Expert: Dr Tim Gladu - 6/30/2009

Question
Dr. Gladu,

I'm very worried about my salvation. I always worry, and
it's constantly on my mind. I worry about if I forget to ask
forgiveness for something, so I just ask for forgiveness for
any sins I have committed. And I tell the Lord that I won't
do it again, or I'll try my hardest at least, and if I do,
then what if he doesn't want to forgive me?

Also, people are saying how nice I am and such, but I feel
like a fake when I'm nice. I feel like I'm acting, even when
I'm genuinely being kind.

I really, really love Jesus, and I would like nothing better
than to sing the Lord's praises for all of eternity, and I
feel like if I went to Hell, even burning in a lake of fire,
I would want to praise God through all the pain. And it
worries me that maybe someday he won't forgive me, or that
asking for forgiveness in general won't work, and I won't
get to go to Heaven.

Thank you for spending your time reading this.

Nicole

Answer
Nicole,

I am sure that you have heard once saved always saved. If you believe this then you will feel much better. When we ask forgiveness and it is granted then that is it. God will forgive you when you ask for forgiveness. You being worried about how you act is the Holy Spirit letting you know that you have sinned. You have this because you are saved. If you are not worried about what you are doing and committing sin does not bother you then you need to worry. The Holy Spirit is with you and guides you and keeps you on the right path. You will sin and continue to sin because you are not perfect. God gave you His Son to forgive you of all sin now and forever. I do understand the feeling of not being sure if you are saved. I can only say that when you receive the Holy Spirit God has given you part of Himself and wants you to be with Him in Heaven.