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mercy said:
I'm hoping someone can shed some light on my problem. I say problem because I have struggled with this for some time now. I believe to the best of my knowledge that I was converted about 10 yrs. ago at age 52. I have never had the assurance of my salvation although I continue to pray that God would bless me with this as a settled issue. I have done all the things I have been taught to do for salvation but still it eludes me.
What does one have to do for salvation (or rather, justification), other than be assured that one has it?

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When I know I have sinned, it is worse and I feel sure I could not be one of God's elect who could dishonor him so easily. This is my recent experience as I fell into a besetting sin and am very upset with myself. I know I need to confess it but it seems as if I am talking to myself.

You don't need to confess it. You need to realise how much your loving savior hates it, because only then will you put it behind you, and hate it, just as he does. That is what is meant by being transformed by the renewing of your mind. Sanctification is taking on the mind of Christ in all areas of one's life.

God does not use human methods of changing behavior, by telling people what to do. He does not make anyone do what they do not want to do. He makes them want whatever is the loving thing to do.