“Turn away from the Catholic Church, and to whom will you go? It is your only chance of peace and assurance in this turbulent, changing world.”
There’s a lot to debate in this article, but I can’t begin to say how strongly I disagree with that statement by Newman. Any born again, bible-believing Christian should know it’s a lie. Maybe the Catholic needs Rome because they don’t have inner peace and real assurance. And how could they? If I believed salvation was based on my decision and my good works I would be terrified of death. If I believe I was headed to Purgatory, that would scare me all the more.
But I don’t believe any of that. Purgatory is a lie. And my salvation was by the grace of God, not some decision this fickle sinner made. My peace and assurance are in Him. He’s the one I turn to for rest, not a church. He says come to ME and I will give you rest. I have assurance because His Word is sure and He keeps His promises. He’s mighty to save and He saves to the uttermost. He’s the alpha and omega, the author and finisher of my faith.
It’s not about a church, it’s not about a pope, it’s all about HIM.
“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
Every Catholic I know believes that the only way to heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. I was taught this from day one by my very conservative Catholic parents, my priests and at catechism. That is what I hear at Mass every Sunday, so keep spouting your ignorance of that which you know absolutely nothing about. I am just as much of a Christian as you are.
No Catholic who knows their faith thinks that their salvation is "based on [their] decision and [their] good works". Can we please just put that canard to rest, or are you going to insist on telling me I'm a bad Catholic because I know full well that I am saved first, last, always, and only by the grace of God won on the hill of Calvary?
What do you find frightening about Purgatory?
“Purgatory is a lie.”
No, but Protestantism is.