Question:
Hello Mr.Lindstrom I am a 20 year old boy from Norway, last fall I wisited my aunt in Florida and she brought me to your church. And I have to say that I am really impressed by how good you are at explaining the bible in a easy understandible way. But I do have a question for you and its about how you actually know for sure that you are going to heaven, I know that you have to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that he returned from the dead third day+that he is son of God. But I mean how can you be sure that you really believe this 100%? I consider myself as a believer, and I do believe in the things I mentioned above. But I cant say that Im a christian because I do sent go to church, I do drink alkohol, smoke sigarettes, smoke pot and swear…but on the other hand I pray a prayer every night. Mostly for my family and that God have to take care of them. I just wanted to know if you think that(based on what I have written) Im saved? I would be very gratefull if you took your time to answer my question because this is a very important issue for me Im so sorry about your daughter. Sincerely Jan Christoffer Bolsø
Answer:
Our salvation is not based on our deeds [works, behavior, obedience, etc]. You will suffer the lost of rewards in heaven, but not your salvation. You will also incur God’s discipline upon your life. See Hebrews 12:6-11. Also I Corinthians 11:30-32. Look on my website for DR LINDSTROM’S ARTICLES and look for the one on CHASTENING AND REWARDS. God bless you! You need to start reading God’s word every day and choose to obey HIM!