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To: boatbums; Notary Sojac
It is amazing to me that the doctrine of Immaculate Conception be so first dependent upon that which is otherwise denied to exist or otherwise be so strictly limited as to be negligible ---namely imputed grace which must have been extended towards her to allow her to come to the point of what is much spoken of as being example of infused grace, said to have occurred when she agreed to what she was told by an angel of the Lord.

There can be seen predestination also. one thing at a time? hehheh

I see too another form of unspoken belief in imputed grace, for who has more unconsciously assumed to be imputed to them than faithful members of the RCC? Though some may be riding a bit upon their own provided cushion of grace granted to themselves as a sort of indulgence/righteousness accounting system (lots of Protestants do much the same thing!) which reassures and assists them that yes, they are now good enough for God to continue within themselves the good work the Lord Himself began, and so can be freely forgiven upon confession.

But what happens when one is "not good enough"? The honest people, those honest with themselves, hurt the most and led to believe they cannot be forgiven, or if so, only if going through certain motions (which one can soon enough figure out one is doomed to repeat) and only by making themselves beggars of the priesthood whom claim to be the fonts of forgiveness...(if they don't forgive you. your sins are retained, right?) while those more blind to their own true condition keep charging ahead, sometimes scarcely changed at all. Then a few of that latter sort work their way to positions of authority. Happens to every bureaucracy...including "Protestant" ones.

Ah, but there are a different kind of cheaters in there too, isn't there? Honest "cheaters". Some go boldly to the throne of grace themselves, not bringing every little thing to the priesthood to "forgive" but visiting the fountain of living waters in their own prayer life, if they have the Spirit dwelling with them...they may confess to most anyone, and that be part of being healed.
For it is not the act of confession itself so much, as it is a factor of accountability. We all must face our selves, and our sins, so that we may be better rid of them. NOT so that we may be further condemned by our looking upon the same, or need do "penance" (which has different definition than simply REPENTANCE) for we are truly ransomed prisoners already. Bought & paid for, in full.

There is no need for one to allow others, by mixing up, stirring up the Gospel into a confusing swirl, leave the danger of one becoming twice over the creature of hell that they themselves are. Teachings replete with reams of near impenetrable, subtly conflicting messages. Not forgiven until the church grants it --- otherwise sins retained, vs. already forgiven when or before confessing, for heart's intent is what is judged.
Mary needed a savior too, by her own admission, but was born sinless.
Jesus the One true Shepherd, except for that other shepherd called the Pope.
Call no man father as it is written, except for all the priests whom one MUST call "father".
Promise of salvation freely given, but after baptism, all bets are off.
God doesn't hear prayers of sinners. Have Mary pray for you instead!
The communion wafer is the body & blood of Christ. Some communion wafers are said to have had visible blood!
Only the priests can turn the wafer into Jesus. Thank Mary for this miracle.

231 posted on 12/09/2012 11:17:27 PM PST by BlueDragon (and this is one of those places where they get caught with their hand in the cookie jar)
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To: BlueDragon
Thanks for your comments. I heard that "confession" actually means to "name it as HE names it". In other words, coming clean before God, "fessing up" - especially since we should realize that he knows it all already anyway. It's not like we are surprising God with news that we goofed up! But naming it as He names it is plain and simple for our OWN benefit. We have to leave behind the rationalizations, the justifications, the excuses, and get it all out on the table, or altar, really. Only then can we truly receive the forgiveness and cleansing we crave and which God says He is "faithful and just" to give us.

Your comment concerning imputed versus infused grace is straight on, as well. The same grace God is believed by Catholics to have given Mary to purify her soul in preparation to receive the embryonic Savior, is given to ALL those who come to Him in faith, receiving the gift of eternal life which is ours because of that same grace of God and we also are indwelled - until redemption - with the Holy Spirit. We are saved because God has imputed the righteousness of Christ to our "account" and we are found IN Christ, not having our own righteousness, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith (Philippians 3:9). The entire dynamic changes, doesn't it? It's not what we do for God, but what He has done for us. Praise His wonderful name!

I'm signing off. I hope you have a wonderful week.

235 posted on 12/09/2012 11:51:55 PM PST by boatbums (God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.)
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