The Way Of Return

Q

When a person who has been leading a dissolute drug filled life absolutely can’t remember their young life when they attended church and had a possible salvation and baptism experience; what type of commitment would you advise them to follow to be certain of their salvation?

A

I would recommend taking the same steps an unbeliever would take. Confess to the Lord that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior and you believe His death paid the penalty for all your sins. Ask Him to forgive you and be your Savior. In Matt. 7:7-8 Jesus promised that all who ask will receive.

Then get out your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in reading and comprehending it. The Holy Spirit comes to us the moment we believe (Ephes. 1:13-14) and one of His jobs is to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

I recommend beginning with the Gospel of John. Take your time, praying as you go for help in understanding verses that aren’t immediately clear. Don’t automatically accept any other person’s opinion about what the Bible says until you’ve done your own study and prayer to confirm that it’s correct (Acts 17:11).

You are to be commended for turning your life around and seeking the Lord’s forgiveness. Jesus said, “I tell you there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need to repent” (Luke 15:7).