Just a clarification issue

[Binto]

Hi! I’m new to this site and hope I’m posting in the right area.

I just have a quick question. Last year I had a psychotic breakdown where I thought God was talking to me(I know obviously it wasn’t, now). That voice told me that I was damned to hell. Totally convinced it was God, it scared me beyond all geddup. Anyway, I’m much better now and the voice is gone (Thank God), but am still in recovery. What I mean by that is I kinda have a bit of ptsd going on and still think from time to time that I’m going to hell by means outside of mortal sin and God’s judgement. In other words, I think I’m damned and there’s nothing I can do about it. I know this is absurd, however, I don’t have a good logical answer as to why I’m ok. I was hoping somebody can give me a good simple clean answer to this, so when I feel like I’m damned, I have solid logic to comfort me. I hope I’m making sense here. If not, I would be more than happy to post additional details!

Thank you guys so much for looking at and responding to my post. It means a lot to me!:extrahappy:
God bless!

 

[Leegal]

Hi! I’m new to this site and hope I’m posting in the right area.

I just have a quick question. Last year I had a psychotic breakdown where I thought God was talking to me(I know obviously it wasn’t, now). That voice told me that I was damned to hell. Totally convinced it was God, it scared me beyond all geddup. Anyway, I’m much better now and the voice is gone (Thank God), but am still in recovery. What I mean by that is I kinda have a bit of ptsd going on and still think from time to time that I’m going to hell by means outside of mortal sin and God’s judgement. In other words, I think I’m damned and there’s nothing I can do about it. I know this is absurd, however, I don’t have a good logical answer as to why I’m ok. I was hoping somebody can give me a good simple clean answer to this, so when I feel like I’m damned, I have solid logic to comfort me. I hope I’m making sense here. If not, I would be more than happy to post additional details!

Thank you guys so much for looking at and responding to my post. It means a lot to me!:extrahappy:
God bless!

What you are describing is a part of two things: the inability to forgive yourself and scrupulosity. Talk to a priest in confession. He will have better insight.

The scrupulosity (seeing sin when there is no sin, or still feeling in sin when you have been absolved) is related to OCD. And trust me, you are not alone. Do you feel compelled to confess the same sins again? If so, tell the priest.

 

[Binto]

No, it’s not that. I like feel like I’m damned for no apparent reason. This was marijuana induced, and I started herring the voices while high. (I’m 19, and don’t smoke anymore, obviously). The voice told me I was damned and I thought marijuana was like the tree of knowledge and good and evil or something crazy, and thought that the Devil tricked me and “captured” my soul and it couldn’t get saved. Unfortunatly, the condition I’m in has nothing to do with sin. I hope that clears this up a bit

 

[triumphguy]

Hi! I’m new to this site and hope I’m posting in the right area.

I just have a quick question. Last year I had a psychotic breakdown where I thought God was talking to me(I know obviously it wasn’t, now). That voice told me that I was damned to hell. Totally convinced it was God, it scared me beyond all geddup. Anyway, I’m much better now and the voice is gone (Thank God), but am still in recovery. What I mean by that is I kinda have a bit of ptsd going on and still think from time to time that I’m going to hell by means outside of mortal sin and God’s judgement. In other words, I think I’m damned and there’s nothing I can do about it. I know this is absurd, however, I don’t have a good logical answer as to why I’m ok. I was hoping somebody can give me a good simple clean answer to this, so when I feel like I’m damned, I have solid logic to comfort me. I hope I’m making sense here. If not, I would be more than happy to post additional details!

Thank you guys so much for looking at and responding to my post. It means a lot to me!:extrahappy:
God bless!

In birth God made you in his image. In baptism God saved you in his Son. Outside of mortal sin, you cannot damn yourself, or be damned. If/when your reason is faulty due to medical issues then you are incapable of mortal sin.

I’ll pray for peace for you.

 

[Ian_Ward]

You sohuld enjoy your life as much as possible live life to the fullest and all your porblems will fade away. and you wont suffer from pain anymore.

 

[Leegal]

No, it’s not that. I like feel like I’m damned for no apparent reason. This was marijuana induced, and I started herring the voices while high. (I’m 19, and don’t smoke anymore, obviously). The voice told me I was damned and I thought marijuana was like the tree of knowledge and good and evil or something crazy, and thought that the Devil tricked me and “captured” my soul and it couldn’t get saved. Unfortunatly, the condition I’m in has nothing to do with sin. I hope that clears this up a bit

I still think you should speak to a priest. Have you confessed this marijuana usage and this event with him? You say you are damned, but it’s unrelated to sin.

I can say, that in the marijuana usage you were tricked and saw the evil that this usage can cause. Please do speak with a priest.

 

[Binto]

In birth God made you in his image. In baptism God saved you in his Son. Outside of mortal sin, you cannot damn yourself, or be damned. If/when your reason is faulty due to medical issues then you are incapable of mortal sin.

I’ll pray for peace for you.

Thank you! I appreciate the prayer!
So basically, God wouldn’t create us if we could permanently lose our salvation, especially if I’m a baptized Catholic. I’m just looking for a good solid simple logic.

 

[Binto]

I still think you should speak to a priest. Have you confessed this marijuana usage and this event with him? You say you are damned, but it’s unrelated to sin.

I can say, that in the marijuana usage you were tricked and saw the evil that this usage can cause. Please do speak with a priest.

I have. He said it’s impossible for me to be damned outside mortal sin and God’s judgement. However, I never asked him why. That’s the answer I’m looking for. I just don’t want to bother him again this late on a friday. lol.

 

[Samson01]

You’ve had a pretty tough setback. Psychosis sucks…btdt. You will never be able to reason with it. Trust again.

 

[Big_Ro]

In a sense, we’re all damned. Sin is intrinsic to our human condition. However, Christ said that all sin is fogivable except to blasphem against the Holy Spirit. I don’t see anything in your posts that suggest you’ve done that. So, all you need do is confess with your mouth that Chrsit is your Lord and Savior and resolve to sin no more and you are saved. And, BTW, worrying about this or that, including whether we are saved or condemmed is a type of sin. It’s unavoidable for humans. The trick is that sin actually provides access to God and his salvation. Afterall, if there was away we could save ourselves, there would be no need for Christ’s sacrifice. Remember, Christ died for us all when we were in a state of sin. He doesn’t require that we rid ourselves of sin, which is of course impossible, before he will be willing to offer salvation. In fact, we are supposed to bring our sin to his feet and leave it there. Ain’t he cool? So, my advice is that the next time these thoughts invade your mind, tell yourself, “I’m only human. Get thee back satan!”. Kneel (if possible) and confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior. Resolve you will sin no more. Go back to being happy. However, it’s kind of like shampooing. You will need to rinse and repeat…alot. It’s called prayer. God bless my brother. Fear not the Lord is with thee.

 

[BOSS10L]

Binto - I’m not religious, but I am a sufferer of PTSD (Army combat veteran). Have you seen any doctors or psychologist/psychiatrist recently? I know that you’re looking for an answer through God and religion, but sometimes, we need a little help. There’s no shame in it.

Good luck and I’m sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[Binto]

Binto - I’m not religious, but I am a sufferer of PTSD (Army combat veteran). Have you seen any doctors or psychologist/psychiatrist recently? I know that you’re looking for an answer through God and religion, but sometimes, we need a little help. There’s no shame in it.

Good luck and I’m sending positive thoughts your way.

Thanks man! appreciate it! I am actually seeing a really good psychologist about this. He’s actually the one who told me I had a little bit of PTSD. I’m in very good hands. Appreciate the positive thoughts bro! I’ll do the same. (In the form of prayer that is).

 

[Big_Ro]

Binto - I’m not religious, but I am a sufferer of PTSD (Army combat veteran). Have you seen any doctors or psychologist/psychiatrist recently? I know that you’re looking for an answer through God and religion, but sometimes, we need a little help. There’s no shame in it.

Good luck and I’m sending positive thoughts your way.

Very good advice. I think Binto indicated that he/she has received treatment. And, yes, indeed, there’s no shame in admitting that we need help. This is why I follow Christ. I looked at your profile. Thank you for your service. And, while you may not believe in him for now, he believes in you. I don’t want to offend you, but I prayed that the Holy Spirit invade your heart and open it to the Lord. I think you’ll be a powerful instrument of his peace and many will find Christ because of your testimony.

 

[Binto]

In a sense, we’re all damned. Sin is intrinsic to our human condition. However, Christ said that all sin is fogivable except to blasphem against the Holy Spirit. I don’t see anything in your posts that suggest you’ve done that. So, all you need do is confess with your mouth that Chrsit is your Lord and Savior and resolve to sin no more and you are saved. And, BTW, worrying about this or that, including whether we are saved or condemmed is a type of sin. It’s unavoidable for humans. The trick is that sin actually provides access to God and his salvation. Afterall, if there was away we could save ourselves, there would be no need for Christ’s sacrifice. Remember, Christ died for us all when we were in a state of sin. He doesn’t require that we rid ourselves of sin, which is of course impossible, before he will be willing to offer salvation. In fact, we are supposed to bring our sin to his feet and leave it there. Ain’t he cool? So, my advice is that the next time these thoughts invade your mind, tell yourself, “I’m only human. Get thee back satan!”. Kneel (if possible) and confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior. Resolve you will sin no more. Go back to being happy. However, it’s kind of like shampooing. You will need to rinse and repeat…alot. It’s called prayer. God bless my brother. Fear not the Lord is with thee.

Thank you. That was very plainly put. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I think a lot of people really don’t understand what I’m talking about. I just gotta keep thinking that satan cannot “steal” my soul aside from me sinning. Thanks again! (Oh, and I’m a he)

God Bless!!

 

[Big_Ro]

Thank you. That was very plainly put. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I think a lot of people really don’t understand what I’m talking about. I just gotta keep thinking that satan cannot “steal” my soul aside from me sinning. Thanks again! (Oh, and I’m a he)

God Bless!!

I don’t think thaat even sin can seperate you.

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose.u 29* For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.v 30And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.w

31* What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?x 32He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?y 33Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.z 34Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.a 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? 36As it is written:b

“For your sake we are being slain all the day;

we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.c 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things,* nor future things, nor powers,d 39nor height, nor depth,* nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. "

Romans Chap 8

 

[CatherineOH]

Remember, Christ died for us all when we were in a state of sin. He doesn’t require that we rid ourselves of sin, which is of course impossible, before he will be willing to offer salvation. In fact, we are supposed to bring our sin to his feet and leave it there. Ain’t he cool? So, my advice is that the next time these thoughts invade your mind, tell yourself, “I’m only human. Get thee back satan!”. Kneel (if possible) and confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior. Resolve you will sin no more. Go back to being happy. However, it’s kind of like shampooing. You will need to rinse and repeat…alot. It’s called prayer. God bless my brother. Fear not the Lord is with thee.

.

Well said. But we must leave the sin at his feet AND LEAVE IT THERE. Do you believe your sin is forgiven? YES, OF COURSE YOU DO!! Then do leave it at his feet and FORGIVE YOURSELF AS WELL.

For some reason, you are having trouble letting go and allowing Jesus to carry you through this.
some cultures write their prayers and troubles on slips of paper to be burned after.
I am in RICA so dont know if it would be appropriate, but Perhaps you can ask the priest to dispose of a slip of paper for you. There doesn’t necessarily have to be anything on the paper, but there doesn’t need to be since you just told him verbally. But that slip of paper may be the physical world representation of the problem you are dealing with. Tell him what it represents and ask him to destroy it for you. God already wants to, so you should let him.

 

[Big_Ro]

.

Well said. But we must leave the sin at his feet AND LEAVE IT THERE. Do you believe your sin is forgiven? YES, OF COURSE YOU DO!! Then do leave it at his feet and FORGIVE YOURSELF AS WELL.

For some reason, you are having trouble letting go and allowing Jesus to carry you through this.
some cultures write their prayers and troubles on slips of paper to be burned after.
I am in RICA so dont know if it would be appropriate, but Perhaps you can ask the priest to dispose of a slip of paper for you. There doesn’t necessarily have to be anything on the paper, but there doesn’t need to be since you just told him verbally. But that slip of paper may be the physical world representation of the problem you are dealing with. Tell him what it represents and ask him to destroy it for you. God already wants to, so you should let him.

I think it would depend on the Priest. Some Priests are very accomodating and others are more legalistic. I like your approach though. I coached my daughter in softball (we lost every game. I think we were out coached) and she had a tendency to beat her self up when she made a mistake or committed an error. I told her to symbolically write it on a piece of paper and throw it away. Move on! So, I think it’s good advice. Well put Catherine. Oh, and BTW, thanks for the compliment.

 

[BOSS10L]

Very good advice. I think Binto indicated that he/she has received treatment. And, yes, indeed, there’s no shame in admitting that we need help. This is why I follow Christ. I looked at your profile. Thank you for your service. And, while you may not believe in him for now, he believes in you. I don’t want to offend you, but I prayed that the Holy Spirit invade your heart and open it to the Lord. I think you’ll be a powerful instrument of his peace and many will find Christ because of your testimony.

I saw that he’d gotten help, I just couldn’t tell if it was fairly recent or if it was only while he was in treatment but nothing since being discharged from care.

Not at all, thank you for your kindness. While I am an Atheist (searching for answers I might add), I believe that spirituality and faith can indeed be good things. Besides, haughty Atheists make me as mad as Evangelicals do.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

I don’t want to pour cold water on the whole thing, but the reality is that none of us are absolutely assured of heaven till we get there, for the simple reason we don’t know if we’ll persevere in the faith for the rest of our lives.

However that’s the reality that faces all of us, and not just Binto or anybody else.

We’ve been given the promises of Christ regarding salvation, but also His warnings judgement and possible condemnation. The church has given rulings down the centuries on these matters, but in the end we make the decisions whether we’ll obey them or not.

So it’s possible for us to lose our salvation. That’s what the parable of the farmer sowing the seed is all about - some falls on rock and doesn’t even get a start. Other’s fall on shallow ground, and soon blossom, but they have no depth. But some falls on good soil and this grows to fruition. What kind of soil we are depends on us.

However in Binto’s case, I think there’s the additional fact of this marijuana induced sense of guilt (and probably used by demons to make it worse), which is still in the back of his mind. If Binto has been to confession, and kept a clean slate since, then he’s just as likely to get to heaven as any of us.

But there is no absolute guarantee as we are able to throw away our salvation if we want. God will keep His part of the bargain, but we are quite capable of throwing it all away.

 

[Leegal]

I have. He said it’s impossible for me to be damned outside mortal sin and God’s judgement. However, I never asked him why. That’s the answer I’m looking for. I just don’t want to bother him again this late on a friday. lol.

You can ask in confession. That’s why we go. We were redeemed through Christ’s giving up his life on the cross. If you are in mortal sin you are in danger. Once you confess, you are free of mortal sin and eternal damnation. If you sin again, and we do, you go to confession.

Each sin is separate. A priest may even tell you that you are absolved and may not confess the same sin or sins again. New sins must be confessed. Which is why it is easier to make confession a regular habit than it is to wait.

God Bless.