I was raised in a religious household, where my mother introduced me to Christianity at the tender age of 7. I earnestly accepted Christ into my heart and underwent baptism in a Baptist church. However, despite these external expressions of faith, I struggled internally with a self-imposed obligation to confess my sins. Throughout my formative years, my conscience tormented me, leaving me in a state of perpetual fear. Regrettably, I had not grasped some of the fundamental principles of the gospel. My religious beliefs revolved primarily around personal purification, as I tirelessly endeavored to cleanse my conscience of guilt. Paradoxically, the more I endeavored to conquer my sins, the more I found myself succumbing to failure. This vicious cycle persisted as I attempted to assert control over my wrongdoing. My early years were tainted by an excessive preoccupation with philosophical concepts and a sense of pride, which ultimately bound me to a pattern of repeated defeat. Eventually, I became utterly exhausted by the rigidity of my religious practices, leading me to abandon my faith altogether. As Steve aptly states, the pursuit of righteousness through one's own efforts can lead to a desertion of faith - a sentiment that resonated deeply with my own experience.

I embarked on a journey of seeking counseling, which proved to be incredibly transformative in various aspects of my life. However, this process inadvertently resulted in an intense attachment to the gratifying sensation of wellness. Consequently, I found myself prioritizing my personal fulfillment and enjoyment of life over my spiritual devotion. It was only when I ultimately recognized the limitations of self-recovery and sought solace through confession that I relinquished this misguided mindset.

After dedicating several years to the rigorous practice of scripture memorization, I was fortunate enough to receive a profound understanding of the doctrines of grace. This newfound knowledge brought me a sense of tranquility and resolved the doubts I previously harbored towards God, which were rooted in philosophical fallacies. I attained a harmonious equilibrium that fostered a lifelong growth in my unwavering faith in God and His teachings. Immersing myself in the works of the esteemed puritans, both before and after engaging in deep contemplation, provided me with an unparalleled sense of spiritual fulfillment during my mid to late twenties. The doctrines I had acquired finally set me on the path of solid personal development. Additionally, my commitment to meditative practices continuously deepened my connection with the divine presence. It was only when I wholeheartedly embraced the gospel solely for its intrinsic value that I truly experienced salvation. All the solemn declarations and verbal affirmations held little significance until the very mention of Christ propelled me towards eternal glory, revealing the paramount importance of unwavering faith.