I'm sixteen and after watching Left Behind and going back and reading the scriptures that they talked about in the movie, I've decided that i want to put my trust and faith in God and go to heaven. And it's not just for heaven, but for many other things to. I need God for everything that i do in life. And i know that the bible containes a scriputre that says "I tell you the truth; whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemmned". But my question is how do i know for sure that i have Jesus in my heart and not just in my mind. How do i know that i have put my faith in him to grant me eternal life? And where do I even start to put my trust in God anyway?
2007-01-09 10:45:41 · 18 answers · asked by Skittles-Dark Edition 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would talk to my preist, but i don't agree with what my religion teaches. I'm switching when i get older though.
2007-01-09 10:53:59 · update #1
I plan on switching my religion from Catholic, (which is what my mom has been since i can remember so i grew up there,) to something that i can really agree with.
2007-01-09 11:02:41 · update #2
Hey, I'm sixteen also and I've been a Christian for about 5 years now. The situation you're in is very common. I was once in it and a lot of the other kids in my choir were totally confused too. Don't worry... we're all fine now.
My youth leader gave me this verse -
Romans 10:9
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and belive in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is by believing in your heart that youare made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who belives in him will not be disappointed."
From what I've read... it seems that you've already accepted the truth and that you're ready to take the next step and have God in your life. Once you've accepted it, that's it, it's there. Don't ever let any notion of doubt or confusion steer you in the wrong direction, leading you to believe that it's all in your mind.
Now when it comes to faith and trusting in God, that's something that will develop in your Christian life. Becoming a Christian doesn't mean that your life is suddenly easy, trust me, it's be hard, it'll probably seem more difficult than before. But you get to live with hope, and just being really sure that there are better days to come and that this is just a trial to allow your faith and trust in God to grow.
Our faith is small, but everytime we overcome a problem, it gets stronger because we are able to recognize more things and the experience helps us deal with our everyday problems.
I'm very impressed that you've seeked for help and because of that you will receive the help you need. As a Christian you are given authority over many things, once you declare something, and it's something that you believe in and it's something of God's sovereignty (will). Trust me... it's real and true. You want to trust more in God and be closer to him... tell him.. speak it into your life, believe it... and it will come true. All of this is coming from someone who's gone through all of this.
Stay in your word and surround yourself with other Christians who can help you when you're slipping. Today you can be on fire for God and ready to do anything for him, but tomorrow you could be totally depressed and tired of life..... you're human, it happens, but don't ever give up. There are a lot of things that can be said about the Christian life, but unfortunately... yahoo answers doesn't allow enough space. If you have any questions about what I just wrote, please contact me at jdarkangel11@yahoo.com
I'd love to help!
2007-01-09 11:05:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Daily Bible reading (even if it's 5 min.) along with prayer will be a great beginning. The idea is to draw nearer to God, his heart and his will.
I would begin with reading the book of John. The 4th book of the New Testament. Once you've read it, re-read it.
Find a Bible that you can easily read and understand. That will be the best translation. (I love the New Century Version and the New Living Translation.)
After reading John, go to the book of Jude (book before Revelation). Read each book back to Matthew. You don't have to do any speed reading. Take your time and study the Bible. Pray and ask God to reveal himself. He tells us in the Scriptures that when we seek him earnestly, we will find him. Knock and the door will open.
Asking Jesus into your heart and for forgiveness is the key to having him in your heart.
Also, find a Bible believing and teaching church. There are many styles of worship. Some enjoy contemporary (check out www.klove.com), traditional and then there's rock. When you find the right style of worship...you will be well on your way.
Hebrews 10:25 reminds us we need to fellowship with like minded people. So, getting plugged into a church (community group, Sunday school, etc.) really is an important step.
Blessings!
2007-01-09 18:53:32 · answer #2 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have no idea how happy I am to hear that you want to put your faith in Christ!!! First, you must recognize that Jesus Christ saved you and loves you! Second, you need to ask God to forgive your sins and repent. Let Him know that you are sorry that you have sinned. He loves you so much and sent His son to die for you!!!
Once you have asked Him to come into your life, you can be sure that He will alases be there. He will never leave you!( matthew 28:20) Times will still be hard, but with Him by your side, things will be so much more easy!!! Heaven is celebrating you today. That you want to have a relationship with God!!! I really wish you all the best! God Bless!!!!!
2007-01-09 18:56:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question.....You will know when he is in your heart.....Like all relationships it will start out in an awkward phase, but it is well worth it....The real test is when you visit with someone else about him....it will seem crazy but I just visited with a guuy who was Catholic but had asked about Christianity....God seemed to help me say the right things...He was baptized later that month...As for knowing about if you have done enough it is about knowing that he cares for you not your deeds....it is all what you do from here on.....Christians are called hypocrites every day...so if you talk the talk be sure you walk the walk.....what is nice though is that while we are humans and will make errors...Jesus is there when we fall...all you have to do is look up.....Have you been baptized yet? Talk to someone about it....I respect you very much for this and look to hear from you as you continue your walk with Jesus....
2007-01-09 18:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by tpgtexasthunder 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you are describing is a growth process. It changes, and a person can not give you a 'checklist' for completion of having trust(faith) in him or not.
May I suggest the following though; I do not agree with all of Catholicism; but I can tell you from the structured view, it is closer to biblical accuracy than many people tend to think here in America presently.
2007-01-09 20:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when i came to Jesus, i was encouraged to read the book of John, it helps new Christians along the way. Also, remember Jesus saves you in your heart, your mind has to be brought into subjection of the word of God, because the mind is the devils play ground, the devil will try to make you believe that Jesus did not save you, that Jesus is not real, but you have to remember that Satan is the father of Lies, he told the first lie in the garden of Eden, remember God word says it, believe it, and let that settle it.
also read the book of proverbs. the bible said that the word is God is like medicine to your soul, it keeps you from falling along the way and washes away all doubts.
2007-01-09 19:26:01 · answer #6 · answered by rushingthroughthecrowd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Faith
2007-01-09 18:55:56 · answer #7 · answered by The Question Man 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Church is always a good start. There is also a prayer you can say to ask God into your heart. When you are truly saved you will know it. You will change your life and want to live for Him. Here is the prayer and reading this website should be helpful. :http://www.allaboutgod.com/prayer-of-salvation.htm. I hope this helps you sweetie and God Bless you.
2007-01-09 18:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by Angela F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have faith that if u ask Jesus to fill ur heart with his love you will get it, just have faith also start to read the bibble ,go to a church,and ask help from God ,God bless you
2007-01-09 18:53:05 · answer #9 · answered by rock harder 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a personal thing...first of all. No one can tell you that you're saved. You have to run to Jesus as your righteousness and repose in Him because you realize that without Him, you're going to be judged by God because of your sins. And you'll know that you're saved...you'll have that assurance...when you start to see changes in your life. Once you're truly justified, the Holy Spirit will begin to sanctify you as you grow in Him. You'll sense a disdain for sin that you didn't have prior to coming to Christ. You'll start to bear fruits of righteousness. That's where assurance comes from.
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3).
2007-01-09 18:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by srprimeaux 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋