Is failure an option?
I think, in fact I know, that I am failing in my spiritual walk. Sunday I went to church and it was confirmation Sunday. This is where young people go through a six week class and then at the end are baptized. So all these kids go up front with their parents and their mentors and the preacher has something nice to say about each as he baptizes them. Once again, I feel like someone staring in through the window. I like the church I'm going to, they still have a traditional service, which I prefer, but this church like the others before it, leave me feeling left out and on the outside. I try to get involved but when I do, nothing goes as I had pictured it. I usually find myself off to the side watching the others interact and talk. Since many don't have this problem, the problem must be within me. I'm sure it's easier to go to church where your family goes, but none of my family go to church in my area so I don't have that support.
Maybe it's because I keep sinning. Yes, I know everyone sins...But I sin willfully. These aren't the murder etc sins, but bad enough. I tell myself I won't do them anymore and sometimes go weeks without doing them, but in the end I always do. Willfull sin is unforgivable, is it not? To be forgiven, you must go and sin no more, and have repentance. I know what I'm doing when I decide to sin but do it anyway. I think about this often, and I wonder is it possible to be predestined to be unsavable.
Consider:
1>God is omniscient, correct? This means He lives in all times: past, present and future. If this is true, and I believe it is, then God already knows if I will be saved or not. This means, logically, that He may already know I am unsavable. There is a possibility then that no matter what I do, I will fail to achieve Grace.
2>People cannot control the place or condition of their birth. I was born Anglo, with a semi-Christian upbringing. Is it not natural that I would persue Christianity? It certainly is more likely than Kareem who was born to Muslim parents. Is it not natural that he would reject Christianity in favor of his families religion? And by rejecting Christianity has he not damned himself?
You could argue that in both cases you could have an unsavable person. I think most Christians believe that everyone is savable, but what do you think? Is there such a thing as someone who can't be saved? I hope not, but I'm tired of being a sinner and I pray God will give me strength to resist the temptations of this world.
Maybe it's because I keep sinning. Yes, I know everyone sins...But I sin willfully. These aren't the murder etc sins, but bad enough. I tell myself I won't do them anymore and sometimes go weeks without doing them, but in the end I always do. Willfull sin is unforgivable, is it not? To be forgiven, you must go and sin no more, and have repentance. I know what I'm doing when I decide to sin but do it anyway. I think about this often, and I wonder is it possible to be predestined to be unsavable.
Consider:
1>God is omniscient, correct? This means He lives in all times: past, present and future. If this is true, and I believe it is, then God already knows if I will be saved or not. This means, logically, that He may already know I am unsavable. There is a possibility then that no matter what I do, I will fail to achieve Grace.
2>People cannot control the place or condition of their birth. I was born Anglo, with a semi-Christian upbringing. Is it not natural that I would persue Christianity? It certainly is more likely than Kareem who was born to Muslim parents. Is it not natural that he would reject Christianity in favor of his families religion? And by rejecting Christianity has he not damned himself?
You could argue that in both cases you could have an unsavable person. I think most Christians believe that everyone is savable, but what do you think? Is there such a thing as someone who can't be saved? I hope not, but I'm tired of being a sinner and I pray God will give me strength to resist the temptations of this world.
posted by Death Warmed Over | 5:22 AM
7 Comment:
good question.
but who's do judge? if anyone...
Your experience sounds similiar to my thought process, and somewhat to my experience. I grew up Catholic, and I still practice even now, but my involvement goes from trying, to becoming the wallflower. Instead, I think we should play to our talents for the greater good (I try anyway)...but to your question, I don't think any of us can presume to know the mind of God, all we can do is the best of what we're given and hope the best results.
if you are born in a religious life - you are more like to rebel it in this day and age
choice:
god's omnipresence is like this. He knows your mind, its capacity and its effects. What he knows is what you can do and what you will choose.
He is like a father who knows where his child will end up, though he doesn't interfere.
The kid still has to make the decisions himself, but the result will be no suprise to God.
You do not achieve Grace, you accept it. Everyone has the capacity, Jesus lowered the barrier. Sin is sin in every from 'bad' or 'not so bad'. The only sin that matters is ignoring God.
Sorry about all the christian banter - you asked for it.
I understand you. But there is no way you are not "saved" if you believe in the Revelation of Jesus, or (this is my own take) a similar archetypal paradigm in another faith. You are saved. Trust in that.
Sinning? Can we talk? I am a grevious sinner. I'm an addict who, like the dog, returns to my own vomit. But I'm not alone. Jesus came for the lost, not the proud holier than thous whose hearts are not clear to us, but are to him. Today I read in my morning devotions a passage--I know you know it, but I will share it anyway: "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. (Mary Mag..)But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47
I had a bad interaction with a so-called perfect Christian--what I realized is that this person grew up in the church, so this person did not do many of the things I've done. But he/she was cruel and unloving; yes, angry with me, but unable to deal with the feelings as Christ would have. Do I judge this person? I am trying not to, because I know how bad I"ve been and to God, sin is sin. But to us, we think in gradations. Don't guilt trip yourself. Believe and pray; the work must begin in your heart, then the actions will follow.
Sorry I went on, but you moved me.
Thanks all for your comments.
johnb-thanks for coming by your are absoutlutley right the mind of God is beyond us and I'm sure He will deal fairly with those whose circumstances may keep them from Him.
aka fatty always glad you post. I think I'm going to convert to Australiaism.
EOTR-thanks. I'm starting to think the "perfect" Christians are the ones to watch out for! You're always welcome here.
I've wondered about that, but I also believe God gave us free will to choose, so ultimatly we do decide whether we will be saved or not. You thoughts seem a lot like my own. I haven't been going to church s much lately. Mainly because my wife has been working so hard she needs the sleep and I'm not forcing the issue(I should as a husband)I did go on Easter sunday, and it was a good service but I disgress. I was really involved my sophmore year of college, even joined some groups. I was really happy with it. Now though I'm struggling to get involved. I'm about to move and keep using that as my excuse. Just know that Christains are not perfect. You are savable DWO. All you have to do is ask Jesus to come into your heart. We all sin, and I'm willing to bet we all sin willinging at times. God will forgive any sin. It's hard to fathom that grace sometimes. I personally think that we are all savable and that a loving God wouldn't create people who are damned from birth. People damn themselves.. yeah...
Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all... but it is only efficient for those who choose to repent of their sins and follow him wholeheartedly.
"Shall we go on sinning so that Grace may increase? May it never be!"
Post a Comment
<< Home