Are there believers destined for hell?

[usna2008]

I’m going to start out by saying that I have a strong faith in God, the Bible, the resurrection, and Jesus Christ (and all those entail). Faith seems like too small a word though.. I feel it in my bones, and know it to be the truth. I have accepted Jesus in to my heart and repented my sins (numerous times with full heartedness).

Its impossible for me to have a continual connection with God; a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I am at the point where I believe God does not want me. Its strange though - as I write this I can almost fell Him telling me other wise. Maybe this is some sort of physical-psychological reaction, but when I pray, or feel His "presence" (like a moment ago when I typed "God does not want me" - or when I go to church and sing praise songs), I get chills throughout my body. I like to think its Him talking to me - giving me hope, but I am beginning to think otherwise.

Here is the issue - I find it impossible to continually immerse myself in God. I go through phases in life where I try to get in touch with my faith by going to church, joining Bible groups, and reading my Bible daily. These sessions usually last a few weeks before it fades out into the lifestyle disconnected with God that I am generally accustomed with. I am not a bad person during these off periods - I lead a good lifestyle, but one without God. However, there seems to be this void that I need to fill, and immersing myself in the Christian lifestyle seems the only answer.. but its impossible for me to do so - to the point now where I feel God has shut me out... I've been given my 3 strikes, now I’m out of the ball game.

So I suppose it boils down to the question: Is it possible for a strong believer to be denied salvation?

[Harley]

...Is it possible for a strong believer to be denied salvation?

Only if Jesus was wrong or lying when he said: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24).

[Werner]

I’m going to start out by saying that I have a strong faith in God, the Bible, the resurrection, and Jesus Christ (and all those entail). Faith seems like too small a word though.. I feel it in my bones, and know it to be the truth. I have accepted Jesus in to my heart and repented my sins (numerous times with full heartedness).
Praise God! Though in this Dispensation confession of our sins to God is what sets us right with God again. :nod

Its impossible for me to have a continual connection with God; a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I am at the point where I believe God does not want me. Its strange though - as I write this I can almost fell Him telling me other wise. Maybe this is some sort of physical-psychological reaction, but when I pray, or feel His "presence" (like a moment ago when I typed "God does not want me" - or when I go to church and sing praise songs), I get chills throughout my body. I like to think its Him talking to me - giving me hope, but I am beginning to think otherwise.
Actually you have a continual connection with God. You may not always feel it, but there comes a time in our walk when we have to get beyond what we feel. We need to turn away from the false security of "having faith in our faith" and realize that it's faith in Jesus apart from anything we can add to it and thus regardless of how we feel, or whether we have doubts, we can trust God and His Word, and place our hope and trust in Christ Jesus in spite of whatever comes along in life to trip us up.

We need to always settle it within ourselves that no matter what we feel, or don't feel, no matter how good things get, or how bad, no matter if we feel God is close, or far distant, God has no changed, we are still His, Christ Jesus is still the same, we are still saved and forgiven/justified in Him. He is still there, loving us and watching over us. Just as close as He ever was. It is us that changes. Our thoughts and feelings change. Don't trust yourself, rather trust God and His Word in spite of what you feel.

Here is the issue - I find it impossible to continually immerse myself in God. I go through phases in life where I try to get in touch with my faith by going to church, joining Bible groups, and reading my Bible daily. These sessions usually last a few weeks before it fades out into the lifestyle disconnected with God that I am generally accustomed with. I am not a bad person during these off periods - I lead a good lifestyle, but one without God. However, there seems to be this void that I need to fill, and immersing myself in the Christian lifestyle seems the only answer.. but its impossible for me to do so - to the point now where I feel God has shut me out... I've been given my 3 strikes, now I’m out of the ball game.
Your not out of anything! :dancing

This is an opportunity to realize that you were never closer to God at those times you tried to immerse yourself, nor was He afar off when you did your own thing. There comes a time when we need to realize that God wants us at all times, no matter the circumstance. Don't think of it as "my time" and "God's time" but think of it always as "our time" because it is. Certainly we should set aside some time for "quality time" but it's still part of "our time" that is always in effect. When you feel far away from Him, thank Him for being there with you in spite of how far away He seems to you. Praise Him and give Him thanks for the good things in life you have even though you seem distant from one another. What you will soon realize is that He was there with you all along. He doesn't want just an effort in our own strength to draw near to Him and walk with Him. He wants us to understand it's something to be done in the Spirit, by His Spirit, and in all things.

So I suppose it boils down to the question: Is it possible for a strong believer to be denied salvation?
No. :):

What you are going through is a growing process. Our need to feel God close to us is due to our immature faith. We need reassuring often. As we grow in the Lord though, we need to let go of what we feel and trust more in God's Word and the actual fact that He is still with us as He ever has been, even if we don't feel it like we once did. We will still have times when we feel closer to the Lord than other times, and those are blessings and we should cherish them always! He is our Creator and our Father, who loves us more than we can even fathom, so it should be no surprise that there will be times when He will reach out to us and hold us close, comforting us and reminding us that He is with us always, and for our good.

He wants us to grow in Him, to learn that we can trust Him, and to understand how easily we are betrayed by our own thoughts, doubts, and emotions. Whenever you feel like the distance is growing between God and you, just stop and thank Him, praise Him, and trust Him, acknowledging Him in all your ways. Soon you will see He was never far from you.

We have so much to be thankful for!!! :nod :yay

Maranatha! :dancing

John

[RobinB]

He wants us to grow in Him, to learn that we can trust Him, and to understand how easily we are betrayed by our own thoughts, doubts, and emotions. Whenever you feel like the distance is growing between God and you, just stop and thank Him, praise Him, and trust Him, acknowledging Him in all your ways. Soon you will see He was never far from you.

We have so much to be thankful for!!! :nod :yay

Maranatha! :dancing

John

Great post John. :yay

[Transformed]

Please check my post under the End Times Chat, in response to another thread of "what does it take to be raptured?" It's a brochure in our church that covers 12 basic verses regarding the absolute security of our salvation. Please read it and know that, as others have stated here, it's not always about our immediate feelings, but about our walk in faith in Him. Please rest assured.

[Timothy]

I'd like to recommend a few threads that directly relate to this topic. This current thread contrasts our position in Christ vs. our experience or practice.

The Believer's Standing And State
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=206516

As far as the "fading out" that you describe, that is the constant battle of the flesh vs. the spirit, or what the Apostle Paul calls the old man and the new man. Both of these threads go into great detail on that topic.

The Believer's Inner Conflict
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=188224

Your Inner Conflicts – Old and New Natures
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=82253

[bopeep1909]

Not genuine Christians who are truly saved.<><

[sracer]

John (Werner) hit it out of the park with his answer. But I'll offer my 2 cents to the pot...

Sometimes Christians get too caught up with ritual. They think that they HAVE to do something in such-n-such a fashion... say it in such a manner... etc. In our church, I am quite different than most. I don't speak "Christianese"... to me, "Devo" is an 80's New Wave rock group. If I wasn't so in love with Jesus and know how much He loves me, I might be concerned that I wasn't as "good of a Christian" as those who say things in those rigid ways.

Spend time with the Lord not because you HAVE to, but because you GET to! If you don't feel like praying in the morning, try another time.... maybe before you go to bed. Maybe spend a few moments throughout the day looking for something to thank God for. Try reading just one verse a day... or maybe only reading a few times a week.

We can sometimes find ourselves putting restrictions on our devotional life. We who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior have a personal relationship with Him. Putting pressure on yourself, and compounding it with guilt over not praying daily or reading the Bible daily, can interfere with that relationship.

There are times to be fed... and times to serve. Try just attending church on Sunday mornings... let the Lord minister to you through His word... and if you aren't attending a church that teaches God's word, I highly encourage you to find one that does.

God isn't shutting you out... if anything, you might be shutting HIM out... and it just might be some of those self/peer imposed pressures.

Keep in mind that we can take many steps AWAY from the Lord, but it only takes ONE to get BACK to Him.

Bottom line: The fact that you are concerned about this is an indication to me that you don't have to worry. Wierd isn't it? :)

[MNGirl]

You are not going through anything unusual - we have all had those thoughts. They are from the pit of hell.

He will never leave you or forsake you even if you don't "feel" it.

[Heavensent]

I feel God has shut me out... I've been given my 3 strikes, now I’m out of the ball game.

So I suppose it boils down to the question: Is it possible for a strong believer to be denied salvation?

Aren't you glad that our God does not keep score like mere mortals. He knows your heart. He also knows we can NEVER be good enough to make it to heaven without the sacrifice of Jesus. I agree with MNGirl those thoughts are from the pits of hell. Satan would love for you to believe that lie.

Praise God for loving us enough that He sent his only son to die in our place. Our Jesus is coming back for us; you included. He will hold you and wipe every tear from your eyes.

Come Lord Jesus!

[Jacob]

I’m going to start out by saying that I have a strong faith in God, the Bible, the resurrection, and Jesus Christ (and all those entail). Faith seems like too small a word though.. I feel it in my bones, and know it to be the truth. I have accepted Jesus in to my heart and repented my sins (numerous times with full heartedness).

Its impossible for me to have a continual connection with God; a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I am at the point where I believe God does not want me. Its strange though - as I write this I can almost fell Him telling me other wise. Maybe this is some sort of physical-psychological reaction, but when I pray, or feel His "presence" (like a moment ago when I typed "God does not want me" - or when I go to church and sing praise songs), I get chills throughout my body. I like to think its Him talking to me - giving me hope, but I am beginning to think otherwise.

Here is the issue - I find it impossible to continually immerse myself in God. I go through phases in life where I try to get in touch with my faith by going to church, joining Bible groups, and reading my Bible daily. These sessions usually last a few weeks before it fades out into the lifestyle disconnected with God that I am generally accustomed with. I am not a bad person during these off periods - I lead a good lifestyle, but one without God. However, there seems to be this void that I need to fill, and immersing myself in the Christian lifestyle seems the only answer.. but its impossible for me to do so - to the point now where I feel God has shut me out... I've been given my 3 strikes, now I’m out of the ball game.

So I suppose it boils down to the question: Is it possible for a strong believer to be denied salvation?

No, it is not possible for a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to be denied salvation. Jesus said "all that the Father gives to me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will not cast out." (John 6). Likewise, when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given eternal life immediately which will never be taken away.

However, the concept of belief (or faith) should be carefully defined.

The epistle of James talks about certain individuals who "believe" but do not have salvation. He writes "you believe that God is One, you do well, the devils also believe, and they tremble."

James is talking about people who claim to believe or have faith but really do not. These people have an intellectual belief - they are convinced and even agree that Jesus is God manifest in human flesh, who died for our sins and rose from the dead, and who offers eternal life as a free gift by grace through faith.

However, while these people believe with their minds, and agree with this as being true, they fall short of true faith...

The apostle John wrote "God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. He who HAS the Son has eternal life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:11-13).

Here, John writes that we can know that we have eternal life, and that"belief" in Jesus Christ is the same as "having" Him. In other words, it is not good enough to be convinced and to agree with God about the facts of Jesus, one must actually possess Him. John wrote in his gospel "to all those who receive Him, He (Jesus) will give them the right to become children of God."

How does one "have" or "receive" Jesus Christ? Again, the apostle John quotes the Lord Jesus Himself in Revelation 3:20: "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"

Jesus uses this illustration to show us that He seeks to be invited into each person's life. However, He comes into our lives and saves us only when we personally invite Him to come into our lives as Lord and Savior and to make us His disciples. When we do this, He immediately will come into our lives and through His Holy Spirit will live inside our spirit. It is a personal committment of our lives over to Him and inviting Him to live in our lives.

Jesus made this promise: that when someone "opens the door" to Him, He WILL come in and dine with them and they with me." He cannot lie. "To dine" with someone in biblical times and culture was a way to have fellowship with that person. It means He will establish a relationship with us. That is what John meant when he wrote about "having" the Son of God.