Know conviction--Know repentance

2 Peter 3:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I spoke with someone recently who said that they weren't sure if they were saved or not.  They also said they didn't feel the need to worry about it right now.  Now I know this will probably upset a few people, but remember this is only my opinion.

I know better than anyone about just saying prayers to be saved, just to appease a preacher or person.  I know that just saying a prayer isn't going to save anyone from hell.  So as I pondered on what this person said, I realized it was correct.  This person will just waste their time to as for forgiveness if they really aren't being convicted.  Knowing you are a sinner in your head and speaking it aloud is much different than knowing you are a sinner in your heart and repenting.  I didn't truly get saved until the night God actually convicted me and I saw myself as the wretched sinner I was.  Therefore, make every opportunity to help lead people to Christ, but remember you can't save anyone, only Jesus.  Also remember, unless the person feels conviction about their life, all you can do is pray for them and talk to them.

The verse today kind of encompasses what I need to focus on with this person.  It says basically that God wants everyone to come to repentance, and that He is patient with the person to get them to that point.  So as bad as some of us want to see other people truly get saved, God works in His time and is not bound by our time.

For the person who this is about.  If you read this, I'm praying for you.  Just continue to pray and ask God to open your eyes to see your heart.  Only you know if you are really saved or not.  If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on that cross for you, then just ask God to show you conviction so you can show Him repentance.  Remember, when we truly get saved, people know.  We start growing a fruit tree on that day.  We have to cultivate and fertilize this tree so it will bear fruit.  Be concerned if your tree bears no or even bad fruit.

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