Catholics & Salvation; And the answer is: Maybe.

Stand To Reason ^ | Gregory Koukl

[Quix]

Yes, that's all I can figure. That means that those writings of the Fathers that were the most popular, the ones that passed the vote, must be considered equal or superior to God's OWN word. But really, we already know the answer to that because extra-scriptural tradition declares what the scripture means without regard to other scripture. Therefore, that tradition trumps the scriptures. I think it would have been more sporting if they had let the Bible defend itself, but then that would have spoiled all the "secrets of the deposit of faith" which contradict scriptures. I guess if one has the power, why take any chances? :)

Well put. Thx.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!

Truly, Christ came to fulfill the religion that He established, not to destroy it.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. – Matthew 5:17

More importantly, from Genesis to Revelation, the theme, the meaning of life, the purpose of our existence is not religion, but family: God’s family.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:9

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. – John 3:6-7

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. - John 1:12-13

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: - Romans 8:15-16

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …

There is only One Great Commandment. We must love God surpassingly above all else. Nothing else must even come close, including love of neighbor, religion, etc.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. – Matthew 22:37-38

To God be the glory!

[Quix]

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! INDEED.

Thanks for your affirmations of Biblical Truths.

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for your encouragements, dear brother in Christ!

Praise God!!!

[wmfights]

I think it would have been more sporting if they had let the Bible defend itself, but then that would have spoiled all the "secrets of the deposit of faith" which contradict scriptures.

LOL

"secrets of deposit of faith" sure sounds gnostic. Those folks believed understanding the "secret knowledge" would bring salvation. None of it make sense when you take a look at the larger picture. Though, I do appreciate those few RC's that understand their church and it's teachings that are willing to explain what they are. My experience has been the vast majority have no idea about half of these beliefs they are commanded to believe.

[hosepipe]

MAN.. you really get going when properly energized.. don't you?.. Whew!...
I must now go and read what set you off..

[Quix]

Thanks for your kind words . . . I think! LOL.

So, it seems. So, I’ve heard.

[Quix]

That’s my experience, too.

[Forest Keeper]

RELIGION has ALWAYS been man reaching up to God according to man's terms and/or man's mangling of God's terms. Authentic Christianity and Judaism has always been about GOD REACHING DOWN TO MAN IN RELATIONSHIP strictly according to God's terms.

Amen, excellent. My pastor says this to us all the time. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.

[Forest Keeper]

"secrets of deposit of faith" sure sounds gnostic.

I thought the exact same thing. :)

[Quix]

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.

[Marysecretary]

AMEN, Lord C.

[Marysecretary]

Fear and trembling: But that doesn’t mean a person isn’t saved by faith at some point in their lives. We don’t have to work out until death and then wonder even at that point if we’ll make it to heaven. No. IMHO, dear Annalex, we work out the besetting sins in our lives, confessing them when necessary, work out the bad attitudes, the junk/baggage brought into our faith from childhood on, become more and more righteous and holy as we do these things; more like Christ. But we still know we’re saved.

[Marysecretary]

Just think of what He could accomplish if we would just get the heck out of the way....

[fortheDeclaration]

Amen and amen. Molehills-LOL!

[Quix]

Thanks for your kind affirmation.

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.

[Joya]

Excellent, Quix.

God, and God alone, is fit to take the Universe’s Throne. Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise for God and God alone.

[Quix]

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

Thanks thanks.

[Marysecretary]

I love that song. Steve Green?

[Marysecretary]

You quote scripture more than almost anyone, Dr. E. I’m thankful that you do. Even protestants can learn from your posts. Thank you.