Am I Really A Christian? (Part 4)

Thomas Boston has written a compelling little booklet entitled Am I Really A Christian? Eight Doubts Answered. (For a free copy, see below.)

Here is DOUBT #7: “Temptations”

“I have never read in the Bible or known about a true child of God who was as tempted or as without God as I am. Since I do not know of any Christian who has ever been in my condition, I can only conclude that I must not be a believer.

“Answer: This doubt comes from ignorance both of the Bible and of the actual experience of Christians. Those who have this doubt should try speaking with a mature Christian friend or a godly minister. Doing this has brought peace to some when they realize that their case is not exceptional and that many Christians have had the same struggle.

“The Bible provides many examples of Christians suffering with horrible temptations.

“The devil tempted Job to blaspheme (Job 1:11-12; 2:3-9). Asaph was tempted to think religion was vain and to throw it off (Psalm 73:13). Christ Himself was tempted to cast Himself down from a pinnacle of the temple and to worship the devil (Matthew 4:5-9).

“Many Christians have not only been attacked with temptations, but they even have been overcome by them and fallen into gross sin for a time. Peter denied Christ, and cursed and swore that he did not know Him (Mark 14:71). Some Christians were compelled to blaspheme under persecution by Paul, before he was converted (Act 26:10-11).”

I like how Mr. Boston states the cause of this doubt plainly: ignorance of both Scripture and experience.

Then he provides the antidote to this ignorance: good Bible teaching.

He concludes by mentioning two other passages that directly address this issue (i.e. thinking that I’m the only person who has ever experienced these temptations):

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one (Jesus) who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15

I thank God for Bible teachers like Thomas Boston.

Am I Really A Christian? Eight Doubts Answered, by Thomas Boston, is available for free in multiple formats here (PDF, ePub, Mobi, Audio):
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/aira/am-i-really-a-christian-bostonthomas

NOTE: This booklet contains selected sections from Human Nature in Its Fourfold State, by Thomas Boston, modernized for easier understanding by today’s reader. Jeffrey T. Riddle, pastor of Christ Reformed Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, provided the abstraction and modernization. Copyright 2015 Chapel Library. www.ChapelLibrary.org

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