How can I know if my repentance is genuine?

[Mayer200]

I thought according to the Lord Jesus Christ, blasphemy against the holy spirit is the one unpardonable sin.

[JuzziBurnsRed]

@Mayer200

Yes it is, but the quesion is: What exactly is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? See this sermon by John Piper. I think it's quite spot-on: desiringgodDOTorg/resource-lib­rary/sermons/beyond-forgivenes­s-blasphemy-against-the-spirit

[saintoccasionally]

@Mayer200 In context I believe the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is hardened, unrepentant, unbelief. The implication in the text is that the religious authorities of the day knew who Christ was and were so determined in their unbelief that they said he was actually operating by the power of Satan. It wasn't those exact words that constituted an unpardonable sin. It was the attitude of fixed unbelief.

[drjsp2b]

I love this video... thank you for posting it.

[BritneyAddicted4EVA]

I don't know if it's the devil or me but sometimes I feel like I have no right to look to Christ. My mind reminds me of my sin so often, and not only what I did but it simulates possible scenarios in my mind in which I act horribly and it makes me feel like I did something that I didn't do. :,(

Each time my confidence goes up and high something happens that is like meant to prove me wrong. I wish life was easier.

I wish my heart wasn't indifferent so often. :(

[chromeninjar3d]

How can you reject such full and free salvation? forgive yourselves. accept god's forgivness and blot out your doubts. You mind will drive you crazy. Remember that it is hard to forget. and don't forget that it's not hard to remember. therefore your mind will always try to bring up old things and old feelings to condemn you. but if God has moved on, who are we to hold ourselves back? join the free ride. it's simply that. repent with a pure and contrite heart. Be blessed.

[BritneyAddicted4EVA]

@chromeninjar3d Easy to say. I do believe that I'm saved and that God forgave all my sins and there is some evidence in my life that He is working on me but lately I've been listening to sermons where pastor Piper warns about people who don't take sanctification seriously. It scared me to hell. It might sound easy to accept but I've heard so much warnings lately that yesterday it made me ask myself if I even have the right to say I'm saved. Some doctrines are hard. but I trust Jesus to keep me.

[JuzziBurnsRed]

@BritneyAddicted4EVA

It is possible to lose assurance of salvation temporarily. Been there, done that. I won't say that you're saved or you're not saved, because I don't know you.

But I can recommend two helpful articles regarding the issue. One is by John MacArthur: gtyDOTorg/Resources/Articles/2­183 The second one is by J.C. Ryle: biblebbDOTcom/files/ryle/assur­ance.htm

Replace the "DOT" by a dot. God bless!

[BritneyAddicted4EVA]

@JuzziBurnsRed Thanks. My previous struggle was mostly related to something God wanted me to put out of my life, and I was quite stubborn before I actually did it. It's video games. And I'm feeling much more free without them now. :)

Yea, I guess it's possible but I've got lots to learn about Christ. He is a friend and God Almighty. Savior and Lord.

Blessings!

[chromeninjar3d]

But i have returned with Good news. God is the forgiver, not ourselves. We must forgive ourselves. But the holy spirit can override our negative yokes we put on ourselves to not accept forgiveness. Let us think. Why not accept jesus' forgiveness and just believe that you are forgiven? It is not by works why we are saved, there's nothing we can do on our behalf to assure us in heaven, but only by jesus. So just humble yourselves and accept forgiveness. Do not reject God's existence and deny him.

[chromeninjar3d]

sometimes i also get angry with god and tell him to write in bold on a wall in some supernatural sign-and-wonder to assure my forgiveness or to assure me of his instruction or prodding because I am at war with my own mind and sometimes fight back or refuse to believe anything because of those "peeling back of the onions" -_-. i feel as if I am a wreck sometimes - an upright, holy, sincerely wrong, hell-bound, wreck that God is waiting to expose and laugh at on judgment day. Help please. thanks.

[chromeninjar3d]

what about ignoring your wisdom so you can sin just for one time. sometimes i get fed up and curse my knowledge because i feel caged in. I also feel that i know too much to make progress because there's too much to progress. sometimes i hate how unstable my "wise mind" is. i get angry and argue with god over stupid things like "games" because I see "games" as way more than "games" i see them as a second world to live in, and if i suffer, then i feel as if God is bullying me to make me angry...

[B2kcookies]

look @ Christ & magnify Him, and the problem will minimize !

amen amen!

[desasterz]

No, the unpardonable sin is a sin that is talked about in the same phraze as "if you deny me beffore men." which is what Peter did. And he was reconciled back to Christ. And there is an account of people in Acts who resist the Holly Spirit.

[ryheck82]

Ok, but that still your words "The answer isn't as complicated as he makes it..." Again, it isnt a yes or no answer. Pastor Piper is trying to teach.

[ConfederatePatriot]

The answer isn't as complicated as he makes it...

If you don't do what you know is right, you have to repent.

To know you are really sorry for it, ask yourself "If you had it to do over would you have done what was right this time"

If so, you would go to heaven if you died right then.

[ryheck82]

@ConfederatePatriot This is your opinion... I challenge you to give Biblical context outlining everything you just said. Mr. Piper is attempting to reach the proper answer in a way that people understand and can then teach to others. He isn't just giving a "yes or no" answer...

[ConfederatePatriot]

@ryheck82 “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.”- Hebrews 12:14

“Repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”- Ezekiel 18:30

“He who commits sin is of the devil." - 1 John 3:8

“But if the righteous turns away from his righteousness & commits iniquity, in his sin shall he die.”- Ezekiel 18:24

“Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father in heaven.”- Matthew 7:21

[shortyj74]

First the question must be asked- What is the “unpardonable sin”? This is found in Mark 3 and Matthew 12. It is referring to the scribes saying that Jesus is from Satan. Since the Holy Spirit draws us to the truth that Jesus is God it is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit to say anything but that Jesus is God. There is no forgiveness for permanently rejecting Christ {John 3:18}Anyone who seeks Jesus forgiveness has not committed the unpardonable sin.

[ImputedObedience]

Stop looking at your own works and look for once at the perfect work of the Lamb.

[hisfreewill]

@ImputedObedience ; Jolly good show! This clip made me very nauseated; I'm reaching for some Tums now.

[ImputedObedience]

Piper is asked "How can I know if my repentance is genuine? Or if it is my wicked heart falsely assuring me?" Ohhhh. So humble. So sincere. Nah. More like saturated with self-righteousness and disdain for the work of Christ. The person asking this question acts like Christ's work was not enough. It's THEIR repentance that they are concerned with. They fail to understand that Jesus finished it on the cross. Salvation does not depend on him willing or running or repenting. It is God showing mercy.

[wawabbit]

One of the main reasons Christians will doubt their spiritual salvation, is because they are taught wrong from the pulpit, on just what the Bible says about salvation of the spirit; salvation of the soul; and salvation of the body. You CAN have assurance that you are saved spiritually - the Bible tells us this. What is actually up-in-the-air, so to speak, are the portions of the Scriptures which discuss "salvation of the soul." Mr. Piper does NOT answer this question with anything biblical.

[whiteclaudia9]

I really struggle with this one. It seems that every single day I struggle with it. Am I doing something wrong? Do i truly love Christ? I always ask myself these questions. It's hard to admit, but I doubt on a daily basis. I remember, one day, in horror I asked myself: Am I truly doubting myself? Or am I doubting Jesus' power to save? I recoiled and got very scared. I was so confused then and I continue to be confused. I need only look to Christ. I know that....Only Christ.

[ben89422]

@whiteclaudia9 Wow, looks like I am going through the exact same thing as you. Every thing you said in this comment I have been going through, and it is hard. But I'll pray that God will bring me and you through this.

God bless sister.

[whiteclaudia9]

@ben89422  Thank you for the reply. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through the same thing. I'm still having a very hard time with my faith. I'm in kind of a dark spot in my life with God. I don't want to say that I'm giving up, but maybe that's what's really happening. I just don't know if I can be sure of anything anymore. Thank you so much for your prayers.

[RozyczkaProAna18]

but how do i know if He died for me?

[mariuspieter]

@RozyczkaProAna18 Because Jesus said he did. plain and simple.

[RozyczkaProAna18]

@mariuspieter that's if He died for everybody. Did He?

[xTHExELEVENTHxHOURx]

@RozyczkaProAna18

He died for His sheep. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

[MnSPictures]

@RozyczkaProAna18 For god so loved the world that he gave his only beggotten son that WHOSOEVER believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. WHOSOEVER believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

[99bleeder]

i understand this now this is my story i hit someone and ran because it cared me in a car it was a hit and run and the cops found me and arrested me they told me the person maybe was dead and that i would go to prison for a long time this is the cops saying that it was not my fault the person ran out in front of me and it scared me so when they had me in hand cuffs i blurted out only god knows the truth and he knows i meant no harm i was sober and going the speed limit ITS A REFLEX!!!!

[hoods225]

Heres a question:what if when you think of your past sins and for some reason, even though you know their against God and you don't want to do them anymore, you think "im not sorry for doing them"..have you truly repented?

[Bearkiller777]

thanks so much for this video this has greatly helped with my assurance which i don't try to trust my emotions anymore instead trust in Christ and looking to the Cross! God Bless!

[TheWoodsofJordan]

How do you know if you aren't at the point already? I ask for repentance whenever I commit a sin, but sometimes it seems as though no repentance is found. Any help?

[WITNESSMINISTRIES]

(Part 1) The UNPARDINABLE SIN is rejecting and refusing to (believe) and accept Jesus Christ as your savior unto death. The UNPARDINABLE SIN is the sin against the holy spirit who convicts you of sin and leads you to accept and receive salvation through belief in Jesus Christ atoning death (ALONE) as payment for ones sins thus allowing Jesus Christ (God incarnate) to save you from the WRATH of his own justice as God.

[WITNESSMINISTRIES]

(Part 2) receiving salvation is the act of obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the fathers will. Christ will take VENGENCE on all those who have NOT obeyed the Gospel when he returns as the just judge. We need Christ righteousness NOT our own self righteousness. We MUST obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ to receive Christs righteousness. People PARISH because of UNBELIEF. All sin is forgiven for those who BELIEVE.

[VanRiper101]

@WITNESSMINISTRIES Believe is a risky word to use in the secular world however, because the Bible says belief alone is not enough. It says even the demons BELIEVE in God, they know He exists. The only way to be saved is through REPENTANCE(Turning from your sins) and TRUSTING IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE. If you do those two things whole heartedly, then you can know you are saved.

[stephjh2006]

@VanRiper101 I agree, however you have to be carefull with the wording. "Whole heartsedly" repent can lead to a view that if I repent enough. This is a danger as our salvation is not based on the magnitude of our repentance but on the magnitude of the one our faith is based on, Christ Jesus. It is because He is great and awsome, not because our repentance is great and awsome. True faith brings the Spirit of Christ to live within which results in the regeneration, not regeneration then faith.

[VanRiper101]

@stephjh2006 Yes. Agreed. There is nothing we can do by ourselves to be saved. The only one who can save us is Jesus. Period. Our action is more like an invitation. =P

[sungmee45]

Spiritual food is more precious, then any other food. Thank you Lord Jesus for allow us to see and embrace the precious cross, which you have died for us. Christ said, he alone has removed our sin as far as to east to the west, Father alone thru Christ has removed for us. May His Glory so shine in the darkness of this world. Amen!...Thank you brother John Piper...Alots of love comes your way brother....

[dugw15]

I've recently been in an ever-deepening mode of doubting my faith and my salvation and my knowing God. Some sources have made me think more that I AM saved. This one does the opposite. If John Piper's words are correct in this video, I fear that I am apart from God, pretending to believe what I cognitively acknowledge is true, saying the right things and doing the right things (at least publicly), but lacking a real belief.

What now?

[sixinchvoice]

as one who knows EXACTLY what your going through, i know it's a frightening thing and worrisome, but if you find the possibility of being separated from Christ as horrible then rejoice! i know, it's strange, but if you think about the people whom Jesus "never knew" in mattew, they were manifestly "assured", almost cocky in their deeds up until their judgment. all this is to say that genuine believers, when testing one's self in the word and prayer, should feel worried about this possibility

[sixinchvoice]

of never being with the most lovely, glorious being ever: spiritually dead people-or those whom God is not drawing to himself-don't feel this genuinely. you are not alone in your struggle. keep looking to Christ. pray for clarity and realize that saving faith is enduring faith which looks to Christ daily. but ultimately it's something only God can do in you. i will be praying over you. grace be with you.

[DigitalCodex]

You should watch a sermon by Paul Washer entitled "The Shocking Youth Message". It might help.

[ImperialLord1]

@dugw15 I'd advise reading scripture, prayer and talking with believers. Piper's book "When I don't desire God" has been excellent for me when I struggle with this.

[celliwitaukelele]

@dugw15 I am struggling with this myself. One day, I say that I'm going to trust that the Lord has me and will always have me no matter what. But then the next day, I read in the Bible about people in the last days deceiving themselves and am scared it is me lying to myself.

[ben89422]

@celliwitaukelele I hear ya brother, I'm going through this. I can identify exactly with you, I'll pray for you brother.

[sicstyl]

What a message... Wow.

[stoney490]

a self-forgetful "yes".  that's good!

[KingJamesVideoMan]

Speaking of Jonathan Edwards, Piper says: "He began to peel back the onion layers of my soul"

Wow. When did Jonathan Edwards get the power to delve into your soul and "peel it back"? What else can he do? Walk on water? Feed the five thousand? Praise be to Jonathan Edwards.

[waylifetruth]

Thanks Pastor Piper! Lots of spiritual meat as always!

[SeekHisKingdom]

I love this video!

Who are the people Pastor John is talking to at 3:15?

[vico100]

Church elders/ DG staff.

[randy95023]

John Piper is a great communicator and a greatly gifted man. All the Glory to God for people who can clearly spread the Good News!

-Thanks for posting all the great vids-

[lucasdasilvamaria]

\o/ >>>>>>>  +

YES!