My Testimony
Last Updated February 20, 2024 // Nathanael J. Strissel
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BEFORE CHRIST, I was blessed to have a rich spiritual heritage from the Lord, my parents had made my exposure and learning of spiritual things a priority through their example, weekly church attendance, and a deeply held conviction of their own: sending me to a Christian school. At this school, I was first exposed to the truth of hell and of judgement. Questioning my eternal destiny, I asked my mom and she shared the gospel with me. I completely knew and understood the gospel and its implications in kindergarten. This was when I immediately sought a solution and was lead in praying the sinners prayer, seemingly accepting God’s free gift of salvation and I sought after the lord earnestly for a few years. However, I was driven away by my desires for the world. I had gospel clarity but was the thorny soil; I had growth without fruit, unsatisfied by Christ alone all the while choking on the desires of the world. I sought the love and approval of people but was left abandoned by them. I lived in the fear of man becoming an achiever and mediator which only emphasized my insignificance and lack of control in the world. Pornography became my safe place to exercise control and feel some semblance of companionship. Coping through pleasure and foolishness, I was driven to despair.
As my sin became rampant, my days plagued by despair, I began to recognize that I did not have confidence in my salvation: God was not my strength; righteousness did not abound, but unrighteousness gained greater footholds. BUT GOD - through discipleship opportunities at school, a faithful friend there with zeal for the gospel, powerful words from the pulpit and the weight of the Holy Spirit pressing on me - revealed he was not my Lord and convicted me to make my faith my own, to seek obedience. So, I was made to submit to God as my Lord and was baptized.
NOW, God holds me fast giving me the strength to endure all things according to the hope of glory, even the dark night of the soul, for in one season I was stripped of nearly everything and everyone I had ever loved or come to care about and though I sought God, I could not sense his presence. I was tested with that which choked out my previous “faith” - abandonment. Yet, in it he was faithful to hold me steadfast in the faith. He led me to the heart acceptance that though I may feel abandoned by God for years: he has not abandoned me, his promises are true, and all things - especially the troubled things - are being used to bring about my certain sanctification. For the confirmation of my faith through this great pruning, I have an unquenchable conviction for the gospel and confidence in my salvation. Out of an abundance of joy, my life now has purpose in serving him to bring about the fullness of his bride in holiness and in number. I praise God for this wonderful gift.
What do the Scriptures have to say about saving faith?
Saving Faith is…
1. Professed
Romans 10:9-13
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
2. Practiced
James 2:17-19
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
3. Persevering
Matthew 13:20-23
20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Where the gospel is…
Clearly Understood
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Matthew 13:19,23
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Romans 10:14-17
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
2. Confidently Embraced
Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
3. Carried out with Conviction
Matthew 22:37-40
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
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