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To: metmom
It’s interesting, isn’t it that Catholics continually lecture us about doing good works to get into heaven as if not one non-Catholic does any good works.

I haven't seen where a Catholic has claimed that non-Catholics don't do good works. We are just having a discussion about faith and works.

And, of course, they get to define what good works are and which ones qualify for entry into heaven.

The beatitudes are very clear.

What chutzpah.

Consider the premise of your post, yes, what chutzpah.

185 posted on 06/15/2012 5:32:26 PM PDT by Titanites
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To: Titanites; metmom; CynicalBear
The beatitudes are very clear.

The "Beatitudes" are now the guide for what good works are necessary to gain salvation? Is this what you are contending? The reason I ask is because "blessed are the PURE IN HEART for they shall see God" is a beatitude. How can a man or woman possibly have a pure heart - one that is free from any stain of sin - unless it has the blood of Jesus Christ that has washed it clean? Only blood makes atonement for the soul, only blood makes propitiation for sin, only by the blood is there remission of sins. Good works cannot make payment for sin because, if they could, Christ died in vain - he would not have needed to die. But he DID die because His blood is the payment for sin - all that ever was or ever will be committed by man.

Therefore, good works do NOT get added to our faith in Christ in order for us to be saved. They are done, in the power of the Spirit, out of gratitude for the gift of eternal life God grants to us by His grace and we receive this gift by faith. That is the only way a heart can be pure enough to see God. Human righteousness does not make a heart pure, in fact, our righteousnesses are as filthy rags to God if they are offered in the place of Christ's righteousness. Scripture says:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5,6)

203 posted on 06/15/2012 8:58:15 PM PDT by boatbums (God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.)
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