Advice needed for building faith

[wendit]

My mother is Catholic and is apparently caught up in the rules of the church. She feels that what she was taught as a child is no longer practiced. Her assessment is that when the "rules" changed after Vatican II she could no longer be hopeful of heaven. The example she uses: We had to go to confession before taking the Eucharist in the old days, now that rule is thrown out, if I wasn't sure of salvation back then, how can I be sure now that we don't do those things anymore. If we broke the old rules, we could go to hell, it must have been important. She seems to be completely unaware of Jesus' sacrifice. I tried to explain that all have sinned and as Paul writes, we are free in Christ, removed from the curse of the law. I can't convince her that that doesn't give you a license to sin. She disagrees with many RC teachings, but I can't convince her to take a bible instruction class. She tells me that she is planning on joining the next Catholic bible study. I just want her to experience the peace and joy of God's promise of salvation to all believers. I am praying about it. Any advice?

 

[LilLamb219]

My husband is Catholic. I think the way that I prefer to get through to him is not to degrade RC's and what they believe but just to plainly point to Christ, the cross and the forgiveness of sins. Just keep reminding your mom that her sins were nailed to that cross, that she is forgiven and because she trusts in Christ as her Savior that she has salvation. Once she sees how sure you are, it will start to rub off on her!

 

[1Prophetess]

The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." I'd find all the scriptures I could on salvation, and I'd read them to her...repeatedly if I had to.

 

[Aibrean]

That's what happens when salvation is wrapped around rules, unfortunately.

 

[wendit]

That's what happens when salvation is wrapped around rules, unfortunately.

This is a prime example of how dangerous these rules really are. I think it is so sad she feels this way, but I know she has faith in Jesus. Even the smallest faith is saving faith, so her soul is secure in Christ. I think she would be much happier knowing the truth.

 

[LilLamb219]

This is a prime example of how dangerous these rules really are. I think it is so sad she feels this way, but I know she has faith in Jesus. Even the smallest faith is saving faith, so her soul is secure in Christ. I think she would be much happier knowing the truth.

Let her know that you see faith in her and that we are indeed saved by grace through faith. Encourage her to know that Jesus does not want her to fear her salvation as she does. He died on the cross for her.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

My mother is Catholic and is apparently caught up in the rules of the church. She feels that what she was taught as a child is no longer practiced. Her assessment is that when the "rules" changed after Vatican II she could no longer be hopeful of heaven. The example she uses: We had to go to confession before taking the Eucharist in the old days, now that rule is thrown out, if I wasn't sure of salvation back then, how can I be sure now that we don't do those things anymore. If we broke the old rules, we could go to hell, it must have been important. She seems to be completely unaware of Jesus' sacrifice. I tried to explain that all have sinned and as Paul writes, we are free in Christ, removed from the curse of the law. I can't convince her that that doesn't give you a license to sin. She disagrees with many RC teachings, but I can't convince her to take a bible instruction class. She tells me that she is planning on joining the next Catholic bible study. I just want her to experience the peace and joy of God's promise of salvation to all believers. I am praying about it. Any advice?

You have gotten some great advice here. Below is a link to a book that I have shared with many of my friends; Catholics included. It's an easy read, and while in may not convert her, the clear explanation of Christian life, based on Scripture make all who read it better and more contentious Christians!

Spirituality of the Cross - Expanded & Revised