Too late..?

[Justasking123]

Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

 

[A_Thinker]

Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

Isaiah 55

1 “Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you without money,
come, buy, and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost!

2 Why spend money on that which is not bread,
and your labor on that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

3 Incline your ear and come to Me;
listen, so that your soul may live.

 

[Basil the Great]

It is not too late, as long as you have your regrets and are willing to change. Repent of your old ways and begin today to love God and your fellow man.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

I know many people who seemed 100% committed but turned away. I asked the Lord what was going on in their lives, especially those who I admired as "good" Christians. The Lord told me to read the parable of the sower.

I suggest that you reread your post. It's all about you, what you've done or not done. Real salvation is based on what Christ did 2,000 years ago. It is rock-solid, no one can reverse the salvation that Lord Jesus purchased with His own blood. You are already bought and paid for. All you have to do is accept the gift that God offers you.

You need to know the power of the cross. The sinner that we know ourselves to be was included in Christ when He died on the cross. That means that we died. Lord Jesus was condemned in your place. The Bible says that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. I suggest that you read Romans 6, 7 and 8. Read until the truth gets into you!

I suggest also that you read the article this links to. It's written for people just like you.
Are you under condemnation? - Christian Life Frankston

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

QUOTE=]Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?[/QUOTE
============================================
True that - the therapist is not allowed nor able to draw someone to God.
(most certainly not; if there is an exception, it is an exception)

If someone knows the truth, but is not a christian (not saved ) , then they have STOPPED SEEKING THE TRUTH. IF someone keeps on seeking the truth, (in order to become right with God),
the promise of God is that they will FIND THE TRUTH, and the TRUTH WILL SET THEM FREE.

Even if they missed 4007 "calls" as you put in the op. God keeps rescheduling TODAY so people can have another opportunity to come to Him. (up to some point)

 

[TzephanYahu]

Shalom,

I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him.

You speak a little bit fatalistic in the matter. Why do you think you are already condemned? Have you not repented about something in word or deed maybe?

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

It sounds like the Spirit is encouraging and convicting you of a lot. I don't know you so it would be foolish for me to suggest what. But common things can be other "gods" in their life (worries, threats, money, security, comfort), an unrepentant heart (not accepting or admitting something, a poor walk (issue in how you live life). But as I said, those are just common possibilities to consider.

The good news is that it is not too late to change! So a peaceful path is before you, if you can percieve it. Pray to the Most High for wisdom continually.

It's natural to feel unworthy as you approach Him and follow His ways. But that goes with time as we let go of our "worldliness" and its fleshly desires and walk by the Spirit and in truth (that is, obedience).

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

If anyone reads the WHOLE Bible with a heart for truth and a thirst for wisdom, they will find and will be found. But if they read it with a heart for self and a thirst for justification, they will find only what they seek.

Don't worry about others and majorities. Just continue to seek and be corrected by the truth and wisdom of His Word. Then He will lead you to what the heart of the issue is. Be humble before Him and examine your ways.

Seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit, above all things. The Spirit makes our walk so much easier. Reading His Word becomes incredible and like mana for your heart and no longer confusing.

You won't always be like this in your walk friend. Soon, if you continue to examine yourself by the Word and correct your steps, you will feel a harmony. You have a dissonance at the moment and you need to tune in to the right frequency basically.

Keep reading, searching, asking and seeking and be humble before Him. Then He will lift you.

Love & Shalom

 

[-57]

Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

How do you think one is saved? Lets start with that question.

 

[Justasking123]

I will send you a Pm to explain a bit more TzephanYahu

 

[Justasking123]

How do you think one is saved? Lets start with that question.

By believing Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins and then also living a life of sanctification I think?

 

[Greengardener]

I appreciate what the others have said. That's what I like about this group, that you can bring your hard questions and get good answers, strong encouragements, and you don't get beat up for asking.

And what about repenting? It means changing your direction. While we could never do enough "penance" (acts to make up for the bad we've done in the past) to clear our pasts, God is, in His offer to save you, requiring that you turn toward Him instead of away from Him. It requires your confession - that you've sinned but also that you've accepted His offer of mercy through Jesus Christ, who paid for those sins. It also might require some restitution - like repaying people you've stolen from, admitting to people you've hurt that you did wrongly.

If you ask me, nothing associated with that process of turning away from your sins and turning to God is worse than the chronic doubting of His love. Seek Him and continue to seek Him. It will change you as you start walking and continue to walk in His light.

 

[-57]

By believing Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins and then also living a life of sanctification I think?

Just asking...the first part agrees with John 3:13......“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

That should be enough. But many also believe there is also something you must do...but...Eph 2 tells us....
8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Not by works. Are you trying to include works in your path to salvation? It is true works are important....but works are a result of one's salvation and not a means of acheiving it.

Eph 2 goes on to say...

10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Eph 2 goes on to say...

10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Someone noted that the Hebrew idea here for "workmanship" means the Creator's POEM.

i.e. daily we are HIS POEM ! HALLELUYAH !

 

[A_Thinker]

Luke 15

17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

 

[Justasking123]

And what about repenting?

That is what I want to do but can't seem to genuinly do, I see past or present sin and confess but it's like I do it because I have to, as it doesn't seem to come from the heart. I'm wondering if it is worse for God to have someone who repents outwordly or non at all. I read a passage in the OT saying God does not like the hypocritical which of course makes sense and also Matt 15:8-9

‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.

I feel like this and wonderif it can change, that I really honor God with my heart and receive Jesus as my Saviour, I have also prayed for this.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

"Confessing" is not the same as repenting.
Repenting is giving up the sin, go and sin no more, TURN TO YAHUWEH and let HIM DO as HE WILL.

 

[A_Thinker]

‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.

Note that God says that these people's hearts are FAR from Him.

These Israelites were just going through the motions ... not really caring about God or His will.

Your concern for your relationship with God indicates that you do care ... about God and His will. Like the rest of us who have relationship with God, ... you will struggle for a lifetime to bring your life in line with God's will, but as long as you are pushing toward God, you demonstrate that God has your heart.

If God didn't have your heart, we wouldn't be hearing from you. It's a lifetime commitment to be and be become the faithful child of God. Just keep on keeping on ...

 

[paul1149]

Over at 2Cor 6, Paul quotes the OT:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”​

But then he adds:

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.​

The OT might lead you to think that there is a limited window for salvation, but Paul makes clear that due to Christ, the door remains open. The Father is looking to the horizon to see even a distant sign of the prodigal son's return (Lk 15).

At Lk 18 Jesus gives the parable of the desperate widow. By persistence she persuades an unjust judge to give her legal protection. God is not an unjust judge.

Whatever the truth of what happened in the past, my advice is that you put it behind you (Php 3) and make today - the day that the Lord has made - a new day for you. Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.

Put the past behind and take the Lord up on His most generous offer. It would be a shame for you to miss salvation because of human thinking that falls short of the grace of God.

As for the tormenting thoughts, now that you know the truth you can stand fast in it. See Eph. 6 and 2Cor 10 for weaponry and tactics.

 

[Athanasius377]

Hi, I can't overcome the thought that I am condemned because I didn't follow God's plan and sinned against Him. I hesitated too long to become a Christian and was felt with doubts.

Now I know everything in the Bible is true but it leaves me with knowledge of the Truth and condemnation without a way out. I only feel fear and hopelessness. I still have to thank God though because I wondered what was the Truth most of my life and I now know it.

I'm trying to read the Word and pray but it is getting more and more difficult each day as I feel like a hypocrite and condemned. I'm also seeing a therapist but truth is only God can draw someone to Him..

I'm wondering if there are any other people who know the Truth but aren't Christians because they missed God's call?

Actually, The Lord has already addressed your concern in a parable.

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 20:1–16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Remember, salvation is a gift, there is nothing you could have done to earn it, make choice for it, be worthy of this gift. Think of it this way: How appropriate would it be to approach say, Bill Gates and ask to be put into his will so as to inherit his estate? Pretty absurd, right? Now lets say Mr Gates passes and you find out you are the sole inheritor of his entire estate without ever having worked for him, did his will, proclaimed the greatness of Windows etc. This is similar to what happens when the Lord saves you. But its much more than that. Not only does He give this inheritance but He also raises you from the dead. You want to know why you didn't believe before? Because you were dead. How dead is dead?

Paul explains:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:4–10). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

So rejoice in being saved by the Lord. Perhaps the hour is late in this life but you have all of eternity to be grateful for the gift that was given to you.

I hope this helps,

God bless

 

[Justasking123]

Just keep on keeping on ...

With God's help I will

 

[Justasking123]

Just keep on keeping on ...

With God's help I will