But how do I know I'm truly sorrowful for my sins and that my faith is not merely temporary. I don't want to be presumptuous. So is my faith lacking or am I simply void of true saving faith.

I don't know if I'll ever have this all worked out before I go to the table - but if I don't go I'm forsaking one of God's holy ordinances.

I guess I can examine myself and see where do my true desires lie. The problem is that even those whom are regenerated have an old nature that still craves after sin - so how can I know that my spiritual desires are not merely intellectual or moral rather than spiritual. Or how can I safeguard agiainst allowing the old nature (and the devil) from getting the best of me and keeping me stuck in doubt of a true conversion.


Johan, you said,
Quote
"We therefore participate in the Lord's Supper not because we regard ourselves as perfect or to be without sin but rather because we look to find our life in Christ and not in ourselves."

I like what you said here and I agree - as long as we don't question our initial conversion becasue the sacrament has been instituted for the saved not the unsaved.

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine