Protestants lose members to 'unaffiliated'

[1beleevr]

chewchoo: Like most human beings, you profess to know what is in a man’s heart, or challenge his/her sincerity and passion for Christ! Because of the fact, that we are privileged to enjoy a personal relationship with our Saviour, we can pick up our crosses daily, and follow Him! I don’t challenge people’s faith, it’s not my place to; it’s the realm of our Holy Father! Once again, I admire your passion for and dedication to your religion!

 

[1beleevr]

PRmerger: Okay, I’m trying to understand the catholic view of salvation Let’ see, if you are a “cradle catholic”,, you are sprinkled, or spritzed, or whatever, and are considered baptized, correct! Then you grow up; and at what age do your parents tell you that you are saved? Are you now saved for life? Do you need to make some sort of public acceptance of Jesus, as your Saviour? At what age are your sins washed away by the atoning Blood of Christ? Because in Matthew 26:27-28, it says,"And He took a cup of wine, and gave thanks to God for it. Then He gave it to them and said,“Each of you drink from it; for this is my blood, which confirms the new covenant between God and His people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” So, if one gets baptized first, you are doing it backwards, right? The blood washes away sin; and the baptism…? Another sign of the new covenant, of course, was the veil being torn from the top down, signifying that we were now able to enter the throneroom of grace(Hebrews ):thumbsup:4:16).

 

[PRmerger]

PRmerger: Okay, I’m trying to understand the catholic view of salvation Let’ see, if you are a “cradle catholic”,, you are sprinkled, or spritzed, or whatever, and are considered baptized, correct! Then you grow up; and at what age do your parents tell you that you are saved? Are you now saved for life? Do you need to make some sort of public acceptance of Jesus, as your Saviour? At what age are your sins washed away by the atoning Blood of Christ? Because in Matthew 26:27-28, it says,"And He took a cup of wine, and gave thanks to God for it. Then He gave it to them and said,“Each of you drink from it; for this is my blood, which confirms the new covenant between God and His people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” So, if one gets baptized first, you are doing it backwards, right? The blood washes away sin; and the baptism…? Another sign of the new covenant, of course, was the veil being torn from the top down, signifying that we were now able to enter the throneroom of grace(Hebrews ):thumbsup:4:16).

The Catholic view of salvation is quite simple, really, 1beleevr. We are saved by the atoning blood of Christ.

For a more detailed explanation, I suggest you google “catechism of the Catholic Church” and then search the site for “salvation.”

Another great resource is on catholic.com and check out the tracts on salvation. Here’s a link: catholic.com/library/Are_Catholics_Born_Again.asp

 

[1beleevr]

prmerger: The only reason I asked, was because, I believe it was guanophore, once stated that our sins are washed away by baptism, and my understanding of baptism; was that by the time you got that far, your sins were already washed away by the atoning blood of Christ:thumbsup: Now, as a “cradle” catholic(kootchy koo!), you are sprinkled, and then what, confirmation at whatever age? So at what age, or what stage, does the atoning blood of Christ come in? Just trying to understand all the different ideas about how we are saved! Maybe you should call them “buffet” catholics They’re kinda like “jack” Mormons, huh?

 

[PRmerger]

prmerger: The only reason I asked, was because, I believe it was guanophore, once stated that our sins are washed away by baptism, and my understanding of baptism; was that by the time you got that far, your sins were already washed away by the atoning blood of Christ:thumbsup: Now, as a “cradle” catholic(kootchy koo!), you are sprinkled, and then what, confirmation at whatever age? So at what age, or what stage, does the atoning blood of Christ come in? Just trying to understand all the different ideas about how we are saved! Maybe you should call them “buffet” catholics They’re kinda like “jack” Mormons, huh?

I’m not certain what your question is, 1beleevr. Are you claiming that the atoning blood of Christ washes away everyone’s sin, even without Baptism?

 

[1beleevr]

prmerger: No, not at all! Please don’t misundrstand me; I am not saying that baptism is not a vital part of salvation What I am saying is this: there have been some catholics on this forum, who have stated that baptism washes away your sins And I am asking: What about the atoning blood of Christ? I was taught that we are washed in the blood, and that baptism, while an act of obedience,seals our salvation, is a public statement of your commitment to follow Jesus, and mirrors His death, burial, and resurrection! Thought of two good questions that we all should ask ourselves. Number 1: Do you believe that God loves you because you ARE, or because you DO?(James 2:14-17 aside), and 2oes my life reflect Christ? When answering question#1, remember, we are talking about the One who knit you together in your mother’s womb; He doesn’t look at the outside, rather the heart(1 Samuel 16:7):thumbsup:Have a blessed weekend, and may the Lord of all Creation, bring continued good health, and peace to you and your family!

 

[PRmerger]

prmerger: No, not at all! Please don’t misundrstand me; I am not saying that baptism is not a vital part of salvation What I am saying is this: there have been some catholics on this forum, who have stated that baptism washes away your sins And I am asking: What about the atoning blood of Christ? I was taught that we are washed in the blood, and that baptism, while an act of obedience,seals our salvation, is a public statement of your commitment to follow Jesus, and mirrors His death, burial, and resurrection! Thought of two good questions that we all should ask ourselves. Number 1: Do you believe that God loves you because you ARE, or because you DO?(James 2:14-17 aside), and 2oes my life reflect Christ? When answering question#1, remember, we are talking about the One who knit you together in your mother’s womb; He doesn’t look at the outside, rather the heart(1 Samuel 16:7):thumbsup:Have a blessed weekend, and may the Lord of all Creation, bring continued good health, and peace to you and your family!

Yes, baptism does indeed wash away our sins. I’m not sure where your confusion lies, 1beleevr. You asked, “What about the atoning blood of Christ?” What about it is your question? It is through the atoning blood of Christ that salvation became possible. Why do you see the two as mutually exclusive?

Indeed, God loves us because of who are ARE.

May the blessings of Christ be upon you and your family, as well, 1beleevr. Seek first the kingdom of God!