Personal relationship with Christ is all you need

[Roblox84]

I have heard from fundamentalists that all someone needs is a good personal relationship with Christ. Could someone explain this to me because i’m not too sure what this means. Does this statement mean that a person doesn’t have to go to church or it doesn’t matter what Church they go to as long as they have a relationship with Christ? And where did this belief originate from?

 

[jessep28]

I’ve got a friend who has a similar philosophy. In his case, it’s more of a dislike/distrust of organized religion.

He calls himself a Christian but doesn’t feel that he needs to go to church to be one. I’m sure for others, it’s a result of the increasing influence of mainline, “feel good” Protestantism in today’s society.

 

[Robbinson]

I have heard from fundamentalists that all someone needs is a good personal relationship with Christ. Could someone explain this to me because i’m not too sure what this means. Does this statement mean that a person doesn’t have to go to church or it doesn’t matter what Church they go to as long as they have a relationship with Christ? And where did this belief originate from?

We certainly need a good personal relationship with Christ (irrespective of what denomination we associate with). However, I would say that if we have a good relationship with Christ, we will crave the sacraments and an obedience of faith which will lead us to the Church.

Jesus said that if we love Him, we will follow His commandments and Jesus established a Church, built on Peter and the Apostles - a Church of authority where disputes could be taken for resolution (so both a “Church” made up of the body believers, but also a visable and identifiable Church) which would last until the end of time.

Jesus also gave Peter and apostles express authority to lead this Church and provide spiritual direction to other believers including the ability to forgive sins and said that those who receive them, receive Him.

Perhaps you could discuss some of this with your friend –

That being said, being part of the Catholic Church but without a personal relationship with Christ is like the Pharasees who were observant on the outside, and empty on the inside. We can learn something from our Holy Spirit filled born-again protestant brothers and sisters in this regard - (i.e., seeking that personal relationship).

But its not either or, its both (personal relationship and sacraments).

Blessings,

Brian

 

[Julian0404]

Father Larry Richards in his CD TRUTH defines the need to establish “a personal relationship with Jesus”, you can get a copy at www.thereasonforourhope.com

It comes from the sin of pride as expressed by evangelicals in arguing against the authority of the Pope. It is ironic, but they are using “Jesus” who instituted the Church as built on the Chair of Peter as found in Matthew 16, to in effect negate the very words of “Jesus” by declaring they do not need a Pope, “if” they have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Father Larry Richards follows the teaching as espoused by Robbinson on the earlier post, i.e. “if” you have a true personal relationship with “Jesus” - and we all need one, then you will recognize HIS authority, HIS love, HIS teaching, HIS mercy and you will follow HIM, not follow what you “think”, but follow what HE IS, which is Lord - ruler of your life and Savior - your judge for eternity.

If you say, I have a personal relationship with Jesus, but do not follow HIS teachings you only fooling yourself. As Lord of your life, you must obey otherwise, you do not have a personal relationship with HIM.

So, to say, All you need is a personal realtionship with Jesus, and not obey the Catholic church, which Jesus formed in Matthew 16, is making a mockery of Jesus.

 

[Roblox84]

Father Larry Richards in his CD TRUTH defines the need to establish “a personal relationship with Jesus”, you can get a copy at www.thereasonforourhope.com

It comes from the sin of pride as expressed by evangelicals in arguing against the authority of the Pope. It is ironic, but they are using “Jesus” who instituted the Church as built on the Chair of Peter as found in Matthew 16, to in effect negate the very words of “Jesus” by declaring they do not need a Pope, “if” they have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Father Larry Richards follows the teaching as espoused by Robbinson on the earlier post, i.e. “if” you have a true personal relationship with “Jesus” - and we all need one, then you will recognize HIS authority, HIS love, HIS teaching, HIS mercy and you will follow HIM, not follow what you “think”, but follow what HE IS, which is Lord - ruler of your life and Savior - your judge for eternity.

If you say, I have a personal relationship with Jesus, but do not follow HIS teachings you only fooling yourself. As Lord of your life, you must obey otherwise, you do not have a personal relationship with HIM.

So, to say, All you need is a personal realtionship with Jesus, and not obey the Catholic church, which Jesus formed in Matthew 16, is making a mockery of Jesus.

Very true, but it is very hard to tell someone that their “thinking” is going against scripture especially when they think they are actually following Christ.

 

[brb3]

personal relationship with Christ. Could someone explain this to me because i’m not too sure what this means.

And where did this belief originate from?

It began for the Church @ Pentecost. Its the H.S. counselor/comforter that Christ promised to the Christians. St. John talks about the H.S. in his Gospel. Father Corapi covers it in his talks. Also, St. Teresa of Avila covers her Personal Relationship to Christ in her book INTERIOR CASTLE.