Repent from your sins to be saved?
As you read this I ask if you would consider making it a mini-Bible study by looking up the linked passages if you don’t know them. I also shared a couple of previous articles in the links should you feel led to read them.
If I thought I had to repent from my sins, or turn from all my sins to be saved eternally, I would try with all my might because I surely wouldn’t want to die. But eventually, I’d collapse back into fear, because I’d know that I’d failed (if I were honest). I am not talking about turning from sin being a good thing (once we are believers), or maintaining good works(Titus 3:8). I am speaking of the false teaching many have that you must repent from your sins, be sorry for them, or turn from all of them, in order to receive the free gift of eternal life.
To clarify: At the time of hearing and believing the gospel, one might actually feel sorry for their sin, some may turn from some of them, but this is not a condition for eternal life. Ungodly sinners without strength are not capable. You might also feel joy. We see both in the Scriptures. We also see the Ethiopian Eunuch who simply believed and Scriptures didn’t record either emotion.
That thought, (the old tapes of repenting from sins to be saved), came to me as I reflected and prayed for several. (People who are still alive), that I know have defended or taught this false position to many. I know He doesn’t desire them to perish either. And I am certain that people who think they believe in God, yet don’t have the gospel right, also don’t want to perish either.
However, they seem stuck on that hamster wheel of works to be saved, or to prove they (or you) are saved. Unwilling to discuss Scripture, they may say they don’t want to ‘debate’ and then turn around and argue that they have turned from all their sins. The Bible says, “there is a way that seems right to man, but the end thereof is death.”
Frienemies
I remember I had a friend, who became what I call my frienemy. I know they may never have been my friend, but I loved them. And I still do. And I am concerned for them, although they have become an enemy of the gospel, by what they preach to others. One such friend used to love Paul Washer and was constantly sharing similar works teachers (Charles Spurgeon, Ray Comfort, John MacArthur, et al).
Way back then, (maybe around 2007-08 time period), I remember I just could not stand that video that he preached to young kids (‘The shocking youth message’). It sickened me, as he accused the audience of not being saved, and I thought about the fear it had instilled in young ones who believed in Him (Matt 18:6).
Where was the good news?…
I wonder sometimes what goes through the mind of these people. Are they sincere and just sincerely wrong, or are they simply ravening wolves inwardly, who just happen to look like sheep? (Matt 7:13-25 incidentally is the passage they often use to accuse others of not being saved).
I was thinking on this one particular friend (who became my enemy). The last encounter I had with her was with another who became my frienemy (due to her acceptance and pushing of hyper-Calvinism and lordship doctrine). As I tried to reason with them with His Word, they both laughed and mocked me, and said in their public postings, that I was most likely ‘reprobate’. I felt (and still feel) sad for them, even as I wondered then how they had no compassion (if they themselves were saved). Wouldn’t they want to explain the good news vs. accuse? Why not preach me the gospel if they thought I was reprobate? My conclusion is neither knew it or believed it at that time.
Fear
I no longer feel the fear I would feel at times from people who were holier than I (surely). I was living a lightly carnal lifestyle, one in which there was no satisfaction because I knew the difference between right and wrong, and yet was dangling my toes in the waters. I felt that I was good, and I realize now that somehow, I believed I was better than others because I didn’t do this or that. But there was such misery in being out of fellowship with the One who gave Himself for me in such great love. Who would want to be like what I had become (self-righteous and in truth miserably sad)? I didn’t even recognize it in myself, I always thought I was so nice to others. But, when I had gotten into that trap (of believing turning from sin was part of the gospel message), it was like quicksand threatening to pull me completely under. I would pray and ask for forgiveness, (knowing I would likely sin again pretty quickly). It was because I just couldn’t give up certain things, or didn’t have the strength to, because I was not abiding in Him, and I was in a vicious circle. The fear was palpable.
But the Lord reminded me of a couple things from His Word at that time. One was that He paid for all of my sins, not just the ones in the past or present, but even the ones I would commit in the future. Paid for at His cross (Col 2:13-15). And that He did not give me a spirit of fear (so it must be from the accuser) but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). That did not mean that my status, being carnal, not continuing in His Word, not abiding in Him did not have its chastening. It did – thank the good Lord, He chastens those He loves.
Get back in His Word
Getting back in His Word is the remedy. The way to answer the enemy’s accusations. But the Holy Spirit brought many things to my remembrance back then from His Word. I needed to get back into His Word, and I needed to pray more — and truthfully, that’s all I thought I could do. Yet I still had to ask the Lord for help, because I was in a place of much sorrow due to my husband’s illness (and so much that I was responsible for, it was overwhelming). The burdens were huge. I had to ask the Lord for help to “want to even want to do the right thing.” I was without strength of any kind by then; I was spent emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was in fear whenever I thought about it, but I started telling Him about it each time, and I’d pray again. I read His Word. And as I read and studied, and talked to Him about it, I gained some strength. Each time, more strength (Psalm 119:25-28).
Luke 10:38-42 became a life passage to me, as did Proverbs 3:5-6. I used to think Mary was just lazy in that passage. But I realized that nothing is more important than spending time with Jesus hearing His Word (feet time). The one thing that will never be taken from us. And if we can just acknowledge Him in more of our ways, He will direct our paths. (I know there is more to that passage). But I took it to mean that I would try to pray more for small things, and learn to trust in and lean on Him, as my faith grew by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17). Over time I began to see that the simple formula of abiding in Him (for apart from Him we can do nothing) and continuing in His Word (John 8:31-32) was found or expressed over and over again in so many passages. His Word (I firmly believe), literally strengthens and revives us when our soul clings to the dust. And my soul was clinging to the dust, and my soul literally felt like it was melting from the weight.
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25-28
When those two enemies (who discussed me being reprobate), came to my thoughts again, I prayed for them. I am not angry with them for what they said about me, but I surely also pray they don’t trip up someone, hurt them, lead them astray. I pray they come to know the truth, but while they are not, that God will stop their mouths. There were others I thought of. Some very self-righteous and destructive. To them, surely, I was the gross sinner who just wanted to live like the devil. And so they gossiped about me to others. Some probably had some truth, a lot had no truth at all. But those tasty morsels of slander that go down into the inward parts will not nourish, but will poison the one speaking them and also those listening. It sows discord in the body at the least. I pray for them too.
I also am in great compassion, remembering I was/am nothing without Him. But because of His love, mercy and sacrifice, I am now His, solely because I trusted in Him and no other reason. No work, no promise, no amount of trying would have ever worked, I could not do it.
These people have to at some point realize, (I hope and pray), that they are not now, and never will be good enough. We all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We cannot be good enough — ever. One little lie, one ‘little’ sin, would separate us from Him. There is no sliding scale or bell curve with God. The only ‘proof’ that we are saved is that we have believed His truth, His work in our place.
I know now the reason I wasn’t growing was because I had gotten into the same bondage as the Galatians. Bewitched for a time by these types of law-keepers. Trying to justify myself somehow by what I did. Oh, I believed He paid the price, but I forgot I was the child of the freewoman, not the slave. I was not under the law — Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for those of us who believe (Rom 10:4). Besides, no one has ever been justified by the law (Gal 2:16), so they have either fallen from grace (completely out of His will — hypocrites they’re called in His Word (Gal 2:11-21).
I had been shipwrecked for a time. Led astray by people with a faulty gospel, another gospel, an accursed gospel (Gal 1:6-10). I know people shudder because it sounds hard. But really, we should call it what it is, even if people were taught, (like me), if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
No! We do not and can’t not have the have the “can’t we all just get along” mentality when it comes to a false gospel. Even an unclear gospel needs to be nicely confronted. Paul did in public with Peter, Barnabas and James in Galatians. False gospels will ruin lives. It will render the bewitched people ineffective at sharing the gospel because they are unsure of what it is. It will keep unsaved people lost. This is a serious matter of life and death! Believers were warned not to put up with it (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
If you are in doubt with what someone is telling you, search the Scriptures, prove all things (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Isaiah 55:10-11 tells us how the Word of God will settle on us and what it will give to us. Read it and answer that question for yourself. Are they giving you food to eat or seed to sow? Is it settling like the rain or snow from heaven? Did it bring forth bud?
John 13 gives a picture of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples (the ones He said were ‘already clean’ except Judas). This passage is a wonderful picture of what we still need after we become believers. Our feet get dirty walking through this world, we need washed and cleansed in His Word (Eph 5:26; Ps 119:9-11). Jesus prayed for us to be sanctified by the truth, His Word is truth (Jn 17:17). If we love Him, we will feed and tend His sheep (John 21:15-17). How will we feed them, with what? What is their necessary food? (Job 23:12)
Remember the song, be careful little eyes what you see (or little ears what you hear)? My admonition is to really be careful what you hear, who you hear it from, and when you listen to someone who claims to be faithfully speaking His Word, make sure you check the Scriptures in prayer, trusting Him to show you.
And remember, when you make enemies for speaking the truth, Jesus made many enemies when He spoke the truth. This is not a pride thing about being right, but should be a desire to humbly do right in His sight. Micah prophesied that God has shown us what is good and what He requires of us. To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Mic 6:8).
Keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith (Heb 11:1). Abide in the Vine and continue in His Word. With much love, Holly
P.S. – If you are a believer who has been struggling, Please consider reading Romans 7:14-25 again, slowly and prayerfully. And just ask Him to help.
See this article here for early writings on the meaning of repentance
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Great post. Thank you for writing and sharing.
Great reminder to keep in the Word and have nothing to do with the slightest corruption of the gospel. Sometimes I am not sure how to go about this as all of my family is lordship, or at the least attend lordship churches and they don’t like to get into discussions/disagreements on the gospel. Sometimes I try to talk with them because I am concerned but this can at times put a lack of clarity in my mind if I continually hear what they say.
It is interesting what you mentioned how you would try with all your might if you thought salvation was based on turning from sin. I remember doing this as a child under lordship teaching and becoming hopeless, believing nothing but he’ll awaited me. When I got older and heard the real gospel through reading a Gospel Booklet, I was surprised to realize many lordshippers did not appear to have any fear over their salvation. It made me wonder if they even believed what they said as lordship teaching had put me in total fear and bondage. I still don’t fully understand this.
I didn’t see a place to reply but thank you for your reply on the other thread about George Zeller. I will see if I can find anything on Expreacherman’s site regarding him, thanks. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Carlie, if you are on FB, make sure you friend me there. I have a lot of family that are also in that understanding and more and more coming out. Being strong in His Word is really helpful, and yet it is best not to hear them if they put a lack of clarity there. That’s also where being a Berean is so helpful. As a child I tried to, but it always seemed to get worse, plus you end up giving up when you feel hopeless, or you ignore it and just think you’re doing better than the next guy.
I think they have no fear because some are blinded by the god of this age, and if they believed on Jesus and got into bondage like the Galatians, reading Galatians might help them out 🙂 On the other thread, I’m not sure, even my own responses sometimes don’t show up unless I remember to ‘approve’ them. It didn’t used to be that way.
God bless you this Thanksgiving and give you much joy and thankfulness for our salvation.
THANKS for this post.
Thanks Robert, appreciate you reading and you and Vicki both.
Wonderful and thoughtful post, Holly. Sadly, I fear it may go over some Christians’ heads, especially if they are using the NLT, which usually adds “to your sins” to the word repent. The NIV and ESV also tend to lean in the Lordship direction, in my experience. For example, 1 John 3:9 has some form of “they cannot go on sinning”. Perhaps not surprisingly, those are the three best selling Bible versions on the market today (besides the King James). It really makes me wonder how much these translations are swaying folks toward Lordship salvation.
Thanks DJ, I am noticing that is the pattern on the FB page of Redeeming Moments. The NLT and the Good News Translation, along with even the ‘Voice’ (‘turn from their past’ is one usage), add the extra words and convey a meaning that may or may not be in some of the verses.
1 John 3:9, KJV gets right, on ‘do’ or ‘commit’, vs. the common ‘practice’ (which is not there in the original). The word in 1 John 3:9 is poieo and means commit even once. So they need to understand this speaks of the new man. Oddly, NKJV gets the usage of prasso (practice) right in Romans 7:19:
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
I prefer to stick with the literal versions, and KJV is an excellent translation, but not the only one I look at. I like having a few parallels side by side, so where I see a difference, I can study up on the original and the context, and feel like I did my part being diligent (2 Tim 2:15), another word better used instead of study, although I learned it the other way. Both have the same basic meaning.
I agree with you that several of these translations sway people towards lordship doctrine sadly.
Holly, I have commented once before. I want again to thank you for your encouragement in the grace of God for salvation apart from works. I was reading through Isaiah 43-45 today (what amazing passages, right???). These verses stuck out to me “I, I alone, blot out thy transgressions for my own sake, and do not remember thy sins.” Them commentor (Keil/Delitzch) said this: “Forgiveness and redemption are not offered on condition of conversion, but the mercy of God comes to Israel in direct contrast to what its works deserve, and Israel is merely called upon to reciprocate this by conversion and renewed obedience.” The idea the I could “change” my behavior without God completely renewing me first is so baffling. I am so thankful for a God who has such an incredible plan!
Hi John, thanks for commenting again, good to ‘see you’. I love Isaiah, so much that sticks out from there. I remember the one that says He blots out there transgressions like a thick cloud. It reminds me of Micah 7:28-20.
I don’t know what people are thinking, but they need to repent (think differently) 🙂 For some of Israel thought they were saved because they were sons of Abraham. Matt 3:9…think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
We are only His children we know by faith, heirs according to the promise because of belief not law (Gal 2-3). God demonstrated His love for us. We were not godly. We were not righteous. We were sinners without strength. It’s the new creation that is able to start having power over sin in our lives with the help of the Holy Spirit who seals us and indwells us, but to think that our behavior could have any impact over the penalty of sin? It’s unfathomable to me, but that error has come because of false prophets, who look like sheep, who have corrupted minds from the simplicity that is in Christ. They justify themselves by their wonderful works, and people have put up with them to the detriment of the body and also keeping the lost lost… (Matt 7:15-25; 2 Cor 11:3-15; Jude 3; Acts 20:25-32; 1 Tim 4:16).
God bless your time of remembrance or celebration of His coming, His death and resurrection. He’s coming again!
So true. Holly, please don’t stop what you are doing! It has been so encouraging for me. I really feel we are nearing the end times, and I have had several people engage in amazing discussions about what God has been showing them (the grace, love, and free and eternal salvation through Christ alone). I feel it is soooo important for his children to not only tell those who don’t know God about the good news of Jesus, but also be more firm (always in a loving way) that anything in addition to faith alone to either get or maintain salvation is not “hardcore” or “shows your commitment”, but is earthly, natural, demonic – and is what everyone has tried throughout history – to their own detriment. How can the law have any penalty over me, now that I have died to it in Christ? Why can be done to me?? As Paul says in Romans 4 “Where there is no law, there is no violation”. Since I have been a Christian, he has disciplined me both in general (like I do my kids 🙂 ), and for sin, but this is a sign that he loves me, not that I am not saved! He has done just as he has said. It was the Pharisees (religious folks) that said ” If he knew what kind of person it was that he was speaking with……” – they want you to focus on your own self and you own sin. It was Jesus who said to the Samaritan woman, “If you knew To Whom you were speaking, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” The true gospel leads us to view Christ, NOT fixate on our own sin and inabilities. We look outward exclusively, not inward. The light of Christ doesn’t just show us our sin, it leads us to salvation. As an Ophthalmologist, I love light/sight analogies 🙂 In the fulgence of Christ’s light, we see His grace and righteousness – given to us. We never see the disease without a better view of the Great Physician. One final point. It perplexes me that some would act as if faith is some isolated, abstract condition not related to the promises of God. He promised us that He would save us, if we believe his Son is Lord. If I were to ask a Lordship salvation person, “I want God to give me proof that His Son will return to resurrect us” I know they would say, “You don’t ask God for proof, His promise is enough.” Or , “I want God to give me proof that “All things work together for good to those who love God” they would again say, that’s evil, we have faith in His promises alone. But for some strange reason, all that trust in His promises go out the window with salvation, and we must search for “proof” that we are saved despite His promise. How is that Christian? How is that honoring to God? Also, He promises that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” and as David says “You will accomplish all that concerns me” (as related to the Davidic covenant). We don’t have to wonder, or know we are saved after 15 years of careful observation. That is the ABSENCE of faith. Everyone takes faith for granted, as if it’s “easy”. People wanting works as a component of salvation don’t have faith and works, they never had faith at all! To demand evidence and not rely on His promise is simply not faith. Anywho, this is just such important stuff. As we both believe, I know He desires me to live a holy and righteous life. That is possible when I completely trust His promises alone. But this doesn’t mean the end of sin, and you have correctly said. My spirit is perfect in Christ, but my flesh is no different – not until we get our new bodies. It is the promise that Christ will conform me to His image that keeps me going. Love. John
John…
Please don’t stop coming to comment. Your comments are greatly encouraging. Seems you are a natural writer. Your relation to the Pharisees speaking of who Jesus is with and the true gospel resonates with me. Ever since I started doing this, I have seen the same pattern. In the beginning, I said, ‘Not me Lord. I’m not right for this job. I’m too sensitive, and who am I anyways?’ I immediately felt sorry, as I knew someone else had done it for me. But I was sure I wasn’t the one. But I told Him only if He wanted me to. That I wouldn’t go looking for error, but if it crossed my path (or desk), I’d try to deal with it, with His help. Lots of tears, sorrows, and hurts. When it’s people you know and love, it’s particularly hurtful. But my hurt has changed over the years to mainly be more hurt and concerned for them.
You said, “We never see the disease without a better view of the Great Physician.”
Yes…His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering with us. It’s His grace that teaches us how to live. It is perplexing to me also that they say one thing, then speak out of the side of their mouths saying something different. One example that comes to mind is John MacArthur. His church building called ‘Grace to you’… But he preaches law and nothing but the law. He has no assurance of his salvation, because of his system of theology. And unfortunately likely because he hasn’t believed God’s promises. I hope and pray it’s just because they he has become bewitched at some point, but I still try to obey to mark and avoid (Rom 16:17) for the sake of those being misled.
In the Davidic Covenant, or the sure mercies of David 😊 I love the promise that His mercy will not depart from us. The more we know His Word, the more we know about Him. It’s something to love and treasure (Ps 119:140, 162). I’m so thankful for the Lord, His Word, His free gift of eternal life.
Thank you for that wonderful comment. It should be a blog by itself and read more then once.
John 9:24-25, love in Him. Holly
John,
You made some good helpful points, especially when you said people don’t think they need proof that Jesus will return but they think they need proof that they are saved.
Great post Holly. I think far too many Christian writers use the word repent without knowing what it means, and upon reading it looks like a person has to perform a work of stopping or starting something. I see this more and more on many websites. Even many ‘Christian’ videos exposing this Covid nonsense give a butchered gospel. This is why I love your website. Clear, encouraging, and wise.
Helen, You pinpointed the problem. Far too many use the word without knowing what it means. And when you explain it, they are so horrified that you are such an evil, licentious, sinner, that they need to accuse you of just wanting to ‘live like the devil’. I smile when I say that, yet it’s sad. On the FB Redeeming Moments page (as you know), a horde of them came out the other day. Seemed like they all had the same spirit sadly. I thought of Stephen in Acts 7 (not claiming to be anything at all, just that I could see that almost hateful, murderous spirit). Lord help them. Forgive them. Don’t lay this charge to them. Bring laborers in the harvest in their lives. God bless them.
I appreciate the encouraging words too. I am not a writer by nature. Nor probably very wise. I have a mind that flies to a lot of thoughts all at once. A disorganized brain. Sometimes the thoughts are flooding my brain while I sleep, they wake me up. Without the Lord, there would be no clarity. I pray all that I do might glorify Him, yet I know the evil that still is present in my flesh. I’m looking forward to the day when I’m delivered (Romans 7:24-25).
Holly Garcia,
I appreciate your posts as well. Sometimes I get pretty down sifting through things I hear from lordshipper family and friends, as well as living with and working for a Muslim family. Reading your blog posts helps get my eyes back on the grace, truth, and love of Christ, and the clarity of the gospel. I don’t get out of the house much so I am grateful for the fellowship here and those standing firm for the clarity of the gospel.
Carlie, that must be difficult. Many of us are having difficulty with a lack of in-person fellowship because so many have not been able to find a sound clear gospel preaching church nearby. But thankfully He has made another way for us to meet with believers who love His Word and defend the gospel. Look for a message from me on FB.
Just wanted to thank you for the kind comments. I would love to hear you go on about the “sure mercies of David”. Carlie, I will pray for you that God will give you perfect peace. Holly, have a wonderful Christmas. You truly have been a wonderful present to me to find (online :-)). Love. John
John, thank you. We were traveling for the last few days. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas too. I think (Lord willing), it would make a good blog possibly (taken from Is 55). Merry Christmas, love in Him.
John Lyon
Thank you
Sorry Carlie, my site went down and we were transferring it, and updating, so I didn’t realize there were comments to be approved. I also have been jailed on Fake book, so have been catching up on some things.
Holly Garcia,
No worries. I actually couldn’t remember if I had responded to John or not. Lol
Sorry to hear about your site and FB. Praying that is taken care of soon.
John,
Thank you!
John Lyon
I am struggling to understand faith. I was raised in a very strict lordship/repent of your sins/be sorry, etc type of home… I believed I was doomed to hell as I could not be repentant enough or love God. When I heard the gospel around the age of 16, everything finally made sense… I was overwhelmed to hear and finally get “It is finished.”
However, all my life my every action and thought had been carefully calculated to make sure I didn’t go to hell. My dad taught things like if someone crossed the street without using a crosswalk, they were probably not saved. If I had a disrespectful thought about my parents, I was probably not saved. Basically if I even breathed wrong I would go to hell… After hearing the gospel, I was concerned when I still had these fears flood my mind when I did something wrong. I wondered if I was trusting Christ alone. I thought maybe because I had these fears come in, I was still basing salvation on my not sinning. After a few years I thought maybe it was just the “programming” I’d received and I just needed time to renew my mind.
But I’m not sure.
Some have used the example that the Israelites didn’t get into the promised land because they didn’t have faith…faith to ENTER IN. They contrast this with simply believing facts in your mind… That you must TRUST it (i.e. reply upon it, enter in, rest on it, etc.) Well, I certainly knew the gospel was true, but I was constantly bombarded with old thoughts and fears, so I didn’t feel I was even able to rest even though I thought the gospel was true. (I was also still in my dad’s house and often questioned by him and forced to read lordship books.) I was constantly faced with much darkness, pain, and abuse… There were demons in our house… Anyway I can’t explain it all. But does it sound like I was not believing the gospel? What is faith? Because “resting”, though wonderful, seems like a feeling to me, and something to grow in, not a one time thing. Am I missing something?
I’m Brazilian. Please, what is the definition of “lordship people”, specifically?
Hi Ronald, thank you for asking, it helps me remember to clarify what someone else may not recognize.
Lordship doctrine is a system/religion which has been seen throughout history in people who think they have become saved by their works or that if they are ‘really saved’ they will persevere in good works (not that they ‘should’ do this, but that it is automatic).
Easier way to explain it, is they most often add works to the gospel, either before, such as some of these:
Take communion (to be saved) They don’t teach it is simply an instruction of what a believer should do.
Get Water baptized (to be saved), again, they don’t teach it is what a believer should do as a public confession of their faith
Turn from sins (All good for believers to do with the help of the Holy Spirit working in their lives, not as a part of what a non-believer must do in order to be given the free gift of eternal life.
Make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life (You don’t make Jesus Lord, He is already Lord of all). You believe on who He is and what He has done to save you.
Surrender all to Him (Surrendering is a good thing to do. It happens over time as you get washed in His Word (Eph 5:26), and take heed to it (Ps 119:9).
Here is an article that explains it too, let me know if that helped.
https://expreacherman.com/%e2%99%a6-lordship-salvation-defined/
Holly,
I am struggling to understand faith. I was raised in a very strict lordship/repent of your sins/be sorry, etc type of home, as I may have mentioned.. I believed I was doomed to hell as I could not be repentant enough or love God. When I heard the gospel around the age of 16, everything finally made sense… I was overwhelmed to hear and finally get “It is finished.”
However, all my life my every action and thought had been carefully calculated to make sure I didn’t go to hell. My dad taught things like if someone crossed the street without using a crosswalk, they were probably not saved. If I had a disrespectful thought about my parents, I was probably not saved. Basically if I even breathed wrong I would go to hell… After hearing the gospel, I was concerned when I still had these fears flood my mind when I did something wrong. I wondered if I was trusting Christ alone. I thought maybe because I had these fears come in, I was still basing salvation on my not sinning. After a few years I thought maybe it was just the “programming” I’d received and I just needed time to renew my mind.
But I’m not sure.
Some have used the example that the Israelites didn’t get into the promised land because they didn’t have faith…faith to ENTER IN. They contrast this with simply believing facts in your mind… That you must TRUST it (i.e. reply upon it, enter in, rest on it, etc.) Well, I certainly knew the gospel was true, but I was constantly bombarded with old thoughts and fears, so I didn’t feel I was even able to rest even though I thought the gospel was true. (I was also still in my dad’s house and often questioned by him and forced to read lordship books.) I was constantly faced with much darkness, pain, and abuse… There were demons in our house… Anyway I can’t explain it all. But does it sound like I was not believing on Christ alone? What is faith? Because “resting”, though wonderful, seems like a feeling to me, and something to grow in, not a one time thing. And I have little joy or peace anymore because of these questions.
Carlie, I understand. Remember though that Moses did not enter in. So do you think that rest is likened to eternal life? It cannot be since it was already eternally secure believers who were being chastened by the author regarding their lack of faith in thinking to go back under the safety of the sacrifice (similarly remember the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt?). So this entering of the Promised land didn’t happen for them, including Moses for being disobedient. But we saw Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, so we know he was saved.
People complicate it. It is a one time belief on Christ (who He is) for His ability and His payment on the cross. His burial and resurrection, assuring us eternal life. Once we believe, we’re instantly sealed (Eph 1:13-14) and until the day of redemption (Eph 4:30). Rest comes from obedience to His Word and moving forward in maturity. This is why many of these books were written, so believers, the body, would continue on in faith. Not to receive something they already possessed (eternal life), but so that they would have a working faith, and grow up, become discerning (Heb 5:12-14), and have fruit in their lives and for an abundant reward in the next (2 Pet 1:5-11), we ADD to our faith.
It is hard to get rid of those old tapes, which the accuser of the brethren loves to play. But we answer it by using God’s Word to reply to the enemy. We submit to God and resist the enemy. Jesus told believers to continue in His Word and they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. The same applies to us.
I suggest making this post a Bible study. Just look up each and every reference and make your own notes about what His Word says. Pray and let Him teach you in it.
https://redeemingmoments.com/2014/04/25/1610/
Holly Garcia
Thank you
Thanks for reading Carlie.