Want to Believe without a doubt

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan McLatchie on April 14, 2008 at 4:20pm

Dear Luiza,
I have just read your remarks in the chatbox, and wish to express my thanks for your participation here on the NET, and for thinking seriously about spiritual matters.
Firstly, in response, I am delighted to be able to tell you that any given person who has genuinely given their life to the Lord can be confident in their eternal security. When addressing such issues, it is always important to consult the Scriptures, as God’s final word on the matter. Upon reading John 3:15-18, we find that “The Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
The Bible makes it clear that the prerequisites for salvation are to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the creator, God, and that he came to Earth as a man to die for the sins of man in our stead, having lived a sinless life, so that the gap of sin which separates us from God might be bridged and we would not receive the punishment of sin we so deserved ("That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9). We need to acknowledge and confess that we are sinners, and repent of this sin to God ("For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:10). Finally we admit we are ready to trust Jesus as our saviour and Lord and ask him to come into our heart and take up residence there, and start to live through us. ("Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation3:20)
We are also told in John 10:28-30 that: “I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
As we can see from the aforementioned passage, the forgiveness of God through Christ is sufficient to cover all of our sins, whether past, present, and future. There is nothing a person can do that God cannot forgive. This doctrine is further supported by the following passage which can be found in Romans 8:38-39. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Further, we find in Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Some critics have claimed that logically by this doctrine, God has effectively written us a ‘blank cheque’, allowing us to continue in sin indefinitely because we have already received our salvation. However, it would seem logical that someone who continues to deliberately live in sin, would bring into question whether they had actually accepted Jesus into their lives in the first place! This is supported by 2 Corinthians 5:17, which clearly states “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Furthermore, we are told in 1 John 2:19: “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” And in 1 John 3:6, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”
It would seem also that living a sinful life, even as a Christian, is not pleasing to God. Jesus tell us in John 14:15, for instance, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Therefore, a person who comes to the cross with humbleness and reverence, repenting of their sins and acknowledging their need of a saviour will be saved. That salvation is once and for all, eternal, and secure. Those who truly trust in Christ are saved once, and saved always.

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan McLatchie on April 14, 2008 at 4:20pm

Now please let me deal with your issues concerning the authenticity of the claims of Christ to be who he said he was – God incarnate. There is so much compelling evidence available that I simply cannot cover it all here. If you have any questions regarding apologetics I would be happy to answer them. Please drop me an email at jonathan.mclatchie@strath.ac.uk.
However, allow me to attempt to scratch the surface, while erring on the side of brevity as much as possible.
Firstly, the existence of God is fairly evident from our modern understanding of biology. The existence of an intelligent designer is strongly supported by the latest in information theory. Information – by definition – is a non-material entity, and therefore materialistic mechanisms cannot qualify as sources of genetic information. Furthermore, all forms of information imply the existence of a sender. The reality of information as a non-material entity is not to say that it cannot have a material storage medium - the information specified is always independent of the medium employed to transmit it. A code is an intellectual concept; the information conveyed in such has a mental character. All structural operating systems and communicating systems in a living organism are always based on an extremely efficient coding system. The origin of such codes is thus what I would contend cannot be explained in terms of a materialistic scenario because information does not represent a material concept – but from an evolutionary position, only materialistic explanations are considered, and this is neither rational nor necessary.
As yet, there is no known mechanism by which novel genetic material may arise, and so it follows that a group of related species (perhaps, but not necessarily, corresponding to one of our accepted taxonomic groups such as genus or family), is substantially limited to the genetic material of some primordial population – whatever that may have been – from which the various species have descended by segregation and selection from the initial gene pool. However, this is not evolution. For evolution in the molecules-to-man sense to be of any value, it is necessary for new information to arise within the organism’s genetic material. For instance, evolutionists postulate that a single-celled organism evolved into a human being. For this to work, new information – not random base pairs, but complex and ordered DNA – would need to develop over time that would code for ears, legs, brain, lungs, etc.
If a unicellular organism were to make such a morphological change, the DNA would need to mutate new information. The genetic information in the unicellular organism, however, is substantially limited – for instance, it may contain the information for protoplasm. Conversely, the formation of new body organs necessitates that such an increase in information continues. If a DNA strand gets larger due to a mutation, but the sequence does not code for something – then the amount of DNA added is useless and would be more of a hindrance than a selection benefit. Also recall that even if evolution were to be scientifically or mathematically possible, that would not nullify the God hypothesis (but it is inconsistent with our understanding of God’s nature). Much research has revealed that the statistical probability of even one small protein molecule being created by random, materialistic forces is of the order of a conservative 1 in a billion.
The existence of God, to me, is a self-existent fact. After all, infinity and eternity – and thus, the supernatural realm – must exist by definition, for it is a prerequisite of physical reality. The existence of space implies something outside of space – i.e. infinity, and the existence of time implies the existence of an entity before time began, which will continue to be after time is extinguished – i.e. eternity. Therefore, I would contend that we can deduce the existence of God for it is demanded by the precisely fine-tuned, ordered material universe. If the concepts of infinity and eternity are indeed feasible – as indeed they are – then God must logically exist because infinity and eternity find their very state of being in God – who transcends both and simply is.
In terms of the person of Jesus Christ, there is literally overwhelming evidence in support of his claims. For a ‘rigorous’ mathematical approach, which examines the sheer insurmountable improbability barrier against even a handful of messianic prophecies being fulfilled in one man without divine intervention. I tell you now it is huge, and certainly something to be reckoned with. For more on this, I refer you to http://allabouttruth.org/messianic-prophecy.htmThere is also much other compelling evidence for the authenticity of the Bible and its divine authorship There are many truly phenomenal concepts and constructs which seem to bear the hallmarks of divine inspiration.
The reality of Messanic prophecy, I believe, offers compelling evidence suggesting the authenticity of the claims of Christ. The case for the existence of Jesus Christ has never really an issue. All respected scholars today agree that Jesus was indeed a historical figure who lived 2000 years ago, and even was crucified by the Romans for the crime of blasphemy. The only major dispute is whether or not Jesus rose from the dead. The occurrence of Jesus’ resurrection is prophesised in the Old Testament (see Psalm 16:10).
The only plausible alternative to the appearances of Jesus after his death is that the disciples made up the story to suit their own agenda – there cannot be mass-hallucinations. However, recall that the disciples primarily returned to fishing after His death, and then after witnessing the resurrected Christ – they were set on fire for God, revolutionising the entire planet. Remember the nature of these people – John was the only person recorded at the crucifixion scene. Peter even denied the Lord three times for fear of sharing his fate. Thomas refused to believe in that Christ had been resurrected when he first heard of it. It is evident that something happened to those people – I would contend that they did in fact witness the resurrected Christ, and were indeed empowered by the Holy Spirit in their ministries.
Paul even wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” – there would have been plenty room for clarification of this testimony. Paul, incidentally, was formerly a persecutor of Christians – his radical transformation is best explained in light of an actual encounter with the Risen Christ.
Perhaps the most compelling evidence for the historicity of the resurrection is the testimony of the first century martyrs. Almost all of the first century disciples gave their lives for their testimony. If they had devised the story themselves, it is unlikely that when life and liberty are at stake that a whole conspiracy would have wilfully been martyred for the cause – having been given multiple opportunities to recant. Note that this is different from modern martyrs who are dying for a heart-felt faith, or belief – the first century martyrs were eyewitnesses, and were thus in a position of knowing whether their story was true.
Moreover, there are multiple historical writings outside the Bible which speak of the person of Jesus Christ, confirming the events depicted in Scriptures, including scholars such as Josephus and Tacitus.
For more on this, and much of the material presented above, please visit http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/ and http://www.allabouttruth.org
Even the enormously integrated plot from Genesis to Revelation – even though comprised of 66 distinct books, compiled by around forty separate offers over a period of about 1500 years. I urge you to earnestly investigate this and examine your heart, and see where you come out.
I do not know the state of your own relationship with God – that is exclusively between you and God – but I urge you if you have not already done so, to ask Jesus into your life to make you a new person, cleansing you from all unrighteousness and granting you salvation. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to test everything and hold on to the good. But Jesus also says in Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Therefore, while it is important to earnestly investigate, we should not leave it too long before making a commitment. We do not know how long this life will last, nor the day or the hour that the Son of Man will return (Matthew 24:36)
Kind regards,
Jonathan McLatchie

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Permalink Reply by Luiza on April 15, 2008 at 1:07pm

Jonathan,
Thank you so much for taking the time and replying to my comment, I greatly appreciate it.

I have already done the research, that you mentioned above. I think it's just time for me to make a commitment and follow Christ. I have asked God to come into my heart, I actually do it almost everyday not knowing if he is in me or not.

I think I've been holding back, because I'm afraid of change. It's just my old nature, my flesh that does not want to let go. Also i think I'm being attacked by demons causing me to doubt all the time. I just keep going in circles.

How do I make sure he is in me or not?

Thanks again and God Bless,
Luiza

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan McLatchie on April 16, 2008 at 2:21am

Perhaps it would be an idea to pray and ask God to make you assured that he does indeed live in you. Remember that the only prerequisite for salvation is to ask Jesus Christ into your life - there is nothing you can do to earn it yourself. As Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

We therefore become Christians through God's unmerited favour, not as a result of our ability to do good works, although God's intention is that our salvation will indeed result in acts of service and obedience.

We read in John 10:28 that "I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."

Recall that just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus will protect his people from eternal harm. While as believers, we can expect to suffer while here on earth, Satan cannot harm our souls or take away our life with God. There are many reasons to be afraid here on earth because of the hold the devil has on it. Indeed we read in 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." But if you choose Jesus he will give you eternal security

Hope this helps.

Jonathan

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Permalink Reply by Risen on July 11, 2008 at 9:43pm

Thank you Jonathan, I would love to hear more. You stated, "There are many truly phenomenal concepts and constructs which seem to bear the hallmarks of divine inspiration." Would you care to elaborate? I have been a Christian since the "Jesus People" movement in CA in the 70's with many 'backslides" along the way. I now have a wonderful church, bible study and a strong committment to "stay the course". I just 'happened' to see your post and I appreciate your knowledge. Thanks, Carol cacalhoun503@comcast.net

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Permalink Reply by The-Lord-Is-My-Shepard on April 17, 2008 at 6:46pm

Luiza,
I was in a same situation as yours not too long ago. I also grew up in as christian and believed in god but didn't asked Jesus to come in my life until recently. When you excepted Jesus, that means you are saved. Do you know why you are having doubts? It is because satan knows that you are going to be saved and is trying to make you turn away from Jesus. Always have faith and trust in Jesus and never let go of him.

When I repented and excepted Jesus, satan tries desparately to make me have doubts, but I held onto the Lord's name. I remember one night while sleeping, satan came and tormented me from the inside, I call out to the lord and he came. Although I could not see him I could feel his presence. And all the hurt feelings were gone. Just remember to have faith and trust in the Lord. The time will come when you will be tested. Hold on the Jesus and never let go.

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Permalink Reply by Luiza on April 18, 2008 at 1:58pm

Thank you, I appreciate your response. I too get attacked at night almost every night. The closer I get to Jesus the bigger the doubts and attacks. I'm trying to fight them off every single day. I'm getting better at it. Thank you for your advise I'll hold on to it.

Luiza

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Permalink Reply by Risen on July 11, 2008 at 9:46pm

The best defense when attacked is the same thing Jesus did when satan attacked Him, He said; "It is written.." and quoted the WORD, learn scriptures one by one and the enemy will FLEE like the coward he is!

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Permalink Reply by Luiza on May 8, 2008 at 8:33am

Thanks Candice!

Your sister in Christ Luiza!

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Permalink Reply by childofgod1994 on June 18, 2008 at 2:46pm

I wanna tell you that i, too, was and is being raised up in a Christian home. I kind of always knew i HAD to be saved sooner or later. I was like always the highest scorer in Sunday School tests, i was considered such a good girl, and i kind of felt that it was enough...
As a little girl, i used to have certain nightmares. All having more-or-less the same plot. I did something wrong; i was to be punished/executed/mauled by monsters; but always, b4 anything really happened 2 me, someone whose face i couldn't see would come and save me; b4 i get to thank my hero, i wake up. I always prayed for salvation that it kind of became like a recited prayer (out of habit). I finaly bcame a Christian at 12 years (i prayed so sincerely and shed a bucket) and was baptized soon after.
Sometimes, i have so many doubts like: am i really saved? or what if god isn't real? or what if the real god is someone else?
I pray and God takes my face and make me face the right way again...
I'll pray for you, starting tonight.
God bless you,
Michaia

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Permalink Reply by Eli on July 15, 2008 at 2:41am

I just wanna echo some of the replies here.
I believe that because Satan is countless times wiser than our natural human minds, he attacks us from all angles, using anything possible to distract our attention from God and to get us to doubt God's existence. I hear these doubts whispered in my ear everyday. 'I can't see God, Jesus died thousands of years ago, what if he doesn't actually exist, and I'm just wasting my self on him?' and 'If God really exists, why doesn't he give me a job/money/partner etc cos I really, really need it right now.'
We hear these thoughts often because Satan is insanely scared of the power that a believer has when he/she is full of faith.
I like to build up my faith reading the word of God. These words which, mostly seemed like a bunch of wise sayings to me until a couple of months ago, are now like water to my soul, because they breathe joy, hope and peace into my spirit, however low I feel. I know in my heart that they are true.
The other thing I do when I'm hearing doubtful thoughts is to look back over my life. I can see that after coming to Jesus at the very lowest point of my life, he has given me power over so many things that I was chained to. I know that he's set me free from the bondage of sin because the things I enjoyed doing even weeks ago, I now hate with all my soul. My spirit bears witness with the spirit of God, that he is real.
I hope this message helps, God bless!

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Permalink Reply by Blessed Highly Favored Woman of God! on August 7, 2008 at 2:00am

It takes times! If you ask him to deliver you then it has been done, currently you are going thru what is known as a spiritual warfare (battlefield of the mind) and what satan is trying to do is get you off course with your ways of thinking, he knows you are on the right path and the warfare that you are experiencing is a sign to let you know you are headed in the right direction. You will notice in your first stages there will be alot of confusion in your mind he needs you and wants you (satan)! But the truth is God already has you and no one or anything can change that, so be strong stand on the word keep the faith and always hold your head up because better and brighter days are coming into your play book (it's prepared for you). May God continue to bless you and yours in your journey. You will begin to feel the Holy Spirit dwelling in you because the things you used to do you won't do them anymore ( I know been there) and it sure feels WONDERFUL!

P.S. Friends and Family will change as well so be prepared and put on your whole armor of God for the Battle in this world,

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