I’m enjoying this conversation but I really have get going. All I would say in response this time is that we are all called in different ways to serve the Church. Some are called to be Prophets, Apostles, or other roles as mentioned by St Paul. The mechanisms God employs to do His Will are not all open for review.
Jesus is the “way”, yes. However, as I pointed out, it isn’t just about asking Jesus into your heart. Jesus calls for a baptism of water and the Spirit as the beginning. If you believe in Jesus, you will do what He told us to do. Protestants are fond of pointing out that we can’t earn our way to Heaven. That is correct. It’s the same as the fact that the neighbor kid can’t make himself part of my family. I don’t delight in his work and it has no bearing on my relationship to him. I have to adopt him to be part of my family just as God rejoined us to Him in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Now, as sons and daughters, our works are pleasing to Him and He will reward us according to our works (Hebrews, James, Revelation). Works of the Law did not save us (circumcision et al), but Christ’s sacrifice as the atoning sacrifice of the New Covenant rejoined us to God’s Holy Family. We are called to service of God in our new creation and our work now has merit. Jesus merited for us the capacity to merit with the Father as sons and daughters.
That is the distinction missed in the discussion of Romans vs James. Romans is talking about Works of the Law (circumcision et al) and the fact that they don’t bring salvation. James is talking about works of mercy and charity and their bearing on our salvation. One is done from the outside looking in, the other from the inside looking out.
Therefore, we are to do what Christ told us (the Sacraments, et al). That is the measure of our faith. Not that we will say, “Jesus is Lord!” but that we will prove our faith in Him in our fealty to His Commandments.
Gotta run... I know you will want to flay this open too... won’t be able to play anymore. God bless you.
I hope this remains near the top of your ping-pile.
-I agree.
100%
Just saying “Jesus is Lord” is as effective as trying to bribe your way into Heaven.
It is in one’s actions (in regards to the wisdom of the message) of their heart that one accepts God and lives accordingly.
God be with you.
-Mac