Instead of answering my question, you tried to turn it back to me.
I could answer your question, as I have considered it.
You don’t need to respond to me or this forum. This is just a question for you to consider honestly.
I am not sure if you fully considered that the Catholic Church speaks for Christ like Moses did in the OT.
May God’s Peace be with you.
OK, fair enough.
Here are your questions from post 1826: My question to you: Let us assume that the differences in interpretations were resolved, why wouldn't someone want to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church as founded by Christ (even if it was very difficult) to gain eternal life with God? I realize that I will get feedback that they are already saved, but what if they are wrong? In all humility, we need to do as Christ told and showed us.
First one which is: "Let us assume that the differences in interpretations were resolved, why wouldn't someone want to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church as founded by Christ (even if it was very difficult) to gain eternal life with God?"
I think I'm going to need more clarification here but I'll give a shot at it because I suspect that I know what you're referring to.
Because it's not through the teachings of a church that eternal life is attained. It's not through works of any kind, following the Law, partaking of sacraments, doing good works, having the good outweigh the bad.
The ONLY way sin is atoned for is through the shedding of blood, and that Christ did on the cross. There is nothing else which can put me in right standing before God.
Even if I lived a perfect life except for one sin, I would still be damned, just as Adam and Eve were. So following the teachings of a church will not make one right before God.
It's faith that's counted as righteousness in God's eyes, just as Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God.
Abraham's life was far from perfect, and yet he was considered righteous.
David was an adulterer and murderer and God still called him *a man after God's own heart*.
Salvation is a matter of relationship, not performance.
I realize that I will get feedback that they are already saved, but what if they are wrong?
I would find it unlikely that someone who accepts Christ as Scripture teaches would be lost. I do think that there are going to be many surprises when people pass on, but God does assure us that we can be saved now and be sure of being saved now.
And I don't see anywhere where being under the authority of the Catholic church is required.
I do not consider anything that cannot be found to be clearly and abundantly expressed in Scripture to be binding on the believer, and certainly not traditions and teachings which are either not well supported by Scripture or not found in it at all.
So addressing the topic of the thread, Catholic church teaching on Mary far exceeds anything that can be clearly and abundantly found in Scripture. So I would not be willing to put myself under an authority that teaches something as truth that God did not specifically address.
So if I'm wrong about not praying to Mary but rather only praying to God, I'm wrong. But I don't see that I am because I see nowhere where I am either commanded or permitted to pray to anyone but God.
And again, my question still stands as it is as valid to ask the Catholic as anyone else.
What if Catholic teachings that are not clearly spelled out in Scripture are wrong? Where does that leave the Catholic?
What if there is no purgatory that Catholics seem to count on to take care of their sins?
I have considered it and I used to believe it when I was a Catholic.
I don't consider that an option at all. Not any more.
I take with an ENORMOUS grain of salt ANYONE who claims to speak for Christ or God. Doesn't matter what the denomination.
We have Scripture and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through that.
Not even close. There is no way a pagan infiltrated conglomerate like the Catholic Church speaks for God.