salvation (pt. 2)
She was new to the group and struggling with depression, feelings of not being good enough. She knew in her head that God loved her, but she was fearful about the future. She was supposed to be baptized in a few weeks, but she was unsure if she should go through with it. She needed clarity, answers, a sense of peace and assurance in her heart. Finally, she asked us, “What’s going on? Why am I struggling with all of this stuff?”
I felt led to ask her about her salvation experience, so I said something to the effect of, “Describe the moment you encountered God personally and felt the presence of Jesus in your life.” She blinked twice and just sat there for a second. “Well,” she started, “I’ve always known God loves me, and I’ve tried to be a good person. I believe in God and I pray.”
“Tell me about your relationship with Jesus. Give me some specifics about how you’ve experienced him.”
She couldn’t. I realized she was confused about her own salvation. You see, God is a God of specificity and detail. Just look at nature or the Bible. Everything God does is full of exquisite detail. He’s no different in his relationship with us. When he reveals himself, it’s not vague or general.
I didn’t tell her she wasn’t saved. Honestly, I didn’t know where she was at, except that she needed to hear the gospel again. So we started in Romans 6-8 and I shared a very basic gospel message. What it means to know Christ, to be baptized with him in his death and united with him in his resurrection. About sin and grace and the cross. When I finished 10 minutes later, she sat back and said, “I’ve never heard that before. It’s so clear.”
The group prayed for her at that point and God began to melt away fear and insecurity in her heart. She cried and cried as different group members prayed and encouraged her. Months later this woman left town and moved back home. But before she moved, she was filled with joy. She was a completely different person.
I’ve seen this over and over, and I truly believe the church needs to hear the gospel as much as the world does. If we don’t know what we have in Christ, how will the world have a clue? If there’s not a clear sound on the trumpet, how will the army know it’s time to line up for battle?
Katy and I are walking through this foundational truth with a small group in our home. Last week I wrote them a letter to encourage them in their salvation. I’ve posted a link to this letter below. Perhaps it will encourage you or be helpful to someone you know who is struggling in their faith.
