Expert: Dennis Herman - 2/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Thank you so can I ask you another spiritual question?

ANSWER: Sure, you can ask any question you want.  I just checked my collection of spiritual words that I have translated on my computer.  I am up to 424.  But I know others that are over 800 so I have a way to go.  What is your next question?

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QUESTION: Well I talked to another expert on here and he told me that it's by GOD's grace that we are saved.Well I didn't really know that when I got saved,so does that mean that I am not saved?
And if I sin after I get saved and don't know how to quit doing it and ask GOD to give me the stregnth to stop it,will He or does He just give up on me?

ANSWER: That is actually two questions.  Number one, are you saved.  Number two, can we continue to sin and be saved?  

I am glad to hear you are checking the answers out.  That is a sign the Spirit is working within you.  Let me ask you a few questions.  Do you feel the Spirit working inside of you?  Do you think you are saved when you feel the Spirit working with you?  

Being saved is a very difficult lesson to explain.  I could give you my own thoughts and opinion on the subject but I have no part in saving you.  That comes only from Jesus.  Since He does all the work to save you I think it is only logical to answer you from His word, the Bible.  I will prepare a lesson on being saved and sent it to you soon.  The Bible can explain it much clearer than I am able to.

Forgiveness

I think your answer can be provided with one text.  

KJV 1 John 1:8-9
8.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

None of us can say we are without sin.  I doubt if anyone of us has the ability to pray for forgiveness at night, wake up the next day and be without sin.  We may not be able to stop sinning but we need to continue to confess our sins.  This plays a part in the change that will occur in our lives once we ask for forgiveness.  That is another study.

KJV Isaiah 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

KJV Isaiah 44:22  I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Isaiah makes it clear that our sins will be blotted out and forgiven forever.  


KJV Colossians 1:14.  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15.  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16.  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

KJV Titus 3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

In these texts Paul is referring to Christ and the power He has to forgive sins.  Notice the power He has, over everything.  We are not only forgiven but we are to stand in Heaven as sons and daughters of God.

KJV Luke 6:37
37.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

This is the live and let live text.  If you are to be forgiven you have to also forgive others.  

KJV Luke 7:47
47.  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

This illustrates the point that God is willing to forgive those that are big sinners because He knows these are the people that will be more grateful and loyal.  Think of it.  With the people that you know, the ones that are usually the most loyal to God were once the biggest sinners.

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QUESTION: But how do you know if the Spirit is in you,how do you feel Him?

Answer
For me this answer is simple.  As I read the Bible my mind is making constant comparisons and connections.  I challenge the Spirit to show me and teach me new things.  This is the job of the Spirit, to change your life.  If we do not know how to stop sinning and only the Spirit can show us a better life, wouldn't it make sense the Spirit will always show you something new?