saved but may not have grown in my faith. I have had no close Christian friends or mentors to instruct me. I have had no accountability in my Christian life and that may be why I have no fruits. My issue is that when I examine myself I see so much that makes me say "No way could you be a Christian" yet when I look back over the last 13 years I say "There is no way God was not with me or directing me or protecting me".

I have been studying a lot lately about salvation and I see a lot of scripture where Jesus says Believe on the son of God and you will be saved. (seems to simple) I believe totally what the bible says about God and Jesus. But I’m afraid that I only believe like the demons believe. I have been praying a lot for several months for Got to reveal to me if I am not in the faith. Problem is I don’t get an answer. God says that he wants all to come to him and all who ask anything in his name he will grant it. I can’t understand how I couldn’t get an answer to this prayer as it’s the reason Jesus came to die. I know He desires us to trust him and IF I’m not saved wouldn’t he speak to me as a seeker of Jesus and answer my prayer for salvation? If I am saved and just not living correctly and or growing (which I’m not) could that be why I feel so separated from God and my prayers feel like they are hitting the ceiling and going no farther?
Sorry for the long post. There is much more but I didn’t want to make m first post a book! I guess I’m just looking for a full proof way to know one way or the other.

Hello mcop.

What I liked about your post was the refreshing honesty!

You are telling us the whole truth about your current and past Christian life.

Are you aware that you are in fact confessing your failure to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
You are doing exactly what you should be doing mcop as a Christian.

You are on a Jesus website asking for assistance because you believe you
should be more holy. You believe you should be in fellowship and under instruction!

Please read the following mcop.

Luke 18:11-14
The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people:
swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’
But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven,
but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other;

A simple Gospel, a simple truth which you testified to in your post.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

What is the real evidence that you believe in Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:5
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction;
just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

With full 'conviction', what is conviction? God help me I cannot help myself!!!

If I was you I would promptly find a Christian group to join. In time the power
of the Gospel, that is the power of the Holy Spirit will transform you. You will
grow rapidly in Christian fellowship in the power of the Holy Spirit, in love and
finally self discipline.

Thanks for the humility and your candid honesty, it is good to hear that you are right on track.

 

[mcop]

Romans 10-9
that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

This is something i have done many times sometimes more than once a day! I guess i just dont trust myself and am afraid that maybe I didnt do something right or i messed it up??? I cant decide if its the evil one giving me the dobut or if its God trying to lead me to him????? I think thats my biggest issue.
Thank you so much for your post DHC. Im in the process of moving out of state and having a hard time finding the right church. I am afraid of being seperated from other believers and making my situation worse. You all have been more than helpful.