How Can I Be Sure I'll Make It To Heaven?
Question: Hey, I’ve asked Jesus in my heart more times than I can count, but I always have the anxiety that I’m gonna go to hell. Even on days when I’m constantly praying and constantly reading my Bible, I feel like nothing is ever gonna be good enough, so I give up and let myself fall into a pit of sin. Once I finally get out of it, it all starts again. I’m horrified to die because I have genuinely asked Him in my heart so many times, but I feel like I’m falsely thinking I’m saved. It causes so many breakdowns and so many nights of anxiety because of the unknown. I need help in reassuring myself that I’m saved.
Response: I’m so glad that you took this step and reached out for help. Anxiety is so real, and can be so debilitating if not kept in check. I want you to know that you are not alone in struggling with these thoughts. Many people struggle with anxiety daily, but thankfully there is hope. There are so many tools and coping mechanisms, and even medications if necessary, that can help you move on past this anxious phase in your life and on to a better mental place. A great place to start when dealing with anxiety is a trained therapist or counselor. Here is a link to find a Christian counselor in your area: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/christian. If formal therapy isn’t an option right now, a school counselor, pastor, trusted adult, or a parent is a great place to start. Talk them about what’s going on, and try to be open to what they have to say. Sometimes managing anxiety is as easy as learning to regulate your breathing, divert your mind’s focus to a different topic or activity, or get answers to the questions your mind is fixating on. Other times, anxiety is caused by chemicals in your brain that need some direction to get back in balance. In those cases, medication is the way to go.
Now let’s talk a little bit about your salvation question in particular. The Bible tells us that if we turn away from our sins and accept God’s gift of salvation through His son, Jesus, we are saved. Salvation is a free gift, and is by faith, not by works. Your feelings of stress and anxiety about whether or not you are saved are a lie that the Devil is trying to tell you. If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and repented of your sins, you are forgiven and saved. Do not believe the lie that you are not saved – don’t even allow that thought to take up space in your mind. I know it’s easier said than done, but rest assured my dear sister, you are forgiven, chosen, loved, and saved by God. A great way to make public your decision and possibly help dispel some of these anxieties would be to formalize your commitment to God through baptism. If you aren’t already baptized, talk to your local pastor about it and see what the steps are that need to be taken in order for that to happen. If you are already baptized, then great! All the more reason to believe that you are truly “re-born” and your sins are washed away by the sacrifice of Jesus. You are saved!
I don’t know that there’s much more I can say, but I know that with time and by claiming the promises in scripture that you are forgiven and saved, this reality will find its foothold in your mind and you will be rid of these anxious thoughts and doubts. Pray and ask that God would take away the lies that the Devil is placing in your mind, and would provide you with reassuring peace and comfort through His Holy Spirit that you are His beloved child whom He would never allow to be lost when you’ve chosen to be saved.
All the love,
G2G Mentor
