Can a Very Backslid Chrisian Be Restored?

Question

i spent many years in the church and in what I believed to be an authentic relationship with Christ. However, over time and a series of hurts, spiritual abuse and hardening of the heart I drifted away. Bitterness took root and I threw in the towel. But I still believe, though I have been in much sin. I also quite gunshy about the church as an organization. I had some really hurtful and bad expereinces. I am not blaming just stating how I expereinced it. Also I never found the strength to successfully overcome lust. I did come out of a evangelical church and worked for 15 years as a volunteer for a Christian charity.

Do you think scripture still allows for me to be a candidate for God's grace?

Answer 1

Wow, I too have had many bad experiences in church, and with so called christians. I have actualy avoided going to church for the past few years because of what happend. At my last church it was none other then the pastor and his wife that I had conflict with. I know there only human, but still you'd expect a little more from a pastor wouldn't you? The whole experience left me hurt, and mad at God. Not in a blaming way persay, but I did ask why alot. And God and I weren't exactly on "speaking terms" if you know what I mean.

But eventually I got over it, well not over it, but moved on. God and I have made up, and I do feel that we are "friends" again. I belive this is possible for you to. You just need to want it.

Finding another church could be hard. Especially after whats happend. But I have found a church that I actualy like, and enjoy going to. Probably for the first time ever. At the first service I attended, the pastor did a sermon about an actual topic that I had been thinking about. And each week I learn more and more, and get more and more comfortable.

I would personally suggest waiting to activly search out a church untill your wounds have fully healed. If a church finds you in the meantime, thats great, but don't activly seek it out till you feel ready.

As my mom would say, you need to "let go, and let God". He hasn't given up on you, and is still waiting at that little door outside your heart.

Answer 2

Why do you think it's called grace?
I know you know the story of the prodigal son ,right?Or David and Bathsheba.
I had an experience similar to yours.Plus there was a lot of conflict between what I felt about God and what people were telling me about God.I finally realized there is one Scripture that defines my understanding of God(1 John 4:8)I've built my understanding of God on that scripture.If you go from there you can start to understand what is true about God and what is lies.
For instance that whole hell thing.When you think about it ,how could a loving God condemn us to torture for eternity.Wouldn't God have to restructure the human body to be able to feel such torture for so long and,wouldn't that be cruel to keep us alive and healthy just to torture us?
I spoke to some of Jehovah's Witnesses and got a better understanding of God and Jesus.
If you can drop whatever prejudge you may have towards JWs you might walk away with a better understanding of God.
Don't worry they don't use mind control or hypnotic spells.If you don't believe what their telling you,just thank them for their time and continue your search.
It made a world of difference to have a better understanding of God.Now I serve God out of love not fear.
The best to you.

Answer 3

"The resistance of unbelievers is almost always due less to themselves than to the way ideas and information have been presented to them. Faith needs a foundation that provides a complete intellectual understanding of what we're asked to believe. Nowadays it isn't enough to see in order to believe. Understanding is vital, because blind faith is no longer acceptable in this century. Indeed, it is blind, dogmatic faith that produces the greatest number of unbelievers today. Such faith tries to impose itself it demands that we surrender the most precious prerogatives of the human soul, rationality and free will. it is principally against this kind of faith that unbelievers rebel, proving the truth of the view that faith can't be dictated. Further, blind faith, in denying the need of any evidence, leaves the spirit feeling empty and so breeds doubt. A rational faith, based on facts and logic, leaves no doubts. Discerning believers believe because they have certainty, and no one can be certain unless they understand. That is why a rational faith doesn't have to fear the facts. For the only unshakable faith is that which can withstand reason, face to face, at every stage of humankind's development."

Personal Note: God's grace has no boundaries. God will always forgive His children. Do not worry about God's forgiveness, for it is eternal. Forgive yourself, dust yourself off, like all of have done before, and strive to do good, and make good decisions. We all have been there, we all have felt the pain and suffering, you are not alone.

Answer 4

yes you are still a canidate, and do you know that God loves a sinner, do youknow that when you come back to God that the angels in heaven rejoice......be strong and firm until God returns it won,t be long...

Answer 5

You must have wasted all those years if you have to ask this question.

Most Christian denominations will almost pay you to join their cult.

Answer 6

yes