Fear

[Jacob Black]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

 

[HTacianas]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

That is sometimes a good starting point. Read the new testament to see what you need to do to be saved.

 

[Jacob Black]

That is sometimes a good starting point. Read the new testament to see what you need to do to be saved.

I know what I must do to be saved: trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ who died in my place for my sins and I can't do anything else to make it right with God except trusting in His way of salvation and repenting of my sin, which I try to do but I'm not always successful and I still struggle. I can have periods of weakness in my walk in which I'm struggling to trust God so I start trusting in myself, which is a bad thing I want to avoid. My fear is that I can do all these things while still not being saved.

 

[Richard T]

I think it is good to be honest with yourself as you are doing. Your faith is kind of shaky, you do not have the full assurance that others seem to have. I imagine most Christians go through this at some point, as it can be unsure at times. It is especially hard if there is little history in your walk with God, or if there has been stagnation for some time. I would simply ask that God grant you revelations about Him and bring to your remembrance many of the things he has done in your life. Faith too comes from hearing the word, so make more effort to get to know God. It is certain that he will respond to you. I sometimes ask God to help my unbelief as well. Luke 11:9 (KJV) 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

All have weaker moments.
Keep trusting in Christ alone.

Less about us
more about Him.

M-Bob

 

[Bobber]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

First of all the scripture states. "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" James 4:8
In saying this I'm not saying you're not presently saved. You very much can be saved but your fellowship with the Lord may be very weak. We are exhorted to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. It seems to me if you had more of the manifested presence of God in your life the confidence in the salvation you already do have would be greatly increased.

 

[Andrewn]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation. I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry,

What you feel is normal and I often need to remember that my salvation is is in God's hand, who wants to save me:

Phi 1:6 I am convinced of this very thing: that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Joh 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.

 

[Aussie Pete]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

The first condition to be saved is to be a sinner. That sounds self-evident, but a lot of so-called Christians do not believe they are all that bad. If you know that you are a sinner (not just do the occasional wrong thing) and have truly trusted in the finished work of Christ on the Cross, then you are born again. You need to know that Lord Jesus died in your place and rose again for you also. Not only did Jesus die for your sin, he died for you, the sinner. God included you in the death of Christ so that you died also. Then you were included in the Lord Jesus when He rose from the dead. So where do you come into the picture now? Answer - nowhere. The old you is dead. The new you is your born again spirit. Lord Jesus is now your life. He lives in you to be wisdom, sanctification, righteousness and redemption. That was performed by God when He put you into Christ. When you see this is spiritual reality and not just words in the Bible, you will change. You will see that you truly are saved and that Lord Jesus would have to be uncrucified for you to lose your salvation.

Yes, this has to be worked out in experience. God is on your side and has given you everything you could possibly need to be an effective believer. You just don't know it yet. When I went through a similar experience to you, the fellowship leader told me to "doubt my doubts". He advised me to make God's word my authority, not my thoughts or feelings. Satan is the source of most of our doubts. He used it on Eve to great effect. "Has God said....?" He tried and failed with Lord Jesus. "If you be the Son of God..." I suggest that you check out your birthright as a believer. Galatians 2:20 is a good start. Also, the following article will help you.
The Way - Christian Life Frankston

 

[Albion]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

There may not be an easy answer to this question. It may have something to do with one's personality rather than to any issue of doctrine, etc.--and we know that our personalities are often formed early in life and are hard to change.

However, my view is that the problem you are pointing to is tempered when you really come to realize, when it really dawns on you, that it's not what you or I do that makes God like us but that there is nothing we can do which is deserving of the grant of eternal life and happiness with the Lord.

Rather, it's by our trust in Christ and his work, the work he came to do precisely because we cannot earn our way to heaven by our own efforts.

Jesus told his followers to trust him--in those very words--but we were all raised by our parents to "do this; don't do that" so we instinctively think in terms of proving ourselves by our deeds. Try to overcome that when it comes to the question of salvation. .

 

[Lord'sWarrior]

I have a fear that I'm not an actual Christian and that I'm deceiving myself. I'm afraid that I belong to the group of people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23 because I still can have a very weak faith at times and then I start to trust in things that I do instead of Jesus Himself for my salvation.

I hate that I do this and I can't get that certainty that I'm saved or not. I discussed it with my mother who is also a believer and she says that I don't have to worry, but I can't seem to find any rest because I keep thinking to myself: ''What if I think that I can claim to have a relationship with Him but in the end He might still say that He doesn't know me and then it's too late.'' This feeling varies from time to time and I know that I shouldn't trust my feelings but it still scares me because there might be a possibility that it might actually come true.

I need some advice on how I can deal with this situation and these sorts of thoughts.

Mr. Jacob Black,

I fear this will be just one more post, but I pray you will take notice of it.

Let me quote this,

Matthew 24:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

In my opinion, after having faith, I believe salvation is a continuous thing. We still can be cut from the tree. Don't forget we are wild olive branches (pardon my english).

But we must first have faith. Without faith we cannot please God.

I thought I had faith during several years, but I didn't. I clang on to belief and never let go. Then, it happened what I tell below.

I had a click in my mind\heart, and faith began to grow after throwing all my man made rosaries and crosses etc, and after praying to God, and watching the video I post below, somewhere down the middle of it when she was explaining how repentance does this thing....(well, she explains it better)... and I had the click.

I'm not affiliated to the girl in the video, nor do I know her.
Nor am I encouraging you or anyone to watch the video.

Bless you brother.
Stay strong!

 

[faroukfarouk]

Mr. Jacob Black,

I fear this will be just one more post, but I pray you will take notice of it.

Let me quote this,

Matthew 24:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

In my opinion, after having faith, I believe salvation is a continuous thing. We still can be cut from the tree. Don't forget we are wild olive branches (pardon my english).

But we must first have faith. Without faith we cannot please God.

I thought I had faith during several years, but I didn't. I clang on to belief and never let go. Then, it happened what I tell below.

I had a click in my mind\heart, and faith began to grow after throwing all my man made rosaries and crosses etc, and after praying to God, and watching the video I post below, somewhere down the middle of it when she was explaining how repentance does this thing....(well, she explains it better)... and I had the click.

I'm not affiliated to the girl in the video, nor do I know her.
Nor am I encouraging you or anyone to watch the video.

Bless you brother.
Stay strong!

Matthew 24 seems to be talking about tribulation saints after the Rapture.

The believer today can find great assurance in reading passages such as Romans 8 and John's First Epistle. (Psalm 46 is wonderful, also.)