How do you know when you are saved?

[Breaking Babylon]

I have trouble in believing the holy spirit and even satan. They are like something out of the Harry Potter book. I really think that once someone gets baptized or saved, that person just makes a committment to follow Jesus. There's no special feeling, no receiving of the holy spirit. You get wet and try to live better.

But they're out of the Bible. God's Word. It's actually kind of blasphemous to tie the Holy Spirit down to a child's fantasy, to be blunt about it. But we all don't share the same faiths.

In some cases, there are 'feelings' associated with salvation. In others, there are not. The heart is a deceitful thing which no man can understand, proclaimed as desperately wicked by God. My baptism was no wondrous display of emotion. The heart is a deceitful thing which no man can understand, proclaimed as desperately wicked by God. However, there was a sense of peace and contentment, knowing what I had just done.

Just because my wicked heart doesn't acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit, I don't doubt He's there. Why? God said it would come to pass, and I have no doubts in my Father. The Spirit makes Himself known to me constantly, not in some emotional display, but rather in comforting, learning, and conviction.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are way, way above fantasy, divination and occultic abominations.

1 John 2:1-5 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."

I agree with eoe. God is much larger than the box we try to place Him in. There's a time to let go of preconceived notions[even pastoral influence, word of mouth, etc in some cases]. If any of these don't add up to what God has said, if even an angel from Heaven were to preach a different gospel unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8. The answer's already been given to us. Dare to seek it out for yourself. 2 Tim. 2:15 says STUDY to show thyself approved unto God. II Peter 3:18 says to GROW in the knowledge.

Because Preacher Bob said it, doesn't necessarily make it true. Because such and such is your family's tradition, doesn't hold water - God is no respecter of persons. Seek His Word. Every last answer is there, based on what we need for growth and salvation. I don't believe God is going to want to hear "But I wasn't sure..." when He's provided the answers already.

To follow God is not to pick and choose. To follow God is to follow God, based on HIS standards, not our own.

 

[Dive]

I thought years ago that I was saved and then after a while, it seemed that my faith went downhill.

Hi there. Okay, I'd just like to say that in a dip in the strength of you're faith will not effect whether or not you are saved. You have surrendered you life to God (by the sounds of it) and Jesus - you have been forgiven! You're ticket to Heaven is in the mail, the currier - Jesus.

Is there any specific feeling that happens when you are saved?

I'd like to suggest that you do not get caught up on the feelings of Christian life. This seems to be a problem that a lot of us suffer with - sure, those 'Christian Feelings' are great, but that’s not what it's about. If they happen, amazing - that’s cool - but do not go searching for it.
But to answer your question - it varies from person to person. Some people will feel something, others something else, another - nothing. Being saved is having allowed Jesus into your life so if you feel you've done this, then I guess you can count this as a feeling.
For me, it rarely jumps out at me - I sometimes wonder if I'm doing something wrong - but I've learnt to not rely on what I feel.

I would love to be saved; however, since I have gotten older I have more and more questions about Christianity.

Our God is, if my knowledge is correct, the only God from any religion that allows us to argue with him, question him and tell he what we really feel. Questions are great, don't be ashamed or afraid of them - ask them.

For instance, if you watch the History or Discovery Channel, they will talk about how dinosaurs were around 16 million years ago or something like that. If the Earth has only been around for about 6,000 years, how is that possible???

Now this is a real tricky issue. I guess there are several points of view you can run with.
1) When the Bible talks about creation in 6 days, and the old testaments list of generations, shouldn't be taken literally. 6 days is humans attempt to try and grasp something we cannot, perhaps, and the family trees don't give a completely accurate measurement of time, or didn't start at the, literal, first week of earth.
2) The scientists have got it wrong. They may believe that they've got all this 'solid evidence' that cannot be disputed, but in fact there is something flawed in their techniques.

Something you've got to take into account of fitting science with the creation story is that when the Bible talks about 'Days':
1) The Hebrew word that was translated into 'Day' can also be translated as 'Age'
2) The author of Genesis is trying to write a book that humans, with our limited knowledge, can grasp and relate to.
Also, when you look into sciences theory of evolution and the creation story, apart from time frames they fit together perfectly. Both can be true.

I'm sorry about the length of that and its unorganised-ness. If you want to talk to me more about this, feel free to PM me.

 

[eoe]

For some reason I just don't think the whole "Don't worry about your salvation" thing is working on her.

My advice: Worry. Don't ever stop worrying. It will help you to struggle.

(Philippians 2:12) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

There is a reason this "Once Saved Always Saved" stuff sounds like fluff. It is. If it were not then you would have no problems at all - you would be all set and just need to ride out the rest of your life doing whatever you want.

(1 John 2:14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

(1 John 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

(1 John 2:17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Does that say "Do whatever you want?" NO! IT says "DIE TO THE WORLD - TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND DO THE WILL OF GOD".

It does not say "Say a prayer and you are all set. Now run along and play."

(Matthew 7:19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Make sure that you produce fruit.

(Matthew 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

(Matthew 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

What does that say? Those who say a single prayer are all set and have nothing to worry about? NO.
It says that NOT all those who are calling to him shall enter but those who DO THE WILL OF GOD.

(Matthew 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Do you suppose that those who have prophesied in the name of Jesus "beleived"? If they cast out demons - did they beleive in Jesus or not?

(Matthew 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

And yet these people don't get in! WHY?

(Matthew 7:24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

WHO DOETH THEM.

(Matthew 7:25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Good.

(Matthew 7:26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

DOETH THEM NOT.

(Matthew 7:27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Bad.

(Matthew 10:22) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Who will be saved? He(she) that endures to the end.

Why endure? If salvatoin is already done and over with - why bother?

Again - I urge you to take action. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Get up and act.

Don't listen when people tell you that the check is in the mail.


Here is what finally convinced me. The book of Saint James - the brother of God - chapter 2

(James 2:1) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

(James 2:2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

(James 2:3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

(James 2:4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

(James 2:5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

(James 2:6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

(James 2:7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

(James 2:8) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

(James 2:9) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

(James 2:10) For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

(James 2:11) For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

(James 2:12) So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

(James 2:13) For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

(James 2:14) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

(James 2:15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

(James 2:16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

(James 2:17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

(James 2:18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

(James 2:19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

(James 2:20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

(James 2:21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

(James 2:22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

(James 2:23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

(James 2:24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

(James 2:25) Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

(James 2:26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Dead faith does not save.

If the faith is now dead - didn't it have to be alive before? If it was at any time alive - why the warning?
Once saved always saved is FALSE.
Do not beleive them when they say "the check is in the mail".
Get up and act.

 

[LilLamb219]

Get up and act.

Get up and act by looking to the cross where salvation was won. Good works WILL result from faith as a Christian can do nothing less. It's the Gospel that works faith in a person and causes him/her to do good works. Don't rely on works for salvation. Rely instead on Christ Jesus who atoned for your sins and your faith WILL encourage you to want to do good for your neighbor

 

[eoe]

Get up and act by looking to the cross where salvation was won. Good works WILL result from faith as a Christian can do nothing less.

Where have you been? Have you read this thread? "Christians" can and will do FAR, FAR less. The world is full of "Christains" that don't do squat but sit back relax and get fat. The works come from an active struggle day in and day out. They come from obedience to God and a rebellion from the world.

I believe you exist but that is not going to cause me to take action.

It's the Gospel that works faith in a person and causes him/her to do good works.

I would say that it is the struggle and the works that allow one to be worked on by the gospel. If we do not go out and act then there is no growth.

Don't rely on works for salvation.

Who is saying that? Our works are like filthy rags.
Still - without the struggle our faith is useless and dead.

Rely instead on Christ Jesus who atoned for your sins and your faith WILL encourage you to want to do good for your neighbor

Believing that Christ exists and actually being obedient are 2 totally different things. Those that call "Lord! Lord!" believe and what does that get them? (hint - a sit in the smoking section) There are tons of people that believe and do NOTHING. They watch football on Sunday instead of attending church. They spend all week working and complainaing about their jobs and then they come home and do NOTHING. They beleive that God exists but unfortunately they have been told that they are perfectly fine and their salvation is assured. They don't need to go learn about God. They don't need to feed the hungry or help the sick. They are SAVED! Right? Who has time to go feed the hungry when you are working extra shifts so that you can buy those sweet rims for your car anyway? Where is the time for ME anymore?!?!?!?! THERE IS NO TIME FOR ME!!!

Sheesh. People need to forget themselves for a while.

The truth is that those people that think they are perfectly fine and are SOOOO busy they can hardly think straight are so tied up in the world that they have been dragged down into it.

(1 John 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Business and a total lack of time are signs of being trapped in the world.
You are telling me that "Christians" are just fine working like mad so they can afford the Lexus and the $400k house?

We are saved by Grace through a faith that produces works. We are saved FOR the purpose of walking in the works. We are not saved by a single prayer and we are not saved so we can sit on the couch and watch football. We are not saved by working 80 hours a week and collapsing on the bed at night.
That is a foretaste of hell.

OSAS Leads to complacentcy and apostasy. This thread is proof.

Don't believe me?

The check is in the mail right? Let me know when you get it.

 

[Ladyhawke1066]

I too wonder this same thing, re: creation, dinosaurs, etc.

You are saved when you ask Christ to guide your life with the help of the Holy Spirit and turn away from sin.

It doesn't mean that you won't screw up or sin again, but it does mean, you approach situations, conversations with a Christian conscience (which I believe is the Holy Spirit counselling).

It also doesn't mean that you will feel like a million bucks, all of the time. Remember, we are still enclosed in the flesh, and therefore, limited. I feel the same way, I know born agains who are almost cocky in their assurance of themselves and their salvation. You never stop growing, never stop seeking. To quote Joyce Meyer, a fav. TV pastor, "I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be."

Does this help?

Re: I believe God revealed the story of creation to Moses in a way that his mind could grasp it, before an understanding of the universe and all it's wonders were revealed to us. For instance, who are we to think that one day to the Lord, is an exact twenty four hours as we know it.

Sincerely,

Patty