Catch-22?

[Riven]

I am struggling a bit with the concept of sincerely asking Jesus to come into your life. I read everywhere that you must repent and ask for forgiveness, but you must *mean it with all your heart.* But how can you truly mean it when your heart is corrupt and full of sin? I can't change my heart without God's help, but I must genuinely desire it. Seems like a Catch-22 to me. I do want to find peace through Jesus, and I have prayed "the prayer," read the Bible, etc., but at the same time, I fear that I don't really mean it and that my sinful nature does not want to let Jesus change my life. Any insights??

 

[newlite]

i was like you. but then i wasnt really a chirstain. sounds like the old me. if you mean it jesus will change your life no matter what. you'll know.

i might be better at this is i knew what catch-22 ment... im guessing a catch like with a company says a great deal but the fine print is the kicker (thing that ruins the deal).

 

[DawnTillery]

First of all, the way I see it, noone is perfect, we all fall short, thats in the bible. God knows we will struggle, we arent perfect. At those times when you do struggle, turn to him, ask him to help you live the life that he wants you to live. I have been a sinner for 32 years, and you better believe bad habits are hard to break, but if you sincerely mean it, praying and reading the bible will bring you closer to God. I have been saved for two weeks now, when im struggling, I come here and read, I find someone had the same problem with me, I have a close friend that I feel is a mentor to me, talk to your pastor and most of all talk to God. Although, we are not perfect, we must turn away from sin, we must talk to God and he will show us the way. I am not going to say your not going to sin, but you must try sincerely with all your heart. Repenting is for things that we do, because we aren't perfect. I am sure others will post - this is just my feelings on things.
God Bless
Jesus is the way!

 

[Dark_Lite]

The sinner's prayer makes me want to kill something. Regardless of how fallen we are and how much sin we have in us, Jesus liberates. Also please note, you don't have to get that "Holy Roller-Speaking the Tongues-Praise Jeeeeeeesus!!" type feeling. I'm perfectly content to not go writhing on the floor with Godly love.

Yep.

 

[mlmum]

The sinner's prayer makes me want to kill something.

Perhaps a little over the top....

The sinner's prayer is simply and acknowledgement that you cannot and don't want to live without Jesus in your life. It's a recognition that you want to change your ways and follow His.

But how can you truly mean it when your heart is corrupt and full of sin? I can't change my heart without God's help, but I must genuinely desire it.

Exactly. God has already changed your heart. It will take time to realise it! You may not feel any different, but you have to know that you are saved. As you get involved in a church and start learning about God you will continually re-check what you feel. Every time i think I have something figured out, something happens to make me re-think it. But I always know I am saved and God loves me and He will give me the strength to continue to follow Him.

The doubts you feel are normal - I have not found anyone who has never had a single doubt. The thing is to not let it get to you. When you feel that way, read some more bible or take some time alone and pray to God and tell him how you feel. I find the best thing is to sing some worship songs and your heart will rest again.

God will give you the strength if you ask him. May he bless your life....