Is Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church the only way to salvation?

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RealEstateCarol said:
Confession is not a requirement for salvation. The only thing we need to do to get to Heaven is accept the payment Jesus made.
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Looks like there is a certain amount of circling the wagons on beliefs both personal and scriptural here. My personal concern today is about the errosion of the sacrament of confession. We see various forms of it including Communal Pennace (which is not authorised by the church unless extreem circumstance is in order) and the denial of importance by Catholics of it’s importance and high value. One on one, Sacramental Pennance is a big deal and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Let me tell you my story and encounter with this most blessed and wonderful gift.

For whatever reason, I experience and see a supernatural and very powerful “flame” when I have recieved this sacrament. It is also included with great peace and a clarity of mind and soul on every level of the subconsious to the consious. It has also been inclusive of personal healings and transformations that could only be resolved by Jesus himself. He is truly there assisting each priest through His Spirit.

I am unsure why I experience these things in my faith as I know that others do not experience them as I do. It certainly has nothing to do with merit on my part because I am, after all, a sinner. But for some reason I experience this. I use to read the scriptures regarding Jesus being a lamp. For me it has been a supernatural truth as I often feel that this light shows me the trail again when there are so many pitfalls to the road side in the world.

Because of these experiences, I often marvel at the fact that the parishes I have been to and the short lines based on the number of people in the parish. …up hundreds, if not thousands of members. Yet, every weekend there are only a half dozen or so that utilize this tremendoust sacrament. I am continually perplexed by this trend.

I think people come up with these “beliefs-non-nessary” because they want to find a way out of confession. Granted it is not that much fun to admit your guilt and plot a new plan. Trying to get out of it is understandable.

I think that the sacrament of reconciliation is necessary for Catholics Naturally, people of other Christian denominations are not responsible to the sacrament due to the errors of their denominational founders.

This light and this lamp are also experienced when in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in particular at parishes that have perpetual adoration. Additionally amplified when actually recieving our Blessed Lord Jesus…

Some people, more likely people of other faiths, might imply that I am loosing it or hallucinating but these experiences are never produced by my own will or mind. I have not even explained this light with human word appropriatedly because it is beyond words and personally miraculous.

For me Jesus truly is literal light of the world and a lamp unto our salvation.

I highly recommend that more Catholics go more and on a more frequent basis. Contrary to the current popular movement in some parishes, group hand waving pennance doesn’t cut it for me, especially when dealing with serious sins.

That is my soap box for today, May His light shine upon you as well.

“Create in me a clean heart oh Lord, blot out my offenses”
 
RealEstateCarol said:
The only thing we need to do to get to Heaven is accept the payment Jesus made.
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In order to get to Heaven, must you forgive others that have sinned against you? Before answering, you might want to refer to Matt. 6:14-15 and Matt. 18:21-35.
 
Thanks for your testimony, David - that’s beautiful!

I think that there are more miracles that take place in the Confessional than we can know about. I used to teach a boy who was healed of a broken foot in the Confessional, at the moment that he confessed his involvement in the fight where he was injured. It’s clear that he was sincerely sorry for his actions, and you wouldn’t believe today that he would ever have been the sort of boy to get into a fight - he has become one of those kids who is always making peace, and talking things out, and making sure everyone’s needs are met - the transformation is astounding. 🙂

I have also experienced some very small miracles in this precious Sacrament - as you say, it’s an amazing gift.
 
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Jimmy_B said:
Here is a general observation:

I find it amazing how some so-called Catholics here, will *hammer *another Catholic regarding a comment but these same people will use kid gloves, when dealing with Protestants, some of whom have posted downright heretical remarks here at CAF. Some times tough questions need to be asked.

I noticed when it comes to the opinions of the religious or apologists that these same persons who are so critical of another Catholic, are not concerned with those persons, “personal opinions” nor do they comment on what they say or write.

If no one was allowed to comment on Catholicism or the Bible, we would not have these forums and there would be no apologists, there would be no need for either one.

Every Catholic is an individual with a common religion and belief, taken from all walks of life at different points in their journey and knowledge of the Bible and of the Catholic faith.

I will continue to ask tough questions and when I am mistaken, I will always refer back to my Roman Catholic Faith for the correct answers and post it.
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jmcrae said:
Thanks for your testimony, David - that’s beautiful!

I think that there are more miracles that take place in the Confessional than we can know about. I used to teach a boy who was healed of a broken foot in the Confessional, at the moment that he confessed his involvement in the fight where he was injured. It’s clear that he was sincerely sorry for his actions, and you wouldn’t believe today that he would ever have been the sort of boy to get into a fight - he has become one of those kids who is always making peace, and talking things out, and making sure everyone’s needs are met - the transformation is astounding. 🙂

I have also experienced some very small miracles in this precious Sacrament - as you say, it’s an amazing gift.
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It is a sometimes overwhelming gift. It must be difficult to live in the world without it and in other faiths that do not believe in its truths.

I fundamentally agree with RealEstateCarol. A simple profession of faith is enough. Or a “Jesus, I need you, please help” but there is so much more in the most Blessed Sacrament of Reconciliation. Like I say, it is difficult to describe in words. I find glimmers of it in the music at the mass…

“Behold, behold the lamb of God, all who eat, all who drink shall live, and all, all who dwell in God, Shall come to know his Glory”

He is like a bolt of lightning in the storm.
 
The CAtholic Church is the one true Church I can not understand how anybody could see it any other way. Protestants are wrong and they are headed for pugatory. There is a special place for Protestant and it is not a good place gets real hot down three if you know what I am saying
 
backwoods_blues said:
The CAtholic Church is the one true Church I can not understand how anybody could see it any other way. Protestants are wrong and they are headed for pugatory. There is a special place for Protestant and it is not a good place gets real hot down three if you know what I am saying
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You need to spend a litte more time reading the Catholic doctrines regarding other faiths. There are more than enough examples in this thread.

Your assement is not accurate regarding only one recouse being hell. You are partaking in the sin of presumtion in my view… Presuming that you know what Jesus Christ is going to do on each particular basis. Even in the case of the Protestant members of “The Catholic Body of Christ and One Church”
 
Charlie_Zeaiter said:
It has always been God’s plan for male and female to come together and produce life. And this applies to everlasting life (sanctifying grace) too.

Jesus is the new Adam. His Bride, The Church, is the new Eve. They are the male and female we need for everlasting life.

But I didn’t agree with the poll question, because there are exceptions that the church recognises in that some people do not have access to the new Adam and the new Eve.
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AMEN 👍
 
Originally Posted by **Charlie Zeaiter **
It has always been God’s plan for male and female to come together and produce life. And this applies to everlasting life (sanctifying grace) too.

Jesus is the new Adam. His Bride, The Church, is the new Eve. They are the male and female we need for everlasting life.

Wow, I never heard of the Church as the new Eve, always the Blessed Mother. Where have I been? Could someone elaborate on the analogy here? :confused:
 
jmcrae said:
These all sound like excellent reasons to go to Confession - and since you have to be Catholic to go to Confession, it seems as though, yes, salvation comes from the Catholic Church. 👍

😃 😉
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I guess I am a member of a church that will send me to hell one day since I am Baptist. 🙂 However, I consider Jesus Christ my High Priest and I was taught to start my prayer with praise to my Heavenly Father, to my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Comforter/Spirit. Then confession for my sins…not a generic ‘forgive me for my sins’ but a list of my sins. I ask God to tell me of any that I may not be aware of as well…and He does!

After that comes my time with the Lord and it is a sweet experience. My prayers end with further praise to my God.

Maybe I am wrong but I believe that God is accepting me where I am. I don’t think that I will have any more trouble getting through the Pearly Gates because I go to a Baptist Church than anyone who goes to a Catholic Church. Not on the basis of the church we attend, at any rate.

I know that satan ‘knows’ who Jesus is but he doesn’t accept who Jesus is. If he did, he would worship Him. That’s why it is different when we ‘accept’ Jesus…we Believe. I believe the ‘faith’ referred to is our personal faith (relationship with our Savior), not a church faith. And I believe the ‘church’ or body (bride) of Christ is the true believers of whatever denomination that has the relationship with the Savior that God wants. { I know what Revelations has to say about the churches in the last days but I still think it is more of a one on one thing with God, regardless of denomination. The ‘churches’ in Revelations could even stand for a person’s relationship with God and I have heard that suggested.}

Is that heresy? So was eating with unwashed hands. Jesus blew that one away. And eating ‘unclean’ animals. That happened after His death and ascension. The veil between God and man was torn in to when Jesus died.

And at this point I can hear you say, “Ah, ha, “relationship that God wants” and that means as the Catholics believe it” 😛 Not necessarily! 😉

I admit I’m not a Bible scholar but I do know of my salvation and my relationship with my Lord. 🙂

I’m not here to argue, believe it or not…just couldn’t help myself from putting my two cents worth in. My son is planning on ‘turning’ (lol) Catholic when he gets back from Iraq this summer and I wanted to check out some of your beliefs. 😃

Daisy
 
DixieDaisy said:
I guess I am a member of a church that will send me to hell one day since I am Baptist. 🙂 However, I consider Jesus Christ my High Priest and I was taught to start my prayer with praise to my Heavenly Father, to my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Comforter/Spirit. Then confession for my sins…not a generic ‘forgive me for my sins’ but a list of my sins. I ask God to tell me of any that I may not be aware of as well…and He does!

After that comes my time with the Lord and it is a sweet experience. My prayers end with further praise to my God.

Maybe I am wrong but I believe that God is accepting me where I am. I don’t think that I will have any more trouble getting through the Pearly Gates because I go to a Baptist Church than anyone who goes to a Catholic Church. Not on the basis of the church we attend, at any rate.
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I’m sure you are following Jesus sincerely as best you know how, and that certainly counts for quite a lot. I have absolutely no doubt that Jesus is meeting you where you are. 🙂

I want to challenge a couple of your assumptions, though:

Do you believe that Christ founded a Church?

Some people say that Jesus never intended to found a Church - that the idea of Church is a man-made construction - but take a look at Matthew 16:18-19 - what does it say?

If Jesus founded a Church, do you think it might be a good idea to belong to His Church, rather than one that was founded by a man who was working in opposition to His Church?

(The Catholic Church traces its Popes all the way back to the Apostle Peter, who we see in John 21:15-19 being ordained by Jesus to be “chief shepherd” of the Church. The Baptist Church, on the other hand, was founded by a recovering alcoholic named John Smythe, in 1609, in Amsterdam, for the purpose of protesting the Catholic practice of infant baptism - a practice that dates back to Apostolic times, when St. Polycarp was baptized as an infant, quite possibly by the Apostle who was his teacher when he was a young boy - the Apostle John.)

I’m just throwing those out there for your consideration. 🙂
 
peary said:
Originally Posted by **Charlie Zeaiter **
It has always been God’s plan for male and female to come together and produce life. And this applies to everlasting life (sanctifying grace) too.

Jesus is the new Adam. His Bride, The Church, is the new Eve. They are the male and female we need for everlasting life.

Wow, I never heard of the Church as the new Eve, always the Blessed Mother. Where have I been? Could someone elaborate on the analogy here? :confused:
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Mary is an archetype of the Church, which means that whatever is true of Mary is true of the Church (and vice versa). This stands to reason because when Mary conceived Jesus in her womb, she became the first human being on earth to accept Jesus into her heart in a Eucharistic manner. 🙂

I hope that helps.
 
DixieDaisy said:
I guess I am a member of a church that will send me to hell one day since I am Baptist. 🙂 However, I consider Jesus Christ my High Priest and I was taught to start my prayer with praise to my Heavenly Father, to my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Comforter/Spirit. Then confession for my sins…not a generic ‘forgive me for my sins’ but a list of my sins. I ask God to tell me of any that I may not be aware of as well…and He does!

After that comes my time with the Lord and it is a sweet experience. My prayers end with further praise to my God.

Maybe I am wrong but I believe that God is accepting me where I am. I don’t think that I will have any more trouble getting through the Pearly Gates because I go to a Baptist Church than anyone who goes to a Catholic Church. Not on the basis of the church we attend, at any rate.

I know that satan ‘knows’ who Jesus is but he doesn’t accept who Jesus is. If he did, he would worship Him. That’s why it is different when we ‘accept’ Jesus…we Believe. I believe the ‘faith’ referred to is our personal faith (relationship with our Savior), not a church faith. And I believe the ‘church’ or body (bride) of Christ is the true believers of whatever denomination that has the relationship with the Savior that God wants. { I know what Revelations has to say about the churches in the last days but I still think it is more of a one on one thing with God, regardless of denomination. The ‘churches’ in Revelations could even stand for a person’s relationship with God and I have heard that suggested.}

Is that heresy? So was eating with unwashed hands. Jesus blew that one away. And eating ‘unclean’ animals. That happened after His death and ascension. The veil between God and man was torn in to when Jesus died.

And at this point I can hear you say, “Ah, ha, “relationship that God wants” and that means as the Catholics believe it” 😛 Not necessarily! 😉

I admit I’m not a Bible scholar but I do know of my salvation and my relationship with my Lord. 🙂

I’m not here to argue, believe it or not…just couldn’t help myself from putting my two cents worth in. My son is planning on ‘turning’ (lol) Catholic when he gets back from Iraq this summer and I wanted to check out some of your beliefs. 😃

Daisy
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The only problem i have with you post daisy is your first sentence, before long we will be accused for saying that. and the second is my son is planning on “turning” (lol). I think that this is a serious matter, and no matter what Religion my son was thinking about converting to I would take it serious. As a RC myself I would never try to convert anyone, thats not what the RCC is about. We never push our beliefs on anyone, We will stand up for our Church but we are taught not to condem others.
 
The title of the thread is a ruse. 😛

It is also a contradiction seeings ‘the Church’ universality is no more Roman than it is Chinese!

The teachings of the Bible supports the Church whose book it is. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ.

I prefer the old first century name for ‘the Church’: ‘the Way’. That says all that needs be said. 👍
 
Brian_Reeves said:
Code: 
 It was at my first confession, with a lovely Anglican priest
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I didn’t know the Anglicans had confession 🤷
having realed off the list of sins , there was a pause and he said to me “Brian, why do you hate yourself ?”
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I wish all priests were this honest/perceptive/outspoken… My experience is that many are not… 😦
 
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