Lost and Confused

[SCHISM]

So, I've read the entire Bible a couple of times and particular books within the Bible many many times. I've also read threads in the BDF where we argue about doctrine for 15-20 pages. I've also heard it spoken that many people think they are getting Jesus Christ but have received a false Christ from false denominations.

I don't know what is true. I do not have the truth in me. I want Jesus Christ to save me of my sins, but I don't know which Jesus Christ to follow. Catholic, OSAS, Protestant, Baptist, Messianic Jews, which is the true doctrine? Because it says that there is one true doctrine and because it says that all who believe in Jesus will be saved but because it says that not all who called him Lord will be known, I am utterly confused.

But imagine, if we study the verses and discover the truth by the will of God, and we find that all have been deceived, and that every man accuses his brother, and that none are righteous in the sight of God, then we condemn ourselves and everyone we know, and how do we love Him that will destroy all of our souls?

If you want to be saved, then you have to believe in Jesus Christ, and you have to forget just about everything He said because it will condemn you, but then you remember that if you don't keep his words then you hate Him. There is a paradox I think within the Bible, based on lies and deception, and it confuses the hell out of me, and at the same time scares the Jesus out of me.

That is where I'm at in my faith. Lost and Confused. But then again, Jesus said, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." So, when God judges me, and if He is gracious enough to allow me to speak in my own defense, I must say, "I believed in Jesus Christ, and I told others about Jesus Christ, but I had no idea what I was doing."

 

[Ahwatukee]

Morning Schism,

I don't know what is true. I do not have the truth in me. I want Jesus Christ to save me of my sins, but I don't know which Jesus Christ to follow. Catholic, OSAS, Protestant, Baptist, Messianic Jews, which is the true doctrine?

There is only One true Christ. How about starting and ending with the One who met the righteous requirements of the law on your behalf and who also paid the penalty for your sins? Why are you concerned about denominations, names and groups, for they cannot save you? Nor can the Church save you. Only by putting your trust in Christ as the One who provided salvation for you can you be saved. From there, as you continue in faith, you will be transformed into His image, which are the fruits of the Spirit, taking on the characteristics of God's nature.

I personally have never followed after teachers, nor have I been concerned about denominations. The best thing for you to do is study the word of God by itself. All other books just come from other peoples own studies. There are many false teachers and teachings in the world, of which was prophesied to be that way in these last days. Therefore, stick with the word of God, which alone is the source of all truth.

If you have believed in Jesus as the One who paid the penalty for your sins, then he has already saved you. The things that you are experiencing go to Him with in prayer. Confess your doubt and ask Him to reveal the truth of His word to you. Stop listening to those who are leading you astray and read the word of God for yourself, believing what it says. That, through the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, is the only way that you will be able to discern between what is the truth and what almost the truth.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."

If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to help you in anyway that I can and point you to the appropriate scriptures.

 

[Pemican]

I understand your predicament. I think everyone who believes in Christ sooner or later has this same problem. There are so many views out there about what the Bible says and means. I could answer your specific questions but then someone would come along and say I was all wrong and you should listen to what he says. That's the way it is on this website, lots of confusion.

My advice to you is that you find a solid, dedicated pastor, who's ministry focuses on the accurate teaching of the Word of God. Not on church programs and social activities, but on the Word. Someone who follows the mandate of Christ to "feed my sheep". I won't name names or tell you who my favorites are. You must find the one that's right for you. Make it a matter of prayer that God will lead you to such a pastor. The fact that you are openly asking these questions tells me you have started down the right path. Keep going, trust in the Lord. He is your best friend, though you may not fully understand that yet.

 

[Guest]

Hi,
The wisest thing to do it to take religion out of the equation because religion is of man not God. Follow the Bible - this should be your starting point and something you should always turn to, return to, study and cross-reference. The Gospels are FULL of Jesus' very own words and deeds - follow those and you will not go wrong. Remember to pray for understanding each time before reading the Bible - The Bible is the very word of God, doctrine is man-made and the Roman Catholic church has to be one (if not THE) denomination most immersed in man-made doctrine.

Remember that it should always be your aim to adhere to Old Testament teachings but you will fail - often because no one can be perfect hence the need for Jesus. Even when we fail to follow the word of God know that we are fully forgiven if we are in Christ, we are covered by His blood.