Expert: Scott Talbot - 10/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: i and thanks for taking the time to read this,

I was baptised in 1989 and for a while i felt Gods spirit and purpose. But since then i have fallen away ( got involved in relationships twice) but have been back in my church for about seven years but even in that time i have struggled internet ponography and paying taxes. I have also suffered from bipolar disorder since i was very young which causes me to be very depressed for a while and then switch to elated and euphoric feelings accompanied by periods of wreckless behaviour (financial overspending etc..).



I used to feel Gods forgiveness when i repented but now i feel like my heart has become very hard and it does not respond and Satan has been accusing me for all the sins i have commited sins becoming a christian. He keeps accusing yet i don't feel God hhas forgiven me. Hebrews 6:4-6 really worries me.

i would appreciate any advice or perspective that i can't see.

Thanks in advance .

Toby

ANSWER: Hi Toby,

I'm glad you wrote.

Believe it or not, we all struggle with sin, even after becoming Christians. It's a constant battle that will continue as long as we live on this earth.

Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us that it's a spiritual battle. Read through this passage and take note of the ways in which God provides resources to help us to be victorious. The bottom line is that we need God's help to overcome temptation, and He is eager to give us that help.

Acts of sin can lead to habits that are difficult to break. Also, choosing not to sin can also become a habit over time--a habit that replaces the old habit. The more you give in, the harder it will be to say no. And the more you say no, the easier it will be to resist temptation in the future.

I hate the way I feel when I get stuck in a habit of sinning. I feel far from God, and the Holy Spirit makes me very uncomfortable. It's awful. On the other hand, there's nothing that feels better than a clean conscience, honoring God with my life, and drawing close to Him.

Hebrews 6:4-6 is a strong statement, but I personally do not think that it applies to Christians. I believe it applies to those who have heard God's message over and over again but continue to reject it and never place their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Once we are saved, God holds us securely in His hand (John 10:27-30). No matter what we do, He will never let go.

While sin may not affect our relationship with God (we remain His children), it can affect our fellowship with God. I John 1:9 assures us that, as we confess our sin to the Father, He is eager to forgive us and restore that fellowship.

I cannot end without saying that, because you mentioned a bipolar condition, some of your struggles may be physical in addition to spiritual. Are you getting quality medical attention? Are you following the advice of the doctors in treating this? You should.

I hope this helps. Feel free to write back.

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Scott

Thanks for your helpful message.

I am still trying to get over this depression and feeeling of giving up.

I wish i could have the certainty that your understanding of Heb 6 is the correct one as Satan keeps accusing me with it.

With re. to medication, it has been difficult for me accept that it is a chemical imbalance situation and don't like the side effects that these drugs induce.

I would appreciate any further ideas you may have to help me.

Thanks again.

Toby

Answer
Toby,

I could spend hours sharing Scripture passages that teach that, once we place our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, we are forever His. Romans 8:1 is another good passage: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Charles Stanley wrote an entire book on the subject. See http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Security-Can-You-Sure/dp/0840790953. You will also find an online study of this topic at http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.3090429/k.9CC5/Faith_Foundations.htm. (See Term 2.)

John 5:24 says, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." We don't receive eternal life after we die. We receive it the day we are adopted into God's family. We have crossed over from the realm of death and condemnation into the realm of eternal life. And eternal life is forever. It wouldn't be eternal if you could lose it.

About your diagnosis of bipolar disorder ... I am not a doctor, so I cannot speak with authority on the subject. I would recommend, however, that you get various opinions and seek out different options, including holistic and non-chemical options. Check with a psychologist or psychiatrist, as well, to see if there are behavioral changes that you can make that might help. Get all the information you can and then do what seems best in light of the doctors' advice.

Scott