How do you know with certainty that you are saved?

[The Biblicist]

1) Most of the time, yes. When I mess up I feel awful.

2) He came to earth to die an atoning death, was raised from the dead, and provides the only basis for salvation.

3) It was a while ago, so I can't remember any real changes (not that they didn't occur--I just can't remember).

4) Not quite daily for Bible reading/prayer, but I do read and pray regularly (4-5 times a week, I'd say). Prayer is hard for me, so I tend to have brief prayer times, along with the quick prayers said in a difficult situation.

5) I really don't know. I don't have many friends, and I don't know what they would say.

A complicating factor is that I have bipolar disorder (so it's medical, with some possible situational depression added on). Part of my problem is that the medication I take to stabilize my mood seems to do that too well. Emotions are hard to experience like this

Thank you for your questions! They got me thinking.

My dad was bipolar and schizophrenic. When he was up he was up but when he was down he was really down. If the brain does not have the right mineral balances it can very disabilitating. It is possible that it may just be your medication if you are on anything like by dad was on. Thank the Lord you are not in any worse shape than you are and thank him for what you do have, the truth he has taught you, the friends you do have and try to live a dependent life on the Spirit. My wife is in the later stages of alzheimers. I live two lives. When I get up, I get her up, when I get dressed I dress her, when I eat, I feed her, and so forth and so on. However, I am thankful I still have her and she still knows me and we can still smile at each other and enjoy each others presence. She is saved and has a wonderful smile and I make it my ministry to make her smile. I am not a youngster or middle age, I have lost most my teeth, most my hair and a good share of my health, but I am happy in the Lord because of what I do have. Try to live in contentment and the best way to do that is "count your blessings and name them one by one."

 

[StefanM]

On your day off, Lock yourself in a closet and pray to the Lord and Seek Him in His Word until you get assurance. it make take 5 minutes, it may take 5 hours. Wouldn't it be worth it?

I'll see what I can do. I live in VERY cramped quarters, so I'd have to figure out the logistics.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[JonShaff]

I suggest a fast as well, my brother

 

[Aaron]

No, it's an explanation. You misread my intentions.



Which part of Scripture? What would be the best place to start? etc etc

Those are the kinds of things that are helpful. Sarcasm is not helpful. It distracts from the real issue.

It's not wrong for someone to seek help in some way.

There is not an ounce of sarcasm in my posts. This will be my last on the subject.

We are told the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. Assurance is the work of the Spirit, and there is no rite, incantation or work that will employ Him. He does the will of the Father.

We are also told that all who ask receive. So, when troubled by doubts, forget about trying to work up feelings, or doing everything right or bargaining. Just start asking, and keep asking.

That is where you start.

 

[HankD]

Remember Stefan there are those who have walked where you are walking.

Not all His children suffer this experience of anguish.
He deals with each differently and knows what is best.

Probably everyone here at the BB who knows of your situation are supporting you in prayer.

True, as you have indicated there is the possibility of some who have never been saved (or doubting to that effect) going through this kind of experience.

Either way the savior has said. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress) was one of those people who being a believer was struck with the thoughts of his present tense sins.
He suffered fits of depression and doubt for several years before he was delivered.
He later said "I fell but I did not fall away".

In this case the "P" in TULIP is applicable.

Persevere in patience, He will deliver you.

For some deliverance comes suddenly:

Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

For others it is a slow process (like mine):

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

HankD

 

[Yeshua1]

Uh, well, actually, not. I was replying to Yeshua1's post #44.

He did do a good job answering though!

 

[Yeshua1]

I'll see what I can do. I live in VERY cramped quarters, so I'd have to figure out the logistics.

Thanks for the idea.

My senior Pastor has dealt with issues of depression for several years, andhe never doubted saved, but did have real issues..

He stayed close to loyal trusted friends, stayed in prayer/bible study, and found that by helping others with same issues, God was helping him out...

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

K. But there's no formula to work that out. So, stop talking about it. Go to the Source. Ask, and keep asking.

Mind your errand at the feet of Christ, and the matter will work itself out. Now if you have doubts about even that, then my advice is to leave the church and go live a life of sin. Do not deny yourself any pleasure until you get so miserable you'll seek despite the doubts. Be hot or cold dude. But if you're going to be lukewarm and halt between two opinoins, go away.

Oh Aaron ..... heck, you made me laugh The guys got issues.
Where is that sensitive Aaron we all know & love. Seriously dude, please don't treat this as 'if we just give him a swift kick in the arse!" HE IS BIPOLAR!!!

But your suggestion gave me some pause to think, Could I who has made profession of faith backslide? And my answer is no I could not, because I'm made a new man in Christ, my conscience would not permit me. But thanks for the laugh about going all out....what evil thoughts that congered up

 

[Revmitchell]

I've struggled a lot in this area, and it's been difficult to try to figure out. I thought I might gain from the wisdom of the board.

1 John 5:13