Need Help

siris4285 · Jun 19, 2008

I've been going through some troubling times with Satan tempting me. I was caught in an extremely weak point yesterday and somehow I got coaxed into making a bet with the devil regarding my soul...and lost. My only saving grace is long ago, I asked God to protect my soul from such problems by keeping it safeguarded for me if a problem like this should arise because I have been tempted multiple times like this. I was going through similar problems when I asked him to safeguard it for me. Does Jesus/God protect souls from this sort of thing if you ask Him to? I don't really know what to do. Can anyone tell me anything? I have prayed and prayed about it and I'm so lost, confused, and worried. Will I spend eternity in Hell, or what will happen?

Balance:
If you have accepted the free gift of Salvation - nothing is able to take you from Him. So the question I would ask is are you saved?

I was baptized when I was a baby. I then joined the Methodist church in my early teens and publicly professed my faith to the congregation. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and want to be with him in Heaven!! At the moment, I just feel so far from God since this has transpired. I don't exactly know if I actually made a bet or if it was just all in my mind. If I am saved, will God keep my soul from harm and from being taken by Satan? Please pray for me!!

We all go through trials and tribulations. As long as youve accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, your fine. Now your thought life has to be maintained. The only way you can do that is by washing your mind with the water of the Word.

Love in His Service,
Pastor Rick

I have a questiong regarding what happened. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Did God protect my soul from being taken by Satan from the bet since I asked him to safeguard it? Or what exactly happened? I want to believe that I'm fine, but I thought that you had to have a soul to go to Heaven. I have so many unanswered questions concerning my well-being with this issue. Thanks for the advice so far!

Balance:

While making bets with the devil might make good country western songs, the simple truth is that before you accepted Christ, you were in the devil's kingdom. It was the act of salvation that brought you to the frredom you have in Christ.

Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Thanks for the feedback Balance and Importunity! I'm still a little confused on the whole thing. I'm just trying to look out for my spiritual well-being so that I can make sure everything is all right. Do I have my soul back?? Was it ever taken from me after I made this bet, or did God protect it all the while? Does this have anything to do with the "Once saved, always saved (because I'm not sure that is the case, I think you can fall out of God's salvation if you reject him)?" Sorry for all the trouble, I just want to make sure I'm going to be okay.

RedTulipMom · Jun 21, 2008

why would you make a bet with the devil?

God is bigger than the devil. Repent, Go to God, ask forgiveness and surrender to God and follow him.

tpony298 · Jun 21, 2008

I agree, God is more powerful then satan, why go for something short of perfect.

In all the songs I have heard the person always wins, so how do you know you lost a bet with the devil?

No, I am not making light of your situation. I know it is scary to get that close to something so evil. Just plain pray to God, or if you don't know what to say, pray to the Holy spirit and ask him to hover over you and listen to what you are trying to say, the take your words to the very throne of God, and ask him to intersede for you, because you don't know how to pray about this situtation....sincerely, Pony

Redheadedstepchild · Jun 21, 2008

Yeah, Methodists generally don't hold the once saved always saved doctrine. However, my understanding is also that it is very difficult to loose one's salvation - you would basically have to renounce God and refuse to accept Christ as your savior. This does not sound like the case here - I hope this helps to ease your mind.

How did you end up betting with Satan? How do you know he actually has your soul now? Truly, your soul belongs to God. You can't bet it away because it's not yours. The only power Satan has over you is the power you give him. He is the author of confusion and deceit and will use any trick he can to confound your relationship with God. I think he loves it that you are stressed and frightened thinking that you have permanently ruined your chance at salvation. Don't listen to those thoughts that tell you are doomed - they are LIES.

I agree with the above posts. Go to God with this and ask forgiveness, and thank him for the gift of his Son. Ask Christ back into your life as your savior. And when temptation rears it's ugly head, and it will, cry out to God for help. It may sound silly, but you can tell Satan to buzz off. Seriously, try yelling out loud whatever it is that you would say to kick him right out (maybe don't do this in public however

).

God Bless!

cristianna · Jun 23, 2008

You're only as far away from God as you think and choose to be. His arms are always open willingly for anyone whom chooses Him or chooses to come back to Him.

I agree with Red and believe at any time any human can lay down their beliefs and walk away to never pick it back up. But I also believe a human can make a mistake, ask for forgiveness and be welcomed back into His family.

And that is exactly what I think you need to do: ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself, and read the bible daily praying for understanding and wisdom.

I'll pray for you.

GraceSeeker · Jun 25, 2008

Satan is the great accuser and a great deceiver, but he can't win your soul in a bet. If your soul is in his hands it is because you freely choose to let him have authority in your life. If you have already repented of your sins and given authority of your life over to Jesus, then trust in him to preserve you against all the slings and arrows of the devil.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one [an advocate] who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)

That doesn't mean that you can't turn your back on God and walk away; but if that happens, it is something you would have to choose to do. It wouldn't be a result of some bet.

You want to tell us a little bit more? It sounds like you're in the midst of some sort of spiritual battle, but you really haven't shared much with us, so that anyone could provide specific counsel.

Hediru · Jun 27, 2008

I don't know what the "official" stance on this is in our denomination, but this is what I have come to believe as truth:

1. God is bigger and more powerful than Satan, so therefore
2. Satan cannot hold your soul if you turn to God and repent.

I don't know what happened exactly, but I do know that God is forgiving, and if you just turn back to him, honestly, and truly, your soul will be forever His.

siris4285 · Jul 22, 2008

Sorry I didn't repsond for a long time, when I came back to check for my post, I couldn't find it so I figured that it had been deleted.

So this whole thing started when I watched a movie a long time ago about a guy selling his soul to satan. I then became plagued with thoughts selling/betting my soul (11 or so years of this). I've been putting up with this battle for a long time. Throughout that time I've kept telling myself that I don't want to beucase I truly believe in Jesus Christ. But, I was caught in a weak point the other day over it and made a bet and lost. That's about all there is to it.

I appreciate all the positive posts and prayers!!!

Hediru · Jul 22, 2008

Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way.

MoeSzyslak · Jul 23, 2008

Siris4285,

I pray you are doing well. I don't personally believe you can 'sell' you soul to the devil in a bet or what-not. It's not yours to sell.

You are not your own; you were bought with a price." (I Cor. 6:19-20)

If you've given your life to Christ, you won't lose it by one dumb mistake. It'd take a life of deliberate, consistent wrong-doing. WHich is certainly not the feeling I get when reading your posts.

I am certainly not familiar with your situation and scenario, so I may be way off, but I fear the greatest damage being done right now, isn't with the 'selling of the soul bit.' Satan does not need to win your soul to win this battle. He would love nothing more, then to have to this cloud and questioning overhanging your head for the next 40 years of your life. The questioning and despondency that will inevitably come with it could be devastating. It's time to repent, tell satan he has no control over your life, and take up your cross. (advice I need to heed myself.)

Your in my prayers.

elman · Jul 24, 2008

siris4285 said:
Sorry I didn't repsond for a long time, when I came back to check for my post, I couldn't find it so I figured that it had been deleted.

So this whole thing started when I watched a movie a long time ago about a guy selling his soul to satan. I then became plagued with thoughts selling/betting my soul (11 or so years of this). I've been putting up with this battle for a long time. Throughout that time I've kept telling myself that I don't want to beucase I truly believe in Jesus Christ. But, I was caught in a weak point the other day over it and made a bet and lost. That's about all there is to it.

I appreciate all the positive posts and prayers!!!

I see no indication anyone in the Bible ever lost their soul over betting with Satan. Read Ezekiel 18. You lose your soul by your own sin. Your own sin is failing to be compasionate and loving toward others-see the teaching of Jesus prior to and during the parable of the Good Samaritan. Matt 25:31 and following--the last judement-none of the goats were people who lost bets with Satan. Also Read First John. Your salvation is connected to your loving others, not your bets with Satan.

Moriah_Conquering_Wind · Jul 24, 2008

siris4285 said:
I'm still a little confused on the whole thing. I'm just trying to look out for my spiritual well-being so that I can make sure everything is all right. Do I have my soul back?? Was it ever taken from me after I made this bet, or did God protect it all the while? Does this have anything to do with the "Once saved, always saved (because I'm not sure that is the case, I think you can fall out of God's salvation if you reject him)?" Sorry for all the trouble, I just want to make sure I'm going to be okay.

(1) If you have received Christ personally as your Lord and Saviour, the sin issue has been permanently resolved. The only issue to concern you now would be one of relationship with Him. You have not rejected HIM just because you did a foolish thing.

(2) If you repent of your bet with the devil and confess your wrong to God, He will always forgive you. Sinning can temporarily break our sense of fellowship with Him, but it will not destroy the relationship HE has established with us. we go to Him and confess what we did and ask Him to forgive and He says "Of course. I love you." And He might have some good insights to share with us how we can avoid making that mistake again, too.

Just like in a human relationship when one party offends or wrongs the other, it breaks fellowship but it does not in itself destroy the relationship. We can still own up and ask forgiveness, and our spouse or friend or family member can forgive, and the relationship remains through the whole process.

Humans being what they bes, this can fail sometimes with them, but with God it never fails. His promise:

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(3) You do not need to worry that by making that bet you have given the devil power over you that will override God's claim on you, or that you now have some "open door" for him to keep bugging you. Surrender the ties made with the devil by this bet to God. He will break every false oath and covenant and it has no power over you anymore. Thank Him for your freedom from this entanglement and walk away from it, and don't listen to any voice, human or otherwise, telling you anything else about it. When you pray to God and ask Him to take control of it and destroy it, He can, He will, and He does, right then and there -- matter CLOSED.

Either the devil OR your own anxieties may try to keep the matter open indefinitely and worry and trouble you over it. Act in faith to close it, believe God's power and word that it's closed, and move on. And do NOT look back. Trust Moriah you do NOT want to get mixed up with Satan on a serious basis or you will never fully recover and that bes NOT cool or exotic or dangerous or exciting -- just PAINFUL AND MISERABLE.

siris4285 · Jul 29, 2008

I want to thank everyone again for all the positive comments, advice, and prayers!!! I've been reading the Bible a lot and have give up a lot of my sinful habits. I've found out from reading some of the book of Job that Satan's power is limited by God's will. So, I would surmise that Satan can't buy or make a bet for anyone's soul since Jesus has already purchased and redeemed our souls with his blood. Therefore, I guess that Jesus/God is the actual owner of our souls. Therefore, we don't have a right to sell or bet our souls. Am I correct in this? Back to the book of Job. Since Satan's power is limited by God's will, what is Satan able to do to us? Is he only able to lie to us and deceive us?

GraceSeeker · Jul 29, 2008

siris4285 said:
Since Satan's power is limited by God's will, what is Satan able to do to us? Is he only able to lie to us and deceive us?

Satan's power is limited because Satan is a created being. There is no other power equal to God, good or bad. God is almighty. Satan is all limited.

As to what is Satan able to do? He is also able to accuse us. But he has no power to prosecute, judge, nor render a verdict.

On another note, did you know that Satan isn't actually an English word? It is a Hebrew word that means adversary. And the word is used not only to describe the one we today call Satan but also of a few kings that were adversaries of Israel in the Bible, and even of the angel that God sent to stop Balaam's donkey by blocking its path. Any adversary, especially if that adversary was opposed to God or tried to deflect us from living according to God's will in our life could correctly be call satan (an adversary of God). Hence Jesus directs Peter, "get behind me Satan (i.e. adversary)" when he suggests that Jesus shouldn't die in Jerusalem.

It was not until much later than books like Job were written that the term "satan" became a proper name used to personify the forces of evil that seem to exist in the word. Since the only power they have over us is what we give them, I'm beginning to think maybe we should return to the earlier days of the Old Testament and not even given them the power of having a proper name.

cristianna · Jul 31, 2008

GraceSeeker said:
I'm beginning to think maybe we should return to the earlier days of the Old Testament and not even given them the power of having a proper name.

GraceSeeker · Jul 31, 2008

cristianna, I'll give you two thumbs up if you can figure out what I meant by that statment and why.

cristianna · Jul 31, 2008

I can see a variety of things GS.

Since the only power they have over us is what we give them...
You can either choose to invite them to party with you, or you can kick them out as soon as they knock on your door.

Not even give them the power of having a proper name...
You cannot fear what you do not know, what you cannot call by name, and what you cannot party with.

Are you following me? Or am I really far off base? lol

GraceSeeker · Jul 31, 2008

That's not bad. I was thinking of how we humans like to blame everyone else for our troubles but ourselves. Yes, there is the potential for evil in the world, but I didn't myself choose it. Rather, let's point the finger elsewhere, like Flip Wilson said, "the devil made me do it." The reality is that Adam and Eve had free will, yet they tried to blame the serpent.

The old Bill Keane strip in the Sunday comics illustrated this so well. Mom and dad would walk into a room turned into a shambles by the kids at play, and ask "Who made this mess?" The answers they got were always:

"Not me."
"I dunno."
and
"He did."

And then when you looked closer at the page you would see little ghostly copies of each of the kids running around the room breaking things and they each had on a monogrammed shirt identifying them by name as Not Me, I Dunno, and He Did. The reality is that Not Me, I Dunno, and He Did don't exist, that the kids themselves broke the things that are broke and messed up the things that are messed up. And the reality is that when we see things broken and messed up in this world, we can't blame Satan either.

Satan isn't the one causes evil to be manifest in the world and we can't sell our soul to him. But if we are honest with ourselves (and others) we will admit that we are in fact the ones who, because of our rebellion and considering ourselves as truly #1, have turned ourselves into God's advesaries -- or translated into Hebrew, we are all satans. That is, we are all satans (adversaries of God) until rescued from those choices by God's love for us manifested in Jesus Christ. And in becoming love incarnated into this world were evil is so rampant, Jesus shows us the way to choose a different kind of life with God as the true #1.

cristianna · Jul 31, 2008

The Blame Game. Oh yes, very true! That was one I was not thinking about.

GraceSeeker · Jul 31, 2008

Yeah, if Satan is evil, then I'm not. Doesn't matter how much I too oppose God, or that in fact all of the evil I am involved in is a simple result of my own free will choices. I'm still not Satan (or Hitler, or Osama Bin Laden, or that jerk down the street), so I'm not really all bad, and if I'm not bad, then I must be good.

Sure is nice to have Satan around to take the heat off of our own moral failings, isn't it?

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