As a doubter, am I already damned?

Victor in Christ

Jehovah Tsidkenu
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Dear blackhole do not give up.

Romans 10: 8-16
8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God Bless
 
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Shrewd Manager

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Jesus is the way the truth and the life.

'What is truth?' asks Pilate. I suggest it is above all that which is absolutely trustworthy at all times and in all places. It's in the fabric of creation, the natural law, the basis of science, religion, relationship, sense and sanity. It's the key to values of nobility, justice, beauty and morality. And finds it's highest expression in the everlasting covenant, the assurance of our salvation.

Jesus gave his life in perfect trust in God. True love perfected on the Cross, the love that endures hell and death to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that God is passionately for us and not against us. The blood of the Lamb is the gift of life.

What more would you have God do to earn your trust?
 
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1213

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Only God is “ righteous”.The only “ Righteousness” you or I will EVER know is one that is IMPUTED to us because of our Faith in Christ and Him Alone to Save us...
“ Abraham BELIEVED God and it was COUNTED to him as Righteousness”
My Righteousness and your Righteousness don’t count for much in God's Eyes.....He sees it as “ used menstrual rags”......

Please tell, what do you think righteous means?

But, anyway, I don’t think it matters much how person is righteous, as long he is righteous. Righteousness is needed and it's opposite is wicked. I hope you are not wicked.

The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not dwell in the land.
Pro. 10:30
 
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Gregory Thompson

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I know that there are figures in the Bible who doubted and yet were saved. However, I suspect that my doubt goes well beyond their doubts, except maybe not Thomas' doubt, but perhaps he wasn't saved until after he received his evidence.

I've been a Christian for 15 years.

My situation is this: Lately, I've spent an incredible amount of time trying to prove to myself that I have a very strong foundation for believing in Christianity. Unfortunately, that pursuit has pretty consistently led me to evidence which is stronger against Christianity rather than for it. Right now, I'd say that I believe there's only about a 10-20% chance that Jesus is who he claimed to be.

But I'm still searching, because that answer is sickening; it's intolerable. I will be extremely unhappy if I must live without the Christian god; my life would be utterly pointless.

So I hope that as I gather more information, my 10-20% estimate will increase.

Strangely, I never realized until now that I am very sincere in my desire to have God. There is nothing I want more. What I've done is essentially this: I recognized that my mind is fragile; we all make errors in reasoning. I can't count on myself to come to the evidence that would make me believe the Christian claims are probable. Thus, I've pleaded with God, very very sincerely, that if he exists, he would lead me to the evidence I need. And I also acknowledged that I can't lose my salvation, and given that my heart longs for nothing more than for this God to be real, it seems that I certainly have had salvation. Thus he will surely draw me back, right? That is, if he exists at all?

My questions are these: First, am I already damned, because I think it's much more probable that his claims were false than I do that they were true? Note: I have not rejected him. I just have strong doubts. Second, my comments about sincerity and relying on God to bring me to the evidence -- am I correct? If God is real, will he draw me back?

Note: Please do not respond by telling me that I need to have faith. Blind faith is useless, and I don't see such an idea defended by scripture. Moreover, blind faith can be used to defend the claim of any religion. Muslims can say that I just need to have faith. Christians can say it. So how do I choose between them? You have to appeal to something more than only faith.
There's this part of a Christian that is created when they are born again by the Holy Spirit. This being that is created is made to be like Jesus, and can understand Godly things through spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity occurs slowly over time as we trust in Him as we live and breathe.

From reading the above post, the evidence that the eyes seek will never be satisfactory, because the brain that those eyes are attached to is hostile to God.

This is kind of why you need to Trust God on things that don't make sense, some things cannot make sense from the initial perspective.

As we mature spiritually, we "have the mind of Christ" and there is a new heart that grows within us as well.

Nowadays this aspect of Holy Life in Christ Jesus is difficult to grasp since most theologies I have encountered through churches engage the brain that is hostile to God with scripture, and try to convince it to just give up. However, this does not result in the mind of Christ being developed either.

So it is difficult.

I pray you find what you are looking for, since only God can provide it to you through your trust in Him.
 
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2PhiloVoid

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Any other religion could make the same claim: Don't reason, just seek.

You have to offer something that makes Christianity more likely than any other religion.

Actually, no we don't have to offer anything that makes Christianity "more likely than any other religion." And why not? Because to speak like this is to talk in Bayesian terms and this form of probabilistic thinking definitely doesn't reflect the way in which the biblical writers have indicated that epistemological development between one's self and God (in Christ) will transpire. Sure, we need to be rational and use our minds as best as we can, but whether you cut it axiomatically or existentially, either way, the only way to have faith is to wait upon the Lord each day as you journey through the world and the conceptualizations we can have of it.

So, rather than worry about your doubt, I'd just embrace it as a manifestation of your inquiring mind and challenge your epistemology 1st, not the evidences just yet.

2PhiloVoid
 
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Toro

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Doubts are a way of life.

They ultimately lead to one of two things.

They lead you deeper into faith.

Or.

They lead you to turn away from faith.

Doubts, trials, temptations and all the rest WILL come. It is how we respond to them that decides the answer to ones question of "Does my doubt condemn me"?

Did the dad with the child in Mark 9:23-25 receive what Jesus offered... or was he denied?

If your doubt causes you to turn to His word for answers/prayer to endure and to help you in your shaky faith... then you are in good company of some of the "greatest men of God" in the Bible.

Peter, walked on water because Jesus told him to come to Him. Peter stepped out of the boat, walked on water, but still doubted and sank.

Then later, Peter denied Christ because he feared death.

Then, Peter grows and dies for his faith.

Doubting is part of the growing process..... just make sure you do not remain there. Pray, pray and keep praying that as tge father of tge sick child, that He will help you in your unbelief.

Also, while you pray for answers.... pray your heart will be open to hear and recieve the answer.
 
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Blood Bought 1953

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Please tell, what do you think righteous means?

But, anyway, I don’t think it matters much how person is righteous, as long he is righteous. Righteousness is needed and it's opposite is wicked. I hope you are not wicked.

The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not dwell in the land.
Pro. 10:30

You have to be “ Perfect” to obtain Eternal Life......To Be IMPUTED with the Righteousness Of Jesus because one puts their Faith in The Gospel is the way to get that “Perfection”......or one can try it on their own—Good Luck with that!
 
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Victor in Christ

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You have to be “ Perfect” to obtain Eternal Life......To Be IMPUTED with the Righteousness Of Jesus because one puts their Faith in The Gospel is the way to get that “Perfection”......or one can try it on their own—Good Luck with that!

and we all will have to be judged individually before Christ, our works will be judged by God. Earthly works will be burned up as hay, wood and stubble (those meaningless works mentioned in Ecclesiastes). Our spiritual works, the works that really matter in the sight of the Lord will be like gold, silver and precious stones to him.
 
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Blood Bought 1953

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and we all will have to be judged individually before Christ, our works will be judged by God. Earthly works will be burned up as hay, wood and stubble (those meaningless works mentioned in Ecclesiastes). Our spiritual works, the works that really matter in the sight of the Lord will be like gold, silver and precious stones to him.
 
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visionary

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I know that there are figures in the Bible who doubted and yet were saved. However, I suspect that my doubt goes well beyond their doubts, except maybe not Thomas' doubt, but perhaps he wasn't saved until after he received his evidence.

I've been a Christian for 15 years.

My situation is this: Lately, I've spent an incredible amount of time trying to prove to myself that I have a very strong foundation for believing in Christianity. Unfortunately, that pursuit has pretty consistently led me to evidence which is stronger against Christianity rather than for it. Right now, I'd say that I believe there's only about a 10-20% chance that Jesus is who he claimed to be.

But I'm still searching, because that answer is sickening; it's intolerable. I will be extremely unhappy if I must live without the Christian god; my life would be utterly pointless.

So I hope that as I gather more information, my 10-20% estimate will increase.

Strangely, I never realized until now that I am very sincere in my desire to have God. There is nothing I want more. What I've done is essentially this: I recognized that my mind is fragile; we all make errors in reasoning. I can't count on myself to come to the evidence that would make me believe the Christian claims are probable. Thus, I've pleaded with God, very very sincerely, that if he exists, he would lead me to the evidence I need. And I also acknowledged that I can't lose my salvation, and given that my heart longs for nothing more than for this God to be real, it seems that I certainly have had salvation. Thus he will surely draw me back, right? That is, if he exists at all?

My questions are these: First, am I already damned, because I think it's much more probable that his claims were false than I do that they were true? Note: I have not rejected him. I just have strong doubts. Second, my comments about sincerity and relying on God to bring me to the evidence -- am I correct? If God is real, will he draw me back?

Note: Please do not respond by telling me that I need to have faith. Blind faith is useless, and I don't see such an idea defended by scripture. Moreover, blind faith can be used to defend the claim of any religion. Muslims can say that I just need to have faith. Christians can say it. So how do I choose between them? You have to appeal to something more than only faith.
That is some serious soul searching, and the perfect place for the Lord to lead you to His light. I would put my finger on Rev 3:20 and seriously pray that you can have a one on one with God. Keep praying and studying asking God to lead you to scriptures to help you prepare to meet him.

Look up every encounter the people of God had with God and learn what they say about it, what they saw, what they felt, and what understanding they came to understand from the experience. Find out what God requires from you to be prepared to meet the Holy One of Israel in person.

Ask God to open up your book of life and reveal to you that which is sin in His eyes, because what He sees as sin and what you think is are vastly different. Have God open up your eyes to see as He sees it, how even the "white" lies are rooted deep in the deceptions we cover and how badly it affects us and those around us. How our omissions, our view is so narrow and shallow, our actions are so selfish, our love is so lukewarm, and our effort are meager at best, which all play a part in our failure to be faithful to the truth we already know to be true. Have God open your ears so that you hear things as He does. May He bless you with the understanding so that you can understand things the way that He does. Then pray for the wisdom to act and speak according to the Way that He would.

Know this, that all the authors of scripture who were trying to describe the encounter with God are lacking in the intenseness of it. Isaiah said it best "Woe is me" but it well worth it. It will answer all your doubts and bring alive all His Words of scripture that have seemed to be locked away from your understanding. It will be an amazing journey with God. It is as slow as you can move forward. So keep going, you will have your breakthrough you are seeking. Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, search with all your heart and it shall be given unto you.

I am tickled that you have reached this point in life. Many never come this far. You may think that you are in an awful place but actually you are now in the right place for God to work within you. It is going to be an adventure with God, by you seeing the world through God's eyes, hear with God's ears, and know with God's understanding. Just let go and trust God. Grab this opportunity to be with God. Open up those temple doors of your heart and mind and let Him in. He is knocking, do you hear His voice? Let Him in.
 
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visionary

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Dear Heavenly Father,
Blackhole has come to the realization of the emptiness without you. He needs you, he is lost and can not find you though we know you are right there. He has a hunger in his soul to meet you and a thirst for you but doesn't know what he can do to break these chains of doubt that are overwhelming him. He knows his plight but has not been able to break free on his own. Come to him Lord and break these chains, freeing His soul to love you. The theories he has been taught have not satisfied the life in you He seeks. He knows the something that is missing is you. He doesn't know how to connect with you. Lord, please come personally and speak with him words of comfort and give him a revelation of inspiration to lift his soul to show him You as a reality. May he read scripture with your Holy Light upon it, that Your Words speak to His heart guiding Him in all truth. I pray for you two to be closer that ever before. I pray all this in Yeshua's name Amen.
 
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I know that there are figures in the Bible who doubted and yet were saved. However, I suspect that my doubt goes well beyond their doubts, except maybe not Thomas' doubt, but perhaps he wasn't saved until after he received his evidence.

I've been a Christian for 15 years.

My situation is this: Lately, I've spent an incredible amount of time trying to prove to myself that I have a very strong foundation for believing in Christianity. Unfortunately, that pursuit has pretty consistently led me to evidence which is stronger against Christianity rather than for it. Right now, I'd say that I believe there's only about a 10-20% chance that Jesus is who he claimed to be.

But I'm still searching, because that answer is sickening; it's intolerable. I will be extremely unhappy if I must live without the Christian god; my life would be utterly pointless.

So I hope that as I gather more information, my 10-20% estimate will increase.

Strangely, I never realized until now that I am very sincere in my desire to have God. There is nothing I want more. What I've done is essentially this: I recognized that my mind is fragile; we all make errors in reasoning. I can't count on myself to come to the evidence that would make me believe the Christian claims are probable. Thus, I've pleaded with God, very very sincerely, that if he exists, he would lead me to the evidence I need. And I also acknowledged that I can't lose my salvation, and given that my heart longs for nothing more than for this God to be real, it seems that I certainly have had salvation. Thus he will surely draw me back, right? That is, if he exists at all?

My questions are these: First, am I already damned, because I think it's much more probable that his claims were false than I do that they were true? Note: I have not rejected him. I just have strong doubts. Second, my comments about sincerity and relying on God to bring me to the evidence -- am I correct? If God is real, will he draw me back?

Note: Please do not respond by telling me that I need to have faith. Blind faith is useless, and I don't see such an idea defended by scripture. Moreover, blind faith can be used to defend the claim of any religion. Muslims can say that I just need to have faith. Christians can say it. So how do I choose between them? You have to appeal to something more than only faith.
I believe because I have the Holy Spirit. There's nothing intellectual about it. The Holy Spirit is also called the "Comforter". And that's the only comfort I have. This experience causes me to believe.
 
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Victor in Christ

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Some great advice on here. The scripture is so precious to us, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Every Saint (sons and daughters of God) in the Old Testament went through many despairing time, many a valley they trod. Their troubles are in many ways like our troubles. Jacob, even from the womb, stole Esau's birth-right, but God still loved him, because he believed in God with all his heart (unlike his twin brother Esau).

Below is a good sermon on Jacob and how he wrestled with God (thinking initially it was a stranger he was wrestling with). Little did Jacob know at the time it was God working with him, but Jacob didn't give up, he demanded a blessing (a promise/a comfort) from God and God gave it to him when God's time was right.

Jacob at Jabbok
 
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1213

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You have to be “ Perfect” to obtain Eternal Life....

I know that Bible says one must be righteous to get eternal life, but I don’t remember any scripture that tells one must be perfect.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
 
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Gregory Thompson

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I know that Bible says one must be righteous to get eternal life, but I don’t remember any scripture that tells one must be perfect.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
The word that is commonly translated as perfect also can be translated as mature.

Spiritual maturity comes hand in hand with living by faith in the day to day.

There is a passage that says love is made perfect (or matured) within us so we have confidence on the day of Judgment because we're like Him.

It's not a condition for being born again, but it is part of sanctification leading up to redemption.
 
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Victor in Christ

Jehovah Tsidkenu
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I know that Bible says one must be righteous to get eternal life, but I don’t remember any scripture that tells one must be perfect.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

We'll never be perfect in this life, but Christ's New Testament fullfilled will be supernaturally engrained into our being that we know we're sinning. That's the key. Even as a born again Christians we will sin, but we'll now know it and by Christ's endless fountain of salvation through the blood shed on the cross we are forever cleansed and renewed. When we know we've sinned it will be automatic to us and we'll ask for forgiveness. Then the Lord will add blessings to our soul, blessing of comfort, fellowship with other christians and joy we've never experienced before.

Amen
 
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I know that Bible says one must be righteous to get eternal life, but I don’t remember any scripture that tells one must be perfect.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23


“ You are to be Perfect—- even as you Father in Heaven is Perfect.”
 
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