I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me?

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#31   Jul 21, '13, 10:38 pm

Glad2behome Junior Member   Join Date: October 19, 2012 Posts: 169 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I was baptized in a Catholic church as a baby (back in 1968), but I'm not sure I was ever confirmed. That is very common in your generation. Contact the Dioceses were you went to mass as a child, they might have some answers. But this website should be very helpful to you!: http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

#32   Jul 21, '13, 10:41 pm

detoutcoeur Regular Member   Join Date: May 5, 2011 Posts: 2,117 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Yes! Welcome home! I thought of this song when I read your post. I think it says it all... Go to: http://brianflynnmusic.com/media/music The Prodigal Father (Beyond the Veil) Welcome home to the house of your Father I've been watching the road I've been praying that you would return For I've been missing you so There's so much I've been wanting to tell you So much I have to give you I've been waiting for you to come home To let you know I love you. __________________ We love because He first loved us. I John 4:19 Last edited by detoutcoeur; Jul 21, '13 at 10:53 pm.

#33   Jul 21, '13, 10:50 pm

Glad2behome Junior Member   Join Date: October 19, 2012 Posts: 169 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? I know this may be from the time I was in the Pentecostal Churches but every time I hear a person coming back to Jesus, I fell like doing what King David did.

#34   Jul 21, '13, 11:01 pm

OneHolyCathAp New Member   Join Date: February 28, 2013 Posts: 53 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong Thank you! I am smiling ear to ear, Jesus loves me, its amazing to think- I still am not sure I'm worthy of his love, but I will try and make up for lost time by loving him and and strive to be a better person. You are right, there is nothing you, or I, or anyone can do to be "worthy" of God's love or of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. It is freely given... yes, for you. We are so blessed as Catholics to have the sacraments, especially those we can receive frequently, Eucharist and Reconciliation (Confession.) Make an appointment with your local priest, let him know in advance that you are returning and he will help you. Jesus always waits with open arms to embrace you and never let you go. God bless you and your return home.

#35   Jul 21, '13, 11:05 pm

Aussiegal Junior Member   Join Date: September 17, 2011 Posts: 200 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I'm 44 years old, was baptized Catholic as a baby- My family really were not church goers, and for much of my life I was an atheist After reading the Bible and opening my mind and my heart, I have accepted Jesus Christ, and that realization of the glory and truth of jesus and the reality of salvation has changed my life. I have been away from Jesus most of my life- would he forgive me? I turned my back on god for so long, why would he take me back? Every time I am near a church, i want to go in but am burdered with guilt for having abandoned Jesus- but i know now he IS the light to salvation. Would Jesus forgive me? I want to fully return to the Catholic Church, as Jesus is in my heart, but am very sad that he would not welcome me into his church or into Heaven Welcome Home BostonStrong! What a beautiful grace the Lord has granted you. This passage comes to mind when reading your post: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7) God Bless you

#36   Jul 21, '13, 11:23 pm

Aramis Senior Member   Join Date: March 31, 2007 Posts: 8,358 Religion: Byzantine Catholic - Ruthenian Church

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I'm 44 years old, was baptized Catholic as a baby- My family really were not church goers, and for much of my life I was an atheist After reading the Bible and opening my mind and my heart, I have accepted Jesus Christ, and that realization of the glory and truth of jesus and the reality of salvation has changed my life. I have been away from Jesus most of my life- would he forgive me? I turned my back on god for so long, why would he take me back? Every time I am near a church, i want to go in but am burdered with guilt for having abandoned Jesus- but i know now he IS the light to salvation. Would Jesus forgive me? YES! Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I want to fully return to the Catholic Church, as Jesus is in my heart, but am very sad that he would not welcome me into his church or into Heaven Go read Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 to 32. Luke 15:11-32 Then, realize: You are one of God's Prodigal Sons. __________________ Aramis Alaskan, Catholic. Born Roman Rite, then soundly Ruthenianized. Wikipedia: Ruthenian | Download the Ruthenian Pew Book

#37   Jul 21, '13, 11:32 pm

SAVINGRACE Junior Member   Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 393 Religion: CATHOLIC

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Nothing you have done cannot be forgiven by Christ. You will experience a great relief and release upon your first Confession on returning. Welcome Home and good luck on your journey.

#38   Jul 21, '13, 11:44 pm

Loving disciple Junior Member   Join Date: April 24, 2012 Posts: 237 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I'm 44 years old, was baptized Catholic as a baby- My family really were not church goers, and for much of my life I was an atheist After reading the Bible and opening my mind and my heart, I have accepted Jesus Christ, and that realization of the glory and truth of jesus and the reality of salvation has changed my life. I have been away from Jesus most of my life- would he forgive me? I turned my back on god for so long, why would he take me back? Every time I am near a church, i want to go in but am burdered with guilt for having abandoned Jesus- but i know now he IS the light to salvation. Would Jesus forgive me? I want to fully return to the Catholic Church, as Jesus is in my heart, but am very sad that he would not welcome me into his church or into Heaven Jesus will forgive all of your sins. All you need to do is be truly sorry and ask for forgiveness. Also try to get to church when you can. Welcome home

#39   Jul 22, '13, 12:11 am

Eric Hyom Regular Member   Join Date: June 6, 2004 Posts: 672 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? I was away from the church for around thirty five years, when I started to search for God again, I read lots of books and talked to people for around three years, but did nothing. My brother in law from the Baptist Church, who I did not get on with, said if you are looking for God you have to do something. This was so frustrating because he did not say what I should do, but I have been back in the Catholic Church for fifteen years, and it was the best advice I had from anyone. I leave you with the same incomplete advice. Blessings Eric __________________ You will never look into the eyes of anyone, who does not matter to God

#40   Jul 22, '13, 3:37 am

Hicup New Member   Join Date: July 21, 2013 Posts: 5 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Wow - this thread is a joy to those of us who were in a similar situation to BostonStrong. I was an atheist, and I was (and still am) afraid that I won't be accepted by Jesus and the holy Catholic Church. But reading everyone's replies has brought a smile to my face.

#41   Jul 22, '13, 4:00 am

GaryTaylor Veteran Member   Join Date: March 30, 2010 Posts: 13,749 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? "The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen." Isaiah __________________ The Mystical Vision of the Virgin Mother is not intended for merely passive enjoyment but has been said to carry a transforming power, as those who have had the privilege of beholding The Queen of Heaven have dedicated their lives to Her service.

#42   Jul 22, '13, 5:50 am

agnes therese Regular Member   Join Date: August 18, 2010 Posts: 3,134 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Quote: Originally Posted by BostonStrong I have been away from Jesus most of my life- would he forgive me? I turned my back on god for so long, why would he take me back? Of course He will! Why? Because that's what He does!!! Welcome home! __________________ . . . the grace of God pursued me at every step . . . St. Faustina, Diary, #38

#43   Jul 22, '13, 7:44 am

CB Catholic Regular Member   Join Date: June 8, 2007 Posts: 3,867 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? I think whenever we have doubts about God's forgiveness we only need to recall the story about St. Paul's conversion to put it all into perspective. Here was a man, a Pharisee, who actively pursued and persecuted the early Christians and had them put to death, yet God chose him, of all people, to be the great Apostle that he was and to be His instrument in evangelizing the world. How total was God's forgiveness here! Of course Jesus will forgive you. And He just might want to use you for a great purpose, you never know. __________________ Carolyn

#44   Jul 22, '13, 9:13 am

MorEphrem Junior Member   Join Date: October 16, 2012 Posts: 263 Religion: Syro-Maronite

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? Reminds me of Matthew 21:28-31. The only moment it's too late to repent is Judgment, and even then I don't know what occurs.

#45   Jul 22, '13, 10:06 am

Marysann Junior Member   Join Date: July 28, 2004 Posts: 471 Religion: Catholic

Re: I'm a former atheist who has embraced Jesus- would he forgive me? YES, God will forgive you!!! Remember St. Paul. He was not an atheist, but he persecuted the Church. He even held the coats of his buddies as they stoned St. Stephen. God not only forgave him, but He gave him a very important job, that of apostle to the Gentiles. He became a great saint. You can be a saint, too. Welcome home!