I thought I was saved, but....

[Amy.G]

I have known several people who say they or someone they know only thought they were saved, but then realized they weren't and "accepted Jesus into their hearts".

I do not understand this thinking. I suppose if you "think" you're saved just because you were baptized there would be some legitimate doubt, but in the case where the person had faith, believed, and showed fruit, believing they were saved, and then years later "received" Christ because they weren't really saved, I don't have clue what this means.
If we can "think" we're saved, but in reality we're not, how can anyone possibly have any assurance?

I hope I made sense because as I read this back to myself it sounds goofy.

 

[Winman]

I have known several people who say they or someone they know only thought they were saved, but then realized they weren't and "accepted Jesus into their hearts".

I do not understand this thinking. I suppose if you "think" you're saved just because you were baptized there would be some legitimate doubt, but in the case where the person had faith, believed, and showed fruit, believing they were saved, and then years later "received" Christ because they weren't really saved, I don't have clue what this means.
If we can "think" we're saved, but in reality we're not, how can anyone possibly have any assurance?

I hope I made sense because as I read this back to myself it sounds goofy.

Lots of folks get saved but fall into sin. Later they come back to the Lord and under conviction and conclude they were not saved. This is very common.

There are folks who have gotten "saved" and baptized half a dozen times or more. The problem is that they do not forsake sin.

Lots of times this is due to unscriptural preaching;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=devfseWA9Lw

 

[preacher4truth]

As to the OP I've witnessed this happen too many times to count. There are too many variables in this to make a broad brush generalization. I will say this though, the lives of true believers should be a lifestyle of repentance, not for salvation, but due to salvation. I would attempt to share this with those who come forward. Also consider 1 John 3:21.

As to winmans misunderstanding of truth which is unremitting, the video is dealing with scenarios of those living a lifestyle of practicing sin, and who call upon the name of the Lord to save them from their sins to which they are still enslaved. Practicing a lifestyle of sin, which was the reality of persons spoken of in the video is indicative of a lost state, yes, even if they said a sinners prayer in the past. There is absolutely nothing unscriptural with the preachers in the video and their message. In all actuality there is much false teaching in winmans message which obviously stands against this truth and is opposed to the revelation of Gods Word. We also have 2 Corinthians 13:5, Php. 2:12, and much of 1 John to consider.

 

[Judith]

I have known several people who say they or someone they know only thought they were saved, but then realized they weren't and "accepted Jesus into their hearts".

I do not understand this thinking. I suppose if you "think" you're saved just because you were baptized there would be some legitimate doubt, but in the case where the person had faith, believed, and showed fruit, believing they were saved, and then years later "received" Christ because they weren't really saved, I don't have clue what this means.
If we can "think" we're saved, but in reality we're not, how can anyone possibly have any assurance?

I hope I made sense because as I read this back to myself it sounds goofy.

The reason is that many people have confused believing with faith and good deeds with fruits. They never really repented. They never really surrendered to God and Christ as Lord and Master. They only reform. Bottom line they believe in believing. I assure you there are signs in their lives, but because much of the church does not hold to scripture but rather to doctrines of men that are contrary to scripture people are left to live a false hope and perish unless they have their eyes and hearts opened. We have been warned that not some, but many will say Lord Lord only to hear I never knew you. Many are full time church goers even teachers and preachers who profess Jesus as Lord yet they are lost.
It is a blessing to hear of those who finally come to Christ for salvation.

 

[Winman]

As to the OP I've witnessed this happen too many times to count. There are too many variables in this to make a broad brush generalization. I will say this though, the lives of true believers should be a lifestyle of repentance, not for salvation, but due to salvation. I would attempt to share this with those who come forward. Also consider 1 John 3:21.

As to winmans misunderstanding of truth which is unremitting, the video is dealing with scenarios of those living a lifestyle of practicing sin, and who call upon the name of the Lord to save them from their sins to which they are still enslaved. Practicing a lifestyle of sin, which was the reality of persons spoken of in the video is indicative of a lost state, yes, even if they said a sinners prayer in the past. There is absolutely nothing unscriptural with the preachers in the video and their message. In all actuality there is much false teaching in winmans message which obviously stands against this truth and is opposed to the revelation of Gods Word. We also have 2 Corinthians 13:5, Php. 2:12, and much of 1 John to consider.

So, you are saying you have completely stopped sinning since you got saved?

LOL.

 

[Judith]

So, you are saying you have completely stopped sinning since you got saved?

LOL.

That is exactly the kind of response that keeps people locked into believing they are saved when they are not. :tear:

 

[Winman]

That is exactly the kind of response that keeps people locked into believing they are saved when they are not. :tear:

So you have also stopped sinning since you got saved?

Wow, two perfect people here at BB, I am impressed. :thumbsup:

 

[preacher4truth]

Who said anything about 'completely stopped sinning' but winman and his false teaching? Answer: No one but winman himself.

The point was living a life of practicing sin as per 1 John and as per Matthew 7:23 which is still as always indicative of a lost state.

The verdict stands, nothing the preachers said in the video is unscriptural. Winmans teachings are in fact unscriptural and, he still up to this point, completely misunderstands these truths and thus throws in his straw man arguments, never addressing what was said in actuality.

 

[Winman]

Who said anything about 'completely stopped sinning' but winman and his false teaching? Answer: No one but winman himself.

The point was living a life of practicing sin as per 1 John and as per Matthew 7:23 which is still as always indicative of a lost state.

The verdict stands, nothing the preachers said in the video is unscriptural. Winmans teachings are in fact unscriptural and, he still up to this point, completely misunderstands these truths and thus throws in his straw man arguments, never addressing what was said in actuality.

Well trust me, you could not convince people here that you have stopped sinning in a thousand years. :laugh:

But how much sin is a Christian allowed before he is not saved?

I mean, do you have to go to church EVERY Sunday, or are you allowed to miss a day now and then? What if you have a relapse and start smoking cigarettes again? What about movies and music you listen to? Is it OK to drink? How much?

What a joke.

 

[Amy.G]

No hijacking please.

 

[Winman]

No hijacking please.

Amy, I answered you directly. Folks get saved, they truly and sincerely ask Jesus to forgive their sins and save them. Trouble is, lots of times they leave church and go right back out into the world and sin. After sin beats them up, many begin to doubt they were saved, even though they sincerely asked Jesus to save them, and they still want Jesus to save them.

Jesus knows your heart, if you want Jesus to save you, he does. That is, as long as you trust in him only to save you and not works. Now if you think Jesus needs help to save you, and that you have to do a bunch of good works in addition to believing on Jesus, then you are not fully trusting on Jesus alone to save you.

Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

 

[agedman]

As to the OP I've witnessed this happen too many times to count. There are too many variables in this to make a broad brush generalization. I will say this though, the lives of true believers should be a lifestyle of repentance, not for salvation, but due to salvation. I would attempt to share this with those who come forward. Also consider 1 John 3:21.

I totally agree.

Unlike Winman who desires that all continue to practice sin, the lives of a true believer is not sinless but that in which one engages in sin less.

For instance, a person who is a practicing liar, may not immediately "break the practice" but will take steps to bring such a practice to an end. I had a friend (now long passed) who was in this condition when saved, and I can still hear him stop mid sentence and say, "Let me start over."

I so like how you stated "... the lives of true believers should be a lifestyle of repentance, not for salvation, but due to salvation."

We love God not because we had innate volition to love Him, John states,

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
​

Like the above quoted post would state, I also agree that often repeated "salvation" and "dunking" is not a result of true belief, but of one who would consider that a person who is "right with God surely can't do... That sort of person just isn't saved, and needs to get saved."

This is very common in the non-cal churches in which embellishments are emotionally proclaimed in order that the folks both "get in the spirit" with the music, but also gain some intellectual ascent to the view of the preaching. Often the results manifest as no true heart change which is exposed as continued practice of a "besetting sin."

That every believer has at least one "besetting sin" does NOT automatically condition that the believer will "practice" the sin - rather will construct certain boundaries and accountability rules in which that person will "die daily." The believer engages the Scriptures to quench the enemy weapon(s), and though frail in the flesh (as Paul states) are confident that absolutely NOTHING can separate the true believer from the Love of God in Christ Jesus.

 

[Winman]

I totally agree.

Unlike Winman who desires that all continue to practice sin, the lives of a true believer is not sinless but that in which one engages in sin less.

For instance, a person who is a practicing liar, may not immediately "break the practice" but will take steps to bring such a practice to an end. I had a friend (now long passed) who was in this condition when saved, and I can still hear him stop mid sentence and say, "Let me start over."

I so like how you stated "... the lives of true believers should be a lifestyle of repentance, not for salvation, but due to salvation."

We love God not because we had innate volition to love Him, John states,

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
​

Like the above quoted post would state, I also agree that often repeated "salvation" and "dunking" is not a result of true belief, but of one who would consider that a person who is "right with God surely can't do... That sort of person just isn't saved, and needs to get saved."

This is very common in the non-cal churches in which embellishments are emotionally proclaimed in order that the folks both "get in the spirit" with the music, but also gain some intellectual ascent to the view of the preaching. Often the results manifest as no true heart change which is exposed as continued practice of a "besetting sin."

That every believer has at least one "besetting sin" does NOT automatically condition that the believer will "practice" the sin - rather will construct certain boundaries and accountability rules in which that person will "die daily." The believer engages the Scriptures to quench the enemy weapon(s), and though frail in the flesh (as Paul states) are confident that absolutely NOTHING can separate the true believer from the Love of God in Christ Jesus.

I do not desire that any Christian practices sin. That said, I have been a Christian for 49 years now, and I know that all Christians struggle with sin.

If you look at any Christian close enough, it is easy to find fault. That doesn't mean that person doesn't sincerely love Jesus and want to be a good Christian.

I once worked with a fellow who went to a Holiness church. He was always bragging about how folks in his church had stopped sinning. He said one elder had not sinned in years.

One day I got tired of it and I bet him he could not go 24 hours without sinning. He laughed at me and said, "24 Hours? Oh, that is easy! I can go 24 hours without sinning no problem!"

I said, "Well, the Bible says boasting is a sin, and you just boasted. You just blew it!"

He turned so red in the face, for a moment I thought he was going to punch me. He walked away and after that he rarely spoke to me again.

True story.

 

[Mexdeaf]

I would be one of those that Amy spoke of...

I was "saved" three times- the first two times by men and the last time by the Lord.

The first time, I nodded assent, was proclaimed "saved", and baptized that same night.

The second time, I realized there was something wrong with the first time, and I just wanted to escape hell. No change of life ensued.

The third time, I realized how truly and utterly undeserving I was of God's saving grace and mercy. I still don't know why He chose to reveal himself to me and save me, but I am glad that He did!

 

[quantumfaith]

I do not desire that any Christian practices sin. That said, I have been a Christian for 49 years now, and I know that all Christians struggle with sin.

If you look at any Christian close enough, it is easy to find fault. That doesn't mean that person doesn't sincerely love Jesus and want to be a good Christian.

I once worked with a fellow who went to a Holiness church. He was always bragging about how folks in his church had stopped sinning. He said one elder had not sinned in years.

One day I got tired of it and I bet him he could not go 24 hours without sinning. He laughed at me and said, "24 Hours? Oh, that is easy! I can go 24 hours without sinning no problem!"

I said, "Well, the Bible says boasting is a sin, and you just boasted. You just blew it!"

He turned so red in the face, for a moment I thought he was going to punch me. He walked away and after that he rarely spoke to me again.

True story.

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Tom Butler]

As long as the Sinner's Prayer is reduced to "say these magic words..."

When one's testimony of salvation is "I walked the aisle," or "I went down front...."

When repentance and faith are given a lick and a promise, barely mentioned at all....

Then we'll continue to have these stories of people who were "saved" multiple times.

By the way, doesn't Hebrews 6:4-6 warn that if you can lose your salvation, you can never be saved again?

 

[Revmitchell]

As long as the Sinner's Prayer is reduced to "say these magic words..."

When one's testimony of salvation is "I walked the aisle," or "I went down front...."

When repentance and faith are given a lick and a promise, barely mentioned at all....

Then we'll continue to have these stories of people who were "saved" multiple times.

By the way, doesn't Hebrews 6:4-6 warn that if you can lose your salvation, you can never be saved again?

And I believe people will always be struggling with their faith for a variety of reasons.

 

[DrJamesAch]

Funny some fellas are compatibilists here when it comes to GETTING saved, but yet turn into libertarian free willers when it comes to staying saved and proving it.

 

[righteousdude2]

You did....I one did...and now I know!

I hope I made sense because as I read this back to myself it sounds goofy.

I was one of those who thought [wrongly] that because I was baptized a Lutheran, at birth, and because my mom took me to Catholic church on holidays, and to light a candle when someone died, and because I lived in America, I WAS OF COURSE, WITHOUT ANY DOUBT a Christian!

Then one day, the girl I eventually married [and divorced] was sharing with me about her faith [she was a SBC girl], and she asked if I was born-again?

Of course, I'd been bay baptized, lived for 20 years with my Christian/American parents, attended VBS at the Lutheran church every summer, once won best attendance at an Assembly of God Sunday School, and of course, I could pray with the best of them, knew my Apostles Creed backward and forward, and remembered the words of numerous hymns, and knew how to genuflect with the best of the Catholics, that I was without a doubt a Christian!

Still, "born-again" was a foreign term to me, and when she asked, I was stuck in the spiritual mud of religiosity and ended up telling her I was not familiar with the term, but willing to learn!

That Evangelical question by that SBC girl was the turning point in my life. After she shared with me how I was born a sinner; needed Jesus to come into my life and forgive those sins; and repent and invite him in....I was convicted, humbled and had nowhere to go but to the cross.

That was Christmas Eve 1966, and my life has never been the same! It hasn't been an easy walk, by no means....but it's been the only walk I would ever want to take if offered to do things differently should I have a chance!

I didn't think I was saved....just thought I was God's gift to the world of religion! Now I know the truth, AND it has truly SET ME FREE! :godisgood:

 

[Steadfast Fred]

Really no surprise that some might think they are saved but later down the road realize they were not.

Matter of fact, Jesus said in Matthew 7 that many will claim to have done many things for Him only to be turned away. The fact that they called Him "Lord" proves they will think they are His.

Yet He will say, "I never knew you."