Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 6/30/2009

Question
Pastor Don,

I'm worried about my salvation. I'm always having these
niggling thoughts in the back of my head like "what if God
isn't real" and "then what will you do after death" and
things like that. It makes me ill. I feel literally sick to
my stomach because my mind can't comprehend eternity, and I
really don't want to go to Hell for doubting if God exists
when I really, truly love God! But this is a recurring doubt
and it's driving me mad because it's like I just WANT to
love God and I really don't, or I just want to THINK I love
God! I'm so tired of doubting the Lord. It wears on me so
much. I just worry if I'll go to Hell when I want to be in
Heaven so badly, singing the Lord's praises at His feet. And
sometimes when I think how much I love Him, or tell someone
else, I mentally think "liar." I am of two minds right now,
and it's wearing me out. I want to be 100% sure of my faith
in the Lord, but this thought won't go away!

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,

Thank you for this great question.  I am very sorry for my late response.  Remember that Jesus said all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed.. I believe that you need to understand just exactly happens when you put your faith in Jesus.

If you have come to the place where you asked Jesus to save you from your sins, and you at one time believed that Jesus died in your place and rose again... you have accessed God's grace and have been justified or declared to be righteous.

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The word Grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense.  What riches were you given when you first believed?  Look at the following verses and see what God gave you.

Romans 3:21-2
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

You were given the righteousness of God and THE FAITH OF JESUS!  Once you called upon Jesus to save you through your small faith, your wavering faith was replaced with Jesus' perfect faith.  So even if you doubt from time to time, you do not stand in your faith, you have Jesus'faith.

Satan is a liar and an accuser and he wants you to think that you are not saved, but he cannot take away what God gave you.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don