Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Alec Ford on Hebrews 10 - 3 years ago
    If i am reading Hebrews 10 vs 2 and Philippians 4 vs 7 correctly, why do I feel so guilty for past sins? Yes I have backslidden and have come back to the Lord. when i first came and was saved I knew I was forgiven without a doubt and never dwelt on past sins, but this time i do. Now I know I am saved no doubt but to often the peace of God escapes replaced by guilt and shame of ever leaving in the first place.
  • Mild Bill - In Reply on Hebrews 10 - 3 years ago
    Alec Ford,

    Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved by our works, and, feeling unsaved by our works. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith.

    Phillipians 4:7 speaks of your heart. lest you be fearful, and your mind, lest you are doubtful. The Lord is working to keep Christians from those two crippling afflictions, which Christians bear while connected to the flesh and the old nature.

    Hebrews 10:2 doesn't speak of feelings, as Chris has graciously tried to help you with, but instead, knowledge of sin, through the God given conscience. Christians often battle with presumptuous sins, Psalms 19:13 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me". Were it not for salvation, your conscience wouldn't trouble you so much. Therefore, take heed to the wretchedness we share with Paul in Romans 7:25 and Romans 7:14. The flesh/old nature, constantly gnaws at our faith/trust, whereby God has saved us. Chris is correct in asking, was your trust in the Lord to have died for you real? Then, should, you say yes indeed, take "the shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" and press onward to the day God takes away your flesh, and till then, the shield of faith, will guard your heart and mind. Because God is able 2 Timothy 1:12, and the believers hope/expectation is Psalm 17:15. Day by day, here a little, there a little, God changes believers to a likeness of his son, and will complete that transition only after we leave this lost world.

    Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved/worthy by our works/choices, and, feeling unsaved/unworthy by our works/choices. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith in the work He has done through His Son dying for sinners.
  • Chris - In Reply on Hebrews 10 - 3 years ago
    Alec, neither of those Scriptures you've given apply to your situation. Hebrews 10:2, speaks about the Jews who had to yearly offer sacrifices to obey God's Commands & to avert His Anger upon them. The sacrifices could never remove sin or their guilty consciences & that is why they had to be offered each year. Philippians 4:7, is an encouragement for those given to worry & anxiousness. Paul suggests that they commit their problems to the Lord in prayer with praise to the One Who will deal with their matters.

    You've indicated that you're feeling guilty over past sins. And for some reason, unlike the first time, you now can't rid yourself of this dilemma you're in. Usually, in such situations, folk have truly called upon the Lord for salvation or restoration, but haven't let go of their sins, their past life, or the pain they have inflicted upon others. When we come to the Lord for spiritual healing, we do so entirely based on faith in His Word, in His Power to be able to do this, & Promise that it will be "thy faith hath made thee whole". If we're dwelling on past sins, & lets face it, the memory will always be there but should not burden us anymore or bring on guilt, then we really haven't put those sins upon Jesus to bear them & forgive us - rather, inwardly we believe that Jesus has failed to hear our cry, we are not forgiven & we have to continue to live with the mental & spiritual uncertainty & torment.

    Take stock of what took place when you came to the Lord. Did you earnestly seek His forgiveness for your many sins? Did you sense in your heart that He had done so according to His Word ( John 3:14-18)? That He will no longer resurrect those forgiven sins & accuse you of them ( Hebrews 10:14-17). Why should we then allow those past sins come back to haunt us? Leave it at the Cross - tell Satan who is taunting you with this, that you're a child of God, covered in Christ's Blood ( James 4:7), that you ARE forgiven. Spend much time in God's Word & pray for healing.
  • Alec ford - In Reply on Hebrews 10 - 3 years ago
    wow, you guys are brutal, lol but correct I have been feeling like Jesus didn't hear me so I have been wearing myself out trying to please the Lord. I guess i had to see it in writing to understand and I really do understand now.

    Thank you

    Alec
  • Chris - In Reply on Hebrews 10 - 3 years ago
    May the Lord bless you & strengthen your mind & spirit in this very important matter, Alec. So many Christians lead defeated lives, not just in the matter of sin consuming them, but being insecure in their salvation, fearing that their prayer hasn't been heard or God refuses to forgive them.

    It's all of God's Grace: He initiated His Plan for you, He put it in place for you through Jesus His Only Begotten Son, Jesus laid down His Life for you - can it possibly be that He would now refuse you access into His Love & Forgiveness? NEVER. Or else God has failed in His Love & Promises. And yes, we are 'brutal', for we wield the Sword of the Lord (His Word), with joy & confidence in His Truth - His Truth has set us free & the same Truth will set you free of any doubts & concerns you have now or in the future. Hold on tightly to Him - our sailing on the waters of life is never promised to be smooth & trouble-free, but our Captain will always be at the helm to ensure our safety. And He certainly can be trusted. See you on the other side my friend.



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