I. It is not a sin to question your conversion Some Arminians have taught that it is, but Paul says to examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.
II. The biblical case for starting over A. Become as a child (Mt. 18:1-4) -- this text shows us a principle of humility in becoming as a child who knows nothing and has to learn everything and doesn't mind being in that position. This provides an analogy for those who realize their lost. They need to humble themselves to be "know-nothings" rather than "know-it-alls".
B. Nicodemus Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel and ruler of the Jews and yet he knew nothing. Jesus helped him to see that he knew nothing and was astonished that Nicodemus was a teacher and Israel and yet didn't understand the ABCs of the faith. Nicodemus had to start over and become a learner, a pupil, a nobody. He had to admit that he knew nothing. From all appearances, Nicodemus did that very thing. He started over.
C. There are many warnings to those who feel they are safe in their religion. These warnings show that such people should start over.
D. It is the common and frequent experience of many people who are now saved that they once were under false pretensions of safety. How did they become truly saved? By humbling themselves and starting over -- by the grace of God, of course.
III. What does it mean to start over? How do you do it? What does it look like?
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Curtis Knapp
Starting Over False Conversion New Hope Baptist Church
