Catholic vs. Protestant Christianity

amariselle

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I'm pointing out the scholastic trap.

We would disagree on that. What about the law written upon their hearts? Romans 2.

Forgive me...

If you keep reading in Romans, this is what it says:

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:

17 And the way of peace have they not known:

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

And in Romans 10:

1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above)

7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:1-15)

Romans is an excellent letter for clarifying that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not works, and that people need to hear the Gospel.

 
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Goatee

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Judas did not Believe Jesus... No one is saved by believing that Jesus exists,, Satan believes Jesus exists and he is destined to be cast into the eternal lake of fire.. Salvation comes by believing Jesus and trusting 100% in the atonement he secured for them to be saved...

Judas did believe. He believed enough to follow him for a very long time. He then sinned MASSIVELY. This, any person can do. They can start off on the right track but end up hitting the buffers!
 
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Korean-American Christian

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Yes, I agree with you on the Muslim part, but if you could, can you tell me why you think Muslim does not worship the same God? I read some history books about religions and it said the Muhammad got words from Gabriel, the angel, and the Muslim book (Quran?) also talks about Jesus and the Adam and Eve.....I know they shouldn't believe Muhammad as the messiah or anything important, but what would be your reason for saying it? It seems to me that you know a lot about Christianity, so if you could share, that would be great.

Muslims believe in one god, a god that they call Allah.

Muslims DO NOT believe that Jesus is God. Muslims believe that Jesus Christ was just a man, just a prophet.

Christians believe in the triune God. God has revealed Himself as one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. While each Person of the Trinity is fully God, the Christian God is not three gods. The God of Christians is one God.

God came to earth in the form of a man (Luke 1:30-35; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 4:1-3). The Lord Jesus Christ conquered the penalty and power of sin by dying on the cross (Romans 6:23). After rising from the dead, Jesus went back to heaven to be with His Father and sent the Holy Spirit to believers (Acts 1:8-11).
 
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AlexDTX

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1. Catholics believe in Jesus as their savior and he is the son of the God. So Catholics do go to heaven as well, right? (My friend said in the Catholic faith, it said they have to do good things to be in Heaven, so they can't go to Heaven because Catholics don't believe in Jesus solely to go to heaven. Honestly, I didn't get what she meant.)

Salvation has nothing to do with church affiliation. When a person believes in the deity of Christ, his death and resurrection on our behalf, and receives the Holy Spirit into his heart he experiences the new birth. Salvation is about a new humanity. The Old Man Adam dies in Christ and the new man Christ is resurrected. When one has the new birth he is grafted onto the new humanity. This new humanity begins in the spirit but will end with soul and body made perfect and immortal. When you have the new birth, your spirit is already in heaven, but our soul and body remain on Earth. Heaven is another dimension of the same creation.

There are millions of Catholics who are born again and know Jesus, and many of them would be unfamiliar with the term "born again". There are millions of Protestants who are born again, as well in all denominations. However, by the same token, there are millions of Catholics and Protestants who do not know the new birth in any way and remain unregenerate. When they die the will find them in Sheol (Hell, the place of the dead) and not in Heaven because you have to be in heaven before you die.

This may seem even more confusing to you, of which I am sorry if I making this more confusing. But the church of Jesus Christ is invisible. The wheat and the tares grow side by side. What this means is that simply because someone says they are Christians, does not mean they are Christians. By their fruit you will know them and if you have the new birth you discern this by the Spirit.

4. My church said I don't need to pray to my angel or saints or anyone except Jesus. Then what is the purpose of angels and saints? Even if the saints are not 'real' in protestant faith, isn't angel something the God said we all have? Should we just...ignore them?

All people who are born again are saints. Saint means those who are sanctified. Catholicism has elevated saint hood as a matter of works that are recognized by the papal canon. And certainly those who have given their lives to divine service deserve recognition. But sanctification does not come by papal decree but by Holy Spirit seal. That is, the new birth.

I have come to understand that many Catholics revere angels, but do not worship them. Revering angels, in my opinion, is obfuscation for worship. I was reprimanded once for joining a Catholic thread discussion on angels when I made the comment that angels are our flunkies. That greatly offended them so the moderator reprimanded me. What I meant was that born again Christians are part of the body of Christ is the Lord of the universe and angels are his servants, thus are our servants. We are greater than angels in that we are partakers of the divine nature. Hebrews tells us that they ministers to those who are heirs to salvation. Psalm says man was made lower than angels, but that is statement before the atonement of Christ. When we are joined with Christ in his resurrection we rise above the angels who are now our maids and butlers.

I know you want a Catholic perspective, and mine is not. But I think a littler deeper Protestant perspective would be helpful for you, too.
 
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Korean-American Christian

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Taking this to it's logical end means you are preaching that a ""True Christian"" will not sin after accepting Jesus as his Savior... Any sin is sin Right??? Jesus said if you hate another person you have commited murder in your heart.. and if you even lust after a woman then you have already commited adultry with her.. Yes all sin is sin to God.. So by your very own preaching you condemn yourself because you can be assured that you have sinned after you accepted Jesus as your savior

My dear brother, I am NOT stating that a true Christian will be sinless and morally perfect after accepting Jesus as his Savior.

Sinless perfection in this earthly life is an un-Biblical concept.

We Christians will only be perfect when we enter Heaven.

You are correct. Any sin is sin.
 
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amariselle

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Thank you for your Bible verses to clearify my doubts...Just few more thing...Um...so, we should be holy and without blame before him in love (I got that part). So also if we sin and wants to be holy and without blame before him, we must confess our sin so he would forgive us.

You are forgiven in Christ. He "by Himself " has purged our sins. (Hebrews 1:3) When you believed in Him, you were born again, passed from death to life (John 5:24) and are sealed with the Holy spirit until the day of redemption. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Um, then I can commit a sin and just confess to be okay with all? (Not that I will commit a sin in purpose or anything like that). Can a bad man who do all the bad things in the life can just confess and repent before he dies, and go the heaven?
(This question sounds like something a non-christian would ask...but I am just really curious.)

Anyone and everyone who truly puts their faith in Christ alone for salvation will be saved. These verses may help:
(More on salvation by faith in Christ alone, not works: So many people truly need to know this)

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:


That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.


For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:14-18

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." - John 5:24

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."


"Then said they unto him, 'What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?'"

Jesus answered and said unto them, 'This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.'" - John 6:27-29

"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.


And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:38-40

There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in His Son. (Romans 6:23)

Christ is the end of the Law for all who believe. (Romans 10:4)

We are saved by grace, through faith, not of works. (Ephesians 2:8)

We must not go about to establish our own righteousness. (Romans 10:1-4)

God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. - (2 Peter 3:9)

Repentance from "dead works" and faith toward God. - (Hebrews 6:1)

By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified, but only by faith in Christ. (Galatians 2:16)

Also read Romans 4, Romans 5, Galatians 5, Hebrews 4, Hebrews 11

Our salvation is entirely by faith in Christ and what He has done. (The Gospel) 1 Corinthians 15:1-4


My friend said a real christian who accepted Jesus in his/her heart wouldn't commit crimes, so if somone so bad is out there and claims to accept Jesus as his savior, that would not be true.
Is that also kind of explanation for it?

It is absolutely true that when someone has been saved, and is a Christian, their lives should bear "fruit". (Galatians 5:22-25) However, a good and moral life is not always evidence in and of itself that a person has been saved or even believes in Christ. There are many "good" and moral people out there who care nothing for God at all. (Some of the greatest humanitarians in history and in our world today are not Christians and would never say they are).

Nor should anyone be judged as not being a true Christian simply because they are still struggling with a sin or something in their flesh. Sometimes God will bring instant and miraculous healing and deliverance, sometimes it's a process. That does not mean that person isn't truly saved. We all grow in spiritual maturity as well, and we are not all at the same level in that regard.

And consider these words, written by the Apostle Paul:

"Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it isno longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin."
- Romans 7:13-25
 
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amariselle

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Judas believed in Jesus but then committed a MASSIVE sin by betraying him.

"But there are some of you that believe not." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him."- John 6:64
 
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amariselle

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Sin, and sin and sin and forget to ask God to forgive you and take advantage of the Fact that Jesus died for us then you will surely go to hell.

No one has even once said not to ask God for forgiveness. I certainly have not.
 
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ubicaritas

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My pastor said if I was in a country that had no Lutheran church nearby, I should go to a Catholic church and receive the Eucharist/Lord's Supper. But that is an extraordinary case.
Also, keep in mind that Catholics do not believe the sacrament is merely a symbol, they believe it is Jesus body and blood (so do Lutherans).

Otherwise, if you are a guest at a Catholic church, you should just go forward for a blessing or remain seated. Catholics as a rule don't believe it is good to commune non-Catholics, though there are exceptional circumstances possible.

My particular denomination (ELCA) has a lot of agreement with Catholics about salvation. So do the United Methodists and The Presbyterian Church - USA. Other churches may not agree that Catholics and their churches have any agreement in doctrine. Beyond this, we have different practices, pastoral theology, and authority structures from Roman Catholics.
 
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ViaCrucis

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A person says that he is a Christian, but he commits rape and murders people....this person is NOT a TRUE Christian.

a TRUE Christian will NOT commit rape after he accepts Jesus as his Savior....

a TRUE Christian will NOT commit murder people after he accepts Jesus as his Savior

True Christians sometimes do really terrible things, to say otherwise is quite dangerous theology as it either suggests perfectionism or else denies the efficacy of the Gospel.

-CryptoLutheran
 
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Faith Alone 1 Cor 15:1-4

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I was born and raised in catholic family , took all the sacraments needed but somehow God show mercy on me and actually i was saved from that idolatory church . Catholic replaced Israel with Vatican and replaced Christ with pope and Mary in short .

Christianity believ is that you are saved by grace through faith , catholic believ is that you need to keep law to be saved and our good deeds must outweight bad deeds .

Catholic hold still to tradition rather than bible , if you show them bible verses they will simply ignore it or refuse to accept it , they will keep thier tradition just like Jews do . Every time you ask catholic person they will hide behind some sort of courtain rather than embrace truth , like i ask them show me where purgatory is in scriptures , then they will cover themself saying this is wrong part of this forum for you it's catholic forum rather than answering question.

I don't know a single church which is following doctrine from bible , every one will add some tradition to it so don't expect to find any perfect one because we are in last days , it is written that church would apostate and it did .
 
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Korean-American Christian

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True Christians sometimes do really terrible things, to say otherwise is quite dangerous theology as it either suggests perfectionism or else denies the efficacy of the Gospel.

-CryptoLutheran

My dear brother, I am NOT stating that a true Christian will be sinless and morally perfect after accepting Jesus as his Savior.

Sinless perfection in this earthly life is an un-Biblical concept.

We Christians will only be perfect when we enter Heaven.
 
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aiki

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1. Catholics believe in Jesus as their savior and he is the son of the God. So Catholics do go to heaven as well, right? (My friend said in the Catholic faith, it said they have to do good things to be in Heaven, so they can't go to Heaven because Catholics don't believe in Jesus solely to go to heaven. Honestly, I didn't get what she meant.)

Not quite. Catholicism does not teach that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. By that I mean, Catholicism insinuates works into the equation of salvation and in so doing denies the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work on the cross. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Our works, our righteous (or wicked) deeds, have nothing whatever to do with being born-again. (Ga. 2:16; Eph. 2:8, 9; Tit. 3:5-7) Roman Catholicism, however, layers on a whole host of "must-do's" in order to be saved: attendance at Mass, fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church, baptism, observance of the holy sacraments, penance, etc.

Attaining Salvation in Roman Catholicism | carm

In regards to a works-based salvation, Roman Catholicism ends up being just like every other religion that requires Man to work his way to God. This is not the teaching of the Bible, however.

Titus 3:5-7
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


2. If i missed my church's sermon on Sunday morning, can I go to a Catholic mass? (I know going to a sermon is not 100% necessary action to take, but I like to have something in my weekend to keep my spirit up for the upcoming week.) As a non-Catholic, but Christian, can I attend the mass?

You can do whatever you want. But you will encounter a confusion of false and true doctrine in a Catholic mass. You would do better, I think, to read your Bible or listen to a truly biblical sermon online. Here's a place you can go for just such a thing:

Sunday Sermon

3. During the Catholic mass, when they give out the bread and wine part (I am sorry, I don't know what it is called...My church doesn't do it a lot..may be on Christmas only.). am I allowed to join because I was baptized as a Christian? Or is it solely for Catholic?

Communion for Catholics holds a meaning and purpose very different from what it holds for Protestants. There is a salvific dimension to the Communion sacrament in Catholicism that is neither biblical nor common to the Communion observed by Protestant Christians. If you want to put a foot in both types of communion, go ahead, but you are inviting doctrinal confusion and false teaching into your thinking in doing so. I know many very nominal Catholics whose lives are utterly contrary in character to the teachings of the RC Church who partake of Communion unimpeded and without hesitation. I'm pretty sure, then, that no one would prevent you from partaking in Roman Catholic Communion.

4. My church said I don't need to pray to my angel or saints or anyone except Jesus. Then what is the purpose of angels and saints? Even if the saints are not 'real' in protestant faith, isn't angel something the God said we all have? Should we just...ignore them?

1 Timothy 2:5
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


No born-again disciple of Christ has any need of prayers made to saints or angels. We have direct access to God's throne of grace through our "High Priest," Jesus Christ. He is the sole mediator between God and Man. This is why in the entire text of Scripture you will find not a single verse that even hints that our prayers should be aimed at angels or deceased saints. What need have we of prayers to Mary or some long-dead fellow Christian when we can apply directly to God for help? None at all.

5. What is the role of Mary in Catholic church? I know Catholics don't' worship her, but honor her because she was the mother of Jesus. Then why not honor Joseph, the father of Jesus, in the same respect? Why is the virgin birth so important? Isn't Nazareth's revival more amazing miracle? (Again, I am new to the faith, this question is out from my ignorance. Not trying ot compare miracles or anything like that)

You want to know what sort of attitude to take toward Mary? Take your cue from Jesus himself:

John 2:3-4
3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."


Jesus is quite, well, off-handed with Mary. He doesn't say to her, " Hail Mary, Mother of God, blessed among women!" but acknowledges her with a rather curt, "Woman." If Mary is, as the RC Church likes to assert, this elevated spiritual figure, why is Jesus so short with her here? Could it be that Mary is just another sinful human being in need of a Saviour? Judging from Jesus's dealing with her here, this seems to be the case. Why, then, venerate her? She has accomplished nothing of herself. Her impregnation with Jesus was nothing she did. She didn't deserve the honor God bestowed upon her as the bearer and mother of the Messiah. I see nothing, then, in Mary that warrants veneration.

Matthew 12:46-50
46 While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.
47 And someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You."
48 But He answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"
49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers!
50 "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."


Here, too, Jesus responds to Mary quite dismissively. He doesn't treat her as some elite spiritual icon, but actually ignores her in favour of those who are doing the will of His Father. He doesn't offer her even the slightest hint of special acknowledgement, but seems instead determined to make it clear she is not elevated above others in any way. So, why, then, does Roman Catholicism make such a fuss over Mary?

As for the importance of the Virgin Birth, consider the following articles:

The Virgin Birth | Desiring God

Q & A: Why is the Virgin Birth Important?
 
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Jim Langston

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[WROTE="HRDJ, post: 71620235, member: 400433"]HI - I am not posting this to start any kind of fight. I am just really really curious and confused.
Currently, I am attending a presbyterian church and have many bible conservative friends. I am pretty new to Christianity and when I ask about these, my friends tend to just brush it off as "because the pastor said..." or "Catholic is idolism..." kind of skewed judgement and opinions. So if you could please, just share what you think about my questions.... I have never studied or learned Catholic faith (if it is any different from Christianity I learned from my church), so please forgive my ignorance.

1. Catholics believe in Jesus as their savior and he is the son of the God. So Catholics do go to heaven as well, right? (My friend said in the Catholic faith, it said they have to do good things to be in Heaven, so they can't go to Heaven because Catholics don't believe in Jesus solely to go to heaven. Honestly, I didn't get what she meant.)
[/QUOTE]

I am a non-denominational sola-scriptura, meaning I don't believe any particular denomination is 100% correct and you can be saved in any christian church as, long as you repent and follow Jesus.

As such, repentant catholics will indeed be saved. Some Catholics, however, will not be as they leaning on the Catholic church to dave them and not Jesus.

Case in point, I was watching a documentary on the Mexican cartel where they showed this assassin getting ready to kill someone pull out a catholic assassins's prayer.

No, just no. You don't live a life killing people as a living then say some words and be expected to be forgiven.

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

2. If i missed my church's sermon on Sunday morning, can I go to a Catholic mass? (I know going to a sermon is not 100% necessary action to take, but I like to have something in my weekend to keep my spirit up for the upcoming week.) As a non-Catholic, but Christian, can I attend the mass?

From a non-denominational point of view, it does not matter what Christian church you go to you can find God (except for some of the cult religion though, can be harder there).

3. During the Catholic mass, when they give out the bread and wine part (I am sorry, I don't know what it is called...My church doesn't do it a lot..may be on Christmas only.). am I allowed to join because I was baptized as a Christian? Or is it solely for Catholic?

It is my non Catholic understanding that the Catholic church only gives communion to those baptised into the Catholic church.

As I understand it, as a Christian we are baptised because Jesus demanded it.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Catholic church, however, seeks to baptize to put you in the catholic church with infant baptism.

I, personally, would not feel comfortable being baptised in the Catholic church.

[WROTE="HRDJ, post: 71620235, member: 400433"] 4. My church said I don't need to pray to my angel or saints or anyone except Jesus. Then what is the purpose of angels and saints? Even if the saints are not 'real' in protestant faith, isn't angel something the God said we all have? Should we just...ignore them?[/QUOTE]

Revelation 22 answers this.

Revelation 22:8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.

So, they are fellow servants, in that way equal to men. Do you pray to other men? Only if you're Catholic (praying Mary and dead saints).

The bible is quite clear, God only wants us worshipping God, not angels, not Mary, not saints. If an angel has something to say to you do you doubt they'll come to you?

[WROTE="HRDJ, post: 71620235, member: 400433"]5. What is the role of Mary in Catholic church? I know Catholics don't' worship her, but honor her because she was the mother of Jesus. Then why not honor Joseph, the father of Jesus, in the same respect? Why is the virgin birth so important? Isn't Nazareth's revival more amazing miracle? (Again, I am new to the faith, this question is out from my ignorance. Not trying ot compare miracles or anything like that)[/QUOTE]

This is one of my greatest disagreements with the Catholic church. The bible states by word and example that the only ones we are to pray to is God. Yet the Catholic church teaches contrary to the bible.

[WROTE="HRDJ, post: 71620235, member: 400433"]6. Does Catholic really teach that non-believers who do good things also go to heaven?[/QUOTE]

Being non-denominational sola scriptura I read this:

Matthew 19:16Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

These are the words of our savior that lessor men try to paraphrase. As you can see here, however, no where does Jesus state that you have to step foot in a church building. In fact, Jesus doesn't even say you have to believe He is the son of God.

So, yes, according to the words of Jesus Himself you don't have to be a member of any church to be saved. You wouldn't even have to know Jesus. Ezekial 18 says pretty much the same but from God the Father's point of view.

The Catholic church, however, has sometimes stated that if you are not catholic you are not saved as they recognize themselves to be the only true church. This can change according to who you talk to.

[WROTE="HRDJ, post: 71620235, member: 400433"]7. I don't see a lot of Catholic evangelism movement as much as Protestant churches do. Is there reason for it or Catholics do have those movements but it is just not well known?[/QUOTE]

Well, the Catholic church historically had a different way of evangelizing. Catholic priests would absolve soldiers of their crimes as they invaded other countries and demanded that others convert to Catholicism or die. Pretty much the same as radical Muslims are doing today's. And the Catholic church teaches(ed) that if you were kicked out of the Catholic church you were going to hell. They would baptise babies so by the time the child came to age they are automatically catholic. A very bad form of oppression.

I give up trying to get this to quote properly.
 
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JacksBratt

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But not if they continue to sin or live an evil life.
Would all those reading this thread, who don't sin anymore, please state your names......

I certainly am a Christian, saved by Christ's blood, read my bible, go to church, raise my kids with christian values and live my life with a desire to be like Christ.....

However, I sin, continually, and I am not about to tell anyone that it is possible to live a sin less life, no matter how saintly you see yourself....

It is wrong to teach that we can become sinless and live without sin. It puts unrealistic demands on people who do not understand, are new Christians or are thinking about becoming a Christian.

Living a sinless life is impossible for any human.
 
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JacksBratt

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That is correct, my dear brother.

Those who have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be saved.

For this reason, it is our responsibility to complete the Great Commission that Jesus gave to us
I agree with most of what you have been posting.

However, if a person has not heard the gospel message, I do not believe that they are doomed to damnation by the simple fact that they lived on an Island and never had the good fortune of reading or being told the gospel. (or for some other unknown reason never heard the gospel.... probably pretty rare in these times)

These people will be judged by the fact that God is evident in all creation and:

Romans 1:20King James Version (KJV)

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:


They will then be judged by a just and righteous God and their soul will spend eternity in it's rightful home.
 
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However, if a person has not heard the gospel message, I do not believe that they are doomed to damnation by the simple fact that they lived on an Island and never had the good fortune of reading or being told the gospel. (or for some other unknown reason never heard the gospel.... probably pretty rare in these times)

This is why our Lord Jesus gave us the Great Commission:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

f15f7b2f2bb23522ac53b34905a9642b.jpg
 
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Goatee

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This is why our Lord Jesus gave us the Great Commission:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

View attachment 204301

Thing is, everything He taught is not contained in the Bible! The Apostles knew a lot more than what is actually written!
 
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Welcome to CF, and welcome to the Christian faith!



Catholics are Christians. The Catholic Church is one of the most ancient branches of Christianity. Yes, Catholics believe in Jesus as their savior and that Jesus is the son of God. Yes, they have saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Protestants and Catholics agree that we are saved through the work of Christ, that we would never be able to do enough on our own to earn God's favor. We also agree that it is important to do what is right and follow God's will, as best as we can. Catholics tend to emphasize our responsibility to follow Jesus' teachings, and Protestants tend to emphasize the role of grace, but it is a difference of emphasis, rather than a true disagreement. (And Protestants often misunderstand Catholics on this point.)



Yes, you may go to a Catholic mass.



The bread and wine part is called "communion" or "the Eucharist". The Catholic Church believes that only Catholics should receive communion in a Catholic mass. Thus, in a Catholic service, you should not go forward to receive the bread and wine, out of respect for their beliefs; remain in your seat during this part of the service.



Angels and saints are our fellow-creatures, joining with us in the worship of God. Some Christians don't think much about angels or saints at all. Some Christians reflect on them from time to time as examples of what an extraordinary Christian life might look like. Some Christians ask for the prayers or protection of angels and/or saints as part of their regular prayer life. As long as you remember that angels and saints aren't gods -- they're beings created by God, like us -- I'd say you can include them in your practice of prayer and meditation, or not, as best fits you.



The Incarnation is an important idea in Christianity: the idea that God took human form in the person of Jesus. Mary is extra-special in Catholic thought because it was in her body that the Incarnation took place. Other saints, like Joseph, don't share that unique role.



The fate of non-believers is a much-debated question, among both Catholics and Protestants. You'll hear lots of different views if you talk to different Christians. One possibility is that a person who loves the Good, and tries to do what is good their whole life long, might be seen by God as saying "yes" to God, even if that person doesn't understand that God exists or that God was incarnate in Jesus. I think that's what Pope Francis believes, if I understand him correctly. But Catholics and other Christians vary widely in their answers to this question.



There have been Catholic missionaries for many, many centuries, and there are still Catholic missionaries today. I suspect they're just not doing a lot of work in the area where you live. Also, sometimes the Protestants are louder. :)

Everything the Episcopalian said there, that's right, I agree with him.
 
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