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Aurel Gheorghe
Supporter
In my opinion, what you are experiencing is not necessarily a sin. Remembering past sin could come from two sources: 1. The Holy Spirit is bringing this to your attention so you can ask for forgiveness and repent of past indiscretions. 2. Satan is reminding you of past sins in his attempt to make you doubt God's love and grace, that God had forgiven you. In 1 John 1:9 we have a promise that if we repent God can and will forgive our sins. Isaiah 1:18 tells that God is willing to cleanse us from our sinful past - all we have to do is ask. If you have confessed and repented of your sin, then you will know that these thoughts are from the devil. And when this happens, you should tell yourself that you are a child of God, that Christ died for you so you can be forgiven and saved (Heb 4:16; James 4:7; Rom 5:17).
Dale Casselman
Supporter
We are not responsible for thoughts that enter our mind. But, we are accountable for how we entertain them. This is one of the reasons Paul instructs us to take every thought captive, to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Great question, Emem! To be honest, my past sexual experiences before marriage keep coming to mind, too. Usually when I'm tired physically. But I know I'm saved and that God forgives and forgets the sin of His children. Isaiah 43:25 says, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." New International Version In a sermon or in Bible school I once heard a quote from Martin Luther regarding temptation which I just searched for online and found it. "In such a day, it is of growing importance that we acknowledge we really can direct our attention. We are not defenseless in our chaotic surroundings. We are not animals. Our minds are on a leash we hold. You really can control your thoughts. The Holy Spirit is in the ministry of producing in us self-control. As Martin Luther so memorably said, you may not be able to keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair."
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