There were two Christians standing at the gates of Heaven. One a Baptist, the other a Catholic. When asked why they should be allowed in Heaven, they both stated that they believed Jesus died on the Cross for thier sins and tried to live their lives with the atonement of Christ in mind. Both were faithful. The gates opened to the Baptist and he was allowed to enter. When the Catholic asked why he wasn’t given entry to Heaven immediately, he was told that there are some things they need to discuss. 1)Why did he believe that those who soley believe that Jesus died on the Cross for their sins were not worthy? (Judgemental) 2) Explain the Mary issue and why such reverance (Idol Worship) to someone other than the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit? 3) Why pray to the Saints when I AM the way to heaven?
See how silly this argument can be? I believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for my sins and the sins of man. This is stated as justification in the bible. I cannot get to the Father without this basic truth. That truth drives my actions and draws me to charity and other “works.” Those works alone will not get me to Heaven.
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)
Hint: you're not the tax collector in that story.