How Assured are You ?? (of your salvation)

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Jan 17, 2023
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#61
just because someone preached the Logos word ---which is YOUR CLAIM --does not Mean they are a true Christian ------

He's dead, you understand that right? But ok, you detailed the thread. You have everyone's attention. Now, lead the thread from here. What do you want to talk about next? Everyone's looking at you, you got the attention you were seeking. I'll go find where the man's last living relative is and ask them if he was an atheist preacher for you and get back to you with the info. Until then, let's talk about you and what you want to talk about. I hereby rename this thread "What Student of the Word Thinks "! Now take the thread and share your wisdom. You wanted the spotlight, you got it. We'll all wait to see what you have to say next.
 
Aug 22, 2024
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#63
I heard a story last night that made me ask myself the question in the thread. It came out of nowhere. Hubby and I were watching a video about visiting the Titanic museum in TN.It is of interest to me because the disaster happened close to where I grew up and I've heard the story often. But at the very end of the video one of the folk that works there told this amazing story. I haven't really looked into it yet but it made me think deeply on this question of assurance.

Apparently there was a particular minister on the ship. He was heading to preach at Moody's church in America. When he realized the great ship was going down he began calling out " Women, children and the unsaved, get in the lifeboats"!! He passed a man without a life vest and asked him if he was saved. When the man said he wasn't, he gave him his life vest and said " I don't need this, I'm not going down, I'm going up!" The pastor grabbed something to hold on to and he floated past a man he shouted to him " Are you saved?!" the man said that he wasn't. The pastor said "Believe on Jesus!". Some time later the pastor passed the man again and shouted " Are you saved yet?!!" The man said no, that he didn't think he was. The pastor said " Believe on the Lord and you will be saved!!" That was the last time the man saw the preacher, but he said he did indeed become saved that night. What a testimony! What an assurance! The preacher still had souls on his mind up till his last breath. The question is, are you as assured of your own salvation?
I find this story beautiful but need to point out some important context. The minister in question was John Harper, and Although the broad strokes of this account match historical records, some details have likely been embellished over time (as often happens with dramatic historical events).

What's particularly interesting from a psychological perspective is how this story captures the phenomenon of "crisis faith" - where extreme circumstances can either strengthen or challenge one's religious convictions. Harper's reported behavior aligns with what we often see in deeply faithful individuals during disasters: their beliefs become a source of remarkable calm and purpose rather than panic.

The question about salvation assurance actually touches on a complex theological and psychological intersection. From our Catholic perspective, Although we believe in salvation through Christ, we typically view it as a ongoing journey rather than a single moment of absolute certainty. Harper's Protestant background likely informed his more definitive view of salvation assurance.

That said, his reported actions - focusing on others' spiritual welfare even in his final moments - demonstrate an admirable depth of conviction, regardless of one's theological framework.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,587
2,661
113
#64
I heard a story last night that made me ask myself the question in the thread. It came out of nowhere. Hubby and I were watching a video about visiting the Titanic museum in TN.It is of interest to me because the disaster happened close to where I grew up and I've heard the story often. But at the very end of the video one of the folk that works there told this amazing story. I haven't really looked into it yet but it made me think deeply on this question of assurance.

Apparently there was a particular minister on the ship. He was heading to preach at Moody's church in America. When he realized the great ship was going down he began calling out " Women, children and the unsaved, get in the lifeboats"!! He passed a man without a life vest and asked him if he was saved. When the man said he wasn't, he gave him his life vest and said " I don't need this, I'm not going down, I'm going up!" The pastor grabbed something to hold on to and he floated past a man he shouted to him " Are you saved?!" the man said that he wasn't. The pastor said "Believe on Jesus!". Some time later the pastor passed the man again and shouted " Are you saved yet?!!" The man said no, that he didn't think he was. The pastor said " Believe on the Lord and you will be saved!!" That was the last time the man saw the preacher, but he said he did indeed become saved that night. What a testimony! What an assurance! The preacher still had souls on his mind up till his last breath. The question is, are you as assured of your own salvation?
Great post and great story.

.
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
5,019
2,170
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#66
then what your Claiming cannot be proved ----

you detailed the thread
Now we play the Blame game -------I derailed the thread ?????????

NOW
View attachment 271812



[/QUOTE]


3njirn.jpg

We're all listening to you now. You wanted to take over the thread, so here you go. We're all focused on you now. So go wherever you want to go with it. Congrats, all eyes on you.


maxresdefault.jpg
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
5,019
2,170
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#67
I find this story beautiful but need to point out some important context. The minister in question was John Harper, and Although the broad strokes of this account match historical records, some details have likely been embellished over time (as often happens with dramatic historical events).

What's particularly interesting from a psychological perspective is how this story captures the phenomenon of "crisis faith" - where extreme circumstances can either strengthen or challenge one's religious convictions. Harper's reported behavior aligns with what we often see in deeply faithful individuals during disasters: their beliefs become a source of remarkable calm and purpose rather than panic.

The question about salvation assurance actually touches on a complex theological and psychological intersection. From our Catholic perspective, Although we believe in salvation through Christ, we typically view it as a ongoing journey rather than a single moment of absolute certainty. Harper's Protestant background likely informed his more definitive view of salvation assurance.

That said, his reported actions - focusing on others' spiritual welfare even in his final moments - demonstrate an admirable depth of conviction, regardless of one's theological framework.
Yes, I think that he realized that many were not going to make it through the night and it was a matter of deep importance that he share the Gospel one last time. I believe God was faithful and His Word did not return void, as the man's testimony showed. Thanks for sharing.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,916
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#69
and I think all scripture says Believe IN Jesus ----not On Jesus --just saying
John 1:

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 6:

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 7:

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 9:

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

John 11:

48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

John 17:

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Acts 16:

31 And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 19:

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Romans 4:

24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Philippians 1:

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

1 Timothy 1:

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1 John 3:

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 5:

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.


"Just saying..." ;)
 

Pemican

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2014
960
247
43
#70
I heard a story last night that made me ask myself the question in the thread. It came out of nowhere. Hubby and I were watching a video about visiting the Titanic museum in TN.It is of interest to me because the disaster happened close to where I grew up and I've heard the story often. But at the very end of the video one of the folk that works there told this amazing story. I haven't really looked into it yet but it made me think deeply on this question of assurance.
I've had 100% assurance since the hour I first believed many years ago.

Gal 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Col_1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
 
Jan 17, 2023
5,019
2,170
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#71
John 1:

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 6:

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 7:

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 9:

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

John 11:

48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

John 17:

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Acts 16:

31 And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 19:

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Romans 4:

24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Philippians 1:

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

1 Timothy 1:

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1 John 3:

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 5:

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.


"Just saying..." ;)

I'd say that settles it. :)
 
Jan 17, 2023
5,019
2,170
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#72
I've had 100% assurance since the hour I first believed many years ago.

Gal 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Col_1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.


Amen! Thank you for sharing! Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,916
4,357
113
mywebsite.us
#73
So now your saying your all knowing like God and you know that he was saved ------well I doubt that ----you have no idea if this person was indwelled with the Holy Spirit or not ----anyone can say they know of God and can recite the Logos Word that means nothing -without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit they are Satan's child not God's -----
Let's see...

1) I have no idea if you are indwelled with the Holy Spirit or not. :unsure:

Should I rant-and-rail about it for the next two or three pages?

Should I warn folks that you might be a wolf in sheep's clothing?

What would it accomplish except to make you angry or frustrated?

2) You need to learn how to "read" the intention in someone's statement and accept it at face value for the sake of the conversation.

The way I see it, the only [actual] "claim" that @ThereRoseaLamb has made is that she believes - probably based on her understanding of the story and the related history - that the preacher was born-again and preaching the gospel to folks as the ship sank.

None of us - including you - can say that we know with any absolute certainty what the preacher's "salvation status" was; however, what each of us can do is "judge for ourselves" whatever we think based on the available information. And, I will recommend that we not judge each other on what we think about it - it is not unreasonable to allow others their own opinion. I suggest that it is unwise to argue with someone over something that neither of you can possibly get any closer to the absolute truth of the matter in this life...

3) You are trying to make a point which - in the right context - would be okay; however, you are doing it for the wrong reason - no one here (other than you) is conducting themselves in a kind of conversation that would offer the proper context that would make it more legitimate.

It is usually better to be polite first and then offer some scriptural insight if it is warranted.

Have a conversation and not an argument. :)
 
Jan 17, 2023
5,019
2,170
113
#74
Let's see...

1) I have no idea if you are indwelled with the Holy Spirit or not. :unsure:

Should I rant-and-rail about it for the next two or three pages?

Should I warn folks that you might be a wolf in sheep's clothing?

What would it accomplish except to make you angry or frustrated?

2) You need to learn how to "read" the intention in someone's statement and accept it at face value for the sake of the conversation.

The way I see it, the only [actual] "claim" that @ThereRoseaLamb has made is that she believes - probably based on her understanding of the story and the related history - that the preacher was born-again and preaching the gospel to folks as the ship sank.

None of us - including you - can say that we know with any absolute certainty what the preacher's "salvation status" was; however, what each of us can do is "judge for ourselves" whatever we think based on the available information. And, I will recommend that we not judge each other on what we think about it - it is not unreasonable to allow others their own opinion. I suggest that it is unwise to argue with someone over something that neither of you can possibly get any closer to the absolute truth of the matter in this life...

3) You are trying to make a point which - in the right context - would be okay; however, you are doing it for the wrong reason - no one here (other than you) is conducting themselves in a kind of conversation that would offer the proper context that would make it more legitimate.

It is usually better to be polite first and then offer some scriptural insight if it is warranted.

Have a conversation and not an argument. :)

Thank you brother for the insight. I guess I should have skipped the Titanic Story and asked people if they were assured of their salvation. I just felt the story was poignant and worth a share. I didn't think I'd be called to be a witness at an event that happened before I was born.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,916
4,357
113
mywebsite.us
#75
Thank you brother for the insight. I guess I should have skipped the Titanic Story and asked people if they were assured of their salvation. I just felt the story was poignant and worth a share. I didn't think I'd be called to be a witness at an event that happened before I was born.
I don't think there was anything wrong with the story - or you telling it - and, I am pretty sure I understood it in the context that you intended... :D

:)

:coffee:
 

lrs68

Active member
Dec 30, 2024
162
63
28
#76
I was born to a family already that had parents who were born again and filled with the Holy Spirit and part of a Church congregation. So the chances were better than average that I would end up saved myself. But just in case I did flip on it using a coin that had the same image on both sides. So I kind of knew calling heads would be in my favor (y)