Message from Pastor Leo

December 01, 2008

I've received a number of emails lately, asking an important question:  "How do I know if I'm saved or not?  I still sin.  So I'm worried that I'm not really saved."  Well, if you’re asking that question, keep reading – I’ve got good news for you.

First, let me say that you’re not alone.  All Christians struggle with sin.  The sin nature is “standard equipment” in the human body.   When you become a believer, the sin nature doesn’t go away.   It no longer has power to control you, but it still has a strong voice in your thought processes.   You will struggle with it until you leave this body of flesh.  But, there is good news.

Just because you sin, because you occasionally rebel or have an angry or inappropriate thought, doesn’t mean you’re not saved.   It only demonstrates what God knew all along – you’re a sinner.  The confusion often comes from verses like “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.   He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.”1 John 3:6,8

John is talking about a blatant, habitual, continual lifestyle of sin, not the occasional slip.   But once Satan plants that little bit of doubt in your mind, he adds to it, “A Christian wouldn’t have done that.   How can you even think you’re a Christian?   You’re not worthy.”  So you get depressed and down on yourself.  Your focus slips off Jesus, and soon it’s all about you.

But, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

When you were saved, a new nature was planted inside you.  “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9  You have God’s seed planted in you.  And as the seed grows within you and you become more like Him, your convictions grow too.   The same old sinful acts that used to light your fire will now be disgusting and ugly to you.   The new nature displaces the old nature.

God has already done the work in you.  Now your job is to grow.

Read your Bible.  Read your Bible every day, and drink in as much of Jesus as you can.  Jesus will displace the urges and temptations.   When you spend time with Jesus, you’ll desire to sin less and be tempted less often.

So confess your sin and thank God for His forgiveness.  Don’t let Satan tie you up in guilt and depression.  Don’t fight your flesh.  Feed your Spirit.  Read your Bible.   Read it every day and draw closer to Jesus.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti