I want to be saved but

[RLBeers]

Well maybe but I think that I'm a pretty good person.

What seems to be clear is you do not know what God's definition of sin is. From your answers it looks like I have lived several decades longer than you, and though you may not see where that makes a difference, you will when you have the approximate life experience to look back upon. The old Testament list an incredible number of things that are considered the breaking of God's law, chief among them is not doing what he says to do. The 10 Commandments are essentially God's Laws For Dummies. If you look at those, there are a few in there that could be considered sins of the mind, or "bad thoughts". The bad news is, even those people who consider themselves good, are still under the law of sin and headed to an eternity that is not in Heaven. That is what Jesus' life was all about, to break that deadly catch-22. You do not have to be "a good person" because frankly, in order to make it into Heaven without Jesus you would have to be born, live, and die without making the tiniest slip, including your thoughts. It simply cannot be done. So, what is so hard with asking Jesus to help? That right there confounds everyone who has done so.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

These passages are very apropos I believe...

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
(John 3:19-20)
and...

To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. (Romans 5:13-14)

finally...

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. (I John 1:5-10)

Hope this helps you see the gravity of the situation.

 

[DarrellChipman]

To JOsh,
The Bible tells us that there is no one that is good, no not one! It also tells us that "our righteousness is as filthy rags," So no man or woman is GOOD in God's sight, that is why Christ died so that we could become righteous by accepting Him as Lord and Savior. No man can earn his way to heaven and God. You can only receive eternal life by accepting the finished work of our Lord on the Cross. There is NO OTHER way!!!

 

[RDKirk]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the redsea parting, the ark and a few more. I don't know maybe it's because I'm scared of death that I'd like to believe in god. If it matters I was sort of a Christian years ago and well kind of just lost complete faith for reasons.

Take a bit of time to read Acts 16 about the conversion of the Philippian jailer.

About the jailer: He was a Roman citizen. Being a jailer, he was most likely a retired Legionary (the enlisted Legionaries were permitted to retire at 20 years, if they survived that long). As well, Philippi was a military town, having been established as a colony for Roman legionaries about 80 years earlier. As a Roman colony, Philippi operated as though it was Rome itself, and anything that was a rule for Rome was a rule for Philippi. This included the edict by Emperor Claudius in 49 AD to expel all Jews from the city. That's why Paul found no synagogue there.

Being a solid Roman citizen and likely a career soldier, the jailer was not a blank slate. He had a full background of Graeco-Roman history, government, art, science, philosophy, and religion. He probably sacrificed to his gods at the temple twice a month, probably had a small shrine in his home. He had solid beliefs about how the world was created, what kept the stars in the heavens, what was right and what was wrong. He already had an entire edifice of belief.

But we see that when given even a quick view of the gospel, a very quick view, really of only the witness of two faithful men, the jailer realized he needed salvation. He was baptized within the same hour.

It was not necessary for him first to have been fully schooled in Christian theology. It was not necessary for him first to have been convinced of Genesis. He didn't know any of that stuff before he was baptized.

But he knew he was without something he saw in Paul and Silas, something they called "being saved." He knew it was something that enabled them to sing psalms in a situation that was intended to kill them horribly. He didn't know what that was, but he knew he needed that. He was willing to defer everything else for some other time.

If there is something inside you pointing you to something else, something nothing else provides, something that keeps your spirit discomfited with everything you've found so far, that might be the Holy Spirit enabling you to seek salvation in Jesus. My point here is that you don't have to wait until you've been convinced of all the doctrinal stuff. Just ask for Jesus. Once you have Jesus and know that He is real, you can defer the rest.

 

[Tishri1]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the redsea parting, the ark and a few more. I don't know maybe it's because I'm scared of death that I'd like to believe in god. If it matters I was sort of a Christian years ago and well kind of just lost complete faith for reasons.

Hi Dr.J0sh,
What was it like when you were a believer, more important when you first became a Christian ?

 

[Dirk1540]

I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the red sea parting, the ark and a few more.

Belief or disbelief in miracles should be an all or nothing proposition. Question #1- Is a supreme being responsible for creating this universe? Question #2- If so can that being tweak the laws of nature in that universe it set up? Not sure why certain people are more freaked out over some then others, Bill Mahr is absolutely in love with Jonah! There's no in between if the laws of nature can be tweaked all the miracles are possible, if they can't none of them are possible.

I have a psychological miracle that happened to me 18 yrs ago, but still it would be nice to SEE at least 1 miracle in front of my face. Even if it were evil, how many Christians wish they could see just once a supernatural act with their own eyes? IMO there are good philosophical arguments for the supernatural, but still it is like a 6,000 lb elephant in the room any time you read the Bible...'Why are miracles solely reserved for the ancient past?'

It makes me wonder, if there was ANY supernatural act shown to the world how many people would adopt Christianity that day? Suppose a 787 commercial plane was 50 feet away from crashing full speed into the airport tower upon a nightmare landing attempt...then it stopped instantly in mid air, then floated safely to the ground (like in the X-Men scene). I and 1,000,000,000 other people would laugh at people who tried to explain it scientifically, and after that there would be official visual confirmation that miracles are possible! With all of the people out there who are paralyzed by that miracle elephant in the room I have absolutely no clue why God would not throw out an intellectual bone like that. Such a 'General revelation' would not at all expose the Christian God's desire for ambiguity, yet it would help so many people with their anti supernatural bias.

 

[Dr.J0sh]

Hi Dr.J0sh,
What was it like when you were a believer, more important when you first became a Christian ?

Wow it's been weeks maybe a month I'm not sure since I've been here. I thought people stopped answering my questions by now haha. Anyways sorry everyone for no reply. Got a lot of people to catch up to lol. Anyways I used to be a Christian when I was a kid around 7-11. Well technecially Im still a kid idk I'm 16 ATM, profile says 21 or something. Besides that I'm not sure how it was when I was a Christian. I went to a Christian camp once for the weekend if that means anything. I'm not sure how to explain exact emotion. Off topic but what about you?

 

[RDKirk]

Belief or disbelief in miracles should be an all or nothing proposition. Question #1- Is a supreme being responsible for creating this universe? Question #2- If so can that being tweak the laws of nature in that universe it set up? Not sure why certain people are more freaked out over some then others, Bill Mahr is absolutely in love with Jonah! There's no in between if the laws of nature can be tweaked all the miracles are possible, if they can't none of them are possible.

I have a psychological miracle that happened to me 18 yrs ago, but still it would be nice to SEE at least 1 miracle in front of my face. Even if it were evil, how many Christians wish they could see just once a supernatural act with their own eyes? IMO there are good philosophical arguments for the supernatural, but still it is like a 6,000 lb elephant in the room any time you read the Bible...'Why are miracles solely reserved for the ancient past?'

It makes me wonder, if there was ANY supernatural act shown to the world how many people would adopt Christianity that day? Suppose a 787 commercial plane was 50 feet away from crashing full speed into the airport tower upon a nightmare landing attempt...then it stopped instantly in mid air, then floated safely to the ground (like in the X-Men scene). I and 1,000,000,000 other people would laugh at people who tried to explain it scientifically, and after that there would be official visual confirmation that miracles are possible! With all of the people out there who are paralyzed by that miracle elephant in the room I have absolutely no clue why God would not throw out an intellectual bone like that. Such a 'General revelation' would not at all expose the Christian God's desire for ambiguity, yet it would help so many people with their anti supernatural bias.

But that wouldn't be faith, though, would it?

 

[wndwalkr99]

But that wouldn't be faith, though, would it?

What is your definition of faith here?

 

[RDKirk]

Faith was what Abraham had for decades before Isaac was born.

 

[wndwalkr99]

Faith was what Abraham had for decades before Isaac was born.

That is an example of faith. I asked for a definition.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the redsea parting, the ark and a few more. I don't know maybe it's because I'm scared of death that I'd like to believe in god. If it matters I was sort of a Christian years ago and well kind of just lost complete faith for reasons.

Its an act of the Will to trust in God and Jesus., Its based on evidence which is readily available for all who diligently seek him. Start with www.godandscience.org site. Also get the book called 'I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist' at www.amazon.com Used copy is about $6

 

[Truthseeker1971]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the redsea parting, the ark and a few more. I don't know maybe it's because I'm scared of death that I'd like to believe in god. If it matters I was sort of a Christian years ago and well kind of just lost complete faith for reasons.

You mentioned the Red Sea parting.

God uses nature to do His bidding.
There is an excellent video made by PBS called MOUTAIN OF FIRE: THE SEARCH FOR MOUNT SINAI. The video is about how two sets of adventurers discovered the real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia (not the traditional Mt. Sinai in the Sinai peninsula

This site is so full of archaeological evidence for the proof of the Exodus it looks like an abandoned Ten Commandments set.

Part of the journey starts in Egypt's Sharm-El Sheikh at the Red Sea's narrowest point. There is a natural coral and rock highway between there and Saudi Arabia. At high tide its dozens of feet deep. At low tide that rock highway is completely exposed. And it is large and wide enough enough to allow for the passage of hundreds of thousands of people.

And there is lots more.....

Please, find this video and watch it. It may help with some of your doubts

 

[Truthseeker1971]

Well like now I kinda don't want to say I'm a sinner. Like I don't know. Maybe my ego or something idk. Btw nice cats in your picture

Everybody is a sinner. Even us. We aren't perfect, just forgiven.

Have you ever used foul language? Disrespected your mom and dad? Slapped around your little brother? Even little things like that count.
You ever see a baby throw their dinner off their high chair just because they think its funny? Even THAT counts though God doesn't hold an infant accountable for their sins.

People don't like to think they are sinners because they aren't murderers, or rapists or bank robbers or whatever. But God doesn't distinguish between big sins and little sins.

 

[Job8]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions I have in mind. Like the redsea parting, the ark and a few more. I don't know maybe it's because I'm scared of death that I'd like to believe in god. If it matters I was sort of a Christian years ago and well kind of just lost complete faith for reasons.

The Red Sea did part, Noah's ark did float and land on Mount Ararat, and Jonah was indeed in the whale's belly for three days and three nights before he landed in Nineveh. Your concern should be (a) does God love me? and (b) did He send His Son to die for my sins and rise again for my justification? Study the Gospels and see for yourself that this is the real issue. This is how Christ summarized your dilemma (John 3:1-21):

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

 

[ToBeLoved]

Wow it's been weeks maybe a month I'm not sure since I've been here. I thought people stopped answering my questions by now haha. Anyways sorry everyone for no reply. Got a lot of people to catch up to lol. Anyways I used to be a Christian when I was a kid around 7-11. Well technecially Im still a kid idk I'm 16 ATM, profile says 21 or something. Besides that I'm not sure how it was when I was a Christian. I went to a Christian camp once for the weekend if that means anything. I'm not sure how to explain exact emotion. Off topic but what about you?

Why do you think coming to Christ or being a Christian is so hard?

Do you believe in God? That Jesus is God? That he came to earth as a man, lived a life with no sin and died for your sins so you can be righteous and reconciled back to God?

Christianity is not rocket science Josh. It's about faith.

 

[Trichakra]

I want to be a Christian but I can't. I would like to believe in god but the thing is I just can't due to certain questions

Look like you are confused. Believe in god.

 

[doomsayer2]

Well not quite as simple as just "believe God",but pretty close. Want to know what I think may be a secret to coming to believe in God and is the most ironic thing about the whole Christian experience at least in my own life.
Is that I started out pretty well and did the whole sinner's prayer all by myself with no one encouraging me,or really having ever encouraged me. My immediate family has always been "Church goers" but very liberal minded as far as almost NEVER imposing their own views on anyone,and we all just kind of left it a personal thing between you and God,assuming we were all pretty much "saved",as if you don't need to be 100%??
Anyway long story short,I did technically receive Christ as my Saviour and from the beginning have always tried to study and pray on a regular basis. BUT,about 15 or so years ago experienced a major(to put it mildly) life change where all of a sudden was seeing and experiencing very abnormal and extraordinary "occurrences" in almost everyday life. Let's just say it was/is something that can only be supernatural,and cannot believe that it's from the Enemy who could not have that much resources available to apparently devote to only ONE individual,since no one person is that important except maybe the "two witnesses",which is out of the question. Let's just say these are still all coming from only ONE Higher Power for a reason I haven't yet determined. But the ironic twist is that since it all began my own personal walk with the Lord has seemed to suffer and I feel rather than being drawn closer am actually being driven away and have come to rely less on God's word and more on what I SEE,which is opposite of FAITH.
Well I guess my point is that if you are first wanting some grand evidence or "sign" from God before you will believe,then be VERY careful what you are asking,because things don't always work out for the best when you start out relying on the supernatural rather than on the SOURCE of it all as your one and only need.

 

[ToBeLoved]

Well not quite as simple as just "believe God",but pretty close. Want to know what I think may be a secret to coming to believe in God and is the most ironic thing about the whole Christian experience at least in my own life.
Is that I started out pretty well and did the whole sinner's prayer all by myself with no one encouraging me,or really having ever encouraged me. My immediate family has always been "Church goers" but very liberal minded as far as almost NEVER imposing their own views on anyone,and we all just kind of left it a personal thing between you and God,assuming we were all pretty much "saved",as if you don't need to be 100%??
Anyway long story short,I did technically receive Christ as my Saviour and from the beginning have always tried to study and pray on a regular basis. BUT,about 15 or so years ago experienced a major(to put it mildly) life change where all of a sudden was seeing and experiencing very abnormal and extraordinary "occurrences" in almost everyday life. Let's just say it was/is something that can only be supernatural,and cannot believe that it's from the Enemy who could not have that much resources available to apparently devote to only ONE individual,since no one person is that important except maybe the "two witnesses",which is out of the question. Let's just say these are still all coming from only ONE Higher Power for a reason I haven't yet determined. But the ironic twist is that since it all began my own personal walk with the Lord has seemed to suffer and I feel rather than being drawn closer am actually being driven away and have come to rely less on God's word and more on what I SEE,which is opposite of FAITH.
Well I guess my point is that if you are first wanting some grand evidence or "sign" from God before you will believe,then be VERY careful what you are asking,because things don't always work out for the best when you start out relying on the supernatural rather than on the SOURCE of it all as your one and only need.

I hope that you draw nearer to God as there is no one more powerful than He.

 

[ldonjohn]

Josh, When you ask Christians about their beliefs and about their faith most of them will quote some scriptures as they relate their Christian experience. The reason they quote scripture is because that is the source of their belief.

This scripture, Jeremiah 29:13, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” says that if you earnestly search after God you will find Him.

The Bible is like God's text message to us; that is where we will find the truth about God & Jesus. Josh, God is not hiding from you. You can find Him by searching for Him in His Word, which is the Bible. Many Christians, like myself, will suggest that you read the Book of John, the Gospel of John. The Book of Romans is another great book to find answers about Christianity.

I don't know for sure that I can speak for every Christian, but before I became a genuine believer, a true Christian, I had some of the same doubts about the bible that you seem to be having. The reason I had doubts was that I was living in spiritual darkness, and therefore I could not understand spiritual matters. Even as a Christian I still don't understand everything about God & the Bible, but I don't fret about that which I do not understand, because I do understand the main message of the Bible which is that Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sin.

Don