Worrying about Denying Jesus

[Elaguy]

Hello,
Recently I have been struggling with doubt about Jesus. A couple days ago I was pondering about my doubt and out of the blue I thought something along the lines of: "I don't believe in Jesus" or "Jesus isn't real". I've been feeling OCD lately, so that might have contributed to that. Immediately after that terrible thought, I was thinking "I do believe in Jesus" and later than day I prayed to Jesus to save me, even though I (at least I though I was) already saved. I feel like I really do believe in Jesus, but have I committed the unforgivable sin and I am condemned forever? Thank you for your time.

 

[Elaguy]

I have also been overcome with guilt and fear during this whole process, which is probably because of the Holy Spirit, so I am I still condemned to hell forever?

 

[Leon C. Essex]

Hello,
Recently I have been struggling with doubt about Jesus. A couple days ago I was pondering about my doubt and out of the blue I thought something along the lines of: "I don't believe in Jesus" or "Jesus isn't real". I've been feeling OCD lately, so that might have contributed to that. Immediately after that terrible thought, I was thinking "I do believe in Jesus" and later than day I prayed to Jesus to save me, even though I (at least I though I was) already saved. I feel like I really do believe in Jesus, but have I committed the unforgivable sin and I am condemned forever? Thank you for your time.

Hi Elaguy

I may not be the greatest expert on these matters, but I thought I'd have a go at replying to your post. I do understand a bit about OCD, as I have good friends with that issue.

First of all, I rather think that doubt affects most Christians, at some time or another. If you would read Matthew 28, you'll see the momentous events surrounding the resurrection of Christ. But even after all these amazing happenings, verse 17 (talking about the remaining 11 disciples) says this: "When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted".

I'd guess that their revelation of Christ was more powerful than just about anyone who has come after them, but they still doubted. But they were forgiven, and used greatly by God despite that. And if they can be forgiven for doubting after seeing so much, then why on earth shouldn't you be?

As for committing the unforgivable sin, that is a fear which haunts many good Christians. It shouldn't. If you look at the context when Christ mentioned this, he was talking about what was clearly the deliberate attribution of the Holy Spirit's work to Satan. It actually tells us in the text (Matt.12) that Jesus knew their thoughts....he knew what they were trying to do with their accusations. I don't believe you have deliberately maligned the Holy Spirit in this manner. Nor do I believe that if you had said something along those lines whilst under the influence of OCD, that God would hold it against you. I do hope you can find peace on this issue - because I don't think you have done anything wrong.

 

[Elaguy]

Thank you so much, I feel a lot better now. I guess I was just overreacting.

 

[1watchman]

When one receives the Lord Jesus into their heart and is devoted to Him ---walking and talking with Him daily, that one is sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit as "born again" (a "new creation" in Christ). It is always impossible to get unborn ---think about it; one might die, but cannot become unborn. The believer should not keep second-guessing the matter and dishonoring God's promises. Just give thanks daily to Him and enjoy including Him in all things.

 

[Johnnz]

The story of the prodigal tells us how hard it is to get away from God's love. Feeding pigs was an extreme defilement for a Jew. That was as bad as it gets. Yet, Father (God) went running towards him and welcomed him back into the family with a big party.

Relax with and into Father's persistent love for you.

John
NZ