Look for the fruit. If one is repentant, it is an ongoing battle to overcome those fleshly desires.
Our earthly fathers, while not perfect, are a picture of our heavenly father. I messed up several times growing up, but I was never tossed out of the family.
Better example. My pastor has adopted a child. That child is now a permanent member of the family. When I confessed that I was a sinner and needed Christ as my savior, I was adopted. One of the fruits of that is that I daily fight against my sinful desires. I will fail from time to time, but I am not going to be tossed out, I cannot lose my salvation, as I see it for the gift it is, and desire to please Him who saved me. His sacrifice was not a “get out of hell free” card that allows my to continue sinning.
One who has me desire to repent was most likely not really adopted into Gods family. If there is no true desire to be member of Gods family, god does not force you.
Exactly, dear friend.
We will sin, because we are flesh and blood as well as spirit.
In some ways I envy your faith and strength - I personally need the structure of the Church to face my sins fully.
While I know the Lord is good and forgives and sustains, I can’t forgive myself for falling short on my own. start to feel unworthy, which makes me less likely to confront failings, which makes me feel even more unworthy.