"I Don't Know if I'm Saved; There's this Certain Sin." (WHI)

"Lane, I don't know if I'm saved. There's this sin that I do habitually. I don't really want to do it, but I keep doing it. What's wrong with me? I mean I hate offending God like I do, but I keep doing it. I don't know if I'm a Christian!"

I get this email often from different people in so many words. The basic concern is that they believe that they aren't regenerate Christians because there is sin in their life that they just can't seem to get over. They are remorseful over the fact that they have sinned against God and insulted Him. This, however, proves that they are regenerate because an unbeliever does not have any concern about their sin against God much less admit that they have it! Take this verse:

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(1Jn 1:8)

The obvious antithesis to that statement is that if we say that we do have sin, the truth is in us. For someone to acknowledge their sin is evidence that God is doing a work in their life. Note that the Bible doesn't say that we have to be perfect at the time of regeneration. Sanctification is a process, and, like any process, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. Perfection doesn't occur at conversion even though it's the standard Jesus set for us. (Matt. 5:48)

UPDATE: There's been some concern that this video and/or description allows for any and everyone who's been upset over their sin to say, "Hey, I'm saved." That isn't the intention of this video. A friend of mine emailed me with a question, and I think the brief conversation will shed some light on what this video sets forth.

Friend: Lane,

I understand to a point where regenerate folks care about their sin where unregenerate people do not. But in alot of ways that is not true. I know many unregenerate Catholics who are very broken over there sin and yet they are not saved. Any thoughts on that? Thanks.

Me: The question is, though, are they broken over it because it's an offense to a holy God or because it hinders something self-centered regarding themselves? For example, I know there are people who are really upset because they missed out on a professional sports career because they fornicated, got a girl pregnant, and had to leave that behind. Are they remorseful? Yes. Is it because of their sin? Yes. Are they remorseful because their sin is directed towards God and offensive toward Him? No. That's the issue of debate. Also, when we speak of people in different religions like RC or Mormonism, we have to be careful that we don't write them off because of what they profess to be or where they go every Sunday. Take the "seeker" movement for example. They go to church every Sunday, profess Christ and profess being Christians yet the majority of them are unrepentant, unbelieving hellians. However, it's a clear example of where there is a profession but not a belief in what one professes. I believe there are people who are in the RC church who are saved, but I don't believe that one can be saved believing RC doctrine. If they believe in RC doctrine, they are not saved. The only reason they would be saved is from believing what the Bible teaches, but, again, this is an example of a profession without believing what one professes. This video speaks to those who are broken over their sin because they've sinned against God and are brokenhearted BECAUSE they understand that they've offended him. It's not a blanket statement saying that everyone who's sorry about their sin is saved. There are different reasons for being sorry for it. Does that make it clearer?

Friend: Yes, much clearer! Thanks!


Here, the White Horse Inn discusses this issue.

http://www.whitehorseinn.org

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[carryyocross]

Lane could you post a link to download this please thanks in advance

[LaneCh]

Unfortunately, they don't offer it for download anymore. Sorry.

[gneisenau321]

I just subscribed!

[gneisenau321]

Thanks for this video! I really needed it.

[yellowmoonlaughter]

arnt mormons a cult, i know what mountain meadows is, satan was behind all of it!!!

[mrxai658]

DUMB FREEZER

[filoIII]

J.I. Packer is a catholic sympathizer.  Beware of these haters of God's free gift for all.

[123wexi]

Thanks much clearer

[PaleBlueVoice]

"There's a sin that I keep doing habitually", no, there's a natural habit that the church decided was a sin so they can keep you dependent.

[ybhbasc]

I tell you what, You guys are great, I CAN NOT stand christians that try and scare people and confuse them by saying a load of scary quotes ect giving people the wrong idea, You guys are brill

[catroarb]

I don't know why all these videos weight too much in my computer and make the video pause every 10 sec

[WorthDieing4]

repent of your sins.....1cor 6:9-10

[theflarpus]

The external gospel creates assurance we don't focus on something inward to create something inward it's something outward that creates inner assurance that we belong to Christ. We are all bent to turn even faith into a work; so true and it can be a tortuous endeavor to do so. Find peace my soul for it is not of yourself that you our saved nor is it of yourself that your salvation is maintained. So many years spent in quiet anguish as I could not live a life that I thought was expected of me.

[squidgetpj92]

first of all, i think the criticizing of lifting hands in worship was probably a joke and second of all, this helped a lot