I can answer that. We are partakers in the killing of Jesus. It doesn't matter that it was more than 2000 years ago, sin came into the world long before that. John 3: 16 proclaims the verdict. But God was fulfilling his plan. That plan began before the foundations of this earth. Throughout the history we read in the Old Testament, we see the implementation and fulfillment of it. As Calvary, the entire purpose was so the God can prove to us that he loves us and wants us to want him.
But, he gave us free will. He allows us to either take the right fork, or the left, when we are faced with that decision. But he also gives us that are grafted into his family, the indwelling of his Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter. We don't need some guy in a fancy gown, we don't need candles and incense, we just need to be able to know that we are considered blameless, in spite of our filth.
God has a plan, and in my studies of Scripture, I do not include those doctrines and dogmas implemented by men in room. Too many times, history has shown that they have not got a clue...
God is in control. I'm not worried about where I am headed. I know that where I've been, and all of the broken promises in my life, cannot purchase anything with God. The law has shown me to be absolutely guilty, but like Paul, by faith I can claim my inheritance. I am part of God's family, and heir to righteousness. That righteousness is not from anything that I can do, but it is a gift, an expensive gift, from our father. Jesus gave his life for me and you.
Rome is trying to make you purchase it at a very high price. Their plan of salvation requires works. Jesus presented us with just the opposite. We are told that we can rest. The work is done. He has completed and finished everything needed for our salvation, if we would just believe in Him.
I am 12 hours away from the East Coast, and it's 9:35 PM here in Leyte. My 66th birthday is Sunday, and I am an old man ready for bed. So, goodnight and God bless. I love you even if you are a Roman Catholic. You showed me a zeal for the Lord. But, I think you have placed your organization in front of him in too many ways.
Romans 4: 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ...
My 66th birthday is Sunday...
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38Wow! A Roman Catholic feast day that I can tie to both Holy Scripture "and" your birthday! What could be better? Happy 66th. :)
7 Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, 8 but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. Rev. 12: 7,8
6 Raphael called the two of them aside privately and said to them: “Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, and do not be slack in thanking him. 7 A king’s secret should be kept secret, but one must declare the works of God and give thanks with due honor. Do good, and evil will not overtake you. 8 Prayer with fasting is good. Almsgiving with righteousness is better than wealth with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold, 9 for almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life, 10 but those who commit sin and do evil are their own worst enemies. Tobit 12: 6-10