I used to think I had an answer to this question. I used to think that guilty feelings about sin confirmed my salvation. But, now I'm not so sure. I know of people who don't believe in Christ but have the same feelings I do about sinful activities. How do you explain this? Is it a matter of degree? I mean, some may feel guilty but "get over it". It is very difficult for me to overcome guilt when I sin. Does that mean anything?
Are there other methods I can use to verify my salvation?
How Do You Know You Are Saved?
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Seraph
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Re: How Do You Know You Are Saved?
There really is no way to verify your salvation other than realize that the Bible says that all who have faith in Jesus will be saved. So if you have this, you should be good in terms of salvation.
In terms of simple works though, Christianity shouldn't be about guilt or shame, it should be about making actual change and being free from sin. Feeling guilty certainly isn't unique to Christianity, nor do I think it's a good thing overall even though it can be a good motivator to making changes. My pastor once said that motivation to change comes from the Holy Spirit, but feelings of shame come from the Devil, which I think is true.
In terms of simple works though, Christianity shouldn't be about guilt or shame, it should be about making actual change and being free from sin. Feeling guilty certainly isn't unique to Christianity, nor do I think it's a good thing overall even though it can be a good motivator to making changes. My pastor once said that motivation to change comes from the Holy Spirit, but feelings of shame come from the Devil, which I think is true.
I am committed to belief in God, as the most morally demanding, psychologically enriching, intellectually satisfying and imaginatively fruitful hypothesis about the ultimate nature of reality known to me - Keith Ward
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7777777
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Re: How Do You Know You Are Saved?
That's a good point. The more I think about it the more I realize I do not want to sin. This is true even at times when I don't feel guilty. I think I have a better answer to my question.Seraph wrote: ....
In terms of simple works though, Christianity shouldn't be about guilt or shame, it should be about making actual change and being free from sin.
...
If you have a desire to change your sinful ways, regardless of whether you feel guilt or not, can be evidence of your salvation.