“Snared In Sin”

Monday, January 25, 2016

I was saved, baptized, and had accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior when I was about twelve or thirteen.  I have been addicted to porn and all kinds of sexual sins and impure thoughts.  I have been praying a lot and asking God for forgiveness of my sins and to cleanse me of my sins.  I am terrified I have lost my salvation and that I’m going to hell.  I have been reading the Bible a lot.  Please help me.

Sincerely,
Off The Path

Dear Off The Path,

You can be forgiven of all sin, no matter how lurid, if you repent.  David is a great example of this.  David slept with a married woman, killed her husband, and lied to cover it all up (2 Sam 11:2-4).  However, David eventually repented and was forgiven (2 Sam 12:13).  The key is that David changed the direction of his life.  David made a distinct effort to overcome his sin and live faithfully.  You must do the same.

At this point, you are probably thinking, “But I have made a distinct effort!  I have tried to live faithfully…”  We understand that you are trying.  We here at AYP want you to succeed.  The problem with sexual sins, pornography especially, is that they are addictive in nature.  Many sins have addictive qualities, but sexual sins are especially noted for being that way.  Chapter five of Proverbs highlights the enticing and alluring nature of the immoral woman and immoral sex.  Pr 5:3-4 points out that this type of sin is enticing, but it always ends with bitterness.  You are tasting that bitterness now.

Your only solution is to flee sin (1 Cor 6:18).  Take whatever steps are necessary to remove yourself from situations that might lead to fornication.  Get rid of your computer or internet connection (if you really need to use the internet, you can always go to the library – a very public access point).  Install ‘accountability software’ like CovenantEyes – which will send a copy of all your internet activity to a trusted friend or advisor.  Make specific plans to ATTACK this sin.  Get help.  Let other trusted individuals know about your problem (Eccl 4:9-10).  Admitting your faults is painful, but this is absolutely worth the sacrifice if it will save your soul – and it will (Matt 5:29-30).  Do not walk away from this sin.  RUN!

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