A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I know this isn't a relationship question... well not a romantic relationship question. But this has been bugging and confusing me for a long time.I don't really have anyone I can talk to about this.I thought of myself as a Christian but I doubt my salvation a lot. I was raised Southern Baptist but I understand that going to church per se, won't save you, salvation comes through faith.One thing that causes me to doubt my salvation is that religion and the Bible confuse me. I'm not sure if this is true, but I've been told by several people that the message in the Bible can only be revealed to the reader by the Holy Spirit; that if you are truly saved, the Holy Spirit will reside in you and enable you to understand the Bible. I think... if this is true... then why are there so many denominations, all of whom interpret the Bible differently?I don't agree with this theologically but some people believe that some Christian churches lead their congregation to hell by teaching the wrong thing.Personally, I think it would be a kind of ripoff deal because the same people who say this are the people who say that once you decide to believe in Jesus, that you're saved, permanently. I always understood that salvation comes through belief in Jesus and that all the denominations that teach that are Christian. But there are so many, all with a different interpretation of the Bible. I think it would be a rip off if God were to say, "Ok, you believed in Jesus but you weren't the right denomination, so you're going to hell." I seriously do not mean to offend anyone and I am sorry if I do, but I have met many people- Baptist, Catholic, etc.- who believed that only THEIR denomination was right and only THEY would go to Heaven. I don't agree with this, it seems unfair for God to punish someone just for picking the wrong denomination. But, I still worry that I'm wrong. I also have periods where I look at all the suffering and question the existence of God. I can't help it. I look at all the suffering in the world and think, how the hell can God let this happen?Sometimes, I worry that I'm going to hell because of this intuition that I've done something that can't be forgiven, or that I've sinned beyond redemption. I understand that there is no such sin, but I just have this intuition or feeling that there is, and that I've done it. A lot of things about Christianity confuse me so much... I'm not sure that I believe salvation is a one-off deal, in other words, that "once saved always saved" or if it's really not set in stone until you die. It sounds counter-intuitive that God would be all-knowing and loving and still condemn someone to a fate as terrible as hell. But, in the back of my mind, I'm terrified that I'll go.I'm not even sure that the Baptist faith is right for me. I feel that being Christian is more important than a denomination and sometimes I think that the Catholic church is the right path for me. A lot of people unfortunately pre-judge me because Baptists are often stereotyped as being rabidly anti-Catholic, but I'm not like that. There's nothing wrong with being Baptist but sometimes I had a feeling that I just didn't belong in the Baptist church.What does the fact that I doubt my salvation mean? Am I just a chronic worrier upset about nothing, why do I worry so much about going to hell?Why all this doubt and confusion, if I'm truly "saved?"I've been searching for answers... how do I get peace about this?I'm scared.I hope I haven't offended anyone as I know this is a sore point. With all respect, I'm just looking for answers. Thanks if you can help.
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female
reader, Khenygal  +, writes (25 April 2010):
Wow! the is alot i think to this, well the bible says "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" and the only truth comes from God the holy spirit, seek guidence from God and u wont go wrong. Im a christian and ill tell you one thing if something doesnt feel right then it isnt right, well thats just my own view. I kind of have many questions for you just 2be clear on other things. Please please wright back...
A
female
reader, Miamine  +, writes (22 March 2010):
 lol.. not all us here believe in God..
Buddhism
All life is unsatisfactory
Life is unsatisfactory because we have desires
Remove desires and then you'll remove the unsatisfactory
Nice and easy enough for me
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A
female
reader, Miamine +, writes (21 March 2010):
Sorry babes, this is really not the place to answer such things. You will have Christians trying to help you believe, and then the atheist will join in and tell you why religion is rubbish.
I suggest you look for a Christian site, ask your questions there. Then go and look on a atheist site, again ask them what they think of your problem.
I'm an atheist, ex-Christian. I started doubting the existence of God, because I could understand suffering. After a life time of research on the bible, religion, history and knowledge, I am now a committed atheist, who is considering adopting Buddhism. (which requires no god) :)
Do your own research, see what makes sense to you, and find a faith that suits you, or have no faith at all. Only you and you alone can know.
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A
female
reader, Laura1318  +, writes (21 March 2010):
 Not all Christians will enter Heaven. Only those whose name is in the 'Book of Life' can enter Heaven.
Do you know if your name is in that 'Book of Life?' I don't know. You will be judged in the final judgment.
There are many Christian denominations in the world.All worship Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The only difference is they emphasize slight doctrinal differences, but more often they simply offer different styles of worship to fit the differing tastes and preferences of Christians.
I think it is also church politics because those people wanted to be leaders and since if they stayed in that denomination , they would have no chances to become leaders in their own right. They broke off with their followers and formed a new denomination.
Jesus tells us personally that He gives us eternal life and nothing can take that away: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10: 27-30).
Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
I believed that salvation is God's grace and not by our own works. We cannot earn salvation by doing things to qualify for it.It is not enough because we still fall short of God's standards.
If someone comes to question your salvation , just hold onto your views.Believed and have faith.
God is a loving God who will not rest until the entire creation is redeemed. All creatures will be saved. There is no hell.
The most important thing is to love God with all your heart, your soul and your mind and to love your neighbour as yourself.
If your conscience troubles you , do not do it. Do not live in sin and try to do good deeds. We are not perfect or angels and we are moving in that direction of God.
reference:-
Why are there so many Christian denominations in the world?
http://www.gotquestions.org/denominations-Christian.html
Book of Life
http://bible-research.org/content/view/64/9/
Assurance of salvation
http://www.allaboutgod.com/assurance-of-salvation.htm
There is no hell.
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/2006/03/There-Is-No-Hell.aspx
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice +, writes (21 March 2010):
 Sometimes, When I answer questions I will guess at what the writer needs to hear, other times I will try to identify one or two solid questions out of the very long post. You asked specifically "How do I get peace about this?" I think I should focus on that question. Paul taught that one of the fruits of the spirit was peace (Gal. 5:22). Peace in your own heart is certainly included. Comfort and assurance are synonyms for this kind of peace. So how do you get it. Ask for it first. Then do the kinds of things that invite the spirit. Study the scriptures, listen to uplifting music, and pray. Spend some time in this kind of activity every day. Then cast the things out of your life that offend the spirit. Hate, malice, jealousy, and fear are some of the feeling to avoid. When you are feeling them you aren't feeling the spirit. When you have the spirit in your heart every day (at least some time every day) You will begin to receive understanding on all the other questions that you have. It will probably come a little at a time. It is not the same for all people.
FA
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A
male
reader, CaringGuy +, writes (21 March 2010):
What I believe is this. Everyone interprets religion in their own way. You should never take the word of anyone else over something that means this much to you. You have to do what you think is right. As long as you're a nice person, and you try to do what's right, then surely that's all that matters. No one can or should be allowed to tell you what do do. You must do what you feel is right, and you must interpret your own beliefs.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (21 March 2010): It's good to question things. It means you are not a blind follower, but want to reach a deeper level of understanding.
Have you researched other faiths to see what other belief systems are available? Having something to compare to sometimes puts things more into perspective.
Don't worry about hell right now. After researching on your own, choose the faith you most feel content with and rest your fears.
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