Sin is a
choice to break the Law, Earnest…And there are consequenses to all choices, whether temporary (physical) or permanent (spiritual). And all sin is the same choice against obedience. Adam & Eve had a choice; they were not forced to eat the fruit. Addicts have choice. Satan did not force them to sin…he tempts.
Unfortunately, we [humanity] are more comfortable with a truth that says “we are victims and not to blame for our sin.” Such a view is accepted by most because it allows us to avoid the mirror; avoid responsibility.
“God never took away his grace. He cared [so loved the world] enough to send His Son because of grace. He could’ve distroyed us and started over.”
Notice what you just wrote. Sin is an act; our act; our
action (choice).
[1 Timothy 3:15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
This is your reference, but if this is true - that the Catholic Church follows the rules of faith - you miss Timothy’s full message. Let’s read in context:
[1 Timothy 3:12-15] Let the
deacons (priests) be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is [Messiah]. 14 These things write I unto thee [about deacons (priests)], hoping to come unto thee shortly; 15 But if I tarry long,
that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
But the Catholic Church doesn’t allow deacons (priests) to marry.
Well true history would surprise you, Earnest. Peter
is the rock…who holds the keys of Messiah’s church, but there were a few twists and turns in the story before we reach today’s Church.
Notice that you speak of “choices”, Earnest.
This is the very act of suffering as Messiah suffered; to choose God beyond our “natural” inclination (if you will) of sinning. You disagree what I’ve said and yet say the same thing in another way.
Again, who said anything about being alone? The only thing I can conclude is that you mean “without the Catholic Church”?
If you’re going to quote scripture for your benefit, please do so in context to know what Messiah was talking about. The conversation starts at
Matthew 22:24 and ends at
Matthew 22:32. Please - everyone - read what exactly Messiah is talking about before assuming. Messiah is speaking very practically about the Law.
I like the way you explain your point, but the current definition of suffering; the one you understand as “pain, etc.” is not the definition of “suffering” used by Messiah.
From the lips of the One who gave the Keys to Peter:
[Matthew 19:13-14] Then were there brought unto him
little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them [the kids]. 14 But [Messiah] said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Notice that the meaning of “suffer” - taken from the past language of the bible - is to “endure”. So let’s reread.
[Matthew 19:13-14] Then were there brought unto him
little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them [the kids]. 14 But [Messiah] said, “Endure little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the kingdom of heaven.”
To Suffer is To Endure. Messiah wants us to suffer against Sin; against our rebellious nature to break the Law. In that endurance - the same The Messiah endured - we make ourselves worthy, NOT by our own strength, but through the 2 Keys of the Kingdom:
[Rev.14:12]
- Obedience of the Law
- Faith in and of Messiah
Nice post. Suffering is from both sources. Sin and holiness. Christ was the holy of holies, and he suffered greatly. 