Pilgrim wrote... The ONLY way anyone will ever know and also desire these things is if FIRST they are shown "how great their sins and miseries are".
4. This is accomplished by the sovereign and secret work of the Holy Spirit when a sinner is regenerated, made alive spiritually through the true Gospel message. It is then that they are given eyes to see and a mind to comprehend these naturally hidden truths about themselves. In other words, the new nature created by the Spirit reveals, in part, how God knows them. "sin drives the person to the Lord Jesus Christ for they realize that He is their only hope, both in the deliverance of their miserable condition, but also that He and He alone can supply the needed righteousness which God demands. He becomes to them "altogether lovely"

I am so grateful for God's patience and His love for me by introducing me to the doctrines of grace! Like Tina I needed to know I was dead, in trespasses and sins. Before I learned of them I was so blind as to my own condition, only knowing what I was taught in mainstream christianity. I knew I was a sinner but did not think I was really that bad until the Holy Spirit did a deep convicting work in my heart. I saw the depravity of my own soul and it drove me to my Savior for cleansing and comfort. I realized the truth of "there is no good thing that dwells within me" (Rom 7:18). It put me in my place, on my knees...and of desperately needing cleansing in His precious blood, His righteousness, and His guidance through His Word. In response to chestnutmare regarding comfort...Jesus is altogether lovely! My only comfort! And my joy! I no longer have to rely on a pretty song, a false prophecy, dreams and visions etc. I am in Christ and He lives in me. My fellowship with Him through His Word, and His promises secure me and therein lies my comfort.

Last edited by cathmg; Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:02 PM. Reason: to add something
On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.