WILL GOD GIVE ME A SECOND CHANCE?

I recently recommitted my life to Christ. Before, I was so stupid and I chose to turn my back on God. I recently came to my senses and asked God to forgive me. I believe He heard my prayers, but now I am confused because of a sermon I heard. The minister said that before a person is born, God predetermines a single plan their life. Does that mean that I ‘blew it’ because I chose to turn from God in rebellion? Now, I am feeling guilty and wonder if I will ever have a meaningful relationship with Christ again. Will God give me a second chance?

Signed, Hogan

Dear Hogan,

To begin with, you should discover what the Bible has to say rather than what you hear from men (see 2 John 9, Amplified Translation). You need to know that God loves you and has forgiven you of your past sins. St. John clearly shares concerning God’s amazing love for all us when he wrote, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). This means that your past sins are not only forgiven but they are forgotten. I know that this is difficult to understand, but God’s grace is always there for you when you ask for His forgiveness.

Secondly, it is important that you forgive yourself. So many people live in the shadows of their past because they simply can’t forgive themselves! If you don’t forgive yourself, you will live in shame and doubt for the rest of your life. Hogan, when others condemn you or when you feel un-forgiven, you need to embrace what St. Paul wrote; ‘...there is therefore no condemnation (false guilt) to those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1.) The word condemnation used there means, ‘an adverse or false sentence or judgment’. In other words, people will accuse and judge you but when you ask for God’s forgiveness, He forgives you and you don’t have to accept those guilty feelings anymore.

Now let us turn to the sermon you heard. Unfortunately, there are those who feel that God has a single life-plan, set in concrete, for every individual and that if a person turns from that plan they are doomed to a fatalistic existence. The idea that your life was pre-determined can be traced back to specific theologians of the past. As a Bible professor once told me, “Isn’t it amazing how much light that the Bible sheds on all of these commentaries!” The Bible does tell us that God has a single plan for the salvation of our souls. That plan challenges every man to repent of his sins and accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for his sins. That’s God’s single plan for salvation (See Ephesians 2:8, 9). In regards to our life’s pursuits, I believe that God has many wonderful plans for our lives. Notice, I said plans, not a single plan. The Bible is filled with the accounts of individuals who chose to give themselves to a number of pursuits. Some of them rebelled against God but later turned from their rebellion. God forgave them and they lived very meaningful lives afterwards.

Hogan, don’t be discouraged! God is moving on your behalf. By His grace you have a new, restored life, which will be more meaningful than you ever imagined. Isaiah 43:19 tells you that God can create something brand new in your life and circumstances. This means that your future is wonderful in God’s sight. Here is how He put it, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland’. God will make a new way in the ‘desert and wasteland’ of your life. Examine 2 Corinthians 5:17 for more insight into God’s restoring love in your life.

I encourage you to spend time reading the Bible. You need to purchase a Bible that takes you through it in one year. It is called, ‘Through the Bible in a Year’. Make sure you purchase one that is translated in such a way that you can understand it. Find a church where the Word of God is preached and where you feel accepted. Remember you are already part of God’s forgiven family and He gives us many chances to return to His love.

Sincerely,

Dr. B

If you have a practical ‘life-question’ that you would like to ask Dr. B. you may email him at: askdoctorb@ gmail.com. You may write Dr. B. at: Ask Dr. B., 117 Granberry Street, Humble, Texas 77338. All questions become the property of Ask Dr. B and may or may not be published without written permission. Identities of the person submitting a question for Dr. B. are protected. All duplications, printed or electronically reproduced must have written permission from Dr. B.