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If anyone else is worried about this, let’s be clear on what Jesus meant by this. There’s an old expression: The only sins God doesn’t forgive are the ones you won’t let Him. “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” isn’t heretical, blasphemous, or profane language against the Holy Spirit of God...

Hi, I’ll be glad to clear things up. By ancient Jewish Laws, I’m refering to either the prohibitionary laws found in Leviticus or the permanent laws found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

Amen! I actually agree with more than you think. All salvation comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ, for “there is no other name under Heaven” and “no one comes to the Father, except through [Him]”. And you are right in quoting St. Paul by saying that the Law saves no one. This was...

I would argue that Maccabees isn’t in the Tanakh for other reasons, most of which we as Christians disagree with, but you’re right: we can discuss the canon of Scripture in another thread. I would also differentiate facts from tone in Maccabees. I.e. it is a fact that Judas led the Jews in...

I’m sorry if my language was not clear; I’ll try to be more straightforward from now on. When I say there is no contradiction let me elaborate further. I agree that man was doomed to die since the Fall. I agree that the new Adam, Jesus Christ, God the Son Incarnate, by His death and...

Hi again. I’ll have to re-read Hebrews; I seem to have missed that. As for the Eucharist, I’ll accept that compromise; it works for me. God bless

Thank you for being polite and straightforward with your intentions. I see you mentioned a Living Faith which produces works. This is good and right where we should be. You did, however, say that there was a contradiction. Be sure that there is no contradiction between Christ Alone, Grace...

That first point is interesting; I’ve never heard that claim before. As for the Eucharist, you must remember that the East was once in communion with the West. Their theological viewpoints today are almost entirely identical and this includes the Eucharist. But this we will surely differ on...

Hi, sorry for the long delay but between classes and work I can hardly find time for anything else. Let me see what you’ve replied here and try to sort things out. About purgatory, if you would like another Jewish source, see 2nd Maccabees (Chapter 12) where the Jews pray for the dead. Even...

So you are invoking the ideal of a Catholic Church but suggesting the Roman Catholic Church is not it? As in the late idea of a universal spiritual Church? When you describe your belief of the Eucharist, I believe you are describing consubstantiation as taught by Luther. We Catholics believe...

I would question why what should be “elder” as then been translated as “priest” in Bibles since the vulgate. Perhaps those people knew the context better than we do. Also the passage you translated is referring to the Anointing of the Sick, a sacrament different from confession. Your claim...

That is one heck of a response. Let’s see if I can break it down. First of all, “Roman” and “Catholic” are not contradictions. “Roman” refers to her geological base. “Catholic,” Or universal refers to her outreach “to the ends of the Earth...” and “from the whole” in reference to her desire...

I’m terribly sorry if you took that for rudeness. But, as you wish, goodbye.

I’m not going to challenge the language here, other than suggesting “elder” and “priest” are, in this context, synonyms. Secondly, you can definitely find presbyters taking confessions and anointing the sick, like in James 5, or baptizing, like in Acts, or having the Eucharist, like in 1st...

Hi, I’m here to help. It seems you misunderstand St. Paul in Ephesians here. He is referring to works of the law, not good works, to contrast to Jewish Christians claiming superiority over their gentile brothers. You also misunderstand my argument. I am not suggesting that salvation comes...

Good morning (from where I am) I’ll try to answer you point by point here. First, I’ll agree that the reformers’ initial goal was to fix the Church, not to destroy her. Secondly, I now understand the way you use the word “salvation.” Thank you for the clarification. Thirdly, I appreciate...

Hi, I’m Thomas. I’d like to address this because I simply disagree this statement. Firstly, I’d like to question your source, as I’m not familiar with it. What are the “Reformation forumlas?” Are you refering to the shared doctrines by most reformers? Secondly, by your logic, if faith is...

Hi, I’m back. I firmly believe, that despite your scholarship, you have a misunderstanding of many things. As a fellow Catholic, I’ll do my best to correct that. Firstly, the Church does not teach that one “earns” their salvation through works. I’m sure we agree that doctrine would be silly...

Hi and thank you for your post. It’s a difficult question and I struggle with it all the time when I read Scripture. At the end of the day, my trusty absolute is this: I trust Jesus. Jesus said (very black and white-ly) that His Apostles would be guided by the Holy Spirit who would guide...

According to the Catholic Church, we are all predestined for Heaven, but we can deny God’s invitation (either through our actions or by rejecting God Himself). God won’t force Heaven on us.