do you have to be Catholic to get into Heaven??

[guanophore]

It is not biblical to believe in assurance of salvation. Even St. Paul was in constant fear of losing him salvation, of not enduring til the end, fighting the good fight every single day.

While I agree that the modern innovation of “assurance of salvation” is not biblical, I think this characterization of Paul is opposite of the Truth. It was St. Paul who wrote that perfect love casts out all fear. It was not fear that motivated him to endure to the end, just as it ought not be for any of us. On the contrary, I think Paul walked in confident hope. Otherwise, he would not be able to say “I am not aware of anything against myself” (meaning that as far as he could tell, he had a clean conscience before God). He also made a confident statement during his trial “I have walked in good conscience before God to this day”. These are not statements of a fearful person, but one who has confident hope.

Even though we believe in JC and his promise of eternal life, every person is in danger of losing that promised salvation because Jesus told us what we must do in order to attain heaven. If we should stop striving to act out our faith in good works, then we are jeopardizing our salvation. St.Paul knew this very well and writes about it in his epistles.

Yes, I agree. I have recently learned here from some of my Reformed brethren that statemetns of this kind are Paul having “doubts”. I don’t believe that either.

As for somebody who has walked away from the faith and given up on God, we as members of the Body of Christ (ALL Christians) should pray for that person. If he still believes in Jesus, he needs to understand that Jesus founded a Church (on Peter) and promised that His church would last forever. He needs to realize that sinful men will try to bring down the church, but that the teaching of Jesus through his church is infallible and “the gates of hell will never prevail against it.” It is our job to encourage one another in the faith.

Good answer smask.

 

[guanophore]

The bible doesn’t teach eternal security or once saved always saved but it also doesn’t teach that we can accidentally lose our salvation. Forgiveness and redemption are not made of tissue paper.

This is well said, Ron. No one can snatch us out of His hand, but we can sure jump out, and we can even bite the hand that feeds us.

 

[ronin67]

In very few words, my answer would be the lack of evangelization. Catholicism seems to evangelize the willing.

I agree. I have never seen any aggresive Catholic evangelizing in the public.  Normally it is more on the Baptist side (my background).  It seems that if most Catholics believe there church is the only way, then why aren't they spreading the wealth to save others.  That does seem a little selfish.

Take Care and May God Bless!

Ronin

 

[guanophore]

I agree. I have never seen any aggresive Catholic evangelizing in the public. Normally it is more on the Baptist side (my background). It seems that if most Catholics believe there church is the only way, then why aren’t they spreading the wealth to save others. That does seem a little selfish.

Take Care and May God Bless!

Ronin

We are taught to preach first through our actions. As I am sure you have observed, the vast majority of American Catholics are a very poor personal witness.

however, I agree that the gift of evangelism could be strengthened greatly. We are seeing Catholic evangelists now that have not been seen for centuries.

 

[mpjw2]

This is well said, Ron. No one can snatch us out of His hand, but we can sure jump out, and we can even bite the hand that feeds us.

yes we can guanophore. I am glad you said that.

Bible even says

“He will never leave us”…

as you said though…

but we can sure jump out

…“or forsake us”

I believe to know Jesus is to trust Him in that He understands what we are going through and that He is more faithful to us than we will ever be to Him.

in that when we do jump out of His hand He will catch us with the other

Our christian walk is like the professional trapeze act.

There is a point that the artist lets go of their own swing (our security, comfort zone, flesh) and places their trust in their partner (Jesus) that they will catch them.

and even if the artist whose life depends on reaching for their partner’s extended hand refuses to grab that hand, Jesus is faithful and is also the “safety net” of our christian walk with Him who will catch us at the last second before we crash.

reminds me of

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

                                       Mary Stevenson

God bless

mpjw

 

[mpjw2]

Christian brothers and sisters,

I was e-mailed a video, which was too awesome to keep to myself.

Steve Harvey is a comedian

There is nothing funny about this video, it is a true blessing to see someone from the entertainment world step up to the plate and do what Steve harvey did

At the close of one of his shows, Steve took a risk and made a stand for Jesus Christ and gave an awesome presentation on how he would introduce Jesus to his audience.

I am sure you will remember this video for a lifetime…

God bless Steve Harvey

I opened this thread to present the video

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=5815606&postcount=1

I pray God blesses all of you as much as I was blessed

mpjw2

 

[Calbreese]

Hey folks!

This is REAL simple. Vatican II, (article 9): Salvation is available through all Christian and non-Christian faiths.

That is also the message from Mary from her approved and pending messages (ex: Boise). God loves all religions.

Worrying about others salvation, unless you are evangelizing might be time better spent in prayer…

God Bless!

 

[guanophore]

yes we can guanophore. I am glad you said that.

Bible even says

“He will never leave us”…

as you said though…

…“or forsake us”

I believe to know Jesus is to trust Him in that He understands what we are going through and that He is more faithful to us than we will ever be to Him.

in that when we do jump out of His hand He will catch us with the other

Our christian walk is like the professional trapeze act.

There is a point that the artist lets go of their own swing (our security, comfort zone, flesh) and places their trust in their partner (Jesus) that they will catch them.

and even if the artist whose life depends on reaching for their partner’s extended hand refuses to grab that hand, Jesus is faithful and is also the “safety net” of our christian walk with Him who will catch us at the last second before we crash.

reminds me of

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

                                       Mary Stevenson

God bless

mpjw

I am in agreement with you of course. When I speak of “jumping out”, I am speaking of the condition of final impenitence, where one rejects him up till and including the last opportunity. Of these it is written “If we deny Him, He wil deny us”. His love is always there, and His love is so complete He will allow us to walk through the gates of hell if we so choose.

Of these it is also written that those who leave Him after becoming partakers of His grace, there remains no sacrifice for sin. If one is covered in the blood of the covenant, then profanes it, there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved.

The failure to finish the race, or failure to run so as to win the prize is not a matter of desiring Him and not being aware of His presence. It is a stubborn resistance to His grace. God does not save people against their will.

 

[guanophore]

Hey folks!

This is REAL simple. Vatican II, (article 9): Salvation is available through all Christian and non-Christian faiths.

That is also the message from Mary from her approved and pending messages (ex: Boise). God loves all religions.

Worrying about others salvation, unless you are evangelizing might be time better spent in prayer…

God Bless!

Calbreese, you have misunderstood the teaching of the Church.

However, I do agree that the most effective time spent on evangelizing begins with prayer.

 

[mpjw2]

God does not save people against their will.

absolutely agree.

And He will gladly open His arms to anyone who has a change of heart and sincerly repents their “evil” ways… even if it just happens to be during their last breath they will take on this side of eternity.

 

[PRmerger]

absolutely agree.

And He will gladly open His arms to anyone who has a change of heart and sincerly repents their “evil” ways… even if it just happens to be during their last breath they will take on this side of eternity.

Yes, and when they embrace Jesus (the Head), they embrace the Catholic Church (His Body).

 

[ron77nyc]

Yes, and when they embrace Jesus (the Head), they embrace the Catholic Church (His Body).

Not all popes would agree with that.

Saint Ambrose (died A.D. 397): “Where Peter is therefore, there is the Church. Where the Church is there is not death but life eternal. …Although many call themselves Christians, they usurp the name and do not have the reward.” (The Fathers of the Church)

Pope Benedict XV (A.D. 1914 - 1922): “Such is the nature of the Catholic faith that it does not admit of more or less, but must be held as a whole, or as a whole rejected: This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.” (Encyclical, Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum)

Pope Pius XI (A.D. 1922 - 1939): “The Catholic Church alone is keeping the true worship. This is the font of truth, this is the house of faith, this is the temple of God; if any man enter not here, or if any man go forth from it, he is a stranger to the hope of life and salvation. …Furthermore, in this one Church of Christ, no man can be or remain who does not accept, recognize and obey the authority and supremacy of Peter and his legitimate successors.” (Encyclical, Mortalium Animos)

Pope Innocent III and Lateran Council IV (A.D. 1215): “One indeed is the universal Church of the faithful outside which no one at all is saved…”

Pope Boniface VIII in his Papal Bull Unam Sanctam (A.D. 1302): “We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.”

Pope Leo XIII (A.D. 1878 - 1903): “This is our last lesson to you; receive it, engrave it in your minds, all of you: by God’s commandment salvation is to be found nowhere but in the Church.” (Encyclical, Annum Ingressi Sumus)

 

[PRmerger]

Not all popes would agree with that.

Saint Ambrose (died A.D. 397): “Where Peter is therefore, there is the Church. Where the Church is there is not death but life eternal. …Although many call themselves Christians, they usurp the name and do not have the reward.” (The Fathers of the Church)

Pope Benedict XV (A.D. 1914 - 1922): “Such is the nature of the Catholic faith that it does not admit of more or less, but must be held as a whole, or as a whole rejected: This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.” (Encyclical, Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum)

Pope Pius XI (A.D. 1922 - 1939): “The Catholic Church alone is keeping the true worship. This is the font of truth, this is the house of faith, this is the temple of God; if any man enter not here, or if any man go forth from it, he is a stranger to the hope of life and salvation. …Furthermore, in this one Church of Christ, no man can be or remain who does not accept, recognize and obey the authority and supremacy of Peter and his legitimate successors.” (Encyclical, Mortalium Animos)

Pope Innocent III and Lateran Council IV (A.D. 1215): “One indeed is the universal Church of the faithful outside which no one at all is saved…”

Pope Boniface VIII in his Papal Bull Unam Sanctam (A.D. 1302): “We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.”

Pope Leo XIII (A.D. 1878 - 1903): “This is our last lesson to you; receive it, engrave it in your minds, all of you: by God’s commandment salvation is to be found nowhere but in the Church.” (Encyclical, Annum Ingressi Sumus)

I’m confused as to why you think these quotes contradict what I said.
When someone embraces Jesus (the Head) on his deathbed, it’s impossible to decapitate Him and not embrace the Church (His Body).

 

[ron77nyc]

I’m confused as to why you think these quotes contradict what I said.
When someone embraces Jesus (the Head) on his deathbed, it’s impossible to decapitate Him and not embrace the Church (His Body).

The Church seems to be saying: in a matter of life and death all you need is to embrace Jesus but if you live a long life you have to accept everything the Church teaches in order to be saved.

 

[PRmerger]

The Church seems to be saying: in a matter of life and death all you need is to embrace Jesus but if you live a long life you have to accept everything the Church teaches in order to be saved.

Yup. It’s impossible to embrace the Head without embracing the Body.

Just makes sense, doesn’t it?

 

[ron77nyc]

Yup. It’s impossible to embrace the Head without embracing the Body.

Just makes sense, doesn’t it?

OK then…all Protestants are Catholic. No need to call them separated or imperfectly joined to the Church. Why not let them come to Mass and receive the Eucharist?:dts:

 

[PRmerger]

OK then…all Protestants are Catholic. No need to call them separated or imperfectly joined to the Church.

Don’t think so. Where did you get that? If you embrace the Church, then you embrace Christ. If you embrace Christ, you embrace the Church.

Protestants, to the degree that they embrace the CC (His Body), embrace Christ.

When they are in full communion with His Body, then they are welcome to join us at the Marriage Feast!

 

[colliric]

I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned thus far, but earlier in the thread I read from a catholic point of view the belief that souls can be saved and come to faith in Purgatory.

This should be dispelled because it does not appear to be so. Any Soul that reaches the flames of Purgatory is already saved. There can be no conversion in purgatory because any soul that has gone there is already Converted to faith. Purgatory is a place to delete the sins of our earthly existence by fire. To me personally it bears resemblance to the process of death itself(which I personally think Purgatory may actually be).

It would tarnish the process of salvation we are already going through now to say that conversion is possible in Purgatory. It is not.

 

[PRmerger]

These are not statements of a fearful person, but one who has confident hope.

Indeed.

Our Holy Father has recently provided his flock with a marvelous encyclical on the hope we Christians have, Spe Salve:

*“SPE SALVI facti sumus”—*in hope we were saved, says Saint Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us (Rom 8:24). According to the Christian faith, “redemption”—salvation—is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey. Now the question immediately arises: what sort of hope could ever justify the statement that, on the basis of that hope and simply because it exists, we are redeemed? And what sort of certainty is involved here? (bold mine).

Beautiful, huh??!! :clapping:

 

[PRmerger]

I agree. I have never seen any aggresive Catholic evangelizing in the public. Normally it is more on the Baptist side (my background). It seems that if most Catholics believe there church is the only way, then why aren’t they spreading the wealth to save others. That does seem a little selfish.

“*Aggressive *Catholic evangelizing” is, in my opinion, obnoxious and inherently contrary to any success.

However, we Catholics are called to evangelize.

Heck, isn’t this Catholic Answers forum a fabulous example of Catholic evangelization in action??