Crucial questions I need answers to

[Stiofain]

Hello my name is Johnny, I grew up in the Protestant church but a couple generations ago my family was Catholic. Not only were they Catholic but according to family documents some were clergy in Ireland. Pretty much I have questions about the Catholic church that my Catholic friends haven’t been able to clear up. They’re pretty crucial to me at this point seeing as I disagree with some things I was taught and want to find out exactly where I stand.

Purgatory Where does this idea come from? Do you not believe that Christ’s death on the cross covered all sins of the world past, present, future? Do Catholics believe we as Christians are forgiven for our sins before Purgatory?

Confession Where does the idea that you have to confess to clergy come from? Do Catholics believe you can’t go to God directly? and If you do your sins aren’t forgiven?

Saints and Mary Unlike most Protestants in my area I acknowledge the Saints and Mary but Why do Catholics pray to them? and How is it not idol worship?

The Pope I would say the Pope is probably a godly man. I don’t say probably to be disrespectful simply I believe only God knows the heart and intentions of man but he appears to be a godly man. But Jesus said He was the head of the church so how is it that we can give that title to another human?

Being sure of your salvation My Catholic friends say you can’t be sure of your salvation and if you’ll go to heaven. I’m unsure about Purgatory at this point but my question Is this what Catholics believe and if so How is this Biblical? I believe that if you have faith in Christ and believe He suffered and died for the sins of the world and that He was God’s son and you live your life according to His commandments you will be saved. Pretty much if you’re a true Christian and live your faith daily.

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

Thanks for any answers like I said I’m trying to figure out what it is I exactly believe and honestly leaning towards the Catholic church if these can be cleared up.

 

[Danquayle76]

Hello my name is Johnny, I grew up in the Protestant church

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

I don’t have time to tackle all the questions you provided, but its disappointing your Catholic friends could not provide answers to you. Regarding this last bit, your friends are just dead wrong. The church has always stressed there is no salvation outside of Christ and the church. The fullest expression of the truth of Christ can only be found in the Catholic Church. This said, the church has since its earliest days stated that elements of truth can be found outside of the church, such as in natural law. In addition elements of truth might be found in other religions.

Ultimately though, none of us are privy to the judgments of God. He is free to be as merciful as he wishes. People may only attain salvation through Christ and his church, but Christ can save those who deny him or never knew him. Again, we don’t have access to the judgments of God. And while we all rely on Christ’s mercy for salvation its probably best not to test his mercy.

It’s also very bad to die in a state of mortal sin. As Catholics we don’t believe mortal sins can be forbidden except through the sacrament of reconciliation. I doubt anyone can manage to go through life without committing a mortal sin.

 

[Edward_H]

Hello my name is Johnny, I grew up in the Protestant church but a couple generations ago my family was Catholic. Not only were they Catholic but according to family documents some were clergy in Ireland. Pretty much I have questions about the Catholic church that my Catholic friends haven’t been able to clear up. They’re pretty crucial to me at this point seeing as I disagree with some things I was taught and want to find out exactly where I stand.

Purgatory Where does this idea come from? Do you not believe that Christ’s death on the cross covered all sins of the world past, present, future? Do Catholics believe we as Christians are forgiven for our sins before Purgatory?

Confession Where does the idea that you have to confess to clergy come from? Do Catholics believe you can’t go to God directly? and If you do your sins aren’t forgiven?

Saints and Mary Unlike most Protestants in my area I acknowledge the Saints and Mary but Why do Catholics pray to them? and How is it not idol worship?

The Pope I would say the Pope is probably a godly man. I don’t say probably to be disrespectful simply I believe only God knows the heart and intentions of man but he appears to be a godly man. But Jesus said He was the head of the church so how is it that we can give that title to another human?

Being sure of your salvation My Catholic friends say you can’t be sure of your salvation and if you’ll go to heaven. I’m unsure about Purgatory at this point but my question Is this what Catholics believe and if so How is this Biblical? I believe that if you have faith in Christ and believe He suffered and died for the sins of the world and that He was God’s son and you live your life according to His commandments you will be saved. Pretty much if you’re a true Christian and live your faith daily.

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

Thanks for any answers like I said I’m trying to figure out what it is I exactly believe and honestly leaning towards the Catholic church if these can be cleared up.

Purgatory:

catholic.com/library/Purgatory.asp [includes Scriptural and intellectual reasoning (God gave us powers of reasoning too, to know Him and serve Him even more)]

Confession:

catholic.com/library/Confession.asp [same]

Saints: [bottomline - Catholics believe that death does not separate us from members in the Body of Christ; do your Protestant friends or relatives ever ask you or others to pray on your behalf. Is that request a form of idol worship? No. So this is all we’re doing, benefitting from very powerful pray-ers. ] Ask you Protestant friends what do they think we’ll do in heaven. A wise priest told me “God is not going to be tucking you in…” In other words the saints are working along side God (Jesus told us His Father was still working).

catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp

On the salvation of other souls, practicing heretical beliefs… Only God truly knows the disposition of these souls. He loves them far far more than we do.

 

[laszlo]

Too many question for one post, let me answer only two:

Purgatory. Once I was invited to a weeding, in about 100 miles from my home. It was beautiful summer day, I decided to go on bike. On the road there was a big storm, and everything even the outfit in my backpack became dirty. I was ashed to attend the wedding. – Jesus covered the sin in the view of God. God sees Him not our imperfection. So we can enter His celebration in the heaven. However we are responsible for the wedding clothes. Either here by meritory acts, or in the Purgatory by burning out the stain of the bad habits.

Who is saved. No one can be saved only trough Jesus. He and only He opened the bridge to heave, he is the bridge. Without Him no one can be saved. However this does not mean that you have to be conscientiously aware of this bridge. As in a train you cross many rivers while you are sleeping, one can go to heaven through Jesus as bridge being faithful Muslim, Hindi, Buddhist.

Rom 2 [11] For there is no respect of persons with God. [12] For whosoever have sinned without the law, shall perish without the law; and whosoever have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. [13] For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. [14] For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature those things that are of the law; these having not the law are a law to themselves: [15] Who shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness to them, and their thoughts between themselves accusing, or also defending one another,

 

[Bigcat71]

Given that these questions are almost word for word as some found on anti-Catholic websites, which are used in providing training for confronting Catholics on their beliefs, I would think the poster may have ulterior motives in this thread. Not saying that he does, mind you, but given the questions asked it seems that it could be so.

I would reccomend however, that the questions should be asked on the Apologetics Forum, or in the Ask an Apologist section, both of which hopefully would be somewhat better able to answer them correctly, succintly and in total agreement with Church teaching…

 

[karebear92]

Hello my name is Johnny, I grew up in the Protestant church but a couple generations ago my family was Catholic. Not only were they Catholic but according to family documents some were clergy in Ireland. Pretty much I have questions about the Catholic church that my Catholic friends haven’t been able to clear up. They’re pretty crucial to me at this point seeing as I disagree with some things I was taught and want to find out exactly where I stand.

Purgatory Where does this idea come from? Do you not believe that Christ’s death on the cross covered all sins of the world past, present, future? Do Catholics believe we as Christians are forgiven for our sins before Purgatory?

Nothing unclean is allowed into Heaven (that is stated in the Bible several times), but, as humans, we sin. If God were to simply “cover up” our sins immediately following our death simply by having faith in him, we would not be pure. Purgatory is a state in which we become perfect and are purged of our sins. We can be forgiven of our sins through Confession, but that does not necessarily make us pure. We must purge our sinful tendencies as well.

Confession Where does the idea that you have to confess to clergy come from? Do Catholics believe you can’t go to God directly? and If you do your sins aren’t forgiven?

Jesus was sent to Earth to forgive sins and He gives the Apostles the responsibility to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus is giving his Apostles the job of teaching and making disciples of all nations. This is saying that Jesus is always with them, but they must continue what he started. The actual ability to forgive sins is given here: Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained. (NASB) John 20:21-23 That is only part of it. You can find a more thorough explanation here. As for not going directly through God, we believe the Sacrament of Reconciliation is gift, and that by going to confession our sins are forgiven. That does not mean that if one is truly sorry for their sins and repents that God will not forgive them. Only God can decide that. As a Catholic, though, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a precious gift that I can not imagine not having.

Saints and Mary Unlike most Protestants in my area I acknowledge the Saints and Mary but Why do Catholics pray to them? and How is it not idol worship?

We are not praying to them to answer our prayers; we are praying with them and asking them to pray for us. If I ask you to pray for me, I am not worshipping you. Those who are most holy are closest to God, and thus we believe their prayers have a certain impact on Him. For example, if I were to pray the Little Flower Novena, there is a prayer intention that I ask her to pray to God with me for. I am praying to her asking for her to pray to God with me. For more refer to this link.

The Pope I would say the Pope is probably a godly man. I don’t say probably to be disrespectful simply I believe only God knows the heart and intentions of man but he appears to be a godly man. But Jesus said He was the head of the church so how is it that we can give that title to another human?

Jesus makes Peter the rock on which he would build his church. (RSV 2nd Ed.) Matthew 16:18. Once again, for a more thorough answer, refer to this link

Being sure of your salvation My Catholic friends say you can’t be sure of your salvation and if you’ll go to heaven. I’m unsure about Purgatory at this point but my question Is this what Catholics believe and if so How is this Biblical? I believe that if you have faith in Christ and believe He suffered and died for the sins of the world and that He was God’s son and you live your life according to His commandments you will be saved. Pretty much if you’re a true Christian and live your faith daily.

It is not for us to decide, only God can truly know. We too believe that if one believes in God, lives a faithful, charitable life, and receive God’s grace through the sacraments that they MAY be granted everlasting life, but only God knows the heart, so only he can decide. .

 

[karebear92]

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

Once again, only God knows their heart. Would one expect God to condemn those who never had the opportunity to know Him? What about infants, or those who are incapable of understanding the concept of God? Invincible ignorance can apply in some circumstances. If, however, one rejects God, that is a different story. Still, though, we can not say that they are or are not going to Heaven or Hell, only God can decide who He allows into Heaven.

Thanks for any answers like I said I’m trying to figure out what it is I exactly believe and honestly leaning towards the Catholic church if these can be cleared up.

You’re welcome. God Bless!

If I missed anything or if I am incorrect about anything, please correct me. I am new to Apologetics.

 

[JRKH]

Hello my name is Johnny, I grew up in the Protestant church but a couple generations ago my family was Catholic. Not only were they Catholic but according to family documents some were clergy in Ireland. Pretty much I have questions about the Catholic church that my Catholic friends haven’t been able to clear up. They’re pretty crucial to me at this point seeing as I disagree with some things I was taught and want to find out exactly where I stand.

Welcome to the forums. You will find good answers here.

Purgatory Where does this idea come from? Do you not believe that Christ’s death on the cross covered all sins of the world past, present, future? Do Catholics believe we as Christians are forgiven for our sins before Purgatory?

First of all, you can look HERE for Information from the Catholic Church Catechism on Purgatory.
Second, although the concept of Purgatory was not formalized until later, the idea is much more ancient and can be seen in Scripture. 1 Cor 3:10-15 references a purification “as if by fire”. One of the strongest Scriptural evidences is found in 2 Maccabees 12:44-46 where prayer is offered that the sins of the dead be blotted out.

Confession Where does the idea that you have to confess to clergy come from? Do Catholics believe you can’t go to God directly? and If you do your sins aren’t forgiven?

Yes we can go directly to God and should do so as soon as we realize that we have done something sinful. However, Jesus said to the Apostles, in John 20:23. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” How can the Apostle (priest) know if the sin is to be forgiven or retained if you do not tell him?

Saints and Mary Unlike most Protestants in my area I acknowledge the Saints and Mary but Why do Catholics pray to them? and How is it not idol worship?

“Payer” does not equal worship. “Prayer” is to petition, to ask. This is where the confusion often occurs. Protestants too often equate the terms prayer and worship when they are not the same thing.
We ask Mary and the saints to pray for us, just as I might ask you to pray for me. Look at the “Hail Mary” prayer. The first half is a collection of biblical quotes, and the second half simply asks Mary to pray for us.

The Pope I would say the Pope is probably a godly man. I don’t say probably to be disrespectful simply I believe only God knows the heart and intentions of man but he appears to be a godly man. But Jesus said He was the head of the church so how is it that we can give that title to another human?

The title of the Pope is “Vicar of Christ”. The Pope, as Chief steward of Christ’s household, the Church on Earth holds the keys and runs things until Christ’s return. If you consider the historical aspects of this it becomes more clear.
A king is going on a long journey. Before he leaves, he appoints a trusted aide, to oversee things while he is gone. If that overseer (vicar) should die before the king’s return, another is appointed and so forth. The papal office does not deny Christ’s kingship, it confirms it.

Being sure of your salvation My Catholic friends say you can’t be sure of your salvation and if you’ll go to heaven. I’m unsure about Purgatory at this point but my question Is this what Catholics believe and if so How is this Biblical? I believe that if you have faith in Christ and believe He suffered and died for the sins of the world and that He was God’s son and you live your life according to His commandments you will be saved. Pretty much if you’re a true Christian and live your faith daily.

If you live as you relate above, you will indeed be saved. Every Catholic should embrace this. What needs to be avoided in the sin of presumption and falling into the trap of OSAS, or “Once Saved Always Saved” which basically says that once you are “saved” (confess Christ and are baptized) you cannot lose that salvation even should you later deny Christ unrepentantly.

Cont below…

 

[JRKH]

Cont from above

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

This is a complicated question. Indeed no one comes to the Father except through Christ, but what about all those who lived in second century China, Japan, North America and other places who never heard of Jesus…
What about those who, having been raised in other faiths - but seek to live their lives by the two great commandments and who have never exposed to the teachings of Jesus, or if they were, it was done poorly so that they did not truly understand?

God is Love, and therefore Jesus is Love. Love is the two great commandments upon which all the Law and all the Prophets are based. Jesus said that many will come from the East and West to sit at the banquet. Jesus said that not all who cry Lord Lord, will enter the kingdom but only those who do the Will of the Father (which is built on Love)
So Love becomes the central core element which determines who will be saved.
Yes Jesus is the surest way. He embodied all that is perfect. We need to follow Him. We need to share Him with the World. But we should not so narrowly define God’s Justice as to exclude ALL those who are not of the Christian faith. Only God knows the heart of the individual.

Thanks for any answers like I said I’m trying to figure out what it is I exactly believe and honestly leaning towards the Catholic church if these can be cleared up.

The answers above are rough. I’m sure others will provide better ones along with more links etc…

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

Given that these questions are almost word for word as some found on anti-Catholic websites, which are used in providing training for confronting Catholics on their beliefs, I would think the poster may have ulterior motives in this thread. Not saying that he does, mind you, but given the questions asked it seems that it could be so.

I would recommend however, that the questions should be asked on the Apologetic’s Forum, or in the Ask an Apologist section, both of which hopefully would be somewhat better able to answer them correctly, succinctly and in total agreement with Church teaching…

Agree that this should be moved to the Apologetic’s forum.

As for the poster’s intentions. Let us always assume honesty and answer in charity. This person may well have lifted these questions from another website and still be asking them honestly here. After all, if these are truly his concerns, why not “cut and paste” instead of reinventing the wheel.

Peace
James

 

[Stiofain]

First off I’d like to say I am not anti-Catholic and thats not my reason for asking these questions to question your faith. As I’ve stated these are questions I’ve been struggling with and wondering the answers to. I could careless about what other Protestants think or believe and their motives. That being said some things have been cleared off.

With the Pope I understand now so St. Peter was I guess given the title Pope or leader of the church. Since then its just carried on I understand that now.

Prayers to the Saints and Mary I didn’t realize Catholics didn’t think we were cut off after death. I understand the whole asking another member of the church to pray for you and it not being idol worship, but like I said I always thought Catholics were praying as in prasing them not asking for help. Again I didn’t know about the not being seperated from other members of the church after death. Does anyone have a place in the Bible that refers to that? I just want to be solid in all this don’t mean to ask all these questions.

Confession I guess that goes along with the Pope. From these responses and the scripture posted Jesus gave the apostles the right to forgive sin not by their own power but through his authority given to them. And its just carried on since then as well.

I’ve read some threads on here about Purgatory and its been cleared up a little more. And even some of these responses but one comment “faith in Jesus is not enough”
-Johnny

 

[minkymurph]

Purgatory Where does this idea come from? Do you not believe that Christ’s death on the cross covered all sins of the world past, present, future? Do Catholics believe we as Christians are forgiven for our sins before Purgatory?

Simply put, prior to the death of Christ no one entered heaven. However, the faithful did not go to Hell. Therefore, there was a state of the soul which was neither heaven or hell. Jesus did not say that state would no longer exist once he died. He eludes to it when he said, ‘there are sins that will not be forgiven in this world or the next.’

Confession Where does the idea that you have to confess to clergy come from? Do Catholics believe you can’t go to God directly? and If you do your sins aren’t forgiven?

Jesus giving the apostles the power to bind and to loose. Catholics believe this did not stop with the Apostles but continued. Yes, you can go to God directly. Catholics believe Confession is a Sacrament and in a Sacrament something special happens.

Saints and Mary Unlike most Protestants in my area I acknowledge the Saints and Mary but Why do Catholics pray to them? and How is it not idol worship?

Mary and the Saints are not idols. They are alive in heaven. They do not cease to be part of the faith community because they have died. Just as I would say a prayer for you, or you would for me, so do they.

The Pope I would say the Pope is probably a godly man. I don’t say probably to be disrespectful simply I believe only God knows the heart and intentions of man but he appears to be a godly man. But Jesus said He was the head of the church so how is it that we can give that title to another human?

Simply put, Jesus is no longer with us in flesh but did not leave us alone. He gave us gifts in men to guide us.

Being sure of your salvation My Catholic friends say you can’t be sure of your salvation and if you’ll go to heaven. I’m unsure about Purgatory at this point but my question Is this what Catholics believe and if so How is this Biblical? I believe that if you have faith in Christ and believe He suffered and died for the sins of the world and that He was God’s son and you live your life according to His commandments you will be saved. Pretty much if you’re a true Christian and live your faith daily.

Catholics believe that even if they at one time someone believes in Christ, they could still reject him at some point in their lives.

Lastly my Catholic friends also said that Catholics believe that non Christians (muslims, buddhists, athiests, wiccans every belief) can enter Purgatory and be cleansed and enter Heaven. They said this because they said “there is some bit of truth in every faith if you’re good and commit no mortal sins you won’t be damned to hell” Is this what Catholics believe? If so I have to say I believe and this one i won’t waiver on that it is Biblically wrong. Jesus said “NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME” so how could someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or God, or that He was God’s son and died for the sins of the world be saved? How could a spirit worshipper who practices witchcraft but is considered a good person be saved without Jesus Christ?

What happened to all the people who were not Jews and died before Christ came? What happened to many people who died after Christ’s Resurrection but never heard the message of the Gospel? Did they all go to Hell?

We can only come to the Father through Jesus. What does ‘through mean?’ Jesus saves whom he wants irrespective of what criterion humans draw up for salvation?

Thanks for any answers like I said I’m trying to figure out what it is I exactly believe and honestly leaning towards the Catholic church if these can be cleared up.

If you ever figure it all out can you let me know? I once asked a priest how long it would be before I knew as much as I wanted to. His answer was: a lifetime.

 

[Stiofain]

First off I’d like to say I am not anti-Catholic and thats not my reason for asking these questions to question your faith. As I’ve stated these are questions I’ve been struggling with and wondering the answers to. I could careless about what other Protestants think or believe and their motives. That being said some things have been cleared off.

With the Pope I understand now so St. Peter was I guess given the title Pope or leader of the church. Since then its just carried on I understand that now.

Prayers to the Saints and Mary I didn’t realize Catholics didn’t think we were cut off after death. I understand the whole asking another member of the church to pray for you and it not being idol worship, but like I said I always thought Catholics were praying as in prasing them not asking for help. Again I didn’t know about the not being seperated from other members of the church after death. Does anyone have a place in the Bible that refers to that? I just want to be solid in all this don’t mean to ask all these questions.

Confession I guess that goes along with the Pope. From these responses and the scripture posted Jesus gave the apostles the right to forgive sin not by their own power but through his authority given to them. And its just carried on since then as well.

I’ve read some threads on here about Purgatory and its been cleared up a little more. And even some of these responses but one comment “No one can be saved only trough Jesus.” I disagree with Jesus is the ONLY way you can be saved. I guess this also stems to the peoples of other faith entering Heaven. I’ve gotten mixed responses about that so it seems not everyone is on the same page. But I do agree that only God knows a mans heart but a man also knows his own heart. So if a man knows his heart and knows he lives his faith and in his heart he strives and work towards being a goldy man. I believe hes saved. That being said I still don’t believe you can enter Heaven without believing and accepting Christ. I understand God is the ultimate judge and His will is just and right. But all I see in the Bible is that Christ Jesus is the one and only way to Heaven.

Thank guys I appreciate all the responses so much
-Johnny

 

[minkymurph]

Prayers to the Saints and Mary I didn’t realize Catholics didn’t think we were cut off after death. I understand the whole asking another member of the church to pray for you and it not being idol worship, but like I said I always thought Catholics were praying as in prasing them not asking for help. Again I didn’t know about the not being seperated from other members of the church after death. Does anyone have a place in the Bible that refers to that? I just want to be solid in all this don’t mean to ask all these questions.

Off the top of my head -

Revelation - all in heaven are gathered together before the throne of God and there is an hour of silence for the prayers of the holy one’s to be heard. In the vision, all in heaven hear the prayers of the holy one’s.

The fact that Jesus said God is a God of the living and not of the dead, and those who believe in him will never die at all.

Paul talks about the Body of Christ - we do not cease to be part of that body when we die. We are more fully incorporated into it. Paul also talks about dying in union with Christ. If we are in communion with Christ, we are also in communion with others who are in communion with Christ. Those in heaven have reached the ultimate of being in communion with Christ.

Those in heaven do something. Again, Revelation talks (symbolically) about a white pebble being given to those in heaven which has to with the role God gives them in heaven.

I know this is all kind of note form. That’s because it’s off the top of my head.

 

[Stiofain]

Well I appreciate it. To be honest I went to a church called “The Christian Missionary Alliance” church until I was about 14. Then certain things happened in my life and I strayed away did alot of wrong and had nothing to do with the church of any kind. I’ve only been in church and taking my relationship with God seriously and living it (we all struggle and fail though) since March of 2010. So I’m pretty new into scriptures and things like that. So I really appreciate all these responses and links and scriptures more then I could ever express.

 

[TimothyH]

I wrote a short paper on the Biblical basis for belief in Purgatory if anyone is interested. It can be downloaded here.

When I first learned about Purgatory in earnest, I was amazed at how merciful and loving God was toward us, to give us a way to get to spend eternity with him. Purgatory is a truly beautiful doctrine.

Tim-

 

[tradcathconvert]

I wrote a short paper on the Biblical basis for belief in Purgatory if anyone is interested. It can be downloaded here.

When I first learned about Purgatory in earnest, I was amazed at how merciful and loving God was toward us, to give us a way to get to spend eternity with him. Purgatory is a truly beautiful doctrine.

Tim-

Thank you, Tim. I have added it to my favorites.

 

[jfp1888]

Trial

 

[jfp1888]

Johnny-hello from Scotland

Too many quedtions to be answered in one go. God is a mystery to be entered into not a problem to be solved. No disrespect but so many of your points are typical of most protestant misconceptions. Trouble is are that Catholic answers are generally more complex that Protestant over simplistic questions often looking for bible text quoting debates. God can’t be reduced to that. Question isnt where is singing livliest or where is preaching best or where is the biggest spiritual buzz. Question is where is the truth?

If you seek it with your whole heart I’m SURE that if patient you will find ROME is HOME!

No man can answer your questions. Only God reveals God in the final analysis.

Question: Are you open to finding the truth in the one hy roman catholic church? If so- keep searching and remain open. Your questions will be answered in Gods time not yours.

God Bless Brother and may Our Lady Guide You home

jfp Scotland

 

[Stiofain]

“No disrespect but so many of your points are typical of most protestant misconceptions.”

No disrespect taken I realize they’re Protestant misconceptions which is why I decided to ask Catholics directly so I can hear what they believe from their own mouths.

When it boils down to it the truth is exactly what I’m in search for. I realize especially in America that alot of churches have watered down the church or added other ideas. I want to be in the Christian church at its roots when it first began. Honestly I could careless if it was Catholic or Protestant titles don’t matter to me. Its the truth that matters and from what I’ve been seeing its the Catholic church I should be looking into more. I don’t except to know everything but I do want to know what it is I believe and you guys have already been giving me food for thought.

-Johnny