So confused...

[jesuschristmysavior]

I went to my neighbor's house tonight and we got into a deep two hour discussion about church, God, and many other things. I am now so confused, so nervous, and oh so scared. I love Jesus and God, and I know they exist. I give them thanks everyday. However, I feel like I could do more. I see devout christians who are so full with their faith, and I feel as though I am not, and I am 'forcing it'. I told her I wanted to change this, but I am just SO confused on so many levels.

We talked for a long time about how I need to be 'saved' and she is taking me to talk with her pastor tomorrow to help answer my questions. Her belief, and the belief of her church (where I've gone lately) is that without being saved, you go to hell when you die.

I try my best to be a good, honest person. I admit I sin and make mistakes, but I try to do right. I'm not sure about being saved, and all that, and I am so confused. I read my bible and show respect to every person I come across. But this is just so overwhelming and over my head. She asked me tonight, "If you die are you positive where you are going?" I said honestly, I 'think' I am, but I'm scared it may not be good enough to get into heaven because I am so confused on what is 'required' to get into heaven.

Can someone please just help me with some advice and direction, in lamen's terms? I get so confused so easily, and I get really overwhelmed from trying to understand everything. I feel stupid for asking such obvious questions, but I feel like there is so much others know that I don't know.

 

[snoochface]

Don't feel stupid. I don't think the questions have obvious answers -- but they are easy once you read and understand the really good news of the Bible.

None of us are good enough to get into heaven. And it doesn't matter how much good you try to do, either, it will never be good enough. Because if we sin even one time, boom, that's it, we're separated from God. He can't tolerate any sin at all, it's just not in his nature. And the punishment for our sin -- any sin at all -- is death and separation from God.

The good news, and the great gift, is that Jesus took that punishment for us. He died for us, in our place, so that we don't have to die and be separated from God. All we have to do is accept the gift. Once we do, when God looks at us, he no longer sees the sin. Instead, he sees us through the filter of Jesus.

We're still going to sin, but because we know, believe, and accept Jesus' gift of dying in our place for our sins, God forgives us. We need to be sorry and we need to ask God to forgive us, and we do need to try not to sin. But as long as we are sorry and ask for forgiveness, that's it. No hoops to jump through, no trying to balance out our "good" things with our sinful things. Jesus did all that for us.

 

[snoochface]

I feel like I worded that really badly. I apologize, I'm very tired (it's late) and I'm rushing off the computer to get to bed. I'll try to do better tomorrow. I don't want to just throw a bunch of platitudes at you, but I was trying to put things into plain English. I have a real problem with "Christianese" so I try not to use it -- in the meantime, I think I worded it too simplistically.

 

[Elijah2]

I went to my neighbor's house tonight and we got into a deep two hour discussion about church, God, and many other things. I am now so confused, so nervous, and oh so scared. I love Jesus and God, and I know they exist. I give them thanks everyday. However, I feel like I could do more. I see devout christians who are so full with their faith, and I feel as though I am not, and I am 'forcing it'. I told her I wanted to change this, but I am just SO confused on so many levels.

We talked for a long time about how I need to be 'saved' and she is taking me to talk with her pastor tomorrow to help answer my questions. Her belief, and the belief of her church (where I've gone lately) is that without being saved, you go to hell when you die.
Well, are you saved?

You said that you love our Lord Jesus Christ, but you are concerned about being saved.

To be saved, just answer these questions:

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of our Almighty God?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary?

Do you believe that Lord Jesus Christ walked on this earth?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the Cross?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ died to cleanse you of all sin and to redeem you with our Almighty God?

Do you believe that Lord Jesus Christ rose again on the third day?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ sits on the right hand side of our Heavenly Father in the Heavenlies?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has brought you back from the kingdom of darkness and bondage of Satan?

I try my best to be a good, honest person. I admit I sin and make mistakes, but I try to do right. I'm not sure about being saved, and all that, and I am so confused. I read my bible and show respect to every person I come across. But this is just so overwhelming and over my head. She asked me tonight, "If you die are you positive where you are going?" I said honestly, I 'think' I am, but I'm scared it may not be good enough to get into heaven because I am so confused on what is 'required' to get into heaven.

Can someone please just help me with some advice and direction, in lamen's terms? I get so confused so easily, and I get really overwhelmed from trying to understand everything. I feel stupid for asking such obvious questions, but I feel like there is so much others know that I don't know.

If you answer all those questions above then you are saved!

 

[weakestlink33]

If you answer all those questions above then you are saved!

So, basically we just need to be able to say the Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed (I believe they both include all of those statements), and then honestly believe everything you are saying? That's an interesting belief, because that is how I would basically define someone as being a Christian (that is, if they really d believe the Creed). Basically, what I see you saying is that you need to TRULY be a Christian to be saved...I like that

 

[jesuschristmysavior]

snoochface and elijah, both of your replies were wonderful. Elijah, yes, I fully believe in every single one of those questions. Let me explain how me and my neighbor got into our discussion and maybe y'all can understand how I am feeling.

My friend died last week from falling down some stairs. He was only 20 and a college student, and died from something so simple. I went to his wake Thursday night and his parents came up to greet me. They are both devout christians who are extremely full with their faith, it's number one in their life. While they were so sad about the loss of their son, they were also rejoicing that he is now with the Lord and this was a celebration of his life. They had flat panel monitors set up with video's and pictures and slideslows of him, and invited all to bring pictures and share stories of his life. The next day, for the funeral, it was held at an activity center because his passing was not seen as something devastating, but as a celebration of a wonderful life lived.

As devout christians, they stood over his casket with me and this is how they felt. When I looked down at him, I felt totally different. My first thoughts were of how, and why. Why did God take him so young, how could this happen, ect. His parents didn't ask these questions, they immediately went to, The Lord needed him more. And while they were content with his passing, I was in a state of numbness. I was also questioning things like, was he really in Heaven, was he good enough to get in, ect. Because while his parents were devout christians, I'm not sure about his faith.

And after about 5 minutes, I walked out with the thughts and feelings that how I was feeling was NOT correct. As a true christian, I shouldn't have been feeling these doubts, I should've been more positive in my beliefs. I looked at his parents that night with admiration because they were so sure and content of something that I was so unsure of. That right there showed me that something was missing but I don't know what.

So I went to my neighbor and talked to her about all of this, and she told me that when God comes for his people, he's only taking the true christians, who have been saved and are full of Christ. And that if I had any doubts, I wasn't as full as I should be.

Now the thought of questioning my faith last night and even this morning, has me nauseous with anxiety. So she is taking me to talk with her pastor this evening and if I don't faint from nervousness, I'll let everyone know how it goes when I get back.

 

[rejectreality]

Are you saved? Of course you're saved. It is my belief, that every person, no matter race, gender, creed, religion, or any other dividing human element, is saved. But don''t get me wrong, I'm not saying that certain lifestyles or beliefs are good, but Jesus died for every person. And because He died for every person, every person is saved. All we must do is accept that gift of mercy. In my opinion, you've no choice but to be saved. It is one gift we cannot refuse. However, I'm also not saying that this wonderful gift is a "Get out of Hell free card" either. (Maybe this isn't making sense)

I'll try to put it another way. Jesus basically threw us a life preserver. All we must do is reach out and take it, and we won't drown.

I also believe that if someone is truly, unquesionably certain about where they're going after death, without the slightest bit of doubt ever, then that person is probably already dead. God's all knowing. We're not. And because we're not, doubt can creep up into our minds. Besides, I think we've all seen that person who seems to be more alive in Christ than we are, but our journey is not theirs. You love God, you love Jesus, you're fine. I truly hope that you find peace in this matter, and that God will be with you and fill you with His peace.

God bless

 

[sahjacq]

You are saved and your journey has just began the lord has been with you your whole life, and was just waiting for you to call on him, what a feeling knowing the lord the joy is so overwhelming some days, I lost my uncle last year to cancer, the first few days I was lost in mourning, then the joy of knowing him and being blessed by jesus for having my uncle in my life and remembering the days of happiness just over took the saddness that was in my heart and now I know that was a blessing from jesus telling me do not mourn this man, celebrate his life, he was wonderfull and made so many people happy in his time spent with you all, it just made so much sence.
God bless and just trust the lord as he is the truth and the light.

 

[Elijah2]

Hi JCMS,

My friend died last week from falling down some stairs.
That is sad, many such accidents have many unusual thoughts and wonderings how such a thing can happen.
He was only 20 and a college student, and died from something so simple.
Yes, I've seen many die from simple things.
I went to his wake Thursday night and his parents came up to greet me. They are both devout christians who are extremely full with their faith, it's number one in their life.
There is a big difference between devout Christians, religious Christans, legalistic Christians, and closed-mind Christians.
While they were so sad about the loss of their son, they were also rejoicing that he is now with the Lord and this was a celebration of his life.
Yes, we all can accept that, because once you die, all that is left is the body.
They had flat panel monitors set up with video's and pictures and slideslows of him, and invited all to bring pictures and share stories of his life. The next day, for the funeral, it was held at an activity center because his passing was not seen as something devastating, but as a celebration of a wonderful life lived.
Well, that is so, it is a celebration.
As devout christians, they stood over his casket with me and this is how they felt. When I looked down at him, I felt totally different. My first thoughts were of how, and why. Why did God take him so young, how could this happen, ect.
My dear sister, I've experienced many the same feelings and thoughts, but it was the god of this world, NOT our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ.
His parents didn't ask these questions, they immediately went to, The Lord needed him more.
Now, that is a religious statement!
And while they were content with his passing, I was in a state of numbness.
Don't worry, they felt numbness as well, but didn't show it, because of their attitude and habit.
I was also questioning things like, was he really in Heaven, was he good enough to get in, ect.
Well, I guess you most likely knew their son a lot better than they did. So what do you think?
Because while his parents were devout christians, I'm not sure about his faith.
Well, I always say that if I was born in a stable it didn't make me a horse.
And after about 5 minutes, I walked out with the thughts and feelings that how I was feeling was NOT correct.
That is not so, your have your thoughts, and you have your grief in losing a friend.
As a true christian, I shouldn't have been feeling these doubts, I should've been more positive in my beliefs.
Hey, where does it say in the Bible that when a friend dies, you can't feel like that.

Grief is personal!
I looked at his parents that night with admiration because they were so sure and content of something that I was so unsure of. That right there showed me that something was missing but I don't know what.
Now, don't go crucifying yourself by using someone else as a "measuring stick", the Kingdom of God doesn't work that way, our only "measuring stick" is our Lord Jesus Christ.

How do you think HE felt when HE got the news of the murder of HIS dearest friend, John the Baptist.

HE got away, and headed to the Sea of Galilee and the people followed HIM. HE didn't turn around and started abusing them or say, "Can't you see that I am grieving the lose of my dear friend and cousin. Why don't you leave me alone!"

No HE turned and began to preach and heal. Now that is positive. HE began doing the work of HIS Father.

Having a stiff upper-lip, and standing upright is a atribute that comes from blind discipline and obedience. I know that because I spent a long time in the Army. And I can assure you that blind obedience and blind discipline isn't the sign of positiveness.

So I went to my neighbor and talked to her about all of this, and she told me that when God comes for his people, he's only taking the true christians, who have been saved and are full of Christ.
That doesn't sound Biblical to me!
And that if I had any doubts, I wasn't as full as I should be.
Thats judgemental and not very encouraging!
Now the thought of questioning my faith last night and even this morning, has me nauseous with anxiety.
If you answered all those questions, then why are you nausesous and anxious?

I believe that you have allowed Satan to put these thoughts into your carnal mind.

You think with your spiritual mind, your heart.

Read this prayer through, and then pray it, and pray it from your heart, and then you will know who you are and the anxiety will go, in Jesus' Name.

Heavenly Father, I come to You through our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank You for sending Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Word says that if I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that our Lord Jesus Christ is Your Son. That HE was born of the Virgin Mary. That HE walked the earth. That HE was crucified on a cross. That HE died in order to cleanse me from all sin and to reconcile me to You, our Heavenly Father. I do believe this and confess this now, in Jesus’ Name.

I believe that You raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day, and HE is now seated at Your right hand in the heavenlies. I believe that through HIS precious blood, HE brought me back from the kingdom of darkness and bondage of Satan. I believe HE paid the total penalty for all of the sins I have ever committed and that through HIS blood I am cleansed, redeemed, and sanctified, that is set apart to YOU, and Justified, that is, just as if I had never sinned.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the sins in my life, and I now renounce all of my sins, known and unknown. I absolutely turn from them. I turn to You, Lord Jesus Christ, and I turn away from the power of darkness, to the power of Light, from the power of Satan to the power of God.

I ask You, Lord Jesus Christ, to come into my life, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and cause me to forgive and love people in the same way that you forgive and love me. Please come and live in my heart. Change my heart, Heavenly Father, and help me to change the way that I live and think about You.

I surrender absolutely to You, and I confess, and receive our Lord Jesus Christ as my King, my Lord, my Saviour, and my Master of my life.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for saving me from myself and from Satan. I am now born again, Your child, and a member of Your family.

Satan, in Jesus’ Name, I renounce you, and every avenue you have had into my life. You will never control me again. Our Lord Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I serve HIM with all my heart, mind and soul, in Jesus’ Name. AMEN
So she is taking me to talk with her pastor this evening and if I don't faint from nervousness, I'll let everyone know how it goes when I get back.
I believe that you church appears to be a legalistic church, and if you feel better in yourself after praying that prayer, then I suggest you cancel your appointment.

You make you own choices and decisions and don't let anyone bully you into things that are not of your or of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[jesuschristmysavior]

Elijah, I just returned from the meeting and it went wonderful. He mostly listened to how I felt, and we talked about some scriptures in the bible. He also prayed with me and really made me feel okay by letting me know that my doubts and fears were valid and that I need to work on allowing God to take over. That the reason I may be feeling as though I am forcing things is because I am forcing too much. And that I need to step back, admit that God is bigger than me, and allow him to take control of my life as I worship him.

He also advised me to get involved with the church, such as helping with the Sunday school, ect. He said that getting involved with the church will really help reinforce my beliefs because I'll feel as though I am really doing something for Christ. It just gives you that extra boost.

Also, Elijah, thanks for the prayer. I am going to print it out so I can recite it daily. I love it.

 

[heymikey80]

As devout christians, they stood over his casket with me and this is how they felt. When I looked down at him, I felt totally different.

Good. Many of us Christians are grieved, but we do not grieve as if we have no hope.

We have hope. And we have faith. But Oh, God, help our unbelief!

My first thoughts were of how, and why. Why did God take him so young, how could this happen, ect.

These are immense questions, but it will take time for you to see why God would do such things. God doesn't have general reasons for taking specific people. God has specific reasons. We don't know what those reasons are, very often. Isaiah points out at one point in Israel's history, "The righteous perish and no one ponders it in his heart ... that the righteous are being taken away to rescue them from the evil that is on its way." Isaiah saw ahead at this point. He saw what was happening. But often we don't see it.

His parents didn't ask these questions, they immediately went to, The Lord needed him more. And while they were content with his passing, I was in a state of numbness.

I was too, recently.

I was also questioning things like, was he really in Heaven, was he good enough to get in, ect. Because while his parents were devout christians, I'm not sure about his faith.

I couldn't say, I don't know the guy.

Could it be possible that God actually took him, to force you to look at your own life?

And after about 5 minutes, I walked out with the thughts and feelings that how I was feeling was NOT correct. As a true christian, I shouldn't have been feeling these doubts, I should've been more positive in my beliefs.

I'm not certain. But I know this: feelings are NOT an indicator of who is a true Christian. If you look at the bitterness of Jonah (saved), the rage of Habakkuk (saved), the stupidity and sin and murderousness of David (saved) ... it's not the feelings you have that God looks to.

God looks to His Son.

I looked at his parents that night with admiration because they were so sure and content of something that I was so unsure of. That right there showed me that something was missing but I don't know what.

I can appreciate that desire. With growth in Christ you can gain some of that. But I can't begin but to say, I fear for the level of detachment here.

I would be devastated. But I would not be without hope.

So I went to my neighbor and talked to her about all of this, and she told me that when God comes for his people, he's only taking the true christians, who have been saved and are full of Christ. And that if I had any doubts, I wasn't as full as I should be.

=ugh= Don't doubt. But believe. God is able to make you stand. Rely on Him -- don't rely on what you believe, but rely on Who you believe. Talk to Him. Bring Him your doubts. Let others advise you, but don't believe for a nanosecond that the One in Whom you believe is more empowered to save you if you have more faith.

God is just as capable either way. He's promised to save those who rely on Him. Reliance is more than lips, drops of tears, and such. But it is not how much faith you have -- it's your relying on Him as the One Who does the saving.

Because you can't do it yourself.

That lack of control may make you sick to your stomach for awhile. But it's the truth.

Now the thought of questioning my faith last night and even this morning, has me nauseous with anxiety. So she is taking me to talk with her pastor this evening and if I don't faint from nervousness, I'll let everyone know how it goes when I get back.

I pray you learn the truth and live in light of it.