I dont have saving faith

[Gregory Thompson]

a verse comes to mind .

Proverb 26:16
[Anyone is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

and

Matthew 16:17
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

All revelation/revealed understanding is the same . thus only God can convince you of His unconditional love for you . so i'm just gonna pray from now on . but if you want to talk the offer remains open .

bless .

 

[ezeric]

Originally Posted by ezeric http://www.christianforums.com/t7453159-post54481222/#post54481222

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

-eric
​

I dont even know what a broken and contrite heart is, look at my pic, I look about as hard and hateful as they come.

If you were not broken you wouldn't care.
If you were not contrite you wouldn't seek.

You are simply not despised, but loved by GOD.
And you already believe.

A Christian doesn't focus on sin but his focus is on JESUS.

But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Romans 5:20

Your 'BAD' can not out do HIS GOOD!
Your SIN may be awful but a drop of HIS blood is the cure!

-eric

 

[Jeshu]

I thank you all for your post and trying to help me but guys something is just really wrong with me. I know that to be saved is to have complete faith in Jesus and I know that that faith is a gift from God and not some mustered up man made faith.

I just cannot for the life of me seem to be able to find salvation, I have read the gospels over and over and over and each time I get more and more discouraged and depressed. Its like when I read about Jesus there is no connection, no nothing. Its like im reading about just any person and that bothers me because I cannot build a relationship with him.

Either I have missed my opportunity to be saved (for those of you who dont agree with that possibility please dont argue it with me because I absolutely believe that a man can ignore Gods calls until one day God does stop calling and there is Biblical support for that) or I am simply not one of the elect which would explain why I have no saving faith.

Im still tempted to look at porn but somehow I have not given back into it although I believe im just doing this on my own strength because im pretty sure that if I were to look at it again I would probably like what I see and not be bothered about it. I know how horrible it must sound for me to talk this way but I have to get all this out on the table.

Aha darkness is coming to the light

Just keep going dear friend we are all praying hard!!!


JESUS!!! (is His Name)

 

[RobertZ]

Aha darkness is coming to the light

What are you talking about?

 

[RobertZ]

A Christian doesn't focus on sin but his focus is on JESUS.

Thats just the problem, all I can see are my sins and for the life of me I cannot see the way of escape and without the Holy Spirits presence in my life I guess I should not expect to be able to see the light because unless the Holy Spirit is striving with a person they cannot and will not be able to see or understand the light because its only by the power of the Holy Spirit that anyone see's the light.

 

[gray100]

I thank you all for your post and trying to help me but guys something is just really wrong with me. I know that to be saved is to have complete faith in Jesus and I know that that faith is a gift from God and not some mustered up man made faith.

I just cannot for the life of me seem to be able to find salvation, I have read the gospels over and over and over and each time I get more and more discouraged and depressed. Its like when I read about Jesus there is no connection, no nothing. Its like im reading about just any person and that bothers me because I cannot build a relationship with him.

Robert

What you have described in this and other threads has been a very distressing experience for you and the type of numbness and dissociation you are talking about is very common with people who have gone through very stressful and traumatic episodes in their lives.

I know it is easy for me to say this, but you are not personally responsible for the feelings you are going through. The very ones who are responsible for your suffering are the preachers/teachers who used flawed and exaggerated doctrine to instill feelings of terror, guilt and despair, often for their own theological ends. Their doctrine has caused you so much fear and dread that you no longer feel you have any option other than to accept what they have said as the truth.

In fact, you DO have a choice. You can say to yourself that you are no longer willing to subscribe to a damaging theology promoted by insensitive preachers that belittles you and takes away your peace, your dignity and hope.

Or you can instead choose to be encouraged by the overwhelming number of Christians who have been moved to support you on this thread, many of whom have gone through very similar experiences to what you are going through, and can confidently assure you that because of what Christ has already done for you on the cross, you are in no way beyond the scope of redemption and forgiveness.

 

[RobertZ]

you are in no way beyond the scope of redemption and forgiveness.

Then why is Christ still a stranger to me? why dont I have a personal relationship with him yet? and its not as though I have not been trying, I have been in this state of despair for over a year now trying to be saved and still unable to attain salvation.

The only logical reason I can think of is that I have committed the unpardonable sin (spurned the Holy Ghost from sinning against the light I was given).

I feel like im gonna give into porn again, the temptation today for me to look at that stuff is extremely strong.

 

[gray100]

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
—Isaiah 54:10

My friend, you may be a person today who is lonelier than you can tell anybody. You may feel so much loss that the notion that you are a child of God is simply not possible. But the one that John talked about—the one that John said would come among us—this one named Jesus—cried out in his last hour, "My God! Why have you forsaken me?" Whatever lonely place you are in today—whatever forsakenness you may feel—it cannot be any deeper than where Jesus has already gone himself. Jesus comes to sit beside you today on that bench to say, "You are my beloved child."
— Barbara K. Lundblad

 

[ezeric]

RobertZ

Ok, let me tell it to you straight!

If you sin as a Christan - its not you - its sin living in you that does it.
If you do some loving thing, or pray for someone, or lead someone closer to JESUS - its also not you - but CHRIST living in you.

There is lots of scripture for this.

Your flesh (sin nature) is your and my enemy (but its not you).

You want to know what increases Sin?

Reading and teaching the law - the rules. Focusing on yourself, and trying to keep the rules gives sin its power! Romans 5:20

We are not worried about porn or any others sins - but on you believing that you are made 'right' (righteousness that comes by faith) in GOD'S eyes, and that you are HIS son already.

You are saved already and made right in HIS eyes, its not based on any sin or not or any right thing you did or not, but on what JESUS has done alone, and you believing it - which you do, otherwise we would'nt be having this loooong talk between you all your brothers and sisters here!

-eric

 

[kaykay9.0]

Then why is Christ still a stranger to me? why dont I have a personal relationship with him yet? and its not as though I have not been trying, I have been in this state of despair for over a year now trying to be saved and still unable to attain salvation.

The only logical reason I can think of is that I have committed the unpardonable sin (spurned the Holy Ghost from sinning against the light I was given).

I feel like im gonna give into porn again, the temptation today for me to look at that stuff is extremely strong.

I don't usually read or post over here but happened to see this thread. Just want you to know that I am praying for you. I think what grey100 has posted here is excellent. I think deep down you realize that it's unlikely that you have resisted looking at porn all on your own. And I hope you won't give back into the temptation, but even if you do, it doesn't mean you're lost or whatever. Porn is a very strong addiction for most people. My former pastor was addicted to it before he got saved. He had a very strong, dramatic salvation experience in which he says the Lord delivered him instantly from alcohol/drug addiction, but the porn addiction deliverance was not instantaneous. He had to walk it out, and he is very pointed about saying that even today he makes every effort to avoid anything like that because he knows the possibility of getting pulled back in might exist. Anyway, just let me say that I just think much of your problem here is built on erroneous belief systems about what salvation "looks like" or "feels like." I also agree with grey that talking to your pastor is good, but I truly think you need some professional counseling as well. I don't think this is a spiritual issue primarily. I think it is a psychological one. Your "feelings" about your salvation don't necessarily represent reality. You don't have peace and joy and you wonder why, but you feel such condemnation, how could you possibly feel any kind of joy in the Lord. You couldn't. That doesn't mean you're not saved or cant be saved or whatever. It's just your own emotions. You're just stuck on this and this is psychological, not spiritual, if you know what I mean.

The Lord says over and over in his word in several different ways that if you come to him, he will not turn you away. In short, then, I think that this has to mean it's impossible to be able to come to the Lord at all if it still isn't possible to be received by him. In other words, only those who have gotten so hardened that they can't and don't want to come to him or desire him in any way (which is NOT you) are the only ones who may be in danger of having gone too far. Hope I'm making sense to you.

 

[gray100]

I feel like im gonna give into porn again, the temptation today for me to look at that stuff is extremely strong.

If you do that, just remember that God is looking over you with tenderness and compassion. He is not angry with you Robert and He understands the pain that you are going through.

 

[Criada]

(((((((Robert))))))))

God loves you so very, very much, brother.

Watch this, and try to believe it
YouTube - The Inheritance for Men and Women

 

[Jeshu]

Blind?

What destroyer, where would he be?
the deadly snake bite I didn't see,
still part of myself was dragged away
held captive there by wicked sway
the lies sown in my soul
day by day taking control

Bringing thoughts and feelings around
which are in no way sound
rather many inner kings so cruel
enforcing rules my mind to rule!
Raising Babylon in all her might
holding me captive in my fright

Horse hooves trampling my soul
Grasshopers devouring all
Scorpion stings stinging
Famine upon famine bringing
brimstone burn everything to ash
Massive hailstones me to smash.

The Dragon's blasphmous rule
Unfaithfulness thinking it is cool
False tongue directing my mind
devasting Armagedon I did find.
The darkness ever growing close
For the goats had me by the nose.

So working for another's bread
God's loving truth I did forget
Thinking my world would always stink
driving my good life to the brink.
religious views holding me tight
There seemed no ending to my night.

Yet there at the bottom of my might
I finally began to see the light.
Jesus!!! ....whom I brought so much grief!
When I have that liar as my chief!
truly wanted to dine with me
and set my heart again so free.

Giving my darkness to Him now
dressing up in a white gown...
What banquet I see there?
God's goodness everywhere!
Oh Lamb of God forever to be praised
For from the dead I have been raised!!!

 

[wayfaring man]

Saving faith is not the ability to feel saved . Saving faith is a gift ... but it is also something we grow up into . Remember Jesus' likening of The Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed ? And His declaration that if only we had faith as a mustard seed we could move mountains ? Because that seed ( or gift ) of faith is viable , it has the ability to grow . And it is when our God given seed of faith has grown into a great tree , that mountains move and walls come tumbling down . If while our gift of faith is still in the small sprout stage and we try to apply it to big things , we find not the desired results , and can become discouraged , and feel that we have no saving faith ; when in reality we only need to have patience + persistence for our gift of faith to grow , through being planted in good ground , watered , weeded around , and fertilized .

I believe in extreme cases a person can become a castaway , but don't believe this has happened to you , because you still express grief and concern over sin , righteousness , and judgment .

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter [ Holy Spirit ] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. <-----> John 16:7-11

This indicates that God's Spirit is still striving with you for your Salvation to become effectual .

The devil is fond of exaggerations , and if he can't sweet talk us into a spiritual slumber , he'll try to make us feel as though our urgency exceeds our capacity . And while this would be true if our tempter / accuser was greater than our Heavenly Ally - it is not , because he is not !

Apply minute faith to minute things , give a glass of water to a thirsty soul , or perform some small act of kindness , and God's encouraging favor which flows upon those who are kind and merciful , will cause your faith to grow ... and in time , with consistency , that minute measure of faith will become a great inspiration unto others , to do the same , to The Glory of God , and Praise of Jesus Christ .

May The Lord Be Pleased to Confirm The Truth of His Word in us !

wm

 

[AvgJoe]

That is whats wrong with me I think, some how growing up in church and being exposed to the gospel all of my 37 years on this earth I have missed the grace of God and now I do not know how to believe.

This whole stupid sinners prayer stuff and emotional alter calls of modern days have ruined what salvation is supposed to be. You will not find any of that stuff in the Bible in regards to salvation and I always was taught to believe that you just ask Jesus into your heart and its a done deal. Show me in the Bible where you ask Jesus into your heart? And please dont use the scripture from Revelation about Jesus standing at the door and knocking because that scripture isnt talking about the door to a persons heart. Its talking about Jesus knocking on the door of the apostate church which has gone astray.

I have hardened my heart through sin and deciet and I have just enough head knowledge of the Bible to send me straight to Hell. I have read the Gospels over and over and nothing happens, my heart feels as though its getting harder and harder now against my own will. The harder I try to learn and find saving faith the harder my heart becomes.

The most genuine Christians I know of are the ones that Just simply believed on Jesus sometime in their life for salvation, I always thought they were not saved because they didnt say the sinners prayer but boy was I wrong!

I know God was dealing with me when I was younger, I know he was, I just didnt know how to simply believe or trust and now all my opportunity has slipped right by, I have gone past my day of grace and without Gods grace you cannot believe because its only by the grace of God that anyone believes!

Please do not try to tell me that death is the cut off because that doesnt stand for someone who has been exposed to the Gospel and have hardened his heart to the point of permanent unbelief and I can show scripture to back up my points here. My life has no purpose, im only 37yrs old and my fate is already sealed to Hell. I hate who I am, I hate the fact I was ever born and suicide is becoming a common thought here lately.

I dont even know why im typing this, so stupid, so stupid to miss the best free gift I could have ever recieved.

What does the Bible say about salvation?

To be saved, Jesus tells us in Mark 1:15, "Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Have you repented? What does it mean to repent?

Contrary to popular belief, to repent does not mean to feel sorry for your sins and ask forgivness, no, to repent means to turn away, to change your current path, to do an about face, to turn from your sin. So, asking God to forgive you of your sin, means nothing, unless you repent (turn away from) from your sins. In Luke 13:3 Jesus said, "I tell you; but unless you repent you will perish."

What is the gospel to be believed?

1 Corinthians 15:3,4
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

The gospel to be believed is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and raised from the dead on the third day. That's it. Do you believe that?

Then, in Romans 10:9-10, Paul says,

9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

I would venture to guess that the part that says to 'confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord' is probably where to sinner's pray originated from. I'm not sure of about that though. But no, you don't have to recite a sinner's pray in order to be saved. You do have to repent, turn away from, your sin, believe the gospel and confess that Jesus is Lord. That is what the Bible says.

 

[Ariellamb]

What does the Bible say about salvation?

To be saved, Jesus tells us in Mark 1:15, "Repent, and believe in the gospel.&#8221;

Have you repented? What does it mean to repent?

Contrary to popular belief, to repent does not mean to feel sorry for your sins and ask forgivness, no, to repent means to turn away, to change your current path, to do an about face, to turn from your sin. So, asking God to forgive you of your sin, means nothing, unless you repent (turn away from) from your sins. In Luke 13:3 Jesus said, "I tell you; but unless you repent you will perish."

What is the gospel to be believed?

1 Corinthians 15:3,4
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

The gospel to be believed is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and raised from the dead on the third day. That's it. Do you believe that?

Then, in Romans 10:9-10, Paul says,

9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

I would venture to guess that the part that says to 'confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord' is probably where to sinner's pray originated from. I'm not sure of about that though. But no, you don't have to recite a sinner's pray in order to be saved. You do have to repent, turn away from, your sin, believe the gospel and confess that Jesus is Lord. That is what the Bible says.

Amen http://www.christianforums.com/t7427650/ The Sinners prayer is not enough

 

[visionary]

It would be extremely tough for you to have the Word of God come alive and into your heart, when you have had years of experiencing blocking all the avenues and all the verses... How can you accept what you have worked so hard to reject? I see what you mean.. How can a person who has rejected all the ways that the Lord communicates with you, trust the still small voice, known for quoting scripture. It truly is a two edged sword.. it cuts both ways...

Good question... Have you cut off the way of salvation for you soul? Can you repent of all the ways you have blocked the Lord working in your heart and life? Do you really want to go all the way with God?

There is still hope... the Damascus Experience... Beg the Lord for that..

 

[Gregory Thompson]

It would be extremely tough for you to have the Word of God come alive and into your heart, when you have had years of experiencing blocking all the avenues and all the verses... How can you accept what you have worked so hard to reject? I see what you mean.. How can a person who has rejected all the ways that the Lord communicates with you, trust the still small voice, known for quoting scripture. It truly is a two edged sword.. it cuts both ways...

Good question... Have you cut off the way of salvation for you soul? Can you repent of all the ways you have blocked the Lord working in your heart and life? Do you really want to go all the way with God?

There is still hope... the Damascus Experience... Beg the Lord for that..

"but that which is impossible with man .. is possible with God"

 

[Ariellamb]

wayfaring man

Veteran

Saving faith is not the ability to feel saved . Saving faith is a gift ... but it is also something we grow up into .

That is very much my testimony too

 

[Ariellamb]

AVG JOE
Contrary to popular belief, to repent does not mean to feel sorry for your sins and ask forgivness, no, to repent means to turn away, to change your current path, to do an about face, to turn from your sin. So, asking God to forgive you of your sin, means nothing, unless you repent (turn away from) from your sins. In Luke 13:3 Jesus said, "I tell you; but unless you repent you will perish."

Was reading Matt 3 & Lk 3 this morning as your above thought headed in my mind to that direction

What did J the B say to those who came to hear him & to be baptized

'Show forth Fruits proving your Repentance'

There are few JB preachers today