Expert: Marvin Howard - 6/24/2008

Question
Hi
I have been trying to live life of a christian but have often backsliden and feel i am not forgiven by God for these episodes. I get very negative thoughts of giving up. I also get very depressed and seem to lose hope.

Would you have a ny suggestions on how God sees someone who has willfuly sinned after receiving his grace and spirit?

Thanks

Answer
Hi!

Toby, I can surely empathize with your situation. I presume you make reference to Hebrews 10:26 when you mention willful sin. Most of this must be addressed in a face to face situation, whether with your preacher, one of your pastors or elders, or with a counselor of some sort. There is a medical problem often associated with depression; you may need a physician. I will not try to address these. Rather, I will give you some information I hope will cause you some peace until you can do this.

Consider the children of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. They wandered forty years after deliberately disobeying God and desiring a return to Egypt. If they were unforgiven, they would have left Moses and followed their hearts. There would have been no reason whatever to keep following God if they had no hope.

There is a small point to be made in understanding what the Bible says. In the New Testament, written entirely in Greek, the use of present tense verbs denotes a continuing action. In other words, those who deliberately sin and continue in the sin with no effort to stop are the ones who lose the sacrifice for their sins.

Just remember, God’s forgiveness is not contingent on your own (except that to others). God will forgive you, if you obey Him, whether you forgive yourself or not. Please seek the help I suggested that you may learn how to forgive yourself. Do this while keeping in mind that how you feel does not effect what God does. What matters is what you do and what He said He would do.

Toby, thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance to you in this matter. I pray that I have said enough to bridge your way into the proper help for your situation. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
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