What should a Christian do when they want to be saved and are having doubts?

In moments of doubt and the yearning for salvation, it is essential to remember the words of the Lord and the path He has set for us through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV). Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection.

When doubts arise, it is a call to deepen one’s relationship with God, to seek Him in prayer, and to immerse oneself in Scripture. Jesus Himself assures us in the Gospel of Matthew, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, ESV). This invitation to ask, seek, and knock is a promise that God is near to those who earnestly seek Him, even in moments of doubt.

Engaging with a community of believers can also provide support and guidance. As it is written, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16, ESV). Sharing one’s struggles and doubts within a trusted community can help in bearing one another’s burdens and encouraging each other in faith.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that faith is not the absence of doubt, but trust in God even when we do not fully understand. The father of the child with an unclean spirit expressed this beautifully when he said to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, ESV). This honest plea reflects the heart of a believer seeking the strength to overcome doubt through the power of Jesus Christ.

In seeking salvation and grappling with doubts, turning to God in prayer, immersing oneself in Scripture, engaging with a community of believers, and remembering the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ are steps towards reassurance and a deeper faith.

A prayer in times of doubt and seeking salvation can be simple yet profound, drawing from the sincerity of one’s heart and the truths found in Scripture. Here is a prayer inspired by biblical principles:

Heavenly Father,

In humility, I come before You, seeking Your presence in the midst of my doubts and fears. Your Word tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). I cling to this truth, asking for the faith to believe in the depths of Your grace and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, I confess that at times, my faith wavers and I am filled with questions and uncertainties. Just as the father of the boy cried out to Jesus, I too say, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Strengthen my faith, Lord, and guide me through the Holy Spirit to understand the depth of Your love and salvation.

I ask for wisdom and discernment as I read Your Word, that it may light my path and reassure my heart. Grant me the courage to share my struggles with others in the body of Christ, that I may not walk alone but be uplifted by the prayers and support of my brothers and sisters in faith.

Remind me of Your promises and Your faithfulness. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. May I rest in the assurance of Your salvation, not because of anything I have done, but because of Your mercy and grace.

Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your unfailing love and commit my journey of faith into Your hands, knowing You are with me always.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray,
Amen.

This prayer incorporates elements of confession, faith, request for support, and trust in God’s promises. Feel free to adjust the prayer to reflect your personal journey and the specific doubts or concerns you are facing. Remember, the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

Struggles with sin, such as lust, can indeed weigh heavily on one’s heart, leading to feelings of separation from God’s salvation. However, it’s important to remember the fundamental truth of the Gospel: salvation is not based on our ability to live sin-free lives, but on our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our sins.

The Apostle Paul addresses the struggle with sin in Romans, acknowledging, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19, NIV). This honest admission underscores the universal human struggle with sin. Yet, Paul doesn’t end there; he points us to the solution in Jesus Christ: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25, NIV).

Moreover, 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This verse is a profound promise of God’s forgiveness and cleansing power for those who confess their sins and turn to Him.

In dealing with sin like lust, it’s crucial to approach God with a repentant heart, seeking His forgiveness and strength to overcome the temptation. Prayer, reading Scripture, and engaging in accountability within a Christian community can be powerful tools in battling sin. The Book of James offers practical advice: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NIV).

Remember, your salvation is secure in Christ Jesus, not because you are without sin, but because you are forgiven through His sacrifice. As Romans 8:1 assures us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is the cornerstone of our hope and faith as believers.

It’s also helpful to remember that sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ, is a lifelong journey. Experiencing setbacks or struggles doesn’t mean you are not saved; rather, it’s part of the human experience in a fallen world, and an opportunity to rely even more on God’s grace and power.

Whenever you feel overcome by sin, turn to God in prayer, confessing your sins and asking for His help to overcome them. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and encourage you. And always hold onto the promise of God’s unfailing love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.