Unsure and Scared

It’s a dirty little (often embarrassing) secret many Christians would prefer not to discuss (or even think about). By now you might be wondering what it is? The lack of eternal security (once saved; always saved) in regards to the salvation of one’s soul. It is a one-time gift given freely to every person by a loving Heavenly Father.

Many Christians (who appear solid in their Christianity) are often doubtful of whether they will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus and His angels, or with Satan and his demons in Hell. This insecurity is a lie from the Enemy that causes horrendous results in a person’s life. (Someone doubting their salvation is different from someone who has no knowledge of ever sincerely asking Jesus into their as heart as their personal Lord and Savior.)

A person who doubts their salvation is constantly returning mentally (or perhaps physically to a church) to once again ask God to save their sinful soul. (Emotionally, it’s quite exhausting. True rest is needed.) By this time, one may have even stopped believing that God the Father can keep them from falling in and out of His grasp salvation-wise (John 10:29). The Devil knows a Christian can’t be of much good to anyone if their salvation is wavering (and constantly being questioned by them).

Unfortunately, people that doubt their salvation tend to put a great deal of self-focus on what they can do to get to Heaven. (The focus should be on the God who can safely transport one into the heavenly realm of the after life). Preaching on the second coming of Christ (the rapture), an especially strong salvation invitation at the end of a service (altar call), or past or present sins can repeatedly put this person into a cycle of fear and condemnation.

John 3:16 describes in a nutshell what God wants a Christian with this horrible affliction to eventually experience in Him. The Father wants them to know they are worthy to receive the eternal (everlasting) life He offers (via the crucified Jesus) to them the first-time they sought salvation. God no longer wants His child to perish with all the nagging doubts that have plagued them for so long.

There is a solution to this challenge. The answer to this dilemma is surprisingly simple and profound at the same time. It involves positive self talk (I John 5:11-12). Verbally denounce Satan’s lies every time they enter your mind. Tell yourself your Heavenly Father does not want you to live a life of fear. With your whole heart, admit that you have done everything The Bible says one needs to do to go to Heaven. The rest is up to God. It’s all out of your hands (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your life can become easier, and the joy of your (certain) salvation will eventually return.