I can't accept Jesus as my saviour

[Helmut-WK]

The Bible does describe three separate persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but does not explain how the unity of these

Up tom this point I fully agree. I don't think that we are on two sides, I'm just uncomfortable with the term "plural word", it's too close to tritheism (belief in three gods). We believe in one God.

If God wanted us to know the ins and outs of his essential nature, He would gave explained it clearly.

Full ACK. The best thing would be to leave the statements on the shield of trinity as they are (they can be found in the Bible) without trying to combine them into a coherent theory (which is not in the Bible). But deviations from the Bible in one direction or another forced to think about that and form a coherent trinity "theory". Any alternative offered contradicts the Bible in one point or another (at least every alternative I know of).

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Up tom this point I fully agree. I don't think that we are on two sides, I'm just uncomfortable with the term "plural word", it's too close to tritheism (belief in three gods). We believe in one God.


Full ACK. The best thing would be to leave the statements on the shield of trinity as they are (they can be found in the Bible) without trying to combine them into a coherent theory (which is not in the Bible). But deviations from the Bible in one direction or another forced to think about that and form a coherent trinity "theory". Any alternative offered contradicts the Bible in one point or another (at least every alternative I know of).

If we try to understand the Bible with our natural mind, we will remain puzzled and uncertain. The things of God are spiritually discerned by those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, and that discernment is based on faith in God's written Word.

Many have been turned aside from the central purpose of God for their lives through trying to understand aspects of the Bible with their natural understanding. It is like trying to understand the corn on the big toe of the beast in Revelation. It might be interesting to our natural minds to try and find out, but it has nothing to do with preparing our hearts and minds to be prepared to win souls for Christ.

Many will be standing in the judgment and God will say to them, "Who told you to try and puzzle out all these unexplained things in the Bible, instead of doing what I told you -to go and make disciples for Christ?"

I wonder what their answer to God will be? Might it be, "Lord, Lord....?"

 

[Helmut-WK]

If you cannot go back home after choosing to be Christian, was it really a home? And if your family rejects you after you choose Jesus, were they really family in the first place?

Sigh ... Not every culture is as individualistic as yours. The very homes that press on cultural identity (including religion) are typically the very one that form a deeper relationship emotionally hard to break. They are more home than the usual American family, perhaps even more than you are able to imagine, if you try. Please do not load a burden on Zeerich too hard for him. The best thing for now is that he keeps faith in Jesus, secretly (with secrets contacts to Christians, if possible). If there is more to do, the Lord will teach him. Not me, not you.

Lest one misunderstand me: I do not deny that American families are homes ...

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Sigh ... Not every culture is as individualistic as yours. The very homes that press on cultural identity (including religion) are typically the very one that form a deeper relationship emotionally hard to break. They are more home than the usual American family, perhaps even more than you are able to imagine, if you try. Please do not load a burden on Zeerich too hard for him. The best thing for now is that he keeps faith in Jesus, secretly (with secrets contacts to Christians, if possible). If there is more to do, the Lord will teach him. Not me, not you.

Lest one misunderstand me: I do not deny that American families are homes ...

My view is that when we become a Christian, it does not mean that we divorce ourselves from our families, or leave the world and become hermits. How can we influence others for Christ if we have nothing to do with them.

So, you cannot say anything about Christ in your family home. So what? Is that a limitation? No. Because you have new life in you, you have changed into a new person. Your family will notice that without you having to say anything. You have joy, love, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience and self control. Your family will read you before they read the Bible. This is what Jesus meant by being salt to savour any environment.

Because you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are bringing Jesus into your family home without having to say a word! You don't have to preach to them, because your new life will preach a more eloquent sermon to them than any words you can say to them.

So what can you do? List the names of your family in your prayer diary and pray for them every day. Do what you can to show the fruit of the Spirit in the way you conduct yourself in your home. The Scripture says that we must honour our parents. We can do that in the ordinary activities of life. You can be a good child to your parents. If they require you to do something that is definitely against your Christian faith, you can respectfully say, "No", without giving offence.

They may ridicule you because of your faith, but your responsibility is to endure it with patience and kindness, not allowing yourself to sink down to their level with self-defence and words of opposition to them. Sometimes it is better to take the insults and ridicule without saying a word, and that might have a dynamic effect on them, and may lead them to start thinking that there is some real that has happened to you. You never know, Jesus may reveal Himself to them in some way, saying, "Why are you persecuting Me?" They may answer, "How are we persecuting You?" He may answer, "When you are persecuting your child for being a Christian, you are persecuting Me."

So, be encouraged and take further encouragement from reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians, because as a church they were severely persecuted for their faith but they endured and stood fast for Christ.

 

[Cis.jd]

I guess I am scared for the future. I don't know what will happen when I accept Jesus and I do not know how to honour and worship him apart from reading the Bible and prayers. He deserves much more than that. I really wished I had someone in my life that can talk to me about Jesus.

One step at a time my friend. I think the first reply said something about eternal life, i say care about that some other time and stay focused on the current topics you have now and just absorb the information steadily. You don't need to know everything right away, you'll learn and understand more eventually.
Your questions are smart because you are looking at it in an academical and critical/logical observance. Those questions of "why did the apostles worship him immediately after he died" to "if Mohammad is the last prophet then why is Jesus coming back" and everything you wrote are logical questions and academic reasoning that I believe is important.

There many different beliefs/myths of Jesus other than how Christianity and Islam talks about him but the very first knowledge and belief in regards to him is about him being worshiped as god. This is historically fact as shown in the documents during the time of Nero and early AD. After that radical stories came about (which is called the gnostics) and all of this where more than 300 years before Islam started making their own Jesus. The belief of him being God who became flesh, died on the cross and rose on the 3rd day is the first and original teachings about him and unlike Islam and all the other faiths, those who date closer to Jesus' time where willing to die horribly for it.

 

[this is not my name]

He is the Life, apart from Him we are spiritually dead, you have never even tasted real life till you drink of Him. He is worth it. I understand the struggle of giving up something for Him, though the cost is not the only thing to be counted, count the reward, really think about the reward. you will have new life, freedom from the power of sin, everlasting, think about that, NEVER ENDING life forever and ever, you will be saved from death and hell forever and ever, and you will get to serve and love and be loved by the Creator Of The Universe in perfect harmony, peace, joy, etc. everything good for all eternity. and you will operate as you were meant to be, we are fallen in this state, but to be transformed into a new creature that is as it should be, will be like nothing you have ever imagined. I can tell you truthfully that a relationship with Him is so much better than anything else this life has to offer. and obtaining the resurrection is worth everything you may need to give up.
Psalm 63:3 (KJV)
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

if you read through some of the Psalms, you will see that God Himself is worth holding out through the trials. Not only that, but He strengthens us when we humble ourselves before Him and submit to Him fully, and follow Him. the God of the Universe will take full responsibility for whoever is fully submitted to Him. If God is for us, who can be against us? if you submit to Him fully, and choose to follow Him, and trust in Him, He WILL give you the victory. He will do it for His own name's sake. also, He is the everlasting life. a relationship with our Creator is why He made us. also, Paul talks about counting everything else as rubbish. He knew that knowing Christ surpasses everything. and to see what some Christians go through for Christ shows how much better He is than life. oh, and be courageous, put your trust in the Lord. He is able to make the universe through His words. I realize now how foolish I was to not trust fully in God Almighty. He made your parents, He made you, and for all you know, you coming to Him may open a door for God to use you to bring your parents to Him and everlasting life as well. anyhow, God is calling you to Him, what a privilege! what an honor! do you know how many people do not get this chance you have right now? how many people hear the gospel, and don't give it a second thought? God is blessing you with a chance to follow Him and live with Him for an eternity! if you want my advice, answer His call! be reconciled to God! (stated in excitement and love)

 

[CGL1023]

Hello I am new to this website and created this account today. Sorry if I posted this on the wrong thread, but I just have to get this off of my chest I can't find it anywhere on the internet. Basically I am a American muslim, well former muslim. I tried my best to be the most educated and dedicated muslim. I did all the prayers on time, fasted two times each month, recited Quran daily, and very well educated in Islam and Islamic history. Despite all this there were unanswered questions and I never really felt a connection. I always felt interested in Christianity, despite how much I would try to convince myself it is a false religion. I would read christian novels, research christian history, and I would always look and check out the books on Christianity in the library. I remember the one and only time I was in a church my eyes were fixed on this mosaic of Jesus. I felt more disconnected with Islam I tried Quran-only, but there was too much conflict within the community on basic stuff lie prayer or hajj. Not to mention many of them believed in flat earth. One night when I was reading Surah 19, I asked myself, "What is a messiah?" The Quran and hadith make no requirement for the messiah, Jesus is just the messiah. A messiah is supposed to be a saviour, yet Jesus didn't save the Children of Israel from anything. That is like if I wanna be President, but there are no requirements to be President. More and more questions began to appear. "If Muhammad is the last prophet, why will Jesus come back? Why would Allah allow Christians to worship Jesus for 600 years? Why is Dajjal often referred to as the Anti-Christ and why is Jesus the only one capable of killing him? Why would the followers of Jesus immediately worship him after his death? Why would Jesus abandon his followers like a coward?" When I started to examine the scriptures, Jesus is ironically God. 4:171 states that Jesus is a Messenger of Allah(Son), had His Word(Father), and had the spirit(Holy Spirit). Or how in Sahih Muslim book 1 hadith 296 it states Jesus will come down as a "just judge." Who else can be a judge, but God? I can go on and on, but it will take too long. There was too much about Islam that contradicted itself like how idolatry is a sin, yet muslims bow down 5 times a day to the Kaaba, kiss the Blackstone, and circle it 7 times. The fact that in 5:116 and 9:30 it states Trinity is father, son, and mother(Mary) and that Jews believe Ezra is the son of God(even though Muhammad took an oath on the torah Sunan Abi Dawud book 40 hadith 96). Most muslims woud hate to admit this, but Muhammad is heavily idolized in Islam. Allah and Muhammad himself admit that he is a sinner,(47:19 and Sahih Bukhari book 97 hadith 15) but most muslims, specifically sunnis, believe he was sinless and do whatever he does, even if it goes against the Quran. Lastly the Quran/hadiths admits Muhammad is a false prophet. 69:44-46 states if Muhammad made a false saying his aorta would have been cut and in Sahih Bukhari book 64 hadith 450 Muhammad states that he feels that his aorta is being cut. Anyways back to christianity, it took me months to realize that christianity is the religion. The accuracy and reliable of the New Testament, life and divinity of Jesus, sudden conversion of the apostles, the apostles being executed, persecution of early christians, and biggest one, the resurrection. I am currently reading the New Testament and Jesus crucifixion(in all the gospels)and Paul's conversion made me cry, something the Quran never made me do. I can't stop thinking about Jesus, sometimes tears come down from my eyes for the sacrifice he did for me. His name and story makes me smile and feel good inside. I want to accept Jesus, but I can't. I committed many horrible sins in the past including insults/blasphemy against christians and christainity. I will loose my whole family. I can't really go back to my homeland, even though I really want to. I always wanted to move back, but if I convert it will be harder for me over there. Overall just the challenges and guilt I have, it's too hard. I keep telling myself after I finish the New Testament, but I also say I should just confess now. Even if I convert what am I gonna do? I can't go to church, I can't get baptized, I can't do anything on Sunday, and I can't talk to anyone about Jesus. How am I suppose to build a stronger relation with God apart from reading the Bible? My grades are going down and for some reason I am experiencing jealously because of it. I even have an assignment I have to do now. That is all I have to say, sorry that this thread is too long I just had to put this out there.

For the person desiring answers about Christian doctrine, there are many good books by Christian authors; also numerous web sites. An author of a couple decades ago that inspired and communicated on my level was Josh McDowell.

 

[Ing Bee]

I can't get baptized yet. I do not live near a church and I am close of age, but not 18 yet. It makes me kind of sad, I heard the only way to receive salvation and get the Holy Spirit is to be baptized. Maybe a year from now or if I am lucky, a few months from now.

Hello-
Maybe this will encourage you: 1 John 5:11 says "whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." Eternal life and salvation are not things you 'get' but an interpersonal connection to the source of life.

Baptism is not salvation, it is an outward pledge of loyalty to Jesus. In Acts 10 and 11, Cornelius and his household receive the Spirit by faith in Jesus even while Peter is still talking to them. The baptism happens afterward.

Relating to the Father, Son and Spirit is like all other interpersonal relationships. It requires two things:

1) A self-disclosure of his mind, will and emotions. We find this throughout the Bible, but perfectly shown in the person of the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2, Romans 5:8). We can't know anyone apart from self-revealing, Yahweh is no different.

2) The second step of all relationships is that the receiving person (the one who reads the letter, or sees the painting, or views the photograph, or hears the speech, etc.) has to trust that a) there is someone there to know and b) that pursuing the relationship will be rewarded (Hebrews 11:6). This is why it is impossible to please God apart from trust/faith.

The receiving person trusts that the self-sharing from the initiating person is real and reliable. This trust is demonstrated actively by responding according to what has been shared.
​

In the gospel, the Father has revealed himself in the person of Jesus and has said that "whoever trusts in the Son [as the King, Perfect Sacrifice, and Rescuer from sin and death] won't perish but have eternal life". (John 3:16). The Father is not condemning, the Son is not condemning, the Spirit is not condemning. Instead, unparalleled self-giving love is on display in the cross (Romans 5:8).

Since that is the self-sharing of Yahweh toward us, how will we respond? Everything has been done for humanity to be adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:3-14). It's simply by receiving what God has shown us about his thoughts (he sees our need) his will (he desires to rescue us) and his emotions (he has deep affectionate love) and demonstrating active trust by living with the ramifications of what the Father, Son and Spirit have done to bring us into life-giving relationship (Titus 3:3-7).

 

[aiki]

I can't stop thinking about Jesus, sometimes tears come down from my eyes for the sacrifice he did for me. His name and story makes me smile and feel good inside. I want to accept Jesus, but I can't. I committed many horrible sins in the past including insults/blasphemy against christians and christainity. I will loose my whole family. I can't really go back to my homeland, even though I really want to. I always wanted to move back, but if I convert it will be harder for me over there. Overall just the challenges and guilt I have, it's too hard.

There is always a cost to following Jesus as one of his disciples. He makes this very clear:

Matthew 16:24-27
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

If Jesus is who he said he was, if he is really God come in the flesh to earth, then nothing is as important, nothing is more valuable, than knowing and walking with him. What you do with Jesus has consequences that extend into eternity. Will you really set aside his love, and mercy, and grace that he offers to you in himself because you feel guilt over your sin and cannot see how to bear the cost of being one of his? Will you really exchange your soul for family ties and be kept from knowing and enjoying a relationship with your Creator and Saviour because you feel shame about your sin?

1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 3:20
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Hello Zeerich,
Haven't heard anything from you lately. Please write a short note and let us know if we have put your heart at ease some and if the walk and life of a Christian is more understandable to you now...I hope it seems more "doable" or reachable for you now.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Hello I am new to this website and created this account today. Sorry if I posted this on the wrong thread, but I just have to get this off of my chest I can't find it anywhere on the internet. Basically I am a American muslim, well former muslim. I tried my best to be the most educated and dedicated muslim. I did all the prayers on time, fasted two times each month, recited Quran daily, and very well educated in Islam and Islamic history. Despite all this there were unanswered questions and I never really felt a connection. I always felt interested in Christianity, despite how much I would try to convince myself it is a false religion. I would read christian novels, research christian history, and I would always look and check out the books on Christianity in the library. I remember the one and only time I was in a church my eyes were fixed on this mosaic of Jesus. I felt more disconnected with Islam I tried Quran-only, but there was too much conflict within the community on basic stuff lie prayer or hajj. Not to mention many of them believed in flat earth. One night when I was reading Surah 19, I asked myself, "What is a messiah?" The Quran and hadith make no requirement for the messiah, Jesus is just the messiah. A messiah is supposed to be a saviour, yet Jesus didn't save the Children of Israel from anything. That is like if I wanna be President, but there are no requirements to be President. More and more questions began to appear. "If Muhammad is the last prophet, why will Jesus come back? Why would Allah allow Christians to worship Jesus for 600 years? Why is Dajjal often referred to as the Anti-Christ and why is Jesus the only one capable of killing him? Why would the followers of Jesus immediately worship him after his death? Why would Jesus abandon his followers like a coward?" When I started to examine the scriptures, Jesus is ironically God. 4:171 states that Jesus is a Messenger of Allah(Son), had His Word(Father), and had the spirit(Holy Spirit). Or how in Sahih Muslim book 1 hadith 296 it states Jesus will come down as a "just judge." Who else can be a judge, but God? I can go on and on, but it will take too long. There was too much about Islam that contradicted itself like how idolatry is a sin, yet muslims bow down 5 times a day to the Kaaba, kiss the Blackstone, and circle it 7 times. The fact that in 5:116 and 9:30 it states Trinity is father, son, and mother(Mary) and that Jews believe Ezra is the son of God(even though Muhammad took an oath on the torah Sunan Abi Dawud book 40 hadith 96). Most muslims woud hate to admit this, but Muhammad is heavily idolized in Islam. Allah and Muhammad himself admit that he is a sinner,(47:19 and Sahih Bukhari book 97 hadith 15) but most muslims, specifically sunnis, believe he was sinless and do whatever he does, even if it goes against the Quran. Lastly the Quran/hadiths admits Muhammad is a false prophet. 69:44-46 states if Muhammad made a false saying his aorta would have been cut and in Sahih Bukhari book 64 hadith 450 Muhammad states that he feels that his aorta is being cut. Anyways back to christianity, it took me months to realize that christianity is the religion. The accuracy and reliable of the New Testament, life and divinity of Jesus, sudden conversion of the apostles, the apostles being executed, persecution of early christians, and biggest one, the resurrection. I am currently reading the New Testament and Jesus crucifixion(in all the gospels)and Paul's conversion made me cry, something the Quran never made me do. I can't stop thinking about Jesus, sometimes tears come down from my eyes for the sacrifice he did for me. His name and story makes me smile and feel good inside. I want to accept Jesus, but I can't. I committed many horrible sins in the past including insults/blasphemy against christians and christainity. I will loose my whole family. I can't really go back to my homeland, even though I really want to. I always wanted to move back, but if I convert it will be harder for me over there. Overall just the challenges and guilt I have, it's too hard. I keep telling myself after I finish the New Testament, but I also say I should just confess now. Even if I convert what am I gonna do? I can't go to church, I can't get baptized, I can't do anything on Sunday, and I can't talk to anyone about Jesus. How am I suppose to build a stronger relation with God apart from reading the Bible? My grades are going down and for some reason I am experiencing jealously because of it. I even have an assignment I have to do now. That is all I have to say, sorry that this thread is too long I just had to put this out there.

I realized this note should be in reply to you so you receive the notification, so here is my comment again...
Dear Zeerich,
Please post us an update on your walk in Christ...would love to know how you are doing, what more can be said to encourage you or what confusiion or obstacles may have arisen since we all posted. Please list some of your thoughts and feelings and actions you've taken if any at this point. Prayers for you continue, you are always on my mind.

 

[Gregory95]

Hello I am new to this website and created this account today. Sorry if I posted this on the wrong thread, but I just have to get this off of my chest I can't find it anywhere on the internet. Basically I am a American muslim, well former muslim. I tried my best to be the most educated and dedicated muslim. I did all the prayers on time, fasted two times each month, recited Quran daily, and very well educated in Islam and Islamic history. Despite all this there were unanswered questions and I never really felt a connection. I always felt interested in Christianity, despite how much I would try to convince myself it is a false religion. I would read christian novels, research christian history, and I would always look and check out the books on Christianity in the library. I remember the one and only time I was in a church my eyes were fixed on this mosaic of Jesus. I felt more disconnected with Islam I tried Quran-only, but there was too much conflict within the community on basic stuff lie prayer or hajj. Not to mention many of them believed in flat earth. One night when I was reading Surah 19, I asked myself, "What is a messiah?" The Quran and hadith make no requirement for the messiah, Jesus is just the messiah. A messiah is supposed to be a saviour, yet Jesus didn't save the Children of Israel from anything. That is like if I wanna be President, but there are no requirements to be President. More and more questions began to appear. "If Muhammad is the last prophet, why will Jesus come back? Why would Allah allow Christians to worship Jesus for 600 years? Why is Dajjal often referred to as the Anti-Christ and why is Jesus the only one capable of killing him? Why would the followers of Jesus immediately worship him after his death? Why would Jesus abandon his followers like a coward?" When I started to examine the scriptures, Jesus is ironically God. 4:171 states that Jesus is a Messenger of Allah(Son), had His Word(Father), and had the spirit(Holy Spirit). Or how in Sahih Muslim book 1 hadith 296 it states Jesus will come down as a "just judge." Who else can be a judge, but God? I can go on and on, but it will take too long. There was too much about Islam that contradicted itself like how idolatry is a sin, yet muslims bow down 5 times a day to the Kaaba, kiss the Blackstone, and circle it 7 times. The fact that in 5:116 and 9:30 it states Trinity is father, son, and mother(Mary) and that Jews believe Ezra is the son of God(even though Muhammad took an oath on the torah Sunan Abi Dawud book 40 hadith 96). Most muslims woud hate to admit this, but Muhammad is heavily idolized in Islam. Allah and Muhammad himself admit that he is a sinner,(47:19 and Sahih Bukhari book 97 hadith 15) but most muslims, specifically sunnis, believe he was sinless and do whatever he does, even if it goes against the Quran. Lastly the Quran/hadiths admits Muhammad is a false prophet. 69:44-46 states if Muhammad made a false saying his aorta would have been cut and in Sahih Bukhari book 64 hadith 450 Muhammad states that he feels that his aorta is being cut. Anyways back to christianity, it took me months to realize that christianity is the religion. The accuracy and reliable of the New Testament, life and divinity of Jesus, sudden conversion of the apostles, the apostles being executed, persecution of early christians, and biggest one, the resurrection. I am currently reading the New Testament and Jesus crucifixion(in all the gospels)and Paul's conversion made me cry, something the Quran never made me do. I can't stop thinking about Jesus, sometimes tears come down from my eyes for the sacrifice he did for me. His name and story makes me smile and feel good inside. I want to accept Jesus, but I can't. I committed many horrible sins in the past including insults/blasphemy against christians and christainity. I will loose my whole family. I can't really go back to my homeland, even though I really want to. I always wanted to move back, but if I convert it will be harder for me over there. Overall just the challenges and guilt I have, it's too hard. I keep telling myself after I finish the New Testament, but I also say I should just confess now. Even if I convert what am I gonna do? I can't go to church, I can't get baptized, I can't do anything on Sunday, and I can't talk to anyone about Jesus. How am I suppose to build a stronger relation with God apart from reading the Bible? My grades are going down and for some reason I am experiencing jealously because of it. I even have an assignment I have to do now. That is all I have to say, sorry that this thread is too long I just had to put this out there.

Always here for you!

What you must ask yourself is this

Is following Christ more important then anything including our lives

I know its hard but when you get to Romans you will see nothing that pains us in this life will come close to the glory to come to the believer when we are with God in heaven

 

[samwise gamgee]

I heard that salvation can only be achieved through Baptism.

Every Christians should be baptized but baptism is not the way to achieve salvation. I once believed baptism was the way to salvation. I was baptized and I was a church member for more than two years before I understood that the way to be saved is to repent of sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ. Here is a site that will provide answers to many of your questions about salvation:

Answers for Seekers | CARM.org