Testimony: From Condemnation to Restoration

By Elisabeth Hayes
I was raised in a church in which I was taught the Bible. Academically speaking, I was well-educated on the Bible. I knew the facts and events, and could even quote Scripture from memory. However, I was surrounded by family members who did not apply biblical principles in the home and I grew up very confused about God and the gospel.
Once I reached college, I was frustrated with my unsuccessful attempts at survival in life. I knew something had to be missing. I was tired of constantly feeling defeated. I was attending a Christian college and participated in church, but it felt like I was just going through the motions – not an authentic walk with Christ. I questioned whether I was really saved, and a friend encouraged me to settle it once for all and I prayed a prayer. But underlying the truth of the gospel was the idea that I needed to “perform” by holding to a set of rules and standards. Although I prayed and made a spiritual commitment to live rightly, this religio…
I was raised in a church in which I was taught the Bible. Academically speaking, I was well-educated on the Bible. I knew the facts and events, and could even quote Scripture from memory. However, I was surrounded by family members who did not apply biblical principles in the home and I grew up very confused about God and the gospel.
Once I reached college, I was frustrated with my unsuccessful attempts at survival in life. I knew something had to be missing. I was tired of constantly feeling defeated. I was attending a Christian college and participated in church, but it felt like I was just going through the motions – not an authentic walk with Christ. I questioned whether I was really saved, and a friend encouraged me to settle it once for all and I prayed a prayer. But underlying the truth of the gospel was the idea that I needed to “perform” by holding to a set of rules and standards. Although I prayed and made a spiritual commitment to live rightly, this religio…