I've been dogged by some serious spiritual questions lately. Some confusion about Christianity 101. Some of my confusion has been brought on by my sin. Some of it is due to conflicting messages given out by so my preachers today. What is the gospel really? Am I saved? Stuff that should have been settled in my heart long ago but recently has not. So I have been crying out to God to show me the truth. And without realizing it He did.
The gospel is Jesus crucified on the cross for sinners. Jesus is God the son, shedding his blood to provide the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. We bring nothing to the table. All we do is accept Jesus's gift on the cross. Our own good works are imperfect and will not save us. Faith is Christ is all that is required and it is a free gift. We cannot earn it. And once gained it cannot be lost. It is grace. Free. Awesome.
Sin muddies that. It causes us to loose our assurance and messes up our relationship. All sin should be repented of and confessed. But in this life I nor anyone else will ever be perfect. We all struggle with sin. But Jesus paid for it all. Our fellowship gets out of wack, and it can be miserable. But God is the one that saved me (and you if you believe). I cannot out sin God's grace (though I definitely should never try!). God loves me. God died for me. And God saved me. I believe and am saved. Done. If you believe that Jesus is who He said He was, and His death on the cross paid for your sins, you are saved too. How awesome!
Sin causes us to question our faith. It ruins our assurance. Confess before God your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you, not matter what it is, and He will (1 John 1:9). How simple! How awesome a Gospel! Saving is on God, not on you. Though you play a roll in your sanctification after salvation.
I was tripped up on all this and God has been quietly reaching out to me. Tonight I was up late and just happened to be lead to this link with some great Biblical teaching in the PDFs. Read, be encouraged, and enjoy your walk with Jesus our Lord and Savior.
http://www.ttb.org/resources/how-can-i-know-god
