3:16 and a Question

[NoelleR]

I saw Max Lucado's new book: 3:16 mentioned in another thread, and I wanted to pose a question here (with my understanding, which may or may not be 'right' - but I believe it may be 'right' for me).

On page 129, after a sample, brief prayer, Max writes....: "...If you aren't sure you've told him, you haven't..."

When I read this, I had to put the book down.....to my understanding I was seeing that if I question my 'invitation' to God/Jesus/Christ to enter my life, then that means that I didn't do it.....

For me, these 'doubts'/'questions' are from the enemy....trying to make me believe that nothing happened when I asked.....and I'm reminded of these verses.....:

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not...

Mar 11:23 ...whosoever...shall not doubt in his heart...

Mar 9:24 ... the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"...


Yes, I believe, but I may doubt, but only in my head....and it's doubting in my heart which truly counts (and in my heart, I KNOW.....and God helps me with my unbelief/my doubts....my doubts are from the enemy, and greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world (the enemy)

Any thoughts y'all....?


NoelleR

[sugarssweetpea]

I believe he is talking about if you truely do not know if you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Not the doubts that we all have wondering the what if's. If you do not repent from your behavior or are not rightfully convicted by the Holy Spirit when you do sin. He also says if we keep it a secret. We all have struggles when we are new believers in a lot of the areas, but we also grow over time. I think he is talking about if you accepted Jesus a long time ago & nothing has happened since. Your life here on earth has not changed at all. Not even a little bit. That is just my opinion.

[cmc]

I would think what he refers to is somebody who cannot actually recall making the commitment. I remember every detail of the experience- except for the month or date. I was twelve years old, it was Fall.

Similarly, what Max shared might apply to someone who was very young when they accepted Christ and has no memory of it, or perhaps somebody who just thought that being saved was a good idea and only 'agreed' in their mind or with somebody who was praying for them. I'm sure alot of people go to the altar because they feel pressured by others to do so.
Some people have faith is based on intellect only.
God knows what is in the heart, mind and spirit.

[sugarssweetpea]

Thanks cmc. You said it a lot better than I did.

[trooper913]

I myself would cunsult what the bible says and study what it means. I would also study the background of this Max Lucado guy. All that is required is faith alone in Christ alone. Acknowledge that Christ is lord. We as imperfect beings cannot imake a "perfect" Christ, OUR lord. He is Lord. Do you believe that is what you need to ask yourself..

Hope it helps.

T