Surrender of the will

[Bob8102]

In trying to figure out whether or not I'm a Christian, and what is keeping me from becoming one if I'm not, I have just now figured that it is the surrender of my will to someone else's that I most object to. It seems to me to be impossible to be willing to actually surrender my will to someone else. I "can't" make myself be willing to do that.

 

[TzephanYahu]

It seems to me to be impossible to be willing to actually surrender my will to someone else. I "can't" make myself be willing to do that.

What do you expect us mortals to do about that?

If you want surrender to Yahweh of your own volition then what can anyone say to convince you? And would you really want to make the choice on what mere posters say about it in here?

This should be between you and Him.

 

[Bob8102]

After the rich young ruler walked away, Christ's disciples asked Him, "How can anyone be saved?" Jesus said, "With men, this is impossible..."

 

[Charlie24]

After the rich young ruler walked away, Christ's disciples asked Him, "How can anyone be saved?" Jesus said, "With men, this is impossible..."

They were confused about salvation, just as you are.

You don't understand Gods grace, if you did it would be easy to surrender.

 

[royal priest]

After the rich young ruler walked away, Christ's disciples asked Him, "How can anyone be saved?" Jesus said, "With men, this is impossible..."

You are very close to the kingdom my friend.
Our only hope of being saved is for Jesus to do the impossible within and upon us.

 

[Lost4words]

Have faith. Believe in God.

Its obvious He is calling you into faith. Dont be so worried as we have free will. God loves you and wants you to take the right path in life.

God bless you

 

[HTacianas]

In trying to figure out whether or not I'm a Christian, and what is keeping me from becoming one if I'm not, I have just now figured that it is the surrender of my will to someone else's that I most object to. It seems to me to be impossible to be willing to actually surrender my will to someone else. I "can't" make myself be willing to do that.

It's seems like what you're struggling with is some cliche you've heard from someone.

You might describe it as surrendering the will, but I would prefer to think of it as subjecting to the will of God. Things like "let go, let God" or "Jesus take the wheel" in the sense that I would become some unthinking robot of sorts doesn't appeal to me.

I have read a lot of the Church Fathers, and also a number of the great Christian writers of Church history, and none of them strike me as having lost their own will. But I have also read monks and others who might be described as having given themselves over completely to God but I see no downside to it. Those are men who dedicate themselves to a strict ascetic life that isn't for everyone.

So if you're afraid of losing your person or identity by becoming a Christian, don't be.

 

[zippy2006]

In trying to figure out whether or not I'm a Christian, and what is keeping me from becoming one if I'm not, I have just now figured that it is the surrender of my will to someone else's that I most object to. It seems to me to be impossible to be willing to actually surrender my will to someone else. I "can't" make myself be willing to do that.

What is a concrete example of how you believe your will must be surrendered?

 

[Bob8102]

HTacianas' indication that we do not become unthinking robots when we become Christians, helped a great deal. Since posting yesterday, I understand I have repented and become a Christian. In answer to Zippy2006, I was under the impression, from those Christian circles where it is said that you must surrender your will, that you effectively must surrender your free will to God, so that, moment by moment, He controls your thoughts and actions like a puppet on a string. HTacianas' response helped to clear up that misconception and helped me decisively repent and turn to Christ.