To: Dr. Eckleburg
I realize RCs need the incantations of men and magisteriums, the magical baptizing water and secret rituals to give them the assurance I've found in Scripture.Even then the smells and bells aren't enough, for the Roman Catholics cannot know for sure if they are in a state of grace or not, or whether their works are enough or not.
They may trust a priest's absolution after confession, but even that isn't a surety, for they know there are sins they have left unconfessed and not covered by penance.
But as I have shown here before, Protestants cannot know that they are elect, because they cannot be sure that (1) the verses that refer to the elect refer to them, and (2) the subjective feeling they have inside is not something also had by apostates-to-be.
-A8
14,842 posted on
05/21/2007 3:59:01 PM PDT by
adiaireton8
("There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse." - Plato, Phaedo 89d)
To: Risky-Riskerdo
the Roman Catholics cannot know for sure if they are in a state of grace or not, or whether their works are enough or not. Indeed. And since most RCs believe they will end up in purgatory at their death, they must also judge Christ's work on the cross insufficient to cleanse them and God's grace not strong enough to save them in order to spare them this time-out in Nowheresville.
A most unsatisfying philosophy.
14,847 posted on
05/21/2007 4:12:13 PM PDT by
Dr. Eckleburg
("I don't think they want my respect; I think they want my submission." - Flemming Rose)
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