The monster in us

[confirmpassword10]

If a person is a Christian, I understand that we're supposed to be spirit-filled, putting to death the deeds of the flesh, and putting to death the old nature. But don't we all still have that old nature for as long as we live on earth? Well, I got a big taste of that lately, and it was ugly.

Let's just say I really lost my temper (I have anger issues) and I saw a part of myself that I thought would never manifest itself. It reminded me of the test God put Job through with Satan, who claimed that Job would curse God to his face. Well, I didn't go through anything remotely close to what Job did, and I cursed God's name left and right, reasoning that He is control of all things and is therefore responsible for allowing it to happen, seeing what it's doing to me. It felt almost natural to do it in light of what I was feeling, but felt dark and ugly afterward. I felt like I had a monster inside of me that had come to life. How's that for a Christian testimony?

So my question: Can a person be a Christian (saved) and still have episodes like this? I know we can always turn back to God and ask forgiveness, but the idea that a person can become the "monster inside of them" while being a spirit-filled Christian seems like a giant contradiction to me. What do you think?

A person who is a Christian is saved that day when they decide to believe with all their heart that God saved them from their sins, and when they proclaim it with their mouth - at least that's what I think the Bible says, something along those lines. I don't believe there are "two dogs" inside of us, for if that was the case the "good one"(angel) would make our physical body melt since it would be of God who is the only good there is, and if it was the "bad one"(fallen angel) we would probably start experiencing various supernatural occurances in our lives (both spiritual and physical) as that would be demon possession. I personally think that most of us won't come into such close proximity with higher forces in our lifetime here on Earth. But what you have experienced is a strong influence from fallen ones who are aware of your weaknesses and are working diligently on exploiting them.
My advice to you is to be aware that you are saved by God who has died for all of your sins, by that I mean past, present and future ones which you have not yet even committed. Rest assured of Jesus' promise that now you are His and that He will never let you go, because of both His sacrifice for you and your willingness to accept that sacrifice as your truth.

I apologize for the lack of biblical references, and if I have said something wrong, I would like someone to correct me please.

 

[Bramwell]

It's a good reminder for us not to feel condemned when we face spiritual battles. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus... but that requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses and faults in order to overcome them.

I feel one key ingredient which is missing with a lot of Christians these days is just deep and meaningful sharing. That's what makes fellowship important. The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together, particularly as we get closer to the return of Christ. That's an important admonishment for us to remember in these last days.

 

[Aldebaran]

It's a good reminder for us not to feel condemned when we face spiritual battles. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus... but that requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses and faults in order to overcome them.

I feel one key ingredient which is missing with a lot of Christians these days is just deep and meaningful sharing. That's what makes fellowship important. The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together, particularly as we get closer to the return of Christ. That's an important admonishment for us to remember in these last days.

I hope that doesn't necessarily mean going to church. I haven't done that in a long time, and I think a poll was done here where the majority of respondents indicated that they don't go either.

 

[kidwboro]

I might just give your idea a try. I cringe at some of the stuff I'd be writing down though. I'd probably write so many ugly things that I'd then be thinking, "hmmmm, so this is what I am and what I have inside of me after 25 years of being saved. Where's all that good fruit I'm supposed to be producing as a Christian? Not much fruit here!"

If you come to a point where you're not sure if you're a child of God or not, consider this passage:

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
​

It's an awesome thing when the Lord -- the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the truth, the way, and the life -- says to you "great is thy faith."
That's when you KNOW you are bearing good fruit. "Great is thy faith."

If I'm doubting my salvation; if I'm worried I might be a false prophet, a ravenous wolf in sheep's clothing; then that means someone is telling me "You're a dog; the blessings of God are for the children only."
That's when I say "Lord, if I'm a dog, then let me eat the crumbs which fall from the masters' table."

If you can sincerely say those words, then you've evidenced GREAT faith.
You'll receive greater promotion than the disciples to whom Jesus often said "O ye of little faith."

The disciples names appear on every copy of the Bible, the most widely distributed book in the world. The images of the disciples appear on one of the most famous paintings in the world: "The Great Supper."

Yet, if you can sincerely say "Truth Lord, yet the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table," you'll receive greater favor than the disciples.

 

[Aldebaran]

If you come to a point where you're not sure if you're a child of God or not, consider this passage:

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
​

It's an awesome thing when the Lord -- the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the truth, the way, and the life -- says to you "great is thy faith."
That's when you KNOW you are bearing good fruit. "Great is thy faith."

If I'm doubting my salvation; if I'm worried I might be a false prophet, a ravenous wolf in sheep's clothing; then that means someone is telling me "You're a dog; the blessings of God are for the children only."
That's when I say "Lord, if I'm a dog, then let me eat the crumbs which fall from the masters' table."

If you can sincerely say those words, then you've evidenced GREAT faith.
You'll receive greater promotion than the disciples to whom Jesus often said "O ye of little faith."

The disciples names appear on every copy of the Bible, the most widely distributed book in the world. The images of the disciples appear on one of the most famous paintings in the world: "The Great Supper."

Yet, if you can sincerely say "Truth Lord, yet the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table," you'll receive greater favor than the disciples.

I've actually had thoughts somewhat similar to this. I've heard that Heaven has different levels, and that the worst level is called the outer darkness, which is actually quite good compared to Hell. The people who go there are the ones who were saved, but never really bore any fruit and therefore have no reward. They are far from God, but can still see Him from a distance. I've pretty much decided that I would be willing to have that since that's where I see myself and it is still a million times better than Hell. I've been told that this is not a good attitude to have though, and that I should "strive for better things". Maybe they're right, or maybe I should be satisfied with escaping death. A homeless person freezing in the Winter cold would/should be satisfied with sleeping on a floor in a warm room if they can get it rather than "striving for a much better place", in my opinion anyway.

 

[Norah63]

So how many religions have these levels of heaven?
I've only heard of one. Most that are orthodox are heaven or hell.

 

[Aldebaran]

So how many religions have these levels of heaven?
I've only heard of one. Most that are orthodox are heaven or hell.

Well, to be truthful, I only heard about this from a friend of mine who had read a Rick Joyner book called, The Quest. I don't know how scripturally accurate it is though. However, reading what the bible says seems to indicate it to be so, but then my reading may be flawed.

 

[kidwboro]

I've actually had thoughts somewhat similar to this. I've heard that Heaven has different levels, and that the worst level is called the outer darkness, which is actually quite good compared to Hell. The people who go there are the ones who were saved, but never really bore any fruit and therefore have no reward. They are far from God, but can still see Him from a distance. I've pretty much decided that I would be willing to have that since that's where I see myself and it is still a million times better than Hell. I've been told that this is not a good attitude to have though, and that I should "strive for better things". Maybe they're right, or maybe I should be satisfied with escaping death. A homeless person freezing in the Winter cold would/should be satisfied with sleeping on a floor in a warm room if they can get it rather than "striving for a much better place", in my opinion anyway.

Stay away from the outer darkness. That's where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
You're either on the broad path which leads to destruction, or you're on the narrow path which leads to life.
Don't be swayed by the general curve out there. Make sure you're on the narrow path, even if it means being rejected by men. Your family can't save you, your friends can't save you, your local pastor can't save you. Only Jesus Christ can save you.
There are no middle roads. Either you end up in everlasting life, or you end up in everlasting destruction.

Jesus Christ poured out his soul unto death, and made intercession for transgressors.
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
Abide in Christ, and he in you. You will bear fruit, and he will purge you that you may bear even MORE fruit.

Seek the crumbs if you may, but stay away from that outer darkness.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen.

 

[Bramwell]

I tend to agree with kidwboro. It's true that even the LOWEST place in heaven is heaps better than any place in hell. So I can appreciate the sentiment about just being grateful to make it into the "pearly gates", without too much concern with the exact seat we get.

That said, it does seem to make sense to strive for the "best seat" possible. And this is not for worldly motivations, e.g. respect or esteem of others. Rather, it's in order for us to be closer to God and all His power and glory, as He alone is what truly satisfies and brings peace, joy, and contentment. We should want to be close to God - the closer the better.

When it comes to heaven, let's strive for the highest calling. Let's run the race as if only one can win.

 

[Norah63]

Just depends on your love and trust in heavenly Father.
He gave his dear son Jesus for whosoever will.
Surrender of our will is a small sacrafice.

 

[ron4shua]

One of the followers of Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch (the “Mitteler Rebbe,” 1773–1827) was known for studying and praying with great devotion, and displaying a kind and gentle manner to others. Yet he still had a serious character flaw. He greatly admired his own virtues. Afraid that he was growing arrogant, the chassid decided to approach his rebbe for guidance.
After hearing the chassid describe his predicament, Rabbi DovBer was silent for a moment, and then responded:
When G‑d created the world, He created both good and evil. After these two elements came into being, they came before G‑d and asked for their respective missions. “Spread the light of goodness and kindness in the world,” G‑d instructed the Good Side. “This is achieved by making people aware of their Creator.”
Evil asked, “But will I be able to do my job? Will people really listen to me?”G‑d then instructed the Evil Side to combat the good, thereby giving people the choice and opportunity to overcome adversity. The Evil Side asked, “But will I be able to do my job? Will people really listen to me?” When the Creator responded in the affirmative, the Evil Side asked to be told its name. “You will be called the Serpent,” said the Creator.
Upon hearing this, the Serpent became worried. He was afraid that his name alone would frighten people away and doom his mission. “Have no fear,” reassured G‑d, “you will succeed.”
Indeed, the Serpent was successful in misleading Eve to sin, convincing her to eat from the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and to share her sin with Adam. After Adam had eaten from the same fruit, G‑d banished the pair from Eden, and thus began all of life’s challenges.
However, when Adam and Eve realized their sin, they repented completely and managed to atone for their folly. Seeing the holiness that now permeated their lives, the Serpent came before the Creator again. “Destroy me,” he implored. “I will never be able to succeed now!”
“Have no fear,” responded the Creator. “I will change your name to ‘Angel of Death.’ No one will recognize you.”
The Evil Side—disguised as the Angel of Death—did his sinister work for generations, until our grandparents Abraham and Sarah began spreading the knowledge of G‑d in their surroundings. Forlorn, the Angel of Death complained again that his job was too difficult, well-nigh impossible. “Fear not,” said the Creator, “I will change your name again. From now on, you will be known as ‘Satan.’ No one will recognize you.”
So, Satan began his career. His work went well, until Moses made his appearance. When he began teaching Torah, Satan was ready to throw in the towel for good. He appeared before the Creator asking for a merciful end; now he truly felt useless. Again, his name was changed. This time, he was renamed “Arrogance.”
Again, his name was changed. This time, he was renamed “Arrogance.”Arrogance now began his career. This time, his disguise was so good that he even penetrated houses of Torah learning. The more a true scholar studies, the more he realizes how little he really knows. However, under the influence of Arrogance, people would study and not be humbled by their knowledge. Instead, they assumed airs of superiority and looked down with disdain at the unlearned. Of course, they sugarcoated these feelings by claiming to defend the dignity of their knowledge, not their own person.
This continued until Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov arrived in this world. He revealed the true unity of G‑d, before whom all are equal—no matter their level of scholarship.
Again the Evil Side came before the Creator, disguised as Arrogance, asking for a merciful end. Again his name was changed. This time, instead of plain Arrogance, it would be known as “Fear of Arrogance.” Being less bold than plain old Arrogance, Fear of Arrogance could do its work in peace.
“Now, listen here,” concluded the Mitteler Rebbe. “You should know that Fear of Arrogance is Arrogance, who is Satan, who is the Angel of Death, who is the Serpent himself! Quickly, throw him out of your house, because your life is at risk!”1