I started attending church a few months ago and want to become a Christian. But I’m afraid that God won’t accept me. I’ve done some really bad stuff, not just the usual things. My Christian friends tell me He will accept anybody but I’m not sure about me. Also, what if I can’t live up to His expectations for me? I don’t think I’d make a very good Christian. Do you know if he would accept me and what would happen if I do mess up?
First, I would like to congratulate you on your willingness to accept Christ’s invitation to obey and follow Him. As for your previous sins, do not worry about them. It’s important for you to know, and for all of us to remember, that God does not judge sin the way we do. We often categorize sins into “bad” ones and “not so bad” ones, but in God’s eyes, all sin is the same—it’s sin. It’s disobedience to Him. When Jesus died and was raised again, He did it for everyone’s sin, not just the “not so bad” ones. Otherwise, there would be no reason for Him to have come to earth and die. Jesus died so that all should come to repentance, no matter the sin (Col. 1:14, 2 Pet 3:9). The magnitude of your sin does not matter if you truly repent. According to Luke 15:7, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (NKJV). Romans 6:4 tells us that, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (NKJV). This newness is due to the Holy Spirit Who lives in us after our repentance of our old self and our sin (Acts 2:38).
Everyone sins after becoming a Christian; it’s inevitable because we are human. When Jesus died, it was for the forgiveness of all sin for all time. God has promised to forgive those who come to Him with a repentant heart. If we are trying to not sin based on our own strength, then we will always fail. We need to accept His gift for salvation, strive to think on pure things (Phil 4:8), refrain from placing ourselves in tempting situations, and be prayerful that God will help us in the midst of temptation.
We cannot know God unless we know His word, so we should study and pray diligently (2 Tim. 2:25; I Thess. 5:17). Surround yourself with Christians who will encourage your walk with God and help to minimize temptation. You will find surprising strength in godly, Christian friends. No one is unworthy of God’s love. Remember this month’s key scripture, “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” We are all made in His image (Gen 1:27) and are applicable for His grace.
– Rachel Conley
If you have a question you’d like Rachel’s advice about, please let us know!
Rachel, this is a very good article. We also must remember that even though we can be forgiven of our sins, we sometimes must deal with the consequences of our sin. For example, if someone kills a person, they can truly repent and be forgiven by God, but they are still going to have to pay the consequences of serving their time in prison for that murder.
If we have sex before we get married and get pregnant, we have to remember that the pregnancy is NOT the sin, but rather fornication is the sin and we will have to face the consequences. Those consequences are that we will being raising a child, perhaps without a father and everything else that goes along with it.
If we have an abortion, we can be forgiven but we will forever suffer the consequences of the guilt associated by our sin. (as one author wrote about)
Repentance does not mean that the consequences of our sins go away, but instead that we can be one with God and if we continue to live our lives the way that God instructs us to live, we are forgiven and have the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven.
I feel the same way. When I die and go to the gates of heaven will he accept me? Or will hr send me to hell for eternity? I have done bad things… but iI need help. E mail me for help please, bbunyluver@yahoo.com
***Davonne Here***
Billi, I just saw your comment a few moments ago and I e-mailed a response to you. I am so sorry that I did not see your comment and therefore did not respond sooner!
Okay, I am a thirteen year old girl. This article has brought a smile among my face. Lately I have been dealing with what my parent’s call ‘strengthening my faith’. Right now, I’m in a doubtful stage with my faith, I am starting to say very odd things about God, and as soon as that happens, I literally break down into tears. Yes, very odd, but I need and /want/ to speak my mind. Because I want to go to the glory gates of Heaven, and to see my grandfather. At what coasts, no one shall mistake my turns, and sins. I would just like for you advice, and or help for what I should do about these ‘Devil’s works’. Whenever I read, or talk about God, these thoughts vanish, literally. And I use to go to church a lot when I was about 11 and 12. I will do anything to be in those gates with him, and stand by his side with my family. I get so scared, that on my iPhone, I made a playlist of songs that are Christian rock bands, and the playlist’s name is ‘God Love’s Me’ It makes me calm, thank you for reading this. If you would send me some advice, I would be very thankful. God bless you, all!
allena_edmonds@yahoo.com
We have, all of us, sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But God sent down His son to be born, raised, witness and die for all sins. All sins. Yours, mine…all. Believe this can be and ask forgiveness (you can be by yourself, in church, with anyone…it is of no account) and God the Father, by virtue of the death of his Son and His grace, will grant you entrance into His kingdom. No if’s, and’s or but’s. Easy.
I have really been struggling with the fear of Jesus Christ because of the bad I have done. Can you email me to help me through this?
Im 18. I just started college this year, and I have been having major doubts in my faith. After reading some parts of revaluations I am scared. I have sinned alot and i dont want God to hate me for my doubt or because I keep messing up. I feel lost but I know I love him and my goal is to reside in heaven alongside him. It makes me want to cry because I wish I could actually have a conversation with God, like if he could talk back to me to make me feel secure. I am young and Ive made stupid decisions when it comes to lust and love. I want a family that I can raise up in church grow old with a good husband and have my heart prepared for christ. I really hope he knows what im feeling. I worry alot, in the mean time im trying to do everything the way he would have. I love you Jesus
I’ve been a christian for a while and the experience has been so awesome. Two years back, I fell into pornography and masturbation and later to smoking and drinking. I wish to still come back but I lack the inner strength and mobilisation as I keep failing and falling over and over again. How do I come back to God? Will HE still accept me?