I think Jesus wasn`t completly honest

[Frank85]

All my life, I've always tried to do the right thing, I've always been kind. Sometimes I find myself in a state where I'm trying to do the right thing, kind of out of the blue, it's not me who does it, it's something inside me. It's often embarrassing in retrospect because I had no control over it in a way.

They say DNA thinks and makes decisions, I don't know if it is, but there's something inside me that I experience as God then, so I don't think Jesus was completely cool with God being something outside of yourself, even though it says in the Bible that he said that God is inside you. I think he used it a little to get to know you. This thing that's inside you then, it's neither supernatural nor has power over the universe other than that it can influence people through you, but it's definitely alive. I feel like it's something alive.

Jesus was probably violent once in this temple too where he said that people shouldn't turn it into a gambling den, or at least had an outburst where he used a whip made of leather straps. It is known that he lost his temper once too. I do not mean that he was violent, probably a bit exaggerated, but I know that the Romans had an emergency meeting about him and had him crucified after that episode in the temple.

What I have found out about this thing that is inside me, is that love is the greatest, even if it feels like you are being stupid sometimes and losing control, it uses me to show love. It is inside us all, some have it stronger.

I think Jesus and the church have used it a bit to get known, it appeals to people who want to sin, because they can get forgiveness, but since it is only inside you, it is perhaps not so much about forgiveness, but that you miss out on the good things in life. What I experience myself is that if I am in pain, I can pray inside myself and get better, and that even though the outside world may be hard, life can still feel like paradise thanks to what is inside you.

I can give another example, when I was 15, I wanted to sing and I was surrounded by Christians, but since I wasn't a Christian myself, I wasn't good enough. I've sung a lot since then, but it never worked out with that group, it shows that Jesus and the church are more for sinners, I have nothing against that, I also think that it's a bit like that if you just do what you want your whole life and sin continuously, then you won't necessarily get forgiveness in the end. It's a question of how far you've gone.


But as I said, I don't believe God is either supernatural or outside your body, it doesn't have power over the universe, but it can influence people through you. I also think that Jesus used this to get known. It may sound strange, but there is definitely something inside you that thinks and makes decisions

 

[David]

Frank, the first thing that must be said plainly is that Jesus Christ was completely honest. Scripture says He “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Jesus did not manipulate people, use God to become famous, or misrepresent who God is. He said, “I am the truth” (John 14:6).

The Bible does not teach that God is merely a living force inside every human being. God created us, but He is distinct from His creation. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He is not DNA, instinct, emotion, or an inner impulse.

The verse people often use about God being “within you” is Luke 17:21. Jesus was speaking to unbelieving Pharisees. He was not telling them that God lived inside each of them. The kingdom was “among” them because the King, Jesus Christ, was standing in their midst. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells in those who belong to Christ, not automatically in every person: “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).

You also should not assume that every strong inner impulse is God. Scripture commands us, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Feelings and impulses must be tested by the written Word of God.

Jesus cleansing the temple was not a sinful loss of temper. He acted with righteous authority against those corrupting His Father’s house. He said, “Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:16). Scripture never says He attacked people in uncontrolled rage. His actions fulfilled, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17).

The Bible also does not say that the Romans held an emergency meeting and crucified Him because He lost His temper in the temple. The religious leaders sought His death because He exposed their sin, claimed divine authority, and was gaining followers. Pilate repeatedly said, “I find no fault in him” (John 19:4). Jesus was crucified according to God’s purpose as the sacrifice for sin, not because He had a violent outburst.

You said Jesus and the church appeal to people who want to sin because they can receive forgiveness. That misunderstands the gospel. Jesus did not come to give people permission to continue in sin. He said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Paul wrote, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Romans 6:1–2).

Forgiveness is also not based on whether someone has gone too far. All people are sinners: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Salvation is not earned by being kinder than other people. It is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Kindness is good, but kindness does not make a person right with God. Jesus Christ did not come merely to teach us to find something good inside ourselves. He came because our hearts are sinful and we need forgiveness, a new birth, and reconciliation with God.

Do not trust an inner feeling as your final authority. Test everything by Scripture, and look to Jesus Christ as He is actually revealed in God’s Word.

 

[David]

I can give another example, when I was 15, I wanted to sing and I was surrounded by Christians, but since I wasn't a Christian myself, I wasn't good enough. I've sung a lot since then, but it never worked out with that group, it shows that Jesus and the church are more for sinners, I have nothing against that, I also think that it's a bit like that if you just do what you want your whole life and sin continuously, then you won't necessarily get forgiveness in the end. It's a question of how far you've gone.

You need to understand something: the church is not the Savior. The church is supposed to point you to the Savior.

A church is like a road sign. The sign can tell you where to go, but the sign cannot take you there. People in the church may disappoint you. Some may mistreat you. Some churches teach things that God never said. (Stay away from them) But their failure does not change who Jesus Christ is.

The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). It does not say, “Believe in church people.” It does not say, “Believe in a denomination.” It says to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

That is why you must read the Bible for yourself, asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand what God has written. Do not accept something merely because a preacher said it, a church teaches it, or a religious person believes it. Compare everything with Scripture. The people in Berea were praised because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Jesus warned that false teachers would come looking like sheep while inwardly being ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15). Some people twist Scripture. Some teach their own opinions. Some deliberately deceive others. It happens all the time. That is why your faith must rest on Christ and your understanding must be grounded in His Word.

A faithful church can help you grow, but no church can save you. No preacher can save you. No Christian group can save you. “Neither is there salvation in any other” than Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

So do not judge Jesus by people who have failed to represent Him properly. People may let you down, but Jesus Christ will not. Open His Word. Learn what He actually said. Believe the gospel, repent of your sins, and place your faith in Him.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello Frank85;

Thank you for joining Biblical Truth Forum and sharing your testimony. As open as you were in your first post, please allow me to respond.

I noticed you mentioned the word "I" many times. This reminded me of a Bible study I attended back in the mid 90s. "I" was in the same state as you. I had darts and arrows from everywhere being jabbed at me from my work and the world. During the Bible study our Pastor was sharing some very uplifting Scriptures to counter the cruelty of the world.

I exploded. Those Scriptures fell short with me so I shouted out BS! and cursed Jesus. The group of 20 including me wife were shocked by my outburst. This wasn't some internet online post, but a face to face with the Bible study group. I actually cursed Jesus and everything about this God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

My pastor rebuked me and instead of the group withdrawing from me in anger, they all quietly surrounded me and started praying and weeping. It was an experience that I will never forget from 30 years ago. That was my wakeup call.

Frank85, I don't know where you are in your life and belief in God. In 1996 I didn't know where I was. But if you want to know more it will be a slow process. That moment in 1996 was the beginning of my slow process, meaning, the word "I" began to minimize and the more of "God" began to emphasize.

Getting into the habit of prayer. God wants to listen to us but at first we don't know what to say to God. Everyone has advice on the order of prayer and that's ok. This is where we talk to God. With the highest respect to Him, we can share whatever is on our hearts - questions, doubts, unbelief, arguments, our deepest and most secret confessions, unforgiveness, thanksgiving, etc...

Get into the habit of daily reading of the Bible. Each year my wife and I always start from page 1, January 1 to the last page, December 31. Everyone has advice on where to start when reading the Bible and that's ok. What matters is wherever you start, the Words in the Bible is when God speaks to us.

Like I shared, I don't know where you are in your life and belief in God. Perhaps by your name you were born in 1985? I don't know.

Again, while reading your testimony I felt led to respond and in some way I hope this helps.

God bless you, Frank85, and your entire family.

Bob