Need a quick resource

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A coworker says “we are all going to heaven right? So it does not matter what Christian you are.”

This person can be a bit sensative but I want to take this on.

Thanks

Eric
 
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EricCKS:
A coworker says “we are all going to heaven right? So it does not matter what Christian you are.”

This person can be a bit sensative but I want to take this on.

Thanks

Eric
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Have him re-read the New Testament. Jesus talks about Hell more than anything else. We’re at an advantage when we have the fullness of truth and that exists in the Catholic church.
 
I would have to say to this person, I do not know of any place in Scripture where it says we are all going to heaven, but I do recall several places where Jesus warned us of the fate of sinners, of the eternal fires of gehenna, of being cast into the abyss or into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The rich man who called to the beggar lazarus was certainly in hell or the next place to it. Most notable is the judgement of the nations at the end of Matthew’s gospel.
 
Bible verses to help:

Judged According to Deeds
Rom 2:2-8 - eternal life by perseverance in good works
2Cor 5:10 - recompense accord to what did in body
2Cor 11:15 - their end will correspond to their deeds
1Pet 1:17 - God judges impartially according to one’s works
Rev 20:12-13 - dead judged according to their deeds
Col 3:24-25 - will receive due payment for whatever you do

Assurance of Salvation?
Mt 7:21 - not everyone saying “Lord, Lord” will inherit
Mt 24:13 - those who persevere to the end will be saved
Rom 11:22 - remain in his kindness or you will be cut off
Phil 2:12 - work out your salvation in fear and trembling
1Cor 9:27 - drive body for fear of being disqualified
1Cor 10:11-12 - those thinking they are secure may fall
Gal 5:4 - separated from Christ, you’ve fallen from grace
2Tim 2:11-13 - must hold out to the end to reign with Christ
Hb 6:4-6 - describes sharers in Holy Spirit who then fall away
Heb 10:26-27 - if sin after receiving truth, judgment remains
 
Hell
Is 33:11, 14 - who of us can live with the everlasting flames
Mt 25:41 - depart, you accursed, into the eternal fire
Mt 25:46 - these will go off to eternal punishment
Lk 3:16-17 - the chaff will burn in unquenchable fire
2Thess 1:6-9 - these will pay the penalty of eternal ruin
 
Let me clarify my question…

She implies it does not matter whether, evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist etc as long a Christian. We of course would like them in full communion with Rome. How do I express that.

Thanks
 
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EricCKS:
Let me clarify my question…

She implies it does not matter whether, evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist etc as long a Christian. We of course would like them in full communion with Rome. How do I express that.

Thanks
Click to expand...
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic are the four marks of the true Church. Aske her what other Churches have these marks. Ask her who the founder of each of those churches are?

Giver her this -
Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth
 
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Riley259:
Have him re-read the New Testament. Jesus talks about Hell more than anything else. We’re at an advantage when we have the fullness of truth and that exists in the Catholic church.
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gospel=good news
Hell mentioned 44 times in the new testament.
heaven mentioned 235 times in the new testament.

I realize this person is a little off base, but a blanket statement like that is misleading.
 
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myfavoritmartin:
gospel=good news
Hell mentioned 44 times in the new testament.
heaven mentioned 235 times in the new testament.

I realize this person is a little off base, but a blanket statement like that is misleading.
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You are real big on numbers lately. By any chance, are you an accountant? 😃
 
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EricCKS:
Let me clarify my question…

She implies it does not matter whether, evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist etc as long a Christian. We of course would like them in full communion with Rome. How do I express that.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Eric,

What counts most of all is whether she loves God and worships Him. What counts second most is whether she loves her neighbor as herself–although (as John says in his first letter) it is not possible to love God without loving one’s neighbor.

That said, while Heaven and Hell are sort of an on-off switch (we will wind up in either the one or the other), there is more to Heaven than just getting there. Paul writes in I Cor 3:10-17 that some people will get to Heaven and see all their work on Earth burned up while others will get to Heaven and see their work survive. Jesus also told us to “lay up for (ourselves) treasures in Heaven.”

So to answer your friend, it does indeed matter what church she belongs to. It may not be a Heaven-or-Hell decision (although if God lays it on her heart that she should join the Catholic Church and she refuses to, it is a Heaven-or-Hell decision), but it is certainly important.
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