I understand that you have to have faith in Jesus but I have done the walk a couple of times and I feel the same everytime. They always say I will feel a burden lifted off me and I will feel free. I still want to do things which I am told are bad. I do not understand what I am doing wrong? Is there something I didn't read right or I am going to the wrong church? I feel like I am being pointed out in Matt 7 21-23::::21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
2007-01-02 07:55:16 · 14 answers · asked by hamthugger 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The problem with much Christianity today is that people are led to believe that it is some kind of magical cure-all that removes any problem we have. I can tell you as someone who has been a Christian all my life, who has been involved in many kinds of churches and who now studies it full-time, most honest Christians feel the same way you do (as do I). In fact, your struggle is very much the same as Martin Luther's in the 16th Century. Instead of Catholics, you are stuggling with evangelical moralists. Now, in many ways, I am "evangelical", but I think that Christianity has greatly suffered by retreating into a moralist regime that insists that you must "feel" saved.
The verse you have quoted is very interesting. At the risk of being as judgmental as some Christians arounf you, anyone who uses this verse against you, or who tells you that you "must" fee; a burden lifted off of you are the ones to whom Jesus is speaking. They are the ones who think they have it all "figured out", who do "wonders in his name" (e.g., huge "beautiful" mega-churches) yet who do not know the true way of Christ - the way of humility.
Your struggle is a Christian one and the One who did not despise becoming one of us,a human, who entered into death, who never had HIS burden lifted until the resurrection...he is the one who promises you his love.
2007-01-02 08:11:40 · answer #1 · answered by Rob K 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never looked at "being saved" as insurance but assurance. To "repent" (which is the first commandment in the Gospels) means more than experiencing a "feeling" but it's a change of "mind". It's like you're headed one direction and you "decide" to do a 180 and head the other way.
Don't wait for feelings before you give obediance. Now, I'm a "feeling loving believer" but the feelings have to follow the Word and obediance to it. Learn to distinguish between natural and spiritual. Your spirit is renewed by accepting Christ as your Saviour; that's a legal transaction recorded in Heaven when done in truth from the heart.
The next step is the "walk" you talked about, publically declaring Christ as your Lord & Saviour. The hard part begins now, the battle for the mind. You've probably had years of wrong information engrained in your thinking that you need to reevaluate in light of God's Word. Being a Christian isn't just about what we've stopped doing (which is important) but also what we've started doing. Start discovering the path that Jesus desires you to walk. Get hungry for more of God, and more of His Word.
The problem in Matt 7 21-23 isn't "what" they were doing but "why". Do we go around casting demons out of people because we can, or because Jesus sent us to do it? Jesus is trying to deal with the misuse of authority in this passage. He sent his disciples out to do that very thing (cast out demons), preach, and to heal the sick (Mk 3:14-15). But the difference was they were sent by Jesus! You will "feel free" the more you obey his will for your life.
You have been "under-challenged"! Jesus doesn't want the left-overs of your life, he wants it all! Repent, Be Baptized, Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and turn the world upside down!
2007-01-02 08:25:24 · answer #2 · answered by aquaman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"13 But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. " (Matthew 24:13. & Matthew 10:22)
Once, a rich young Israelite ruler asked Jesus: “What must I do to inherit everlasting life?” (Mark 10:17) His question may have reflected the prevailing Jewish thinking of his time—that God demands certain good works and that by performing enough of those works, one can earn salvation from God. Such works failed to provide a sure hope of salvation.
He added that no one can gain salvation by his own efforts. (John 3:16.)
Clearly, God requires faith and obedience from each individual who hopes to obtain everlasting salvation.
Jesus’ sacrifice has also opened to us the opportunity for eternal life . . . This is not a reward that we earn. No matter how much we do in Jehovah’s service, we can never build up such merit that God will owe us life. Eternal life is ‘the gift God gives . . . by Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 6:23.)
A man once asked Jesus: “Lord, are those who are being saved few?” How did Jesus reply? Did he say: ‘Just accept me as your Lord and Savior, and you will be saved’? No. Jesus said: “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able.”—Luke 13:23, 24. The man did not ask how hard it would be to be saved; he asked if the number would be few.
Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned. Yet it does require effort on our part. We do not earn salvation by doing these things, for no human could ever do enough to merit such an astounding blessing. We are not worthy of this magnificent gift, though, if we fail to demonstrate our love and obedience by doing the things that the Bible says God and Christ want us to do. Without works to demonstrate our faith, our claim to follow Jesus would fall far short, for the Bible clearly states: “Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.”—James 2:17.
If you would like further information or a free home Bible study, please contact Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit http://www.watchtower.org
2007-01-02 10:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jeremy Callahan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are experiencing what is known as "being human". Human beings are sinful, and are attracted to sin, including those who claim to be "saved". Of course, that term is really inaccurate, since no-one is already saved while they are still walking upon this earth. The Word of God states plainly, "he who endures to the end, he WILL be saved". Those who think they already have an irrevocable ticket to heaven are in spiritual danger, for they will stop working toward a goal if they think they have already reached it. The Bible tells us to "work out our salvation in fear and trembling", not to sit smugly back and say "I'm already saved". Plenty of people who once claimed to be saved later lost their faith and turned away from Christ. We all know people who have done so. In the Protestant tradition, they would say, "well, that person was never saved in the first place". RIGHT! And neither are we! Earthly life is the road to salvation, not salvation itself. Our mission on earth is to stay on the road, and to come back to it whenever we wander off it, a process known as repentence, which is a lifelong part of the Christian life, not a one-time event. With the grace of God we will remain on the straight and narrow road until the very end of our earthly lives, and then, as the Holy Book reveals, we WILL be saved.
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2007-01-02 08:04:16 · answer #4 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask Jesus into your heart, to forgive your sins, and live with you everyday, helping you to be the best for Him that you can be. Everyday is a test and we will certainly face decisions that affect our walk with the Lord. Satan will try to lead us astray and attack us in the very area of our lives that is the weakest. We have to run from our sin and cling to the Father. The Lord knows your heart and knows that you are truly trying your best to serve Him. Just make sure you are in a spirit filled church and you find an elder or someone that you can be spiritually accountable to. I'll pray that you will have strength to run to the cross and flee from the things of this world so that you can fulfill the Father's plan for your life.
2007-01-02 08:04:15 · answer #5 · answered by heavnbound 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always believed in Jesus, I was brought up that way. But I "fell away". Then a few years ago, I felt a strong urge to go back to church, I was mad a God at this time for some personal reasons. Anyway one day I got back to church and I literally felt like it was were I belonged. Everyone was so great and Christlike (you wont find this the case at each church). The thing that brought me closer to him was prayer that is when I felt "lifted". The thing to remember is every-ones walk with Christ is different, you might not feel lifted yet but don't give up. you will, if you truly give yourself to him!!!!!
2007-01-02 08:04:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead you shall be saved. Sometimes people don't feel saved when they are apart from God, not going to church, not reading his word and not praying. How can you have a friend you don't talk to? Regardless this is one of the lies the devil loves to tell people that they aren't really saved. I have felt the same way you are feeling and the only answer is to get closer to God. Talk to him about how you feel he will show you, you are saved.
2007-01-02 08:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by isladelmar7 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eric, the answer to your question is found in the Book of Romans. Romans 10:9 and 10 in the Amplified version say: "Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes and is justified, with the mouth he confesses and confirms his salvation." You could be in your room and look up to God and, if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, speak to Him and tell Him that Jesus is Lord. And then my friend, YOU WILL BE SAVED. For your not saved because you feel saved, but you are saved when you meet the requirements of salvation found in God's Word, the Holy Scriptures. "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19 New International Version). And "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)"(2 Timothy 3:16 Amplified Bible).
2007-01-02 18:32:34 · answer #8 · answered by George L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you confess w/ your mouth and believe in your heart that JESUS is your LORD and saviour...Get a inimate relationship (by reading the word, fellowshiping with other believers and have some along time in meditation with HIM and the HOLY SPIRIT will direct your path in things that are right and wrong. KNOW HIM for yourself and not just from what people have told you. Your spirit and flesh will always be in a battle. FEED you spirit (reading the word) so when temptations arise, you spirit will subtain your flesh.
2007-01-02 08:06:56 · answer #9 · answered by Nunny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you ask Jesus into your heart, believe that He is Lord and Savior, and give your life to Him....
you are born again and you are saved.
God promised it so it is a DONE DEAL!
God did not include any "ifs" with His promise.
there might be no great feeling, no lightening strilkes, no shouts of angels but you are now a child of the LIVING God and His Spirit dwells within you.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad!
2007-01-02 08:02:58 · answer #10 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋