A question regarding salvation....

**mom2four** · October-13th-2008, 03:06 PM

For the first time in my life I think I 'could' be saved. I've always been Christian, but never read the Bible. I would occasionally pray, but never did it diligently. I always tried to do the right thing, but this wasn't always because of God.

I know I am not worthy of salvation and that it is a gift, but since I do not feel worthy, I have a hard time saying 'I am saved'. Will I ever feel like I can say to others 'I am saved'? And how can I be sure I am saved. I have felt so humbled the last few weeks and I know my faith in Jesus has grown exponentially in this time. It feels supernatural to be honest, because it came out of nowhere for me and my craving to learn everything I can about the Bible. I actually cry everytime I think about God....I just tear up and get so emotional.

My second question is.....the difference between backsliding and just not being saved to begin with. As I said I had asked Jesus into my heart years and years ago as a teenager, but backslid horribly through college and young adulthood, getting caught up with the demands of life. I wonder if I was saved from before or if I am truly a new convert.

Any insight into this is appreciated.

**mattfivefour** · October-13th-2008, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by mom2four

For the first time in my life I think I 'could' be saved. I've always been Christian, but never read the Bible. I would occasionally pray, but never did it diligently. I always tried to do the right thing, but this wasn't always because of God.

I know I am not worthy of salvation and that it is a gift, but since I do not feel worthy, I have a hard time saying 'I am saved'. Will I ever feel like I can say to others 'I am saved'?

Don't you see, sister, none of us feels worthy to be saved. But we can SAY we are because God TELLS us we are. Right in His Word. In fact John says, NOW are we the sons (and daughters) of God. (1 John 3:2) Furthermore, the Holy Spirit tells us through John that "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." —1 John 5:13

And how can I be sure I am saved.

I think your next words give you the answer to this question.

I have felt so humbled the last few weeks and I know my faith in Jesus has grown exponentially in this time. It feels supernatural to be honest, because it came out of nowhere for me and my craving to learn everything I can about the Bible. I actually cry everytime I think about God....I just tear up and get so emotional.

What you have just described is evidence of the change produced in a heart by the working of the Holy Spirit and shown in the attidue of heart, the tears, the desire to please Him, and the humbleness before Him.

My second question is.....the difference between backsliding and just not being saved to begin with. As I said I had asked Jesus into my heart years and years ago as a teenager, but backslid horribly through college and young adulthood, getting caught up with the demands of life. I wonder if I was saved from before or if I am truly a new convert.

People with different theological perspectives will give you different answers on this. And I could give you one, too. But what would it mean? Seriously, what does it matter? Whether you were or you were not has absolutely no significance anymore. Leave that one in God's hands ... and one day you WILL know the answer ... once you are home in glory, knowing as you are known (as the Bible says).

In the meantime, just keep falling in love with Him. Get into His Word. And don't try to make yourself a better person. Doesn't work. Just keep seeking to know Him more and more. As you do this the Holy Spirit will do such a work in you as to make you a completely new creature ... not just in faith ... but in reality.

**Vic25** · October-13th-2008, 03:51 PM

nobody is worthy of salvation in this world not even the holiest of holy people it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ . i think GOD is knocking at your heart and is ready to welcome you to His kingdom .just don't think of your past and guilt will ultimately take you away from God.when Jesus forgives a person He forgets what you did in the past .HE wants to just to start everything new.it is not a matter of God accepting you he has already accepted you and He just wants you to accept his invitation and start a new relationship with Him. salvation is based on your relationship with Jesus. just as no one needs to reassure you who your father is ;no one needs to assure you who your Heavenly father is.once you are sure of this i don't think you will have any doubts regarding your salvation.
as far your previous acceptance of Jesus i think it would have been a mere intellectual or emotional acceptance at that point of time with no real transformation of heart that's why you were swayed away by things of this world . but you can forget that since God has called you back .so just go ahead and enjoy your relationship with Jesus.
as john 17:3 says eternal life is all about knowing God more and more everyday. we all have our own shortcomings. we may sin sometimes in life but it shouldn't become our lifestyle ;otherwise it will take us back to what we were before accepting Christ. try to concentrate on your relationship with Jesus rather trying to do the right things .once your ultimate goal becomes pleasing Jesus no one needs to assure you of your salvation and you need not fear any backsliding.hope i answered your questions .if any other doubts you can still ask ...

**Ruth** · October-13th-2008, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by mom2four

For the first time in my life I think I 'could' be saved. I've always been Christian, but never read the Bible. I would occasionally pray, but never did it diligently. I always tried to do the right thing, but this wasn't always because of God.

I know I am not worthy of salvation and that it is a gift, but since I do not feel worthy, I have a hard time saying 'I am saved'. Will I ever feel like I can say to others 'I am saved'? And how can I be sure I am saved. I have felt so humbled the last few weeks and I know my faith in Jesus has grown exponentially in this time. It feels supernatural to be honest, because it came out of nowhere for me and my craving to learn everything I can about the Bible. I actually cry everytime I think about God....I just tear up and get so emotional.

My second question is.....the difference between backsliding and just not being saved to begin with. As I said I had asked Jesus into my heart years and years ago as a teenager, but backslid horribly through college and young adulthood, getting caught up with the demands of life. I wonder if I was saved from before or if I am truly a new convert.

Any insight into this is appreciated.

First, only the Lord can confirm your salvation to you - no one else.
Second, the only thing we have control over are our choices.
We don't control our emotions - only our choices.

If you know you are a sinner in need of a savior,
bow your heart and knee to Him and be willing to turn your back on all this world means to you and be born again - His child, a new creation.

We must not put anything between ourselves and Him. Not our spouses or children or anything in this world. When we count the cost and willingly accept that - then He will give you a new heart.

If that has already occurred and you are walking with Him - remember that when you were growing up in your parent's home you had to learn their ways and culture and the same is true in being a new born again child of God. You come to Him with the heart of a child and He will teach you. Just love Him and He will do the rest.

Don't trust your feelings but rely on your choices and His promise. Then spend as much time with Him as you can in His word and talking to Him. Before you know it - you will start to 'feel' all the peace and joy and love that you can know.

I would focus on one particular scripture - Peter walking out to Jesus on the water. When the winds came and Peter doubted, he started to sink. Jesus simply said, "Why did you doubt."

Our walk, and all the ups and downs, valleys and mountain tops are directly proportional to our walking by faith and not by sight.

He will never leave you or forsake you and He is very patient and kind. I also rely heavily on 1 Cor 13 - the definition of love.
When I read that, I know Him.
I may fall short, often, but He is steady and sure.

I hope that helps. Remember - choices are all we can control and the rest is up to God.

**bghtnpd4** · October-13th-2008, 05:39 PM

I don't think I can add anything to what has already been said, other than to say, when He says He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, He means it! We are sinners and will always fall short of the glory of God. But He is more than able to keep that which we've committed. I would highly recommend that you go over to gracethrufaith.com and search the words "Am I really saved" and it will give you many articles that can help you with this subject.

**mattfivefour** · October-13th-2008, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by bghtnpd4

I don't think I can add anything to what has already been said, other than to say, when He says He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, He means it! We are sinners and will always fall short of the glory of God. But He is more than able to keep that which we've committed. I would highly recommend that you go over to gracethrufaith.com and search the words "Am I really saved" and it will give you many articles that can help you with this subject.

EXCELLENT advice!