Getting Into Heaven

[Aaron112]

What does one need to get to Heaven ....?

if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-19).

 

[OldAbramBrown]

Purgatory exists, but even the RCC doesn't teach it. Above all don't tell the protestants that!

Discern the Roman organisation as and when and if it shows itself up. There's nothing wrong with sitting out of communion. (If you get harassed by a verger arrange with the parish office not to.)

I picked a descriptor at random but it doesn't disqualify me from permission to say these things. Even the protestant church I go to calls itself catholic.

I was never impressed with the unrealistic arguments the protestants had against "catholics", typical weaknesses in quite a lot of protestant surroundings as well. Wherever you go, you will have to supplement what you are told - and filter bits out. Your spiritual life, your faith, with your God.

 

[CoreyD]

According to the Bible, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place or a future event, but rather a spiritual reality that is present and active within individuals. This concept is encapsulated in Luke 17:21, where Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is within you” (NKJV).

Not according to the Bible. According to people.
Jesus said his kingdom is not of this realm.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

If the kingdom is really in the heart of the Pharisees, we might as all start playing Lemmings and jump off a cliff, because we are all doomed.
Thankfully, Jesus was not saying the kingdom is in the heart, but as king of the kingdom, Jesus being present among them, the kingdom was in their midst, or among them.

 

[Aaron112]

If the kingdom is really in the heart of the Pharisees

What ? Non sequitur - not claimed.
======================================

Not according to the Bible.

Try again, if you like.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I’m currently a Catholic who has been toying with the ideaof returning to a NonDenom church nearby. What I want to know is this…..Catholics believe in Purgatory, ND don’t. Protestants say Catholics can’t get to Heaven without works, Catholics say the opposite. What does one need to get to Heaven as a Protestant and as a Catholic?

For protestants it is about faith and God's Faithfulness to carry the believer to the end. (for the most part)

For catholics, it is about faith, but it must be expressed with love. This point is brought up quite often by catholics that works of love are required and such.

Furthermore, protestants look at salvation as a point-in-time event. While catholic salvation theology is based on the life of faith leading to redemption. (this point in and of itself is why a straight answer is difficult, since the underlying understanding of "what salvation is" .. is very different)

In general, other than obvious theological sticking points, (such as the role of Mary,) most protestant and catholic theology isn't all that different.

as for sacraments, that should be examined on a church by church basis.

The main salvation distinction for sacraments is, in catholic theology, someone is born again when they are baptized. In protestant theology, one is born again when the begin to believe in Jesus.

However, if you do the math of the actual teachings, catholic theology says someone who dies before they can be baptized can be saved by the obedience of faith .. so in general the difference seems like a distinction. However, sacraments are necessary for Catholic salvation, but not necessary for Protestant salvation.

Hope that helps.

 

[Valletta]

Purgatory exists, but even the RCC doesn't teach it. Above all don't tell the protestants that!

III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory​

1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

Part One Section Two I. The Creeds Chapter Three I Believe In The Holy Spirit Article 12 I Believe In Life Everlasting III. The Final Purification, Or Purgatory

www.vatican.va

The main salvation distinction for sacraments is, in catholic theology, someone is born again when they are baptized. In protestant theology, one is born again when the begin to believe in Jesus.

However, if you do the math of the actual teachings, catholic theology says someone who dies before they can be baptized can be saved by the obedience of faith .. so in general the difference seems like a distinction. However, sacraments are necessary for Catholic salvation, but not necessary for Protestant salvation.

Hope that helps.

If I may add, for a Catholic, the Holy Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." CC 1324

Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText

The three leaders of the Protestant Reformation all had different views on the Holy Eucharist, and from there have sprung thousands of denominations. Catholics believe that only a priest (that means a man who has received the sacrament of Holy Orders) can validly consecrate the Eucharist.

 

[CoreyD]

What ? Non sequitur - not claimed.
======================================

Try again, if you like.

I don't mind doing that at all.

According to the Bible, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place or a future event, but rather a spiritual reality that is present and active within individuals. This concept is encapsulated in Luke 17:21, where Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is within you” (NKJV).[

Not according to the Bible. According to people.
Jesus said his kingdom is not of this realm.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Contradiction:
The Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that is present and active within individuals. This concept is encapsulated in Luke 17:21, where Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is within you”
The Kingdom of God is not an earthly kingdom.

The kingdom of God is not a non tangible reality. It is not an earthly kingdom, but a heavenly kingdom. It is not inside people.
A kingdom is a rulership, or government, with a king, or kings, and a domain.
Jesus is the king, and he will rule with heirs. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Galatians 3:16, 29; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Revelation 5:9, 10;

When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. nor will they say, 'Behold here,' or 'There.' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." Luke 17:20, 21

Jesus was responding to the Pharisees, regarding the coming of the kingdom, and people misinterpret Jesus words, by claiming that "in your midst", means "inside you", but the expression "in your midst" simply means in a position of proximity to them.
As future king of God's kingdom/government, Jesus was among them - in their midst, and so the kingdom, while it had not yet come, was in their midst.

The kingdom is not inside the Pharisees.

When Jesus takes over rulership of the world, the Kingdom does indeed come. That coming was future. Matthew 6:10; Revelation 12:10; Revelation 11:15, 17

Better?

 

[Lost4words]

I’m currently a Catholic who has been toying with the ideaof returning to a NonDenom church nearby. What I want to know is this…..Catholics believe in Purgatory, ND don’t. Protestants say Catholics can’t get to Heaven without works, Catholics say the opposite. What does one need to get to Heaven as a Protestant and as a Catholic?

Stick to Catholicism...

Read the catechism my friend...

God bless you

 

[ozso]

III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory​

1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

Part One Section Two I. The Creeds Chapter Three I Believe In The Holy Spirit Article 12 I Believe In Life Everlasting III. The Final Purification, Or Purgatory

www.vatican.va

If I may add, for a Catholic, the Holy Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." CC 1324

Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText

The three leaders of the Protestant Reformation all had different views on the Holy Eucharist, and from there have sprung thousands of denominations. Catholics believe that only a priest (that means a man who has received the sacrament of Holy Orders) can validly consecrate the Eucharist.

So what does it mean when a Christian obeys Luke 22:19-20, but a Catholic priest isn't involved?

 

[Aaron112]

It is not inside people.
A kingdom is a rulership

When Jesus rules a person, they are in His Kingdom. Simple.

 

[Bro.T]

You don't "get into heaven". Heaven, gets into you.

Over the years many have taught various ways to receive everlasting life. No wonder the world is full of so many denominations. All of these different doctrines, seemingly coming from the bible, tend only to confuse people. Most people don't know what to believe and simply choose not to attend any church sometimes.

Nevertheless, the bible speaks of only one way to get eternal salvation. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:5,6).

The road to eternal salvation starts with knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. God doesn't want us to memorize two or three verses, but instead he left the entire bible so we can learn how to get salvation. If we learn it, believe it and obey it (the bible), salvation will be our reward. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27) A man asked Jesus this very question, "...What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?", and Jesus replied, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-19).

This was a direct answer to a direct question, which all of us will do well to take heed to. Anybody can claim to have faith, but actions speak louder than words. Faith and works go together and you can't have one without the other. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12).

The commandments of God are not hard to keep (I John 5:3) and furthermore, they teach us love in the highest degree. If you love Jesus you will keep his commandments (St. John 14:15). You will not displease the Lord by: Worshipping other gods, having graven images, taking his name in vain, breaking his Sabbath day (which is Saturday not Sunday), or dishonoring your parents. On the other hand, if you love your neighbor as yourself you will not kill him, commit adultery with his spouse, steal from him, falsely accuse him, or covet anything of his.

This is true love, and if obeyed how much better would our world be? This is why Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind; and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:35-40). These two commandments are the foundation of the entire law. Many reject the law, but it is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good (Romans 7:12) even today.

 

[Aaron112]

Most people don't know what to believe and simply choose not to attend any church sometimes.

.... <interjection> sigh of relief! good ! (for them) ..... let them seek God directly, "in spirit and in truth as Jesus told the woman at the well .... (a foreigner at that !)

 

[Aaron112]

Nevertheless, the bible speaks of only one way to get eternal salvation.

Be Born Again

 

[RileyG]

According to the Bible, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place or a future event, but rather a spiritual reality that is present and active within individuals. This concept is encapsulated in Luke 17:21, where Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is within you” (NKJV).

What happens to believers when they die? Do you believe they immediately go to heaven or are “asleep” until judgment day?

 

[Aaron112]

What happens to believers when they die? Do you believe they immediately go to heaven or are “asleep” until judgment day?

Trying ignoring everything you ever were taught, and , if God Permits, see what Scripture Says . It is not at all popular.

 

[RileyG]

Trying ignoring everything you ever were taught, and see what Scripture Says . It is not at all popular.

Can you elaborate? Otherwise, the post I quoted I completely agree with. It’s was very well written.

 

[Aaron112]

Can you elaborate? Otherwise, the post I quoted I completely agree with. It’s was very well written.

I do not see a connection - which post that you quoted ?

 

[RileyG]

I do not see a connection - which post that you quoted ?

About bringing the kingdom of heaven in the present reality, present and future.

If I understand you, correctly.

 

[Valletta]

The road to eternal salvation starts with knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. God doesn't want us to memorize two or three verses, but instead he left the entire bible so we can learn how to get salvation. If we learn it, believe it and obey it (the bible), salvation will be our reward.

Remember that the early Catholics were there before one word of the New Testament was written. There were some very holy people, martyrs, who received eternal salvation and never read one word of the New Testament. Jesus did not send his disciples out to hand out Bibles, in fact Jesus never mentioned anything about compiling various new texts into our Bible. And remember the very first list of the final books of the Bible was not compiled until the latter half of the fourth century. Of course, the Bible is a wonderful addition to the Church which contains a lot of instruction as to how to live as God intends us to live. I fully recommend prayerful study of the Bible.

 

[Bro.T]

Remember that the early Catholics were there before one word of the New Testament was written. There were some very holy people, martyrs, who received eternal salvation and never read one word of the New Testament. Jesus did not send his disciples out to hand out Bibles, in fact Jesus never mentioned anything about compiling various new texts into our Bible. And remember the very first list of the final books of the Bible was not compiled until the latter half of the fourth century. Of course, the Bible is a wonderful addition to the Church which contains a lot of instruction as to how to live as God intends us to live. I fully recommend prayerful study of the Bible.

According to the Bible, Israel the Hebrews always had the word of God, not Catholics. Paul says in Romans 3: 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. At this point no one have eternal Salvation, but Jesus. Jesus is the only one who died and was raise from the dead. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15: 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.