Unworthiness

[justifyothers]

Christians & Unworthiness -


This topic has bothered me for some time. Much of Christian doctrine is based on the teachings of Paul. We all know this. Nothing new here. He preaches that we are unworthy of God’s love. That we are deviant sinners from the start.

This doctrine is supported by many preachers from the pulpit, on television, on the radio and in private bible studies. Some are more dramatic with the force in which they teach it, while some are more sublime with this message. Either way, it’s out there for all to hear.

Now, another typical Christian doctrine s that of the sacrifice of Jesus. There are basically two schools of thought on this – either he was a son of God or he WAS God in the flesh. In both circumstances, Jesus obviously felt that we were ‘worthy’ enough to give his life for us, and God approved this action.

There is no doubt we are not a perfect race. The idea that we ‘sin’/make mistakes is not the issue here. It is our worthiness/unworthiness I would like to discuss. But whether you believe we simply make mistakes and learn from them and move on – or that we are evil sinners and can do no right……the question remains…….why would God/Jesus deem us worthy enough to die for and forgive these transgressions, yet we cannot get over it and move on? Why can’t we accept the gift of forgiveness, life and love and get on with our lives? Why must this idea of lowliness be drilled into our heads? Jesus is recorded of speaking often on the subject of giving – giving freely, without regret, without keeping tabs, etc. Yet, are we to believe that this is how He/God gives? (I love you – but you don’t deserve it)

Let’s look at this from a practical life stance. If someone feels unworthy of their mother’s love, this person may seek counseling to help with this issue. The therapist wants to lay a new foundation of self-worth. This is because a feeling of insecurity and inferiority is not healthy for us. Why then, do we accept this feeling when it comes to God’s love? If we do not feel worthy of love, how can we possibly give love freely to others?

I’m not saying we are equals to God or great creatures of some sort. I’m suggesting that we are actually worthy of His love. I believe this is why He created us – so that we can humbly & gratefully accept His love and be truly free to love others. This, IMO, is the gift and the glad tidings. Perhaps we should truly accept the act of Jesus – realizing that if we weren’t worthy, he wouldn’t have died for us, and/or God wouldn’t have approved this.

I think if we can continue to make mistakes and learn from them – becoming closer to the nature of God – we are essentially doing God’s will. (IMO – this is to become more loving people) If we continue to wallow in the swamps of inferiority, we are not genuinely accepting the gift of love.

Agree?
Disagree?
[/b]

[justifyothers]

We're not talking about being able to save yourself. We are talking about being 'worthy' of God's love. Go on all you want about being able to save yourself - I probably won't argue. However, do you feel "worthy" of God's love?

Please quote the scipture that says we were worthy to be saved.

I looked up worthy and Honestly I can not think of a single thing that would make me worthy of GOD'S love or to be saved, I am sorry I do not posses these qualities.

I appreciate your effort here. Can I ask you one thing? Have you asked your heart if God's gift was genuine - or not? In reality, this is a thing between you & your maker. Not so much the bible, but your relationship with God. What do you come up with in that area?

[drs]

We're not talking about being able to save yourself. We are talking about being 'worthy' of God's love. Go on all you want about being able to save yourself - I probably won't argue. However, do you feel "worthy" of God's love?

Please quote the scipture that says we were worthy to be saved.

I looked up worthy and Honestly I can not think of a single thing that would make me worthy of GOD'S love or to be saved, I am sorry I do not posses these qualities.

I appreciate your effort here. Can I ask you one thing? Have you asked your heart if God's gift was genuine - or not? In reality, this is a thing between you & your maker. Not so much the bible, but your relationship with God. What do you come up with in that area?

Are you asking if my salvation is real? then yes

The scripture is GOD'S word, so this has everything to do with truth and the gift of salvation to those who believe in CHRIST.

[justifyothers]

We're not talking about being able to save yourself. We are talking about being 'worthy' of God's love. Go on all you want about being able to save yourself - I probably won't argue. However, do you feel "worthy" of God's love?

Please quote the scipture that says we were worthy to be saved.

I looked up worthy and Honestly I can not think of a single thing that would make me worthy of GOD'S love or to be saved, I am sorry I do not posses these qualities.

I appreciate your effort here. Can I ask you one thing? Have you asked your heart if God's gift was genuine - or not? In reality, this is a thing between you & your maker. Not so much the bible, but your relationship with God. What do you come up with in that area?

Are you asking if my salvation is real? then yes

The scripture is GOD'S word, so this has everything to do with truth and the gift of salvation to those who believe in CHRIST.

So, you don't feel worthy of God's love even though He must have thought us worthy enough to sacrifice His son. That act alone doesn't say anything to you as far as being worth saving/meaningful?

I don't doubt that you believe you are saved. The fact that you are might tell you that you are worthy of it - why not? What's wrong with feeling that God sees worth in us?

No - it's not a pride thing with me at all - I said earlier that the gift of God's love should be humbly and gratefully accepted. I just think that the act of Jesus says it all.
You asked for a scripture - I don't know of one, but honestly, I didn't look. Do you have one from Jesus saying we are not worthy? I can't recall any........

[drs]

[justifyothers]

[drs]

[Zzyzx]

.
The following is the best commercial AGAINST Christianity that I have read recently.

I have no doubt that the poster is sincere in what he says conveying an attitude of abject unworthiness, worthlessness, slavery – all "for the glory of god".

I don't feel worthy, I am not worthy, I will never be worthy,

But thats Ok , because I am truly thankfull for the blessed life my LORD has granted me and I know it is a great gift and the greatest honor of all to be a slave of CHRIST.

Now I will answer these as reborn slave of CHRIST

1) I am in the process of being made usefull to GOD by CHRIST working in me.

So all GLORY to GOD for what He is doing in me, There is nothing worthy on my part, This is the act of GOD who is working in me to make me usefull to CHRIST.

2) Same as above, If I become honorable it will be because of the HOLY SPIRIT who has changed me from within, so again all GLORY to GOD

3) I am not worthy to be revered,

All are to worship, love and serve GOD with all devotion of their souls.

To whom does that attitude appeal?

[drs]

.
The following is the best commercial AGAINST Christianity that I have read recently.

Why?

I have no doubt that the poster is sincere in what he says conveying an attitude of abject unworthiness, worthlessness, slavery – all "for the glory of god".

I don't feel worthy, I am not worthy, I will never be worthy,

But thats Ok , because I am truly thankfull for the blessed life my LORD has granted me and I know it is a great gift and the greatest honor of all to be a slave of CHRIST.

Now I will answer these as reborn slave of CHRIST

1) I am in the process of being made usefull to GOD by CHRIST working in me.

So all GLORY to GOD for what He is doing in me, There is nothing worthy on my part, This is the act of GOD who is working in me to make me usefull to CHRIST.

2) Same as above, If I become honorable it will be because of the HOLY SPIRIT who has changed me from within, so again all GLORY to GOD

3) I am not worthy to be revered,

All are to worship, love and serve GOD with all devotion of their souls.

To whom does that attitude appeal?

I suppose it does not appeal to anyone who has not truly been changed by GOD, it is how I feel in my heart because of what CHRIST has done for me.

[Zzyzx]

.

The following is the best commercial AGAINST Christianity that I have read recently.

Why?

In my opinion most people are not seeking ways to feel worthless and are not seeking to be slaves.

[Flail]

I agree with the OP....

The guilt of the downtrodden is a primary motivation for the Christian Church business model....looking for customers...looking for money...as if God and salvation from your supposed sinful disgusting nature can be found in books,memberships,dogma and rituals.

...I guess as long as you are sinful and disgusting and a Christian,God will love you...but if you are sinful and disgusting and a Muslim or a Jew or an agnostic or atheistic...God will see you in Hell....what a f....d up philosophy.