Repentance

[Alive_Again]

I don't think that feelings has a lot to do with repentance. You can be as cold as ice and choose to repent. If you wait until you feel like it, you might not EVER feel like it. Some days you just have to turn to the Lord, be willing to change by the grace He would give you and believe (all components of repentance). I ask Him to wash me in His blood, thank you and then agree to move forward with Him. There is still a sense of separation (often), but that is the "debris" your soul has from having been in that situation.

Know that if you're repenting from something that really opened the door to the enemy, you need to renounce that behavior(s) out loud and tell demonic spirits to leave you in Jesus' name. Just like the Word says to do. The enemy comes and defiles you, leaving a "residue" that keeps you from being sensitive to God's promptings on the inside of you. It kind of gets in the way. That's why it's important to do the renouncing and binding (ending the enemy's legal right to you). If you spoke wickedly over yourself (contrary to what the Word of God says about you), renounce that declaration too and speak the Word over your life and say, "This is what is going to happen in my life because Jesus is my Lord!" Not based on your track record, but based on His faithfulness and the inheritance of the Word of God. Ask for grace just for walk today. Nothing else matters but right now and you can't wait around until you feel like repenting.

 

[Soverinth]

So my talk with the pastor went well. I think i understand things bit better now.

He gave me a book by John Piper that explains 50 reasons why Christ came to die. Along with a NKJV Bible.

Hmm question is... now what?

I will be going to his church every Sunday so i'm more surrounded by other believers. Going to start reading this book and the bible.

I'm going to try and pray more since i never used to be a prayer and prayer is essential. Gotta learn more about prayer though..

What should i do when i'm not reading?

 

[hedrick]

So my talk with the pastor went well. I think i understand things bit better now.

He gave me a book by John Piper that explains 50 reasons why Christ came to die. Along with a NKJV Bible.

Hmm question is... now what?

I will be going to his church every Sunday so i'm more surrounded by other believers. Going to start reading this book and the bible.

I'm going to try and pray more since i never used to be a prayer and prayer is essential. Gotta learn more about prayer though..

What should i do when i'm not reading?

Your school work? Hanging out with friends?

I'd say you're off to a good start. Don't try to become a super-Christian instantly. Instead try to develop habits that will last.

However if you want to try some other things, there are a couple of directions. One is a more systematic introduction to the Bible and/or theology. I'd probably start with the Bible, in particular one of the Gospels. I've already recommended N T Wright's Matthew for Everyone, or Luke for Everyone if 2 volumes seems too much. If you find that too detailed or too advanced, Nelson has an interesting version of the New Testament for teens. I haven't seen the current one, but I've seen others in the series. It has enough explanations in it to help you make sense of the Bible, and it's designed to be attractive to teens. I believe the most recent edition is called "Refuel."

If you want something to do, ask around your community or church to see what kinds of mission or service projects are going on in your neighborhood. There's usually quite a variety, from visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes to running soup kitchens. Serving other people is important to Jesus, and a lot of people meet Jesus through serving others.

 

[Soverinth]

In addition to my last post, i talked to my pastor about all these issues that i pretty much explained to you guy's.


I told him about how i didn't think i was saved. And we talked about how i wanted to be saved.

After most of it he had me pray with him. He was a witness. I confessed to the Lord that I am a sinner, i want to be saved.

Then he showed me (Romans 10:9-10) "9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

And with him witnessing me pray, we talked about how i just confessed and called to the Lord for salvation. I do believe i am saved now. The only downside is i still have some of my doubts. After I left the Church i was pretty confident that i have been saved.

But later on i started to get all these doubts in my head. "Am i truly converted? Am i really a child of God now?" Things like that. I kept thinking that, "I wouldn't be in all of this if God hadn't been working on me"

Just trying to get through the rest of the day I guess.

What do you guys think?

 

[Alive_Again]

When I first became a believer. I got a book that talked about the ways of God. I found books written by people who really knew Him and some of the incredible testimonies some people have. I would share them with my friends. Anyone who would listen. It was exciting.

Keep your focus on God and the things of God. It will go a long way to keeping your "leaf" green. Listen to Bible teaching. Find some teachers that build you up on the inside and give yourself to them. Do the things that make for peace.

You'll want to distance yourself from sinners. You can't fellowship with them. I did and it wasn't long until I started joining them in their ways. Then I opened the door to the enemy and life became more difficult than it had to be.

Be involved in your church and go to Bible studies. Get involved in the culture of God. Find some people to love and watch what you feed on.

After I came back from backsliding years later (after getting involved with the wrong woman, whom I loved), I started researching the Internet for teachings and started downloading testimonies and teachings by the hundreds. By now I have thousands, but there is plenty of media for you to keep your meditation on the Word.

 

[LilLamb219]

Praying didn't get you "saved". Having a Savior who died in your place on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and trusting in that is what saves you.

In addition to my last post, i talked to my pastor about all these issues that i pretty much explained to you guy's.


I told him about how i didn't think i was saved. And we talked about how i wanted to be saved.

After most of it he had me pray with him. He was a witness. I confessed to the Lord that I am a sinner, i want to be saved.

Then he showed me (Romans 10:9-10) "9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

And with him witnessing me pray, we talked about how i just confessed and called to the Lord for salvation. I do believe i am saved now. The only downside is i still have some of my doubts. After I left the Church i was pretty confident that i have been saved.

But later on i started to get all these doubts in my head. "Am i truly converted? Am i really a child of God now?" Things like that. I kept thinking that, "I wouldn't be in all of this if God hadn't been working on me"

Just trying to get through the rest of the day I guess.

What do you guys think?

 

[Alive_Again]

It was the establishment of your relationship with God (through prayer) that enabled you to enter into covenant with God (by His blood, by His Word, by His grace).

A covenant must be kept. Find out your part (walking in love by walking in His ways) and get familiar with God's part by planting the seed of His "exceeding precious promises". If you abide in the vine and walk by faith, you'll bear fruit. If your fruits seem to wane, find out what He wants you to do and do it. You should be able to walk in peace.

You cannot overcome by walking alone, so seek the fellowship of believers and start learning the marvelous ways of God.

 

[hedrick]

But later on i started to get all these doubts in my head. "Am i truly converted? Am i really a child of God now?" Things like that. I kept thinking that, "I wouldn't be in all of this if God hadn't been working on me"

Just trying to get through the rest of the day I guess.

What do you guys think?

I believe you're right. First, you're not saved because of anything you do, but because of what Jesus did. Jesus is very clear that he's not going to turn anyone away. You quite clearly want to follow him. He's not going to reject you. It doesn't matter whether you feel saved or not. You can trust him.

But following Jesus isn't a matter of praying one prayer and you're "saved." It's an ongoing dependence on God. That doesn't mean that the first time you do something wrong or go through a spiritual low point you're out. Jesus' teaching, e.g. the Prodigal Son, make it clear that God doesn't give up on us easily. But still, being a follower of Jesus is an ongoing relationship, and one in which you'll grow over time (though no doubt with setbacks now and then).

The Romans quotation is relevant. But I mentioned previously that it's easy for any reassurance to turn into a trap. Rom 10:10 says you'll be saved if you have faith. (I'd translate "have faith" rather than believe in that passage.) But as I commented above, faith is just your decision to rely on Christ. It's Christ that saves you, not your faith. So *please* don't start saying "I wonder if my faith is good enough." If you rely on God to be saved, he won't turn you away.

My concern about what your pastor did is that too many people say "I'm saved because I prayed the sinners' prayer at one time in my life." I assume that's not what he really meant. But a lot of people seem to think that's what is going on. No, it's not a prayer that saves you. You've saved because God loves you, Jesus died for you, and you're relying on him to do what he has promised.

 

[Soverinth]

I believe you're right. First, you're not saved because of anything you do, but because of what Jesus did. Jesus is very clear that he's not going to turn anyone away. You quite clearly want to follow him. He's not going to reject you. It doesn't matter whether you feel saved or not. You can trust him.

But following Jesus isn't a matter of praying one prayer and you're "saved." It's an ongoing dependence on God. That doesn't mean that the first time you do something wrong or go through a spiritual low point you're out. Jesus' teaching, e.g. the Prodigal Son, make it clear that God doesn't give up on us easily. But still, being a follower of Jesus is an ongoing relationship, and one in which you'll grow over time (though no doubt with setbacks now and then).

The Romans quotation is relevant. But I mentioned previously that it's easy for any reassurance to turn into a trap. Rom 10:10 says you'll be saved if you have faith. (I'd translate "have faith" rather than believe in that passage.) But as I commented above, faith is just your decision to rely on Christ. It's Christ that saves you, not your faith. So *please* don't start saying "I wonder if my faith is good enough." If you rely on God to be saved, he won't turn you away.

My concern about what your pastor did is that too many people say "I'm saved because I prayed the sinners' prayer at one time in my life." I assume that's not what he really meant. But a lot of people seem to think that's what is going on. No, it's not a prayer that saves you. You've saved because God loves you, Jesus died for you, and you're relying on him to do what he has promised.

Yeah i really need to get it through my head that it's not the prayer that saved me. Don't know why i am having a hard time with that.


But doesn't the fact that I confessed instead of doing nothing play some kind of part?


Anyway, when your filled with the Holy Spirit, can you actually feel it?

 

[asiyreh]

When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:15-16

Receiving the holy spirit is a different experience. Pentecostals are quite good with these teaching, while I don't support their views, they're pretty good in this field. Believing and receiving the Holy Spirit more often than not, occur at different times. You can be a believer but not yet have received the Holy Spirit, there are many texts supporting this idea.

 

[hedrick]

Yeah i really need to get it through my head that it's not the prayer that saved me. Don't know why i am having a hard time with that.

But doesn't the fact that I confessed instead of doing nothing play some kind of part?

Yes and no. I still think a good way to understand it is Luke 18:10. The tax collector went away justified, because he acknowledged that he depended upon God. That's what Paul means by faith. It's not the actual confession that does it, but the attitude that it shows. Jesus says faith is the attitude of a child, who loves and depends upon his father.

In addition to being a sign of your relationship with God, confession does have a real function in our ongoing Christian life. We bring our failures before God. Sin does tend to separate us from God. A single sin won't cause us to stop being a Christian. But over time, we can become hardened. We need to restore our relationship with him. We also ask for his guidance in dealing with the impact of what we did on other people. But this isn't what you were doing. This is the sort of thing that we do daily in our lives as Christians. Your confession was more about helping you get into the right relationship initially.

I'm concerned, as always, that something good could turn into a trap. Faith, in the Protestant sense, means to acknowledge that you depend upon God for salvation. The trap is to start wondering, "have I done it enough? Have I forgotten a sin? Was my confession really sincere, or did I hold something back?" God isn't grading your confession, such that you have to get at least a 75 to pass. Any time you start worrying that you haven't gotten a passing grade on some requirement, please think again. God isn't that way.

Anyway, when your filled with the Holy Spirit, can you actually feel it?

I think it depends upon the person and the situation. I feel things some of the time. When I'm praying and doing certain other things. But not all the time. And for me it's kind of like Wesley's "heart strangely warmed", whereas for other people it can be really dramatic, resulting in speaking in tongues or something like that. Some people report it as a continuing thing throughout the day. I don't.

But I don't think the feeling is essential. There are times when we don't feel it at all. At least I don't. And to be honest I'm not sure I felt anything at all during my first years as a Christian, although I do now. I have no reason to think that I wasn't "saved" then.

Incidentally, I'd like to comment on the idea of "being saved." Jesus normally uses the term "salvation" to refer to eternal life, which is both present with us now, and in a more direct sense will be ours after death. Salvation isn't a thing that happens once when you say some prayer and is done with.

One of the difficulties with Christianity is that people tend to think that everybody is like them. Some people have a definite conversion experience, and think of it as being saved, because they feel that God swooped down and claimed them. That does certainly happen. But some people grow up in a Christian household and never have the experience of not being saved. 1 Cor 7:14 endorses the concept that Christian children can be holy from the beginning. Of course as they become responsible they need to take on responsibility for themselves. But this doesn't necessarily or even usually happen all at once. And someone who is a non-Christian quite likely comes to faith over time. Sometimes a time comes when you suddenly realize, "hey, I believe now." But Jesus seldom speaks of a one-time salvation, though there are certainly some times when a person comes to salvation at a specific time. (John 3 is a major exception, though even there being a person born of the Spirit is ongoing.) Jesus normally speaks of an ongoing life as his servant.

So what matters is that we have faith in God, and acknowledge our dependence and trust in him, but not that we pray a specific prayer or have a specific experience. And even that faith is going to vary over time.

 

[gypsygirl]

Thank you all for your help it has helped me through times of doubt but lets face it, i'm not saved and i know it.

I guess deep down i must still be full of pride or full of self reliance.

I guess i just don't see how bad sin really is.

I guess i'm just not desperate enough for a relationship with God.

I guess i just don't desire God enough.

I've asked the Lord to help me, asked him to show me, but i must not be cut out for it.

I don't think I'm hopeless enough. I must deep down not realize how hopeless i should be.

I just..i just don't know what to do. I know i have to repent but even if i did it wouldn't be genuine.

They say you have to just come. Just come! They make it sound so easy!

I don't know why i don't realize that i have nothing i mean i understand that because that's what the bible says but I just don't seem to get it..

Just come.. When i hear that it sounds easy but nothing in my head clicks.

Thank you for your openness and honesty. Repentance is a process, and it continues throughout one's Christian walk. Some of my most painful breaking of pride came years after I embraced Christ as the one who justifies me before a Holy God. In the end, salvation comes through willing to admit that your nature is inherently sinful and that you cannot wipe yourself clean for God and thus need Christ. If you're trying to confess to every little thing wrong you've done since you were born, or something like that, believe me, not one of us ever remembers it all.

Finally, if you sincerely do want to repent and accept Christ, ask God to help you get there which is what happened to me. I was praying and seeking, but so darn hardened, bitter, and prideful that I just couldn't give myself that extra nudge. Well, my roommate let me listen to his copy of Sproul's "The Holiness of God" and talk about conviction, etc. and Christ revealed Himself to me and I accepted the free gift of salvation. Ask Him to bring the right messenger,etc. into your life. Don't stop seeking!

 

[Alive_Again]

You need the revelation of the Word in your heart. You MUST have faith at least in the sincerity of your repentance. I could tell you some stories, about my own sinning, and then repenting. I never for a moment for like repenting,felt worthy of repenting, felt like I had repented during some of those episodes. Granted, their have been many times where I did on every level, but you have to be sincere about your desire to turn your life over to Jesus. Nonetheless, after I did (already having begun to learn to walk by faith), I went forward and a little fruit started to come. In a little while, I was much stronger.

What HAS to come after that, asking forgiveness, is to begin to walk by faith. Your walk was as mine was, (it says something like this in the scripture), where your feet was too tender to even walk on the ground.

You need faith food. You need someone to teach you how to stand up by faith. You have to do that before you can walk by faith. God teaches each of His children to stand and to walk.

I heartily recommend getting some anointed teaching on faith. I listened to a lot of Kenneth Hagin and was greatly edified even though it took a little while. But the light started to shine in some pretty dark places. When their is darkness "shining", a little light is pretty noticeable. Listen to something the Holy Spirit agrees with (where you are at, not where some others are walking). The foundational principles include repentance from dead works and faith toward God.

It takes faith to please God, so if He wants to bless you and you want to be blessed, do what it takes to get some faith and overcome the stronghold of unbelief you have. I had it too. I still fight it sometimes. Many people come in through a stronghold of unbelief. (That means devils.) God can shine a light through that darkness and undo that system of thoughts that is prevailing.

Don't give up! Then the devil wins. If you think God is holding out on you, then what's the point of continuing? See the deception? He does NOT want you to give up! He wants you to learn how to have faith and begin to exercise it.

One thing the Holy Spirit told a good friend of mine. It basically goes like this: "When you repent from sin, go forward in your walk. Don't wallow in your sense of unworthiness. Confess your sin and go forward in faith, believing I have forgiven you." You get on the path the way God says to, which is to turn from your own ways and believe Him for forgiveness. Now you're on the path. Go get some of those books! Don't let the enemy continue to steal from your life and make all counsel seem pointless because it sounds good, but God doesn't seem to be in it (because the fruit isn't forthcoming). It likely won't be until you start to please God and walk by faith. "For without faith, it is impossible to please Him..." Hebrews

 

[NDE Master]

IMO if this is a real problem for you then you need to use every trick in the book. So that would include finding and learning from people that have already overcome in life. Learning from some self help books can be good. Or seeing a psychologist. Learning that stuff can be a great help. A lot of it has to to with reprogramming your mind. The Christians that reject that stuff deny that our very nature is habitual and it's only by effectively learning how to reprogram those habits and desires that we can start addressing the underlying issue.

Blessings.

 

[LilLamb219]

Yeah i really need to get it through my head that it's not the prayer that saved me. Don't know why i am having a hard time with that.


But doesn't the fact that I confessed instead of doing nothing play some kind of part?


Anyway, when your filled with the Holy Spirit, can you actually feel it?

YOU play NO PART in your salvation. It is 100% God's work. 0% yours.

Yeah, mankind wants to try to add to the truth of the Gospel and make up extra things because of our pride and egos.

But look to scripture. It says that we were spiritually dead until we received the gift of faith and believed. Dead men can't do anything to help the cause

 

[NDE Master]

YOU play NO PART in your salvation. It is 100% God's work. 0% yours.

Yeah, mankind wants to try to add to the truth of the Gospel and make up extra things because of our pride and egos.

But look to scripture. It says that we were spiritually dead until we received the gift of faith and believed. Dead men can't do anything to help the cause

Then why does Paul talk about working your salvation with fear and trembling. And James, Jesus's brother emphasizes works rather than grace.

Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

 

[LilLamb219]

Then why does Paul talk about working your salvation with fear and trembling. And James, Jesus's brother emphasizes works rather than grace.

Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Working out our salvation with fear and trembling does not mean that we're the ones doing any of the work for the actual salvation. It's God's work 100%. Man does NOT contribute.

You can't take one verse and make it mean something. It has to be taken in consideration with other scripture...scripture interprets scripture.

James' talking about works is meant for the person who already believes. We do works because we are saved.

 

[NDE Master]

Working out our salvation with fear and trembling does not mean that we're the ones doing any of the work for the actual salvation. It's God's work 100%. Man does NOT contribute.

You can't take one verse and make it mean something. It has to be taken in consideration with other scripture...scripture interprets scripture.

James' talking about works is meant for the person who already believes. We do works because we are saved.

It all sounds airy and nebulous. What is there to "work out" then?

Saying stuff like "It's God's work 100%. Man does NOT contribute." Makes it sound like God picks and chooses who he will save from everlasting condemnation while neglecting others. Saying 100 percent I think puts you in a tuff spot in explaining yourself.

 

[Johnnz]

It all sounds airy and nebulous. What is there to "work out" then?

Saying stuff like "It's God's work 100%. Man does NOT contribute." Makes it sound like God picks and chooses who he will save from everlasting condemnation while neglecting others. Saying 100 percent I think puts you in a tuff spot in explaining yourself.

Salvation is twofold in application. Firstly, we need the problem of our shortcomings and failures dealt with in some way. Secondly, there is the matter of death we all one day will die. Jesus has provided us with a response for both. That is something we cannot do for ourselves. That is what 100% God means. We receive as a gift.

John
NZ

 

[LilLamb219]

It all sounds airy and nebulous. What is there to "work out" then?

Saying stuff like "It's God's work 100%. Man does NOT contribute." Makes it sound like God picks and chooses who he will save from everlasting condemnation while neglecting others. Saying 100 percent I think puts you in a tuff spot in explaining yourself.

God saves us 100%.

Man damns himself by rejecting the Christ as His Savior and the forgiveness that was won at the cross. We can't blame God for man's rejection.