Anyone out there gone through this too??

[buffy28]

When I was 9 years old I was saved. I knew I was under conviction and went to the altar and asked God to come into my life. On and off during my life, I have felt unsaved or doubted my salvation, but have always been able to get a grip on reality and the doubt leaves. Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief. Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons. My husband isn't saved and I know he needs Jesus, but I don't press the issue because I know that will only make matters worse. I do invite him to church but that is about as far as it goes. I am so confused and those of you reading this are probably confused too. I just want to know if I am saved or not. I don't remember a life chaning moment when I was nine that soilidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!!

 

[Nagev]

buffy28,

Okay, it sounds like you're letting the devil tell you this and he's got you hooked, or so he thinks. Let me ask you this: How many times did Christ die for you? Once, right? How many times did you ask Him to save you? Once, right? Okay, now, let's look at my favorite Scripture verse, which is found in Jude 24, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,." Do you have a concordance in your Bible? Read everything dealing with salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23 tells us that we are bought with a price. How many times did Christ purchase your redemption? ONCE.

Let's go for a walk down the Romans Road, shall we? Take a look at these Scripture verses with me:

The first verse on the Romans Road to salvation is Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" okay, we know that. We are all sinners.

The second one is Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I'm presuming you know the difference between eternal life and eternal damnation, which is what this verse is referring to.

The third one <<looking around . . . are you still with me?>> is Romans 5:8, ""But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God loves you, buffy!!

The fourth one is Romans 10:9, "That 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."

The fifth one says it again in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." You repented of your sin, right, buffy? Then you're saved and you belong to the Lord!

Sixth, Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Seventh, Romans 8:1 is the key here, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Eighth, Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

If you actually did ask Christ to forgive your sins and to save you, buffy, you belong to Him. You need to get into the word of God more. Are you familiar with John 3:16? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Isn't that the best news of all?

If your church isn't preaching the Bible and instead preaches against it (yes, there are "Christian" churches that don't believe in eternal security), send me a message as to your city and state and I'll look for a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching church in your area.

I care.


Pete

 

[Monergism]

When I was 9 years old I was saved. I knew I was under conviction and went to the altar and asked God to come into my life. On and off during my life, I have felt unsaved or doubted my salvation, but have always been able to get a grip on reality and the doubt leaves. Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief. Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons. My husband isn't saved and I know he needs Jesus, but I don't press the issue because I know that will only make matters worse. I do invite him to church but that is about as far as it goes. I am so confused and those of you reading this are probably confused too. I just want to know if I am saved or not. I don't remember a life chaning moment when I was nine that soilidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!!

You are probably experiencing what Martin Luther called anfechtung. I too, have experienced something like this. Let me offer something to you that you might be familiar with. Consider Jacob and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, but what was the matter? Rachel thought that she could win Jacob's love if only she had children, for she was barren. The thing was that Rachel was trying to earn something she already had: Jacob's devoted love.

We are susceptible to the same thing. Our error is twofold: 1. We think that we've been good enough to deserve God's love, or 2. we realize that we aren't able to earn God's love and thus assume that God's love cannot be ours. But consider this: God is a gracious God, compassionate and loving is He. He is slow to anger and quick to forgive, a Biblical concept from the mouths of Moses and David. We cannot earn God's love, but only accept it. Grace is undeserved, unmerited favor, and it is only God who grants this. I took note that you said that you didn't experience a "life-changing experience." As if salvation is based off of this.

I don't know why you sometimes have these reoccurring moments, but you're not alone. As I've said before, I have experienced these things also. Nevertheless, I count these things as a blessing, for when a time comes like this, you are compelled to turn to God and pray earnestly for guidance, help, comfort, peace and joy. This also allows you to examine your life. But I must ask you: Does an unregenerate sinner ever care for his or her salvation? Does any unregenerate have anxienty about his or her soul? Turn from sin and turn toward God. Look not upon yourself, but fix your eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by His precious blood, atoned you. Cry to Him: Lord, I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!

 

[Nagev]

You are probably experiencing what Martin Luther called anfechtung. I too, have experienced something like this. Let me offer something to you that you might be familiar with. Consider Jacob and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, but what was the matter? Rachel thought that she could win Jacob's love if only she had children, for she was barren. The thing was that Rachel was trying to earn something she already had: Jacob's devoted love.

We are susceptible to the same thing. Our error is twofold: 1. We think that we've been good enough to deserve God's love, or 2. we realize that we aren't able to earn God's love and thus assume that God's love cannot be ours. But consider this: God is a gracious God, compassionate and loving is He. He is slow to anger and quick to forgive, a Biblical concept from the mouths of Moses and David. We cannot earn God's love, but only accept it. Grace is undeserved, unmerited favor, and it is only God who grants this. I took note that you said that you didn't experience a "life-changing experience." As if salvation is based off of this.

I don't know why you sometimes have these reoccurring moments, but you're not alone. As I've said before, I have experienced these things also. Nevertheless, I count these things as a blessing, for when a time comes like this, you are compelled to turn to God and pray earnestly for guidance, help, comfort, peace and joy. This also allows you to examine your life. But I must ask you: Does an unregenerate sinner ever care for his or her salvation? Does any unregenerate have anxienty about his or her soul? Turn from sin and turn toward God. Look not upon yourself, but fix your eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by His precious blood, atoned you. Cry to Him: Lord, I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!

Monergism,

Are you on the same page as buffy? She said she is doubting her/his salvation. How does Martin Luther and what you talked about tie into all of this?

 

[WebbAcres]

Just hang in there and keep praying.

 

[DMagoh]

When I was 9 years old I was saved. I knew I was under conviction and went to the altar and asked God to come into my life. On and off during my life, I have felt unsaved or doubted my salvation, but have always been able to get a grip on reality and the doubt leaves. Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief. Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons. My husband isn't saved and I know he needs Jesus, but I don't press the issue because I know that will only make matters worse. I do invite him to church but that is about as far as it goes. I am so confused and those of you reading this are probably confused too. I just want to know if I am saved or not. I don't remember a life chaning moment when I was nine that soilidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!!

Buffy,

People with OCD (even a mild case) will definitely doubt their salvation more than the average Joe. If you meant what you prayed when you were 9, you are saved. If you werent saved when you were 9, dont you think God heard you when you prayed the sinners prayer later when you were doubting?

God didnt set up His salvation program as a trick. He is not interested in tricking someone into hell. The Bible says that it isnt God's will that anyone should perish. God does not want you to go to hell, and he knows your heart. He knows that you believe in His Son Jesus. If it would make you feel better, get on your knees before God one last time and tell Him exactly how you feel, and then tell Him that if you are not saved, that you sincerely accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Tell Him whatever you need to tell Him, and let Him know that you will live for Him. Then thank Him, get up off your knees, and then never doubt again.

 

[IisJustMe]

I don't remember a life chaning moment when I was nine that soilidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!!

There is a concept among some (in my opinion, legalisic) Christians that you must be able to pinpoint the day of your salvation. If not, it didn't happen

That's a load of horsehockey! It is an idea primarily espoused by an intinerant evangelist whose first name is Bailey and whose last name escapes me for the moment. Maybe someone can bail me out on that one.

The truth is, a nine-year-old, with rare exception, has very little "life-change" that needs to occur. As an adult, we can be healed of addictions, depression, adultery, or any number of other major sins by receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. But unless a nine-year-old has lived a foul, warped life or been the victim of parents who have lived such a life, it is unlikely he or she will need to experience a dramatic life-change.

At age nine, receiving Christ usually means you've grown up in a Christian home, you've known Jesus from almost the moment you were born, and you've been pointed in the proper direction from that time onward. You, in effect, have known Jesus always. It is simply a matter or recognizing why you need to declare Him as Lord of your life. So don't be distraught over not being able to pinpoint that "life-changing" experience, or the exact moment you came to realize you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Chances are, it was a progressive realization rather than a "light bulb" moment.

As to doubts, we all have those. We question our salvation, particularly in difficult and character-challenging moments, even if we've been Christians for decades. Rest assured Jesus knows we have these doubts. Don't dwell on them, as Satan loves to use those moments to render us ineffective witnesses, and try to pry us away from God, even though it is impossible. Know you are blessed -- and that doesn't mean "happy." It means "fully satisfied in the Lord, due to His indwelling Presence." That applies even when we physically and emotionally don't feel like that is the case. Learn, in those situations, to praise and honor and glorify the Lord and those doubts will soon dissipate.

God bless and keep you, and I pray you truly find the peace you are seeking, as it already lies within you.

 

[JimfromOhio]

I was like you. I thought I was saved however, after studying many reformed teachings, I have learned that I was "planted" on the road to be saved. Apostle Paul described the growth process: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth" (1 Cor. 3:6-7). 1 Thessalonians 1:5 "because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake." The Word of God stresses the importance of conviction and concern and repentance when it comes to conversion, spiritual regeneration, being born from above by the Spirit of God.

 

[Epiphoskei]

I have gone through this regularly. I detest it, but can't seem to make the feeling stop.

And though this strange affliction has come upon me, I just remember that I have been saved by God's grace, not some feel-good sensation, and even if I am faithless, "he is still faithful, for he cannot deny himself."

 

[AvgJoe]

When I was 9 years old I was saved. I knew I was under conviction and went to the altar and asked God to come into my life. On and off during my life, I have felt unsaved or doubted my salvation, but have always been able to get a grip on reality and the doubt leaves. Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief. Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons. My husband isn't saved and I know he needs Jesus, but I don't press the issue because I know that will only make matters worse. I do invite him to church but that is about as far as it goes. I am so confused and those of you reading this are probably confused too. I just want to know if I am saved or not. I don't remember a life chaning moment when I was nine that soilidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!!

What a timely message, my pastor was just speaking on this subject last Sunday. He was saved at 7yrs of age and he says that he gave all that he knew of himself to all that he knew of God. When wondering if you did it right back then, he says not to spend 35 seconds trying to remember those things because it depends on what you are doing right now.

Are you trusting Jesus to save you, like He said He would, if you repent and believe the gosple?

That's how, in Mark 1:15, Jesus tells us to be saved. He said, "repent and believe the gospel."

If you have done as Jesus said, you have repented and you believe the gospel, then yes, you are saved. Period!

Its not a matter of the things that you do! The Bible teaches that no amount of human goodness, human works, human morality or religious activity can get anyone into Heaven. Being a good person, belonging to a religious family, being baptized, going to church, none of these can save anyone. Everyone still falls short of God&#8217;s perfect standard. (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 4:1-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7)

And, Its not a matter of how you feel! Feelings come from the heart and &#8220;the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Its not a matter of feelings!


Its a matter of faith! What exactly is faith? Faith is belief + trust. Belief + Trust = Faith. You show belief in what Jesus said by repenting and believeing the gospel. Now, take Jesus at His word, and trust Him to save you just like He said He would.

This may be helpful to you~~~~> http://www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31044.aspx

 

[chris777]

This sort of issue is precisely why I Grilled my own daughter when she expressed her desire to be baptized, (I myself have yet to officially do it which is a whole other post)
But I remember being spoke to as a child about such things, and I missed the message, I distinctly remember thinking of baptism as a meaningless ritual, that seemed like some sort of secret handshake to join a club or something. It was not until 7 years ago that my own reading of the scripture revealed more about it, and salvation itself to me.
So when she expressed her desire to be saved I really sat her down and explained all I knew about it, and what it involved before allowing her to proceed.

From the original post it is difficult to tell if you doubt your original salvation ,or if you believe you have strayed from the faith.


When I was 9 years old I was saved. I knew I was under conviction and went to the altar and asked God to come into my life.

On and off during my life, I have felt unsaved or doubted my salvation, but have always been able to get a grip on reality and the doubt leaves. Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief.

We are told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons.

While I do not agree with OCD personally, the crux of the issue is do you have a reason for God to deal with you, or not? If you have reason For God to deal with you (and I am unaware of anyone who doesn't) Then would it be OCD?
And Doubt in itself is not necessarily indicative of obsession. is their more to it?

My husband isn't saved and I know he needs Jesus, but I don't press the issue because I know that will only make matters worse. I do invite him to church but that is about as far as it goes.

have you been doing this as well?
1Pet.3
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

I am so confused and those of you reading this are probably confused too.

God is not the author of Confusion, so this is likely a spiritual attack.

I just want to know if I am saved or not. I don't remember a life changing moment when I was nine that solidifies it for me and I thought that is what happened when you got saved. Please, someone help!!

I have been going through a process myself, I do not recall an exact moment that I could say I was saved, in fact I remember several key moments that all fall into line with the process, I remember praying the sinners prayer in doubt with a nothing to loose attitude, and look at me now.
I also am convinced my change in attitude is die to the prayers of a 5 year old girl, who prayed that her lost father might be saved, and when prayers are answered God does not play around.

 

[buffy28]

You guys are sooo awesome. I love all of your responses. To Chris777, I know I have strayed and was I guess what you would call a wild child during my teenage years, but since I got married and have had a child, I attend church regularly and don't do the "bad" (drink, smoke, party etc) things I used to do! During altar call I still feel "something" and I have always associated that feeling with being lost and God knocking on your hearts door. But from what I have read, saved people can still feel something during altar call.

JimfromOhio, DO you mean you realized you weren't really saved? Could you explain a bit more??

Thanks,
Buffy28

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Last summer I began doubting again and it has literally left me sick. I have prayed that God would take this doubt/burden away and when I felt like he was dealing with me, I would again pray the sinners prayer and ask him to save me. I still get no relief. Now, my question is, could this be OCD that is making me feel this way because I have a history of anxiety. Or could God be dealing with me for other reasons.

I would suggest talking to a psychologist or your pastor about your concerns.