I find it quite humorous to observe the awkwardness in the cynical political media's reaction to Ben Carson's occasional remarks about his conversion experience and how it changed his relationships and his life. The world, I suppose, has nearly always had an arthritic reception to any Christian's attempt to communicate his salvation event. To begin with, the supernatural element in it goes entirely beyond human analysis and makes the discussion stand finally outside rationality. To a completely objective person, then, the matter simply dies at that point. And so it does, I believe. Without spiritual intervention, salvation cannot occur. Human-inspired hyper-emotion, though dramatic, is not, in any sense, a viable replacement for the actual indwelling process of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus plainly stated: "with man this (salvation) is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt 9:26). If one accepts that Jesus died and was raised from that death to a new life in a new body, then absolutely anything is possible through His spiritual intervention---absolutely anything, within the will of God! So, why do we so doubt? " '. . . you of little faith, why are you afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm" (Matt 8: 26). Supernatural, right? I always think of Peter. We, like Peter, can walk on the water toward Jesus, but then we waver. I've always felt an affection for Peter---his histrionics, his aspirations, his willingness. And . . . his failure at the critical moment! That's me, all wrapped up in Peter's human-ness. Yet, I've accepted that Jesus is the bread, the living water, the Way---and everything's going to be okay. "In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
Well, it's basically very simple, I guess. Yet, we humans can find a way to complicate anything. I wish I could "explain" to you salvation, but I cannot. You must seek your own. No, . . . no, you don't have to do anything; God gives us the choice, the option. I hope, though, that you will read the Gospel and let it work in the very depths of your being. God bless!
Please don't scoff when people speak of their salvation. It is a very intimate experience. It is very personal. It is the most important portion of their life here on earth. It's an ongoing experience, as testified to by the lives of Jesus' disciples. Be patient with yourself. Jesus in your life brings a sweet, sweet mysterious peace that you'll not know until you accept Him.
Jesus plainly stated: "with man this (salvation) is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt 9:26). If one accepts that Jesus died and was raised from that death to a new life in a new body, then absolutely anything is possible through His spiritual intervention---absolutely anything, within the will of God! So, why do we so doubt? " '. . . you of little faith, why are you afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm" (Matt 8: 26). Supernatural, right? I always think of Peter. We, like Peter, can walk on the water toward Jesus, but then we waver. I've always felt an affection for Peter---his histrionics, his aspirations, his willingness. And . . . his failure at the critical moment! That's me, all wrapped up in Peter's human-ness. Yet, I've accepted that Jesus is the bread, the living water, the Way---and everything's going to be okay. "In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
Well, it's basically very simple, I guess. Yet, we humans can find a way to complicate anything. I wish I could "explain" to you salvation, but I cannot. You must seek your own. No, . . . no, you don't have to do anything; God gives us the choice, the option. I hope, though, that you will read the Gospel and let it work in the very depths of your being. God bless!
Please don't scoff when people speak of their salvation. It is a very intimate experience. It is very personal. It is the most important portion of their life here on earth. It's an ongoing experience, as testified to by the lives of Jesus' disciples. Be patient with yourself. Jesus in your life brings a sweet, sweet mysterious peace that you'll not know until you accept Him.
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