Am I Going To Hell?

[TristanCross]

Hi, everyone. Long time no see...Well, I've been back into smoking marijuana (my drug of choice) and have been going through a rough time as I am being treated for bipolar and am going through a spiritual crisis. I don't know what to believe in anymore. I was living as an Orthodox Christian for years (never converted, though) and now I want to remain Lutheran but some things in Lutheranism are confusing, contradicting, and just make me mad. I'm 21 years old and I believe God has blessed me with no gifts. My brain is shot from all the pot I've smoked, I'm not that smart, I am not good at academics or sports or at anything, and I have nothing to offer the world. Am I going to hell for my addiction? I also smoke cigarettes, touch, swear, get angry easily, listen to bad music (i.e. Eminem, gangster rap, etc.), and have a bad relationship with my family.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Am I Going To Hell?

I'm not the one to make that call; I'm not perfect, not even close.

What you do have going for you is the Holy Spirit which has kept you in the faith and in the Church (EO and Lutheran). The Holy Spirit is not done with you either for you are seeing answers and desire to maintain your faith.

We all have gifts, some or most we know nothing about. We are to do the best we can with what gifts we are given. As a result every person is here for a purpose. Even an elderly person who no longer recognizes family or understands where or who they are has a purpose.

Right now you may have no inkling what your purpose, calling or vocation may be, but God does.

You need to pray intently and frequently, asking in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you guidance, and that you be enlivened and motivated by the Holy Spirit. You have faith, it is by faith that we are saved; praise God!

It is good that you are here; don't be a stranger.

 

[LilLamb219]

What do you believe about Jesus, the cross and forgiveness of sins? You mentioned none of that in your post.

Hi, everyone. Long time no see...Well, I've been back into smoking marijuana (my drug of choice) and have been going through a rough time as I am being treated for bipolar and am going through a spiritual crisis. I don't know what to believe in anymore. I was living as an Orthodox Christian for years (never converted, though) and now I want to remain Lutheran but some things in Lutheranism are confusing, contradicting, and just make me mad. I'm 21 years old and I believe God has blessed me with no gifts. My brain is shot from all the pot I've smoked, I'm not that smart, I am not good at academics or sports or at anything, and I have nothing to offer the world. Am I going to hell for my addiction? I also smoke cigarettes, touch, swear, get angry easily, listen to bad music (i.e. Eminem, gangster rap, etc.), and have a bad relationship with my family.

 

[TristanCross]

I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior, both God and Man, died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and was risen three days later, that we die and rise in Christ through baptism and receive forgiveness of sins within the Eucharist and that we are saved by faith through grace in Jesus and also need to repent.

 

[TristanCross]

I am feeling better! I went with my friend to his Baptist church today and the sermon spoke right to my heart. It was all about making mistakes and how Christ saves us. The Gospel was there and I felt at peace.

 

[LilLamb219]

You should really go speak with your Lutheran pastor about all this.

 

[LilLamb219]

I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior, both God and Man, died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and was risen three days later, that we die and rise in Christ through baptism and receive forgiveness of sins within the Eucharist and that we are saved by faith through grace in Jesus and also need to repent.

I wonder why, if you believe these things, you think you might be going to hell?

As sinful human beings we all fail. We all do things we aren't supposed to. That's why we're all in need of a savior. I'm not saying you should continue those things you are doing, but that your despair over hell should be cast aside because of the Gospel.

I'm not sure why you chose to go to a Baptist church. What things about Lutheranism concerns you?

 

[Pastor Don]

The interesting thing about humanity is that we are all sinners... What is more interesting is the amazing love God has for us! I do not know you and what people write on these boards sometimes do not truly reflect what is in their hearts. What I do know is that if you believe that Christ is your Lord and Savior you are almost there... What has happened to you is you have tripped and face planted off the path you began on... God is always waiting for you. He will brush you off and heal your wounds if you let Him in. Tell Him about your sins and leave them at His feet. You already know that what you are doing displeases Him, so you are on the right path. Tell the Lord that you love Him and that you cannot do this by yourself. Tell Him you need His forgiveness for where you have made your mistakes. When you are finished...Leave that burden behind and sin no more... If you can do that, you are on the road to healing and redemption...

Peace and love, my friend...

Don