Could Use Some Help With A Personal Fear

[Sir_Orphiel]

Hey, all.
I'll start with a little bit of context. I was saved back in December 2012. I still clearly remember the night I prayed to Christ for forgiveness, and with my terrible memory these days, I'm glad it's something I can recall.
With that being said, I haven't been the best Christian following many years after. I believe in once-saved, always-saved. Regardless, I tried my best to remain cognizant of sin. Professing then to the Father whenever I committed any, but admittedly getting lackadaisical. It was like this until 2021 when I decided to start taking my faith more seriously. Because I started to get really paranoid about where I stood with God. And I tend to overthink way too much.
I started to read my Bible a lot more starting with John as a refresher. I began to pray a lot more, be more thankful, and recognize the small positives in my life as small blessings.
Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost. I know that isn't true. I try not to let it bother me, but that, "What if?" sits at the back of my head. Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it. Yet I find myself still very much fearing the concept. It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?
And there goes my overthinking again... I could really use some of advice. And even a prayer for me if you're willing.
Thanks in advance, all.

 

[Wally]

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Every day is a new opportunity to grow and live in You. Although we are sealed by Your offering in the Cross, and we hold fast to Your promises,
our old nature prods and tries to deceive us. But we are a new creation in You. Help us to yield to You. Strengthen our faith. Grow us in You.

All for Your Glory and Honor and Praise. Amen

 

[Andy C]

Hey, all.
I'll start with a little bit of context. I was saved back in December 2012. I still clearly remember the night I prayed to Christ for forgiveness, and with my terrible memory these days, I'm glad it's something I can recall.
With that being said, I haven't been the best Christian following many years after. I believe in once-saved, always-saved. Regardless, I tried my best to remain cognizant of sin. Professing then to the Father whenever I committed any, but admittedly getting lackadaisical. It was like this until 2021 when I decided to start taking my faith more seriously. Because I started to get really paranoid about where I stood with God. And I tend to overthink way too much.
I started to read my Bible a lot more starting with John as a refresher. I began to pray a lot more, be more thankful, and recognize the small positives in my life as small blessings.
Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost. I know that isn't true. I try not to let it bother me, but that, "What if?" sits at the back of my head. Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it. Yet I find myself still very much fearing the concept. It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?
And there goes my overthinking again... I could really use some of advice. And even a prayer for me if you're willing.
Thanks in advance, all.

The below from a favorite pastor on this forum should help you.

Question: I am struggling with some things for days now, and my father told me to write to you about them. This is one of my problems, and I’m not sure if its just attacks from Satan or what because I’m constantly unsure if I’m a child of God, and I feel very afraid. What is the difference between doubt and unbelief? I am scared that I don’t have the faith to be saved, and I get a terrible fear in my heart. Can you please give me advice?

Answer: One big difference between doubt and unbelief is that an unbeliever wouldn’t be feeling the fear you describe. Only believers can be afraid they lack the faith to be saved because only believers know how terrible it would be to not be saved.

In Ephes 2:8-9 Paul said the faith to be saved is a gift from God, and is not of ourselves. That’s why Jesus could promise that everyone who asks for salvation receives it (Matt. 7:7-8). We may doubt our faith but His gift of faith is more than sufficient, and He gives it to everyone who asks. If you have asked the Lord to save you, He has done so, and He has given you the faith to believe it.

Therefore, if you’re experiencing uncertainty about whether you’re saved or not, you know it’s not from Him. It has to be from the enemy, probably taking advantage of some recent event in your life. Maybe you’ve done something you’re ashamed of. Or, maybe you’ve been told you’re supposed to feel a certain way after you’ve been saved, or act a certain way, or be able to do certain things that unsaved people can’t do, and some or all of these things haven’t happened for you.

If this is the case, get out your Bible and review the passages about salvation. If you don’t know how or where to find them, get with someone who does. When you do, you’ll discover that salvation is based solely on what you believe. To be saved you have to believe you’re a sinner, that Jesus died for your sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Keep reading and discussing these things because Paul said, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ”(Romans 10:17). Pretty soon you’ll have enough faith in your salvation that no one will ever be able to cause you to doubt again.
https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/doubting-my-faith/

 

[Belle of Grace]

It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?

Your fears could be the result of listening to teachers and pastors who have Calvinist leanings. For a number of years I listened to a well known Bible teacher/pastor and I was beside myself. He was creating doubt in my mind. Avoid Calvinism like the plague. The gospel is a simple message of recognizing that we all are sinners (ourselves included, no matter how good we think we are) in need of a Savior. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the only way to the Father. We trust Him and his death, burial and resurrection, nothing else, not our 'good' works, nothing. Just Jesus and Him alone. We rely on Him, put our confidence in Him and believe that He covers our sin for us. Go to the soteriology series here at Rapture Forums posted by AndyC, one of our members here. The preacher is Andy Woods. He's not a Calvinist and reaches God's Word, verse by verse. His teaching is what pulled me up and out of spiritual despair several years ago.

 

[Andy C]

Hey, all.
I'll start with a little bit of context. I was saved back in December 2012. I still clearly remember the night I prayed to Christ for forgiveness, and with my terrible memory these days, I'm glad it's something I can recall.
With that being said, I haven't been the best Christian following many years after. I believe in once-saved, always-saved. Regardless, I tried my best to remain cognizant of sin. Professing then to the Father whenever I committed any, but admittedly getting lackadaisical. It was like this until 2021 when I decided to start taking my faith more seriously. Because I started to get really paranoid about where I stood with God. And I tend to overthink way too much.
I started to read my Bible a lot more starting with John as a refresher. I began to pray a lot more, be more thankful, and recognize the small positives in my life as small blessings.
Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost. I know that isn't true. I try not to let it bother me, but that, "What if?" sits at the back of my head. Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it. Yet I find myself still very much fearing the concept. It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?
And there goes my overthinking again... I could really use some of advice. And even a prayer for me if you're willing.
Thanks in advance, all.

One more from Jack Kelley

Question: I asked Christ to come into my life over 33 years ago and for the first 30 years I never doubted that I was His. Now that it appears we may be nearing the time of the end, I’ve been fearful that I’m not saved for some reason. I’ve always been a believer in once saved, always saved, so why am I having these fears and doubts? Is it the enemy messing with me or could it be that I’ve not spent regular time with the Lord in recent years or what? I know we can’t rely on feelings, but it’s very unsettling to doubt my salvation after so many years of feeling totally secure.
Answer: Based on what you’ve told me, I think you should consider the possibility that the Holy Spirit is calling you to rekindle your relationship with the Lord. Not to protect your salvation, since that’s His job (2 Cor. 1:21-22), but to experience the blessings that accompany a closer walk with Him, and give you a renewed assurance of your security.

As is the case with all relationships, the one we have with the Lord can become routine over time. To renew the intimacy of their relationship lots of married couples go on a second honeymoon . Maybe the Lord wants to have one with you.

https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/doubting-my-salvation/

 

[Wally]

Someone said if your are worried if you are saved, don't worry. It is good to look at ourselves and evaluate our growth. But far too often we are so critical we forget WHO is doing the work in us. In the prayer above I mentioned God's promises. These are the anchors we need to have fast in our hearts. Remember God made these and He cannot lie!

NKJV - all verses

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 8:38-39​

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.​

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.​

Now if God is doing the work, do you really think we can stop Him once He starts?

We do have an effect on what the Holy Spirit is doing. Our thoughts and actions, He knows them all. And in spite of that, He continues to work in us.

I find if we are feeling lost , uncomfortable .... convicted, its the very prodding of the Spirit at work.

Perhaps now is time for prayer and fasting, And the prayer is Help Me understand Lord - Thy Will.

 

[Jojo4124]

I pray the prayer that Jesus taught every day, it is all-encompassing, I believe...

Father in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name... we praise and worship the King of Kings...a study on the Names of God in the Bible brings comfort to learn His character

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven...ask God to do His will in n thru you each day, that His will is done in this world, that His glorious Kingdom comes and is seen by all, that we do His will and that all come to Jesus' salvation

Give us this day our daily bread...provide for me this day all I need...physically, spiritually, etc. Depending on God for today's needs and His direction...

Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us. It is important to forgive others. David asked God to search his heart, remove every wicked way, and to renew a right spirit in him. God does this as we ask Him to. Forgiveness is important to God, and we confess our sin to Him, knowing that He is faithful n just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Confess daily, ask Him to cleanse us. Forgive even your worst enemy and pray for them.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil...relying on the Holy Spirit to warn us of temptations and help to escape them...and that God would deliver us from evil...the spiritual battle that we are in is against the demonic realm not people, and the battle belongs to the Lord...

For Yours is the Kingdom, power, and glory, now and forever. To dwell on the fact that God is King, and He has a Kingdom puts me in awe of Father God. God gives us authority over all the power of the enemy. God equips us with what we need to defeat the enemy's lies. And the glory...it is ALL God's. May He get glory from my life this day. One day every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Just sharing how I pray, asking God to teach me daily. He's got you! Jeremiah 33:3... call to Him and He will show you great and mighty things that you dont know. His wisdom n ways are higher than ours. We get stuck in our limited thinking n understanding.

Jesus said if we ask Father God for bread, He wont give us a stone. God doesnt lie or try to trick us. He is Faithful and True. His Word is powerful for the pulling down of strongholds.

God keeps us in perfect peace if our minds stay on Him. Ask Him to show you what this is...is it an attack of the enemy? Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat, and Jesus prayed for him n his faith. Jesus intercedes for us...He wants to clear this up for you. He will give you wisdom if you ask Him.

 

[daygo]

Hey, all.
I'll start with a little bit of context. I was saved back in December 2012. I still clearly remember the night I prayed to Christ for forgiveness, and with my terrible memory these days, I'm glad it's something I can recall.
With that being said, I haven't been the best Christian following many years after. I believe in once-saved, always-saved. Regardless, I tried my best to remain cognizant of sin. Professing then to the Father whenever I committed any, but admittedly getting lackadaisical. It was like this until 2021 when I decided to start taking my faith more seriously. Because I started to get really paranoid about where I stood with God. And I tend to overthink way too much.
I started to read my Bible a lot more starting with John as a refresher. I began to pray a lot more, be more thankful, and recognize the small positives in my life as small blessings.
Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost. I know that isn't true. I try not to let it bother me, but that, "What if?" sits at the back of my head. Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it. Yet I find myself still very much fearing the concept. It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?
And there goes my overthinking again... I could really use some of advice. And even a prayer for me if you're willing.
Thanks in advance, all.

Thanks for this because I sometimes feel this, and thanks Andy for your replys.

 

[Matthew6:33]

Good stuff here

 

[SarahRose]

People have already given you great advice and scripture above. Just wanted to add that recently when I've had moments of doubt, I've been praying for Him to help me with my faith, like what the man said to Jesus in Mark 9:24: "I believe; help my unbelief!"

I know that I can do nothing on my own, and I don't have to. So I ask the Lord for His help, and I always feel better after seeking it.

 

[seated with Christ]

My often prayer:

Farther I ask you to wash me in the blood of Jesus, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.

 

[Sir_Orphiel]

Thank you, all, for your wonderful words and advice and the prayers you presented me with. You have given me much to work with and to hold on to! I will study some of the passages a few of you have listed, and I will pray over them in earnest.
You all have helped ease my spirit some. Perhaps it is these pressing times, personal stresses, and other things culminating in this irrational fear. Still, to know I don't battle it alone is ironically comforting. I believe if we all genuinely have each others' backs, we can overcome the enemy of this world. I'll be sure in my prayer to acknowledge you all before the Father in pure gratitude.
Hopefully our Lord Jesus returns soon! This world is beginning to become a bit much ._.

 

[Baby Yoda]

One big difference between doubt and unbelief is that an unbeliever wouldn’t be feeling the fear you describe. Only believers can be afraid they lack the faith to be saved because only believers know how terrible it would be to not be saved.

 

[Wally]

1 John 4:4 NJKV
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 

[Hallelujah]

I think in these situations it is always pleasant to remember...

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Remember you have the Almighty God with angel armies as your Father, your friend, and your protecter. Fear and anxiety can be conquered with Christ. The Bible is your cell phone to God. If you ever feel down. Don't be afraid to pick it up and read. I love the book of Psalms for these situations. But there is so much there just waiting for you to discover.

Wish you the best,

Hallelujah

 

[Hallelujah]

Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost.

Romans 10:9 - KJV - That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

No matter what voice or spirit tell you otherwise. God's word is his word. Complete and inerrant. This is truth and what you should cling to, always.

Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it.

There is probably good reason for this.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves to therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The devil and demons believe and shudder at his holy name!

 

[RedRx]

Hey, all.
I'll start with a little bit of context. I was saved back in December 2012. I still clearly remember the night I prayed to Christ for forgiveness, and with my terrible memory these days, I'm glad it's something I can recall.
With that being said, I haven't been the best Christian following many years after. I believe in once-saved, always-saved. Regardless, I tried my best to remain cognizant of sin. Professing then to the Father whenever I committed any, but admittedly getting lackadaisical. It was like this until 2021 when I decided to start taking my faith more seriously. Because I started to get really paranoid about where I stood with God. And I tend to overthink way too much.
I started to read my Bible a lot more starting with John as a refresher. I began to pray a lot more, be more thankful, and recognize the small positives in my life as small blessings.
Despite this, I have developed a very intense fear of Hell. The idea of being separated from God haunts me from time to time. I've had dreams of feeling that condemnation linger over me; that no matter what I do or say, I'm eternally lost. I know that isn't true. I try not to let it bother me, but that, "What if?" sits at the back of my head. Usually cracking open my Bible (usually the app on my phone) tends to quell it. Yet I find myself still very much fearing the concept. It has gotten so intense, I begin to wonder if I'm actually saved and God may be using that as a tool to get me on the straight and narrow? Conversely, I wonder if Satan may be using my own over-thoughtfulness against me?
And there goes my overthinking again... I could really use some of advice. And even a prayer for me if you're willing.
Thanks in advance, all.

Forgive this late response to an old thread but I am a new member to these forums and I just found it. I could have written this myself albeit with different dates. I appreciate the responses and I have realized the following:

1. Believers worry about salvation, Hell, and eternal destiny. Non-believers tend to not be aware of the dangers they face with the possibility of being separated from God.
2. Doubt is a tool of Satan and he gladly uses it against believers. This is especially true regarding people facing their deaths. I think it’s important to remember that we must have trust in God and trust comes from having a relationship with God. You can’t trust someone if you don’t know them.
3. Hearing certain teachings may plant seeds of doubt. I hadn‘t really made this connection before myself but reading earlier responses regarding Calvinism makes sense to me now.
4. Know that God is good and use that knowledge to bring you joy and peace. I truly believe God wants us to live happy lives here on earth and not lives full of anxiety and fear. We will be with God one day in a new existence but that doesn’t mean he’s not with us now or that we can’t enjoy this life.

I have a feeling we’ll all run into each other in heaven and have a good laugh over these fears and concerns. I look forward to those good times yet to come. I hope this helps!

 

[pixelpusher]

Like RedRx, I too just saw your thread, Sir_Orphiel...

Great replies, and this could be emphasized:

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that if you do
or think something wrong you have lost your
righteousness. Your saving righteousness wasn’t
developed by you in the first place - it was Jesus’ righteousness, imputed to you by Him. It’s what changed you into a new creature, regardless of occasional doubts that it did.

Because a couple of your phrasings jumped out at me, which could just be communicating by text, but I would offer:

a tool to get me on the straight and narrow

Does your salvation depend on your being on the "straight and narrow"? Which is a euphemism in our vernacular for "being good".

What is the real straight and narrow?

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The way is belief in, faith on Jesus. Alone. Not faith on your faith or belief. Not on your ability to walk a narrow line. It's "alien righteousness" as Andy Woods says, and as Footsteps said, not developed by you in the first place. That is where the world stumbles over religion and good deeds which are all like filthy rags from sin contaminated creatures. The broad way is the way of good intentions, good deeds, religion, virtues of men. The narrow way, the thief on the cross found: "Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." He didn't walk an aisle, join a club, or even live out his experiential sanctification, the "middle tense" of salvation. On the belief behind that request alone, he was eternally seated with Christ in the heavenlies. "This day, you shall be with Me in Paradise.".

The Christian life is impossible. You can't do it, none of us can. Only through His power and spirit, to His glory, can we see any victory.

I believe if we all genuinely have each others' backs, we can overcome the enemy of this world.

Jesus overcame the devil. We don't have to, nor could we have. We are overcomers by our faith in Him.

Rest in Him.

I hope this helps set your mind and heart at ease. Jesus did it all.