[Luke]

Did I come here and join up in my sleep or something? It's like I am watching myself post, but it's someone else.

I have, for the longest time, struggled with assurance of salvation because of sin in my life and my lack of total and complete devotion to Christ.

[George]

Originally Posted by Luke

Did I come here and join up in my sleep or something? It's like I am watching myself post, but it's someone else.

I have, for the longest time, struggled with assurance of salvation because of sin in my life and my lack of total and complete devotion to Christ.

Dear brother Luke,

IF our Salvation is dependent on our being "sinless"; or IF our Salvation is dependent on our "keeping it"; or IF our Salvation is dependent on "our devotion to the Lord" - then we ARE ALL LOST! For "all have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord".

But the Lord Jesus Christ said: "IT IS FINISHED"! WHAT was finished? Why - OUR SALVATION! He did (for us) what we couldn't do in the flesh.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Brother, your general "assessment" of the net is true. However, this Forum (although imperfect) is one of the few places on the net where one can find people (not all) who are directing others to God's Holy words. And if there be some that don't do that; or if there is some confusion in the advise that is given, Christian men (brethren) like Stephanos, Bro. Parrish, Forrest, Josh, Kiwi Christian, MC1171611, and sister "Here Am I" and even myself (Post #2) are trying to help out a young man who obviously is crying out for help.

Some of us have lived long enough to know that in this present world we (Christians) are going to have TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Our HOPE is in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the ONE (THE ONLY ONE) Who has "overcome the world"!

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The above verses tell us WHY and to WHAT purpose "Tribulations" serve. The longer you live, the more you will understand this (take my word for it). I have been particularly hard-hearted, and it has taken me far to long to understand many of these truths, that I should have understood decades ago. But, praise be to God, He has broken through my stubbornness and hard heart and has gotten me to understand things out of His Holy word that I had no "inkling" about even five years ago!

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Brother, don't despair over sin in your life - at least your conscience hasn't become "seared", or "defiled" (you're still aware of sin). At least your conscience hasn't become "evil" (where you justify sin). Keep praying and be aware:
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

And remember to keep:
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."
[Hebrews 12:2-4]

May God bless you brother for having an honest and sincere heart. I pray that God will always bless you in your "walk" with Him, and throughout all of your trials and temptations, and that He will make His presence known to you.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

[cb6445]

I'll be praying for you brother. I've been in worse shape. But God's GRACE is SUFFICIENT for THEE! Quit trying to do anything and just call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you're not sure if you're saved, ask the ONLY one who can give you the answer, the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Don't try to quit lookin at porn or try to quit any other sin in your life. Give it the Lord, he can handle it you cannot! Self reformation is just a waste of time. If you do manage to give up porn, you'll just get hooked on something else. Humble yourself before the Lord, hit your knees in prayer and beg the Lord Jesus to give you peace with your salvation. He'll show you! I would be more concerned with that right now than I would be your individual sin. "Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith..." (1 Cho 13:5). The Bible says you in 1 John 5:13 "...that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life..." Do you know for a FACT you are saved? Do you have Godly sorrow, does the Lord chastise you for your continued sin? I just worry, 'cause I repeated a little prayer when I was a boy and have lived my whole life in sin, but thought I was saved. There's a whole generation of sinners with a false profession of faith w/out repentance. You cannot get saved without being drawn/convicted by God through the Holy Ghost and you cannot get saved w/out repentance. I'm sure plenty of you will disagree, but that's the truth!

[stephanos]

Originally Posted by cb6445

I'll be praying for you brother. I've been in worse shape. But God's GRACE is SUFFICIENT for THEE! Quit trying to do anything and just call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you're not sure if you're saved, ask the ONLY one who can give you the answer, the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Don't try to quit lookin at porn or try to quit any other sin in your life. Give it the Lord, he can handle it you cannot! Self reformation is just a waste of time. If you do manage to give up porn, you'll just get hooked on something else. Humble yourself before the Lord, hit your knees in prayer and beg the Lord Jesus to give you peace with your salvation. He'll show you! I would be more concerned with that right now than I would be your individual sin. "Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith..." (1 Cho 13:5). The Bible says you in 1 John 5:13 "...that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life..." Do you know for a FACT you are saved? Do you have Godly sorrow, does the Lord chastise you for your continued sin? I just worry, 'cause I repeated a little prayer when I was a boy and have lived my whole life in sin, but thought I was saved. There's a whole generation of sinners with a false profession of faith w/out repentance. You cannot get saved without being drawn/convicted by God through the Holy Ghost and you cannot get saved w/out repentance. I'm sure plenty of you will disagree, but that's the truth!

Are you finished with that garbage? The last thing my brother needs is someone like you telling him he needs repentance to be saved. Take it somewhere else.

Stephen

[cb6445]

So, your saying no repentance is needed for salvation? I'm just simply trying to say, it's possible he's not saved at all. He even admitted earlier he didn't know. Sorry the word of God offends you. It's not garbage. If you're not ready to repent YOU ARE NOT READY TO BE SAVED! But anyway, sir, if you're unsure of your salvation take it to the Lord Jesus! Careful calling the word of God "garbage" Stephanos.

[MC1171611]

1) you have the wrong definition of repentance

2) nowhere in the Gospel of Grace is repentance for salvation found

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Repentance has been discussed on here many times, so I don't think this is the time to rehash it. However, as far as the issue at hand:

Pornography is a sin against yourself, your family, and against God. Trust me, I know plenty about that. As a Christian, you need to confess that sin and ask God to give you the strength to overcome it. "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

[stephanos]

Originally Posted by cb6445

So, your saying no repentance is needed for salvation? I'm just simply trying to say, it's possible he's not saved at all. He even admitted earlier he didn't know. Sorry the word of God offends you. It's not garbage. If you're not ready to repent YOU ARE NOT READY TO BE SAVED! But anyway, sir, if you're unsure of your salvation take it to the Lord Jesus! Careful calling the word of God "garbage" Stephanos.

I'm not calling the word of God garbage. I'm calling your false message of "repent from you sin to be saved" garbage. Like Vince said, there isn't ONE verse that says we Gentiles have to quit sinning to be saved (no I'm not saying we have a license to sin!!!). If you've found one, please do tell. My beloved brother Luke IS SAVED! People don't worry about being saved when they're not saved. Luke is just battling the flesh, like we all do. But his problem, like a lot of ours is, that we've come under attack from self-righteous block heads (Lordship Salvation Calvinist heretics) that think you have to be sinless and perfect to be saved. Well I hate to break this news, we're all still sinners. I'm a sinner. I'll be a sinner until I put off this grave of a body when I hear the trump. So instead of adding fuel to the fire with Luke, could you do something productive and encourage him and love him in Christ? I hope that's not to much to ask. Because if you can't help one Christian battling with sin come to assurance of their salvation, then you have no place on the pulpit.

For Jesus' sake,
Stephen

[cb6445]

Ok, Bro. Stephen, just wanted to make sure about the "garbage" thing. I am trying to help Luke, by pointing him to the only one who can help him JESUS CHRIST. I don't agree you should EVER tell anybody they are or are not saved, you're not the Holy Ghost. There is but one who can answer that question for you, that's JESUS! I was just trying to help, sorry if it came across any other way. Luke, humble yourself before the Lord and beg his mercy upon you. He can and will give you peace with your salvation and give you the GRACE needed to get you through whatever you might be facing. Just be careful about using the Lord to get you out of your problems, then forgetting him when things go the way you want. Trust me, I've done it. God knows your heart and knows if you're serious about wanting Jesus to rule and reign in your life or if you're just using him as a "crutch." I don't no your heart and am in NO WAY saying that's what you're doing. I know I have tried to use him as a crutch and it got me nowhere. So, the only advice I can give is the same as before, humble yourself before the Lord and beg Jesus for mercy, grace, and peace. He can and will help you! I will continue to pray for you! Stephen, my King James Bible says NOTHING about preaching to give "christians" assurance of their salvation. God called me to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctorine." Jesus is the only one who can give assurance of salvation.

[peopleoftheway]

Originally Posted by Luke

Did I come here and join up in my sleep or something? It's like I am watching myself post, but it's someone else.

I have, for the longest time, struggled with assurance of salvation because of sin in my life and my lack of total and complete devotion to Christ.

Brother its been a while since I posted on the forums, I completely understand what you mean about the internet being a dark place filled with doctrines of devils, let me say with the utmost brotherly compassion that your testimony and tender heart time and time again on this forum testifies with the indwelling Spirit of God that you ARE my brother and I can say that with full assurance,

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The gulit I know that you may feel over your sins are clear enough evidence that The Spirit of truth who abides in us and guides us IS convicting you and calling you to put them right, I would be a lot more worried if you were comfortable in your sins with no conviction.

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

We all have different measures of faith in our life, some have faith in abundance some struggle daily, but the bottom line is we that are born again of Gods Spirit have FAITH
Temptations and trials are a sign of our suffering with Christ, for Christ. I am slowly coming to this understanding also, that the unworthiness we feel is a reminder that we are saved by the Grace Of God.

2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.


What an amazing work that has been done in us, and the simplicity of the assurance that Our Lord can say to us

My grace is sufficient for thee

God Bless Brother, feel assured

[peopleoftheway]

Buzzoff

I apologise for commenting on your prayer request not in regards to the request itself but I felt moved to post for my brother Luke.
I myself am not married so my advice is limited, but what I can say is that addictions (Strongholds) are certainly a tough thing to overcome in the flesh, which is why the Lord offers us the armour of God, some Christians have the full kit, and have faith and strength in abundance, but some of us, those of us that may struggle with things from time to time have that chink in our armour, that can only be repaired by prayer.
The apostle Paul said in
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; )
Dont try and give up the porn on your own or try to sort it out and clean you life up before you can commit to Christ, just pray for the strength to overcome through Christ
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Back to the Christians defence againt these fleshy lusts and influences, while it is most certainly a good idea to talk to Brethren about your problems I would urge you to be wary of looking to men rather than God for all of your advice, when we are called to battle (Spiritually) we have the helmet of salvation (which I believe to be sound proof to foolish and vain janglings) that we may not listen to doctrines of devils and heretics or that the may simply "bounce off" our minds that the Lord has strenghtened by his Grace.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Prayerfully go to the Word of God, ask the Lord to search out your heart for the things that hold you back that even you dont realise and take time to immerse yourself in the written Word.
Lastly my friend have patience for your wife, many Godly Brethren will testify that the hardest thing for them as Christian is to have an unsaved spouse or family member. Jesus told his disciples that they would suffer many things for his sake, including persecution of family and friends, but to have that patience to accept these things.

Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

I cant give much more advice My Friend but I can pray for you and your wife.

God Bless