✝️ SALVATION TESTIMONIES

By John from Modern Day Revival – Minnesota

Have you ever said a “sinner’s prayer” at some point in your life? Were you involved with church growing up, thought you were saved, and then drifted away? Have you lived in a way that didn’t match what you once professed in faith? If so—you’re not alone. There is a difference between what many call being “backslidden” and never having had true faith in Jesus Christ to begin with.

I was raised Catholic and believed in God, but I didn’t have real faith in Jesus Christ. Alcohol became a way to deal with shyness and to be accepted. Over time, things got worse. I made reckless decisions and lived mostly for myself. Eventually, my drinking got so bad that I ended up living in a halfway house. I couldn’t rub two pennies together. I attended AA meetings regularly—and right across the alley from that halfway house was a church. Every Wednesday night, I would see people going in, and that stuck with me. Why were people going to church on a Wednesday night?

Eventually, someone from AA invited me to attend that Baptist church. The pastor preached straight from the Bible—not like the homilies I was used to, but verse by verse. I had heard things about Baptists but had never experienced it for myself. Over time, I kept going and hearing the Gospel. After a few months, I said the sinner’s prayer and started a journey that included many ups and downs. At the time, I thought I was saved. But looking back, I realize something important: I had said the words—but I didn’t yet have true faith in Jesus Christ.

Life continued. I got married and had children. From the outside, things looked better—but internally, I still struggled with depression, anxiety, and a constant search for something more. Family members supported my sobriety but questioned why I had “changed religion.” That word stood out to me: religion.

Over time, I drifted again. I returned to the Catholic church. I deployed to a war zone. Eventually, I went through a divorce, and alcohol came back. Even though I remained productive professionally, my life was filled with repeated mistakes and embarrassing moments. I stopped going to church and began searching elsewhere—New Age practices, meditation, diet changes, exercise, even speaking to psychics. Promiscuity also became a major part of my life. What I thought was private didn’t stay private—it became public, bringing embarrassment and consequences I never expected. It was a clear sign that the life I was living was leading in the wrong direction. Nothing satisfied.

During that time, the struggle became deeper than just addiction. I had been dealing with suicidal thoughts for a long time—going all the way back to the mid-1980s after I got out of the Army. There were seasons where those thoughts became stronger. I remember writing notes more than once, believing I was going to end my life. At one point, I had even started selling and giving away most of my possessions because I didn’t plan on being here anymore. There was a moment where I considered driving off a steep embankment—but didn’t go through with it because a road maintenance worker was there. Looking back, I can see that as a moment where God intervened, even when I didn’t fully understand it. That’s how far things had gone. On the outside, I could still function, but people could also see the effects: lack of self-discipline, drunkenness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and isolation. Inside, things were falling apart.

By 2024, I had been sober for one year and began seeking again. I started visiting churches and watching sermons online. During that time, I came across teachings from Derek Prince about spiritual warfare and demonic influence. I studied those teachings carefully and followed the instructions he gave. By January 2025, I confessed my sexual sin and addiction, and in faith I commanded the demonic presence to leave my body in the name of Jesus Christ. It did. I physically felt it leave—moving out through the backs of both of my legs. It wasn’t a muscle. It wasn’t my imagination. It was real. From that moment, something changed. The addictions that once had a strong hold on me—especially alcohol and sexual sin—lost their grip.

About a month later, everything became clear. I finally understood the Gospel—not just in my mind, but in truth. While driving in my car, I cried out to God in genuine faith in Jesus Christ and what He had done on the cross. That’s when I was truly saved. The prayer I said years before? It was words—but not real faith. Now I understand: it’s not about religion. It’s about a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Life isn’t perfect. Depression, anxiety, irritability, and wrong thoughts can still be a battle. But now Jesus is present, and I’m not walking through those struggles alone. I was remarried in 2022, and today I’m very happy—something I didn’t think was possible before. I’m also a grandfather now, and my kids are grown and living their own lives. I’ve had to separate myself from certain people and places that were pulling me in the wrong direction. The Bible, prayer, and Christian fellowship now sustain my daily walk and keep me on the narrow path—not the worldly one.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction… Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” — Matthew 7:13–14

The Gospel is simple: Jesus Christ shed His blood for our sins, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel… how that Christ died for our sins… and that he rose again the third day…” — 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Faith is not about works—but true faith produces change. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone…” — James 2:17–18

If you have been living one way while professing another, I encourage you to examine your faith. Don’t ignore it. Turn back to God.

I thought I was saved once. I said the words. I believed in God. But my life didn’t reflect real faith. If that sounds like you—don’t ignore it. Examine your faith. Be honest with yourself. Because this isn’t about religion. It’s about whether you truly know Jesus Christ. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need a perfect past. You just need to be willing to turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

👉 Learn About Addictive Behavior

If you are struggling deeply or having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t stay silent—reach out to someone and get help.

In the U.S., you can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org.

If you prefer faith-based support, you can also reach out to Focus on the Family Counseling at 1-855-771-HELP (4357).

You can also text “TALK” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.