I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
Hi US !
I would say God is not finished with you yet !!
and would say the same of myself
truly I have times when I wonder , '' Dear Lord where are you ?'' and ask for help in guidance ...
Why do you doubt you are saved ?
Quote from: rosered on September 07, 2014, 07:55:23 PM
Hi US !
I would say God is not finished with you yet !!
and would say the same of myself
truly I have times when I wonder , " Dear Lord where are you ?" and ask for help in guidance ...
Why do you doubt you are saved ?
I doubt I am saved because I wilfully sin. I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyways. I have "other" gods in my life that keep me from the one true God. I give into my passions too easily. I am stricken with severe depression, and can't even get my heart in the right place to focus on God. I just don't feel wordless to both God and the world I exist in.
those He predestined He also called..those He called..He chose to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
just as we have all bore the image of the corrupt[old Adam] so,too,shall we all bear the image of the incorrupt
one.
NO_ONE can do anything of ourselves.........
Matt 20;8 About the 11th hour He went out and found still others standing around. He asked them,
'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing? Because no-one has hired us,they said.
He said to them,'you also go and work in my vineyard"
........these men you hired last have worked only one hour..and you made them equal to us..........who have
worked all day
Quote from: sheila on September 07, 2014, 08:14:44 PM
those He predestined He also called..those He called..He chose to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
just as we have all bore the image of the corrupt[old Adam] so,too,shall we all bear the image of the incorrupt
one.
NO_ONE can do anything of ourselves.........
Matt 20;8 About the 11th hour He went out and found still others standing around. He asked them,
'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing? Because no-one has hired us,they said.
He said to them,'you also go and work in my vineyard"
........these men you hired last have worked only one hour..and you made them equal to us..........who have
worked all day
I am not very good at understanding figurative language. That is why I have such a hard time understanding the bible.
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
Read Romans 7 and see that Paul had the same problem. He did what he didn't want to do and didn't do what he wanted to do. Is that sinning willfully? I think it is just the struggle with the flesh that we all have.
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 08:12:57 PM
Quote from: rosered on September 07, 2014, 07:55:23 PM
Hi US !
I would say God is not finished with you yet !!
and would say the same of myself
truly I have times when I wonder , " Dear Lord where are you ?" and ask for help in guidance ...
Why do you doubt you are saved ?
I doubt I am saved because I wilfully sin. I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyways. I have "other" gods in my life that keep me from the one true God. I give into my passions too easily. I am stricken with severe depression, and can't even get my heart in the right place to focus on God. I just don't feel wordless to both God and the world I exist in.
For this U S I am sorry for your state of anguish , but thankful that you are aware also ,
that is the start of understanding you need the Lord but do not know how to fill that need ... I know this place as well it feels like a dead zone and empty place
You knowing you want to change is good , but YOU have to stop thinking it depends on you , that is always the struggle , in the way we think its on us to change ourselves
Thinking of ways the Lord has blessed you already for health and being able to do anything at all is a good start , being thankful that the Lord is dealing with you still , I know this because just this moring I told Him Thanks for showing me things and letting me know He is still dealing with me and am NOT ALONE in our misery , this life is troubles , but having peace in your heart comes from the Lord , and want you to have that peace brother
It may come when you least expect it , seems Gods ways are like that
We have to stop feeling guilty for being the way we are and start thinking God change me to the way you want me to be , having this kind of faith can move everything that stops you from having a personal relationship with Him out of the way , and dont give up on God for He has not given up on you
Having a conscience is a big part of the first process of letting the HOLY SPIRIT move in you in ways you have never known before
God bless you brother :HeartThrob:
Quote from: bushy on September 07, 2014, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
Read Romans 7 and see that Paul had the same problem. He did what he didn't want to do and didn't do what he wanted to do. Is that sinning willfully? I think it is just the struggle with the flesh that we all have.
:thumbsup: two natures that are at odds with one another the natural man whom God created first and the spiritual man 2nd new man God creates within us as well Love your neighbor as yourself takes on a whole new meaning than
Love the spiritual man and feed and offer him as much work as you do feeding and taking care of the natural man , giving in to those wants and desires
the Spiritual man wants to please God the natural man cannot ever please God , its not possible
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 08:26:36 PM
Quote from: sheila on September 07, 2014, 08:14:44 PM
those He predestined He also called..those He called..He chose to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
just as we have all bore the image of the corrupt[old Adam] so,too,shall we all bear the image of the incorrupt
one.
NO_ONE can do anything of ourselves.........
Matt 20;8 About the 11th hour He went out and found still others standing around. He asked them,
'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing? Because no-one has hired us,they said.
He said to them,'you also go and work in my vineyard"
........these men you hired last have worked only one hour..and you made them equal to us..........who have
worked all day
I am not very good at understanding figurative language. That is why I have such a hard time understanding the bible.
Just know the elect never knew they were chosen of God , its God whom does the choosing bro , we wait on the Lord for complete salvation ,,, all of us ...
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
I know exactly how you feel Universal Sceptic, you took the words right out of my mouth. I also faced several addictions in the past, and I admit the fear of Hell did help me get over them to some extent. But recently I was thinking deeply about the hope of Universal Reconciliation and whether or not learning of God's love would have changed me back then and I reached the conclusion that it would have still saved me because the root of my addictions was my inner pain/loneliness and love was what I needed most at the time. Although we may have a degree of free will, God has the power to change our hearts through his love. He has compassion for those who are broken.
I admit, I still have a long way to go. I also haven't done anything significant yet. However, God guides us one step at a time. He has always been there for me in the past and he will continue to be there for me in all the challenges I face in the future. That (along with the hope of Universal Salvation) is enough to keep me going. I don't know how my life will play out but I do know that God is still on the throne and he will continue to guide me, teach me new things, and help me grow. He will also help you grow one step at a time.
Quote from: Searching_For_The_Truth on September 07, 2014, 08:56:53 PM
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
I know exactly how you feel Universal Sceptic, you took the words right out of my mouth. I also faced several addictions in the past, and I admit the fear of Hell did help me get over them to some extent. But recently I was thinking deeply about the hope of Universal Reconciliation and whether or not learning of God's love would have changed me back then and I reached the conclusion that it would have still saved me because the root of my addictions was my inner pain/loneliness and love was what I needed most at the time. Although we may have a degree of free will, God has the power to change our hearts through his love. He has compassion for those who are broken.
I admit, I still have a long way to go. I also haven't done anything significant yet. However, God guides us one step at a time. He has always been there for me in the past and he will continue to be there for me in all the challenges I face in the future. That (along with the hope of Universal Salvation) is enough to keep me going. I don't know how my life will play out but I do know that God is still on the throne and he will continue to guide me, teach me new things, and help me grow. He will also help you grow one step at a time.
What if you die, before you accomplish anything on this Earth? Does that mean you have a purpose in the next world?
Quote from: Searching_For_The_Truth on September 07, 2014, 08:56:53 PM
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
I know exactly how you feel Universal Sceptic, you took the words right out of my mouth. I also faced several addictions in the past, and I admit the fear of Hell did help me get over them to some extent. But recently I was thinking deeply about the hope of Universal Reconciliation and whether or not learning of God's love would have changed me back then and I reached the conclusion that it would have still saved me because the root of my addictions was my inner pain/loneliness and love was what I needed most at the time. Although we may have a degree of free will, God has the power to change our hearts through his love. He has compassion for those who are broken.
I admit, I still have a long way to go. I also haven't done anything significant yet. However, God guides us one step at a time. He has always been there for me in the past and he will continue to be there for me in all the challenges I face in the future. That (along with the hope of Universal Salvation) is enough to keep me going. I don't know how my life will play out but I do know that God is still on the throne and he will continue to guide me, teach me new things, and help me grow. He will also help you grow one step at a time.
:thumbsup:
same here :sigh:
and still have some vices
overcoming in Christ to me is saying I am overcome and need Jesus to fill up the void to the full , banking and counting on Him more and more all the while
I know, I've been there. Felt worthless, guilty, rejected, and even wanted everything to end, for one too many times in recent years. But I can tell you one thing, even if we feel hopeless, even if we doubt our salvation, even if we think we're lost and it's difficult even to pray in such moments, we must always remember that it will not be permanent. Our God is Great, greater than all of these. :2c: :cloud9:
QuoteWhat if you aren't one of the elect?
Most aren't part of the elect. While it's great being elect it has absolutely nothing to do with hell, eternal life, heaven etc.
The elect rule during the millennium with Jesus. They are part of the 1st resurrection. But eventually everyone will be in the presence of theFather. all-in-all.
:banana:
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: Searching_For_The_Truth on September 07, 2014, 08:56:53 PM
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
I know exactly how you feel Universal Sceptic, you took the words right out of my mouth. I also faced several addictions in the past, and I admit the fear of Hell did help me get over them to some extent. But recently I was thinking deeply about the hope of Universal Reconciliation and whether or not learning of God's love would have changed me back then and I reached the conclusion that it would have still saved me because the root of my addictions was my inner pain/loneliness and love was what I needed most at the time. Although we may have a degree of free will, God has the power to change our hearts through his love. He has compassion for those who are broken.
I admit, I still have a long way to go. I also haven't done anything significant yet. However, God guides us one step at a time. He has always been there for me in the past and he will continue to be there for me in all the challenges I face in the future. That (along with the hope of Universal Salvation) is enough to keep me going. I don't know how my life will play out but I do know that God is still on the throne and he will continue to guide me, teach me new things, and help me grow. He will also help you grow one step at a time.
What if you die, before you accomplish anything on this Earth? Does that mean you have a purpose in the next world?
I have asked myself those same questions at times. I haven't reached a conclusion about it but I do know that God has a purpose for everyone and although it may not be clear to us right now, it will be clear when the time is right. For all we know, we are accomplishing more than we think we are. At the end of the day it is all for God to decide since he is the final judge.
Quote from: WhiteWings on September 07, 2014, 09:48:54 PM
QuoteWhat if you aren't one of the elect?
Most aren't part of the elect. While it's great being elect it has absolutely nothing to do with hell, eternal life, heaven etc.
The elect rule during the millennium with Jesus. They are part of the 1st resurrection. But eventually everyone will be in the presence of theFather. all-in-all.
:banana:
Yes, but aren't the elect the ONLY ones who are saved in this world? Even if their are those that believe in God, they still stumble blindly in this world until they die.
If you think you deserve hell then you are probably mistaken. I think all of humanity deserves death(sin is very serious but eternal punishment is pretty harsh even for sin) but God does not limit his goodness to ours(if he did then he would not be so good to us). We deserve bad things but God still loves us and is merciful(nobody deserves mercy. The whole point of mercy is treating people better than they deserve). I remember I used to pretty much hate myself because I knew I did wrong. When the bible basically says that you will be judged in the way that you judge it is right but the strange "twist" for me was that I was the one judging myself as I judged others(which led me to guilt and self-hate). God is not fair because he treats us better than we deserve and that is good. If God himself does not hate you then why should you? He is the best judge for the job and he decided mercy so respect his judgment and love yourself if you can(and others to obviously). I am not trying to criticizing if I come across that way I am just saying that you should try and snap out of it if you can. Also if you get depressed often and have a lot of despair and nothing can cheer you up you may be chemically depressed(obviously you should try and get your spiritual matters in order) you may want to try krill oil (a lot of people are deficient in nutrients and it causes emotional problems) Those have really helped me a lot with depression and other things like irritability I know it may sound like "snake oil" or some hippy-cure(not that I have anything against hippies lol) but taking it has helped me and people in my family who were also easily depressed a ton.(If you do decide to try it then you have to take it for a while like a few days or even one or two weeks). Depression can give you a skewed view of things and leaving you feeling hopeless.
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 11:29:43 PM
Yes, but aren't the elect the ONLY ones who are saved in this world? Even if their are those that believe in God, they still stumble blindly in this world until they die.
The elect are labeled as "called, chosen and faithful." (Revelation 17:14) That goes beyond simply believing. It goes to the Matthew 25:23 usage of it: "Thou hath been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler of many things. Enter thou into the joy of The Lord."
If you love Jesus. If you experience remorse when you sin or fall short. If you ask for God's forgiveness. If you desire to grow in grace. If you confess Jesus as Lord and believe God has raised Him from the dead. You are among the elect.
:thumbsup: if you believe a prophet you recieve a prohets reward..the testimony of Jesus Christ is
the spirit of prophecy
Quote from: sheila on September 14, 2014, 05:06:00 PM
:thumbsup: if you believe a prophet you recieve a prohets reward..the testimony of Jesus Christ is
the spirit of prophecy
:2thumbs: the Word of God is sure , the sum of Truth
Psalm 119: (NASB)
160
The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
Upon His thigh was written, Faithful and True, the Word of God.
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 09:02:31 PM
What if you die, before you accomplish anything on this Earth? Does that mean you have a purpose in the next world?
Sure! why not!? I am acquainted with feelings of worlthlessness and melancholy.. I believe all of us are likely harassed by threatening spirits, accusing spirits, etc. But they have to use us.. we do it to our self.. I believe in the authority of Jesus as far as telling negatives to go away.. stay away.. they'll still get to us, our shield of faith lowered, from time to time..
the man who beat his breast and said woe is me a sinner was accounted much more approved than the one who said great am I, I do great things for God..
I think very little in the bible is figurative.. the Lord's parables of course, which He explained many..
Sometimes I think our shield of faith wavers because we need healing.. deep, inner healing.. I know i've been through times of yield, yield, yielding to Him and when I think I've gotten to the floor of my being, that's when I have to start tearing up floor boards.. I often don't "feel" saved..
I think one of the things He treasures in us.. is creating in us all, is humility.. true humility.. for it softens our nature toward others.. and that's where it's all at.. ("He iS love") the fruit the master gardener is growing, true affection for our fellow person, and not only those like our self.. and I think this will be very needed in the next two ages..
I think we all stumble blindly.. as a matter of fact, the longer we're a believer, the more glaring our flaws are to us.. That's good!! when we start out, it's everyone else's flaws we see! :laughing7:
I try not to worry about it.. really.. I try to replace eve
ry negative thought with a positive, faith one. Cause those negatives pile up and come and beat us on the head.. or become a heavy covering weighing us down..
I figure I have one law - love God. If, or actually, when, the melancholy and frustration have overcome me, I just need a little glimmer of loving Him... to read a psalm, say a prayer.. sit in Quietness.. Quietness is, I believe, where He dwells.. if I take a deep breath, say "i love you".. or feel thankful for one thing..
"He inhabits the praises" love "of His people".. I don't think He's creating super saints.. or super saints who think they are super saints.. Wait, what?
..answering your post has lifted me out of some melancholy.. I don't know what it is about this time of year.. seems to get me most years.. I think I'll watch the sun set today.. in a Quiet spot..
God bless you, Universal Sceptic.. US.. you're us! :)) hope you don't mind my saying that.. and babbling on..
Have a good evening.. or day..
:smile:
After reading the posts about the Lake of Fire, the consuming fire, and the second death IMO we should all have concern because of the variety of the thoughts and answers that offer questionable answers to all those questions and wonders. They All have left me in quite a quagmire, with much mud. And a glass darkly, well, not much help. Yeah, it's just my opinion. :2c:
I don't believe God has a single answer for everyone about everything.
I believ some things are meant to be obscure :umnick:
I believe truth is one and it's very simple.. not heard in the multiplicity of voices but in the silence of God's Presence/Spirit and prayerful, thankful contemplation..
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
....What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
This short youtube video seems to me to answer this very well -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQhqPny8tI&feature=youtu.be&em
(someone here on tentmaker forum first posted this guy and I have to say I love his message! very rational, very calming.. and encouraging)
"by faith are we walking, not by perception" (2 Corinthians 5:7)
"He chooses us in Him before the disruption of the world, we to be holy and flawless in His sight" (Ephesians 1:4)
"For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God's approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting." (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Quote from: micah7:9 on September 18, 2014, 05:58:44 AM
After reading the posts about the Lake of Fire, the consuming fire, and the second death IMO we should all have concern because of the variety of the thoughts and answers that offer questionable answers to all those questions and wonders. They All have left me in quite a quagmire, with much mud. And a glass darkly, well, not much help. Yeah, it's just my opinion. :2c:
Micah , I am truly sorry if I added to your quagmire
I agree we should all have concern in How we handle the Word of Life
In this life I can see the words of 1 John 2 as those born of the Spirit as being in 3 categories
babes being sincere on the milk of the Word and are forgiven for His names sake because He is forgiving and loving praise God !
and the young men are strong and able as the Lord gives measure to their stature
and the fathers those made for meat to do the will of God
2I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake.
13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one
There is One God Micah , but remember there are 7 Spirits that makes Our One God '' The GOD OF ALL THINGS ''
This keeps us in faith and hope and in the Love of God though Jesus Christ and looking as the what those Seven Spirits are
1Corinth 15 27For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.
But when He says,
"All things are put in subjection,"
it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.
28When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him
so that God may be all in all. God bless
"if ever you should be avowing with your mouth the declaration that Jesus is Lord, and should be believing in your heart that God rouses Him from among the dead, you shall be saved" (Romans 10:9)
Quote from: micah7:9 on September 18, 2014, 05:58:44 AM
After reading the posts about the Lake of Fire, the consuming fire, and the second death IMO we should all have concern because of the variety of the thoughts and answers that offer questionable answers to all those questions and wonders. They All have left me in quite a quagmire, with much mud. And a glass darkly, well, not much help. Yeah, it's just my opinion. :2c:
Yup. :iagree:
Even if you're not one of the Elect, you will still have a better life in the Kingdom than you have in the here-and-now. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Quote from: Lazarus Short on September 18, 2014, 05:57:51 PM
Even if you're not one of the Elect, you will still have a better life in the Kingdom than you have in the here-and-now. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Thats the Spirit Laz :giveheart:
James 1 ;5
we always ask Him for help don't we ?
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
Hi UniversalSkeptic!
I understand how you feel! Just know everyone struggles with sin, whether they admit it or not. I know I do! I used to feel discouraged, beat myself up about it horribly and get very down on myself. Just to share my story, I'm pregnant currently with a little bundle, I'm not married, but I am in love & made decisions to "lay" with someone out of wedlock. Now the old me would've waded in my sorrow & best myself up at how stupid I was, but I learned to look at things differently & I'll share in hopes that it will help you.
This forum can grow confusing, some people use big words and theologies I don't understand. While I am intelligent & can be a deep thinker, I find that more often (for me) a lot if things made complicated are very simple in actuality & can be simply said.
Perfection is impossible my love; no one on this earth will acheive it. I feel I am in a CONSTANT battle between my flesh that's wants evil & my spirit that wants to please God. The fact that I feel those tinges of regret, the frustration of my inhability to "please God perfectly" tells me though, that I do love Him & I have come to understand, God loves Me! Every ounce of me as he loves every ounce if you! He knew us before we were born, had our paths set & our purposes, he knew our personalities, our struggles, our triumphs, He knew the people we would be before we became them & He loved us!! In our imperfection & sin He loves us & is working on us every day! He is moving at His pace with each & every one of us, preparing us, forming us, completing us. Where you are is where you are meant to be. Do not be discouraged, because all things work together for good, to complete His ultimate plan.
What do u define as significant btw? I find we think we should do extravagant things to have done something worth doing for God. Your testimony & confession of your feelings on this point could be something significant that you were meant to do to help someone else who was feeling the same thing not feel so alone, to help grant them some peace. Little things can be significant.
Ultimately, I say all that to say, TRUST Him! Your allowed to feel what you feel but try not to dwell. He knows what He's doing, with all of us. Whether you are elect or not, whether you are a vessel of honor dishonor or something in between, You are still highly significant & important & loved! Let His love be your peace & rest in Him knowing that you are well taken care of.
ELECT G1588 eklektos From G1586; select; by implication favorite: - chosen, elect.
Speaking to His disciples- G3101 mathētēs ; a learner, that is, pupil: - disciple.
Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
My :2c: :dsunny:
Quote from: UniversalSceptic on September 07, 2014, 07:38:28 PM
I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved. I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is their), nor do I communicate with him. I thinks my doubts, fears, and worries are preventing me from fully embracing. Sometimes I feel like I do deserve Hell and wish that God would just send me their, but I don't know if it is my guilt talking. Maybe I just want God to discipline me in someway, like we are often told he will. So back to my question: What if you aren't one of the elect? Do you just stumble and bumble your way through life, until God finally liberates you. What was I even put here for? I haven't done anything significant, and I don't see myself ever doing anything that will be useful to God.
God chose "the elect" before the disruption of the world.
"He chooses us in Him before the disruption of the world" (Ephesians 1:4)
This statement of yours seems kind of contradictory, "I don't feel God's presence (I do believe he is there)." But the main thing I think about it is you shouldn't think you need to "feel" God's presence because God is spirit. When folks talk about feeling or sensing God's presence, I think we're speaking figuratively because we feel with our senses which affect our souls, but spirit is something you need to believe to be true. That's what faith is, belief. We might become emotionally excited about knowing God loves us and is with us, but that's not necessary to believe. That's why, despite the fact that I participated in some Charismatic Church services in my quest for the truth, I now believe that's all about emotional experience not spiritual manifestation. You say, "I am certain and have been for awhile that I am not saved." Jesus Christ died on the cross two thousand years ago to save all mankind and to reconcile all on earth and in the heavens with God. I think you have come to this site because you're seeking the truth just like I was earlier in my life, but you've got a distorted idea of what that may be due to the effect church doctrine has on all of us even if you weren't raised by folks who were church members because the theology is in the fabric of our culture. I think what you need to do is simply come to a better understanding of the truth, and a good way to do that is to study an accurate translation of scripture. I think you may very well be one of the chosen, and that is why you were drawn to this forum. I think you are simply looking for signs that are not necessary or even logical to look for as evidence of "God's presence" in your life and not perceiving others that are right in front of your face. In other words, you can't see the forest for the trees. The best way to know the truth is to study the word of God because the word of God is truth. Don't give up your quest. I went down a lot of dead ends before I found the right path. Here's a link to my preferred version of scripture. I think you will find it helpful. http://concordant.org/online/index.html God bless you.