Forgiveness

[Wonki]

I was in a bible study yesterday after service and it was the first one for the new school semester. I have three great leaders lead the group i'm in. I shared what I was going through this first year of college. I shared that I was losing faith and I had all these doubts. I had doubts about if the Bible is truly the word of God and how some of the Bible simply doesn't make any sense (ie. Jonah and the whale). So I got an answer from the female leader and she recommended me a book called "Reason for God" by Tim Keller. I'm looking into buying the book. So, after the bible study we had a big fellowship with other bible study groups and one of the other leaders approached me and he said he was getting the word "forgiveness" from God. He says that I need to truly know that I am forgiven for all my sins.

Now my question is. How do you know you are truly forgiven? Is it some sign or feeling because now that I think about it I only say to myself I am forgiven, but do I believe it? If you guys want more information feel free to ask.

thanks,
Daniel

 

[LWB]

1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When one asks for forgiveness, they are forgiven. It is that simple. So in a way, whether a person feels forgiven or not is not important from the Heavenly perspective.

But through faith a person can take statements like 1st John 1:9 to heart, and see themselves in a new light. Through faith they become aware of their fresh, cleansing wonderfulness. They are beautiful and the absolute apple of God's eye. Then there is an outpouring of love and gratitude from the heart, and a burning desire to love back in return.

 

[lone soldier]

Do you accept Christ as Lord and his resurrection from the dead? Then you are forgiven, provided you actually believe those two key points. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

[Johnnz]

I suggest you put that comment aside. You have real questions that need real answers. Get into some good reading. There is a lot of really good books available which will help settle your doubts and leave you with a much better founded faith.

John
NZ

 

[Mister_Al]

Romans 8:1 (New International Version, ©2011)


1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

That means you are forgiven in Christ.

Blessings,

Alan

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

"Reason for God" by Tim Keller

That's a really good book, it helped me in my season of doubt. I would also recommend Dinesh D'Souza's "What's so great about Christianity", it was also very helpful to me. You can find paper backs of them both very cheap on Amazon.

If you have asked Jesus into your heart as Saviour and Lord then you are saved but if I were you I would strive to know the forgiveness of God and the true cost of it (the life and blood of Jesus) better, which looks like what you are doing. It is the fundamental truth of our salvation and worthy of deep study.

Also if you haven't seen it, watch "The Passion of The Christ".

 

[heron]

Faith is a tricky thing -- we know we need it, but we can't scrounge it up out of nothing.

Reading God's promises helps reinforce them in our minds-- so we really do believe God will forgive and bless, protect and comfort us.

The Bible says, "faith comes by hearing." We don't automatically believe something we didn't used to believe. We need to take it in, make sense of it, absorb and build it into the way we do things.

People talk about practicing patience. Try practicing faith. Make up some strength training for yourself that will build muscles of understanding and trust. Put some strain on areas you feel weak.

 

[Wonki]

I placed an order for the Tim Keller book yesterday. I'm looking forward to reading it. Hopefully it will clear all my doubts. God bless you all, you have been great!