Once a Sheep Always a Sheep, or Salvation Deficit Disorder?

[fracturedInfinity]

Oh no, I hope I didn't start something here. :fear

Mods please remove the thread if you think this is a can of worms. Thanks.

I think it's a valid question and I'd like to hear what people have to say about it.

Personally, I've prayed asking for salvation more than once because at the time I'd have doubts.

After speaking to my pastor about my doubts, he told me that it was probably because I was not putting God in the place in my life that he should have. And indeed he was right. I was big into World of Warcraft, so much so that it had pretty much become my god. I think the doubting was God's way of slapping me around a bit and letting me know I needed to get my priorities straight.

I still have doubts from time to time, but I think that's natural. When they come, instead of asking God yet again for salvation, I remember his word and thank him for the salvation that I know he has given me (even though I might be doubting it at the moment) because he said so, and it's not up to me so long as I believe in him.

Also, I've noticed that when I slack off on my Bible reading is whenever the doubts start to gain a foothold again. There is no substitute for spending time daily in God's Word. :nod

[ihope]

Whenever I hear the prayer I can't help but pray along. I plan on saying/sharing it every Sunday when I'm teaching Sunday School! http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/202_animated_person_praying.gif (http://www.clipartof.com)

[Metania1]

Admittedly, I have prayed it more than once. Thats not to say that the first time was not enough or that it didn't mean anything. Usually, it is an issue of human insecurities. I think of it this way. When you meet someone new, you are not entirely clear whether they view you in the same manner. There are doubts because there is very little history behind the relationship or there is very little that is known about the one who saved you. The more you read and pray the more those insecurities go away.

[mbtcforJesus]

Yes, I have, but I've come to realize that I only needed to say it one time because 'He who began a good work in me will see it through to completion." IOW, when I look back at what kind of person I was when I first said the sinner's prayer and fast forward to how the Lord has changed me in all of those years. I see how I've become the clay in the Potter's hands. So, when I begin to have doubts about my salvation all I need to do is remind myself how much the Lord has done in my life and I realize that He is still at work in me. :)

[Tall Timbers]

My original sinners prayer was pretty rough around the edges, I was alone, without instruction, and simply going by what was in my heart. Didn't even know there was a "sinner's prayer". I've since led others in the prayer and I guess whenever I catch myself in sin I pray an already saved version of it as I believe we must continue to repent of new sins, even though we've been forgiven.

[KBKMNN]

I've said it several times since I was only 5 when I was saved (so my mom said) and then I believe I was in 6th grade at a camp when I rededicated my life. I rededicated my life another time, but I have still said the prayer, and I believe it a thousand percent! Our pastor makes me a bit uncomfortable in that he says that you should remember the day you accepted Christ, but it's a life changing decision. Since I don't remember a specific day, I don't know what to think when he says that at the end of his sermons. (we always have an altar call) I've grown alot as a Christian as I've gotten older and I do believe I am saved because I am so vehement in my belief as Jesus Christ dying on the cross and shedding His blood for all. He died for us all, but not all will accept Him, and His love, grace and mercy. I don't know why I have doubts, probably of the enemy because I believe I have been through alot of growth in the past year, growing closer to God and awaiting (impatiently I might add) for His return.

[FaithContender]

I said it a bunch of times when I was a kid, but my understanding at the time was that Jesus would come into my heart and help me be a good person so I could earn my way to heaven. I never understood the concept of Grace till I was presented with the gospel in high school. That's when I repented and trusted Christ as my Savior and made Him my Lord. I still repent and I still reaffirm my belief...but I wouldn't call that praying a "sinner's prayer" repeatedly...since technically I am now a saint:) Just my quick story:hat

[Ann Orms]

I've said it several times since I was only 5 when I was saved (so my mom said) and then I believe I was in 6th grade at a camp when I rededicated my life. I rededicated my life another time, but I have still said the prayer, and I believe it a thousand percent! Our pastor makes me a bit uncomfortable in that he says that you should remember the day you accepted Christ, but it's a life changing decision. Since I don't remember a specific day, I don't know what to think when he says that at the end of his sermons. (we always have an altar call) I've grown alot as a Christian as I've gotten older and I do believe I am saved because I am so vehement in my belief as Jesus Christ dying on the cross and shedding His blood for all. He died for us all, but not all will accept Him, and His love, grace and mercy. I don't know why I have doubts, probably of the enemy because I believe I have been through alot of growth in the past year, growing closer to God and awaiting (impatiently I might add) for His return.

:thumb i have done the same exact thing,,, my pastor also says the same thing as yours, i really wish he wouldn't do that, it makes me wonder about my salvation when he says you should be able to remember the date of it. It causes me to doubt wheather i'm saved or not. I know that i am tho. I love the Lord with all my heart and pray for His return every day, several times a day. :pray I can't wail for the rapture, and to see all my brothers and sisters in heaven.
see ya soon
ann

[manytears]

I have prayed and went forward more than once about my salvation. It is because I was always afraid of the preachers that would say are you sure? Do you believe in your heart or just your head? And I have set under preachers that say remember time/date. It is insecurities and knowing you haven't always lived like you should. I for awhile felt I needed to go forward every altar call. :lol2 I was always so afraid I didn't "get it".

I am not quite so insecure now. And I pray at itmes to bring back the joy of my salvation because there is one time I remember well. For a long time I remembered the date/time but have since forgotten it. But I believe it was in 1976. I was told to remember because when satan throws those insecurities at you then you can tell him "nope, on the day and this time I gave it all to Jesus".

My brother said the sinners prayer doesn't have to be said to be saved and I believe that. It is in the heart. If someone leaves their seat to go forward in an altar call and drops dead before they get to the altar to pray those words, are they saved? Yes...I beleive so, they made that decision when they decided to go forward. They made that decision in their heart already. They believed and God heard their heart's cry.

Just my opinion. :hat

[Candi]

Many people who are already saved but have backslidden will say the sinners prayer as an act of re-commitment...