I was told very recently by a life-long, well-catechized Roman Catholic that Jesus "opened the door to heaven for us". But, it is up to us to work our way into deserving heaven. That is, we must receive "grace" through the sacraments and through our good works, that we must abstain from sinning, and if we commit any "mortal" sin, we must go to confession and "do penance". Only then can we even have a "hope" of going to heaven.
My heart aches that so many have been blinded to the truth of the gospel - that Christ Jesus gave himself as a ransom for our sins, he died in our place, for us, and took upon himslef the punishment we deserved. He did far more than just open the gates of heaven. He is the ONLY way in.
That sounds pretty much like everything I've ever heard from all the Catholics I know.
Of course, we're sure to hear that that is NOT what the Catholic church really teaches, so stop spreading those heretical lies about it.
Two problems....
One is that it's near impossible to tell what the Catholic church really believes because it contradicts itself so much.
And the other is, even when you find something that the Catholic church really teaches that is consistent to itself, you'll hardly find a practicing Catholic around that is familiar with it.
I know Boatmans..it really goes beyond sad. I am grateful the Lord knows and will determine the future of those who continue to resist His leading...with hope that those who are seeking God for who he is will find Him.