Our parish has a Q&A feature in which staff members tackle the queries left in a comment box or e-mailed to the parish. I volunteered to reply to the question titled above:
The root of this principle is in John 3:3-5, and it reads:
Jesus said to (Nicodemus), “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”
Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
Scripture scholars note that the Greek word ἄνωθεν (anothen) means both “from above” and “again.” Jesus seems to be referring to the first meaning, and Nicodemus seems to misinterpret the Lord, taking the second meaning.
Misunderstandings aside, the notion of being reborn in baptism, in “water and Spirit,” tells of the great significance of the sacrament, and of the commitment to the Christian life it implies. Jesus certainly preaches that those who wish to see and participate in the kingdom of God will experience such a momentous change in their lives, that the notion of a second birth is not an exaggeration.
Many Christians speak of being “born again,” as a graced event in which people, usually adults, experience the Lord in such a significant way that it’s like a whole new life for them. And ideally, this is what all Christians should experience when they commit themselves to Jesus Christ. The question might be raised: does it happen only once? Or is it possible, through a continuing conversion, to go progressively deeper into a Christian commitment to God? The witness of the saints might suggest that this continuing experience is the mark of a godly life.
In baptism, and even as infants, Catholics are “born again,” in the sense Jesus means: “being born of water and Spirit.” It’s no accident that the baptismal font at our parish was designed to suggest a tomb, and that in baptism we participate in death and rebirth, as Saint Paul describes, “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
As a child grows, an openness to God’s grace is necessary. The same is true for adults. Baptism is not a magical event, and neither is the evangelical or charismatic experience of being “born again.” Each of these experiences is an opportunity for God’s grace to work in us. But we always have the freedom to choose: we can close ourselves off from divine grace, or we can cooperate with God’s will and live out a Christian life after being “born from above.”
Image Credit: painter Edward Tanner (1899), Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia.
Catholic Sensibility 
Having come from that (the Evangelical “born-again”) world, I think I can clear up one misunderstanding.
When an Evangelical speaks of being “born again,” what he has in mind is what a Catholic would call “Second Conversion.” And he thinks that this is what Jesus is telling Nicodemus about when Jesus speaks of being born “of the Spirit.” (Opinions vary about the meaning of “water” in that context.)
Now I happen to believe this is a mistaken interpretation. I believe sacramental baptism is intended by Jesus, and by the Apostle John who is relating this story to us.
However, let’s stipulate that somehow many Catholics who never seem to develop the personal relationship with Christ which is their birthright as baptized Catholics, leave the Church and end up “finding Jesus” in Evangelical churches precisely because Evangelicals focus on the Second Conversion so very much — and why shouldn’t they, given that they hold it to be a requirement for salvation?
You’ll have noticed that many of these same Catholics later return to the Church after discovering the limits and contradictions of Protestantism, or after reading the Church Fathers. But they don’t, as a rule, tend to bad-mouth the Evangelical churches thereafter. They often go on expressing gratitude to their Baptist and Assemblies of God and non-denominational Sunday School Teachers and pastors. I suspect that this Second Conversion is the reason.
We have the Sacrament of Confirmation which is about the equivalent to what protestants would call being born-again. However, they believe they are then on alright with God and they no longer sin and have a chance to go to Hell. Whereas we believe you always have the chance of turning towards evil and being damned.
jen –you are so messed up. Choose between the Word of God and the traditions of meer man. you are lost and seperated from God with the nature of your father the Devil. Jesus died in your place,yes it should have been you dying for your own sins . you can’t make it to heaven on your own, you need Jesus he is your subsitute. Jesus did it for you because he knew you were not able to make it on your own. It’s a free gift, He loves you , when you recieve Him by asking Him to save you, you are changed into a born again person and then and only then you a a New person, no sinful nature, it’s gone. You now have the Nature of God your Father. Your a child of The King. this is how you are able to enter heaven. Jesus the perfect one exchanged his righeouness for your sin and took it to the Cross. When He suffered and died and was buried, it was you who suffered, died and was buried.. WOW.
All you need to do is to pray a prayer and ask him give you eternal LIFE. He will come into you Heart and you will be in the Family. Love Dick Martin
Martin- we as Catholics do as the Bible tells us, we honor the Word of God and obey and practice the traditions of The Church. St Paul talks about these traditions in 2 Thes. 2:15. If you have Protestant questions you should really look for Catholic answers and not Protestant assumptions.
Your not paying attention.. Mark 7:13 says you are making the word of God of non effect.. Jesus came to save you from destruction. If you could save yourself He wouldn’t have had to come. You can’t save yourself. the word of God says, not man says. I’m not protestant or Catholic, I’m a Christian–A Christ follower. He said you MUST be born again. Do it and stay a Catholic; if you can? LOVE IN JESUS Dick Martin
Yes i am paying attention. I never said i or anyone could save themselves without the coming of Jesus. I was “born again” or baptized in water and spirit into The Catholic church when I was about 3 months old. But I am still a sinner so I am still trying to work my way toward righteousness. In your last statement “do it and stay Catholic;if you can.” You make it seem like being “born again” would lead me out of the one true church of Christ. If you are not Catholic or Protestant, where do you get your doctrines from? Do you interpret the Bible for yourself?
Yes I do Interpret the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit who wrote the bible
Which leads me into all Truth. See your Catechism See No. 91-Says we can understand bible. Then No.85 says only the church can interpret the bible..Contradicts itself. Hebrews 10:11-12 says there is no more sacrifice for sin, and Jesus paid for ALL sin,ONCE for everyone,for EVER. If this is true then the Mass (sacrifice) is of non-effect; so is purgatory. Your either in or out. See 2nd. Corinthians 5:21 For God Made Jesus to be Sin for us that we can be the Righteousness of God in Christ. To be Baptized Is an outward sign of what has already happened to you on the inside of your Heart. it is only a witness to those watching that you have accepted Jesus into your heart. This is not the second Birth. You have to be old enough to comprehend the meaning of Baptism. Age 3 won’t get it. you have to make a choice yourself. The church can’t Save you. Your parents can’t save you.
I was saved thru the charismatic movement in the Catholic Church 1973 with books of instruction approved by the Church. Later they realized they made a mistake and took those books of the shelf and printed Different ones,that were completely different. ( Some infallibility- what a Joke). You need to as the bible says ” renew your Mind”. The bible says that you have a veil of confusion over your mind which can only be removed by being born again. the natural man can not understand spiritual things because they have to be Spiritually discerned. other wise it’s the Blind leading the Blind. Love in Jesus Dick
Well first of all I do believe that in Peters second leter he denounces the “personal interpretation” of scripture. As for the Catechism contradicting itself, well let me ask, who is the church? now let me answer, WE ARE, every member of the Church makes up the body of the Church. So yes we can understand it and previous members of the Church (like the Fathers of the Faith) have done their part to interpret the meaning of the scriptures.
The Mass truly is a sacrifice,The first Christians knew that it was a sacrifice and proclaimed this in their writings. They recognized the sacrificial character of Jesus’ instruction, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Touto poieite tan eman anamnasin; Luke 22:19, 1 Cor. 11:24–25) which is better translated “Offer this as my memorial offering.” So offering and sacrifice go hand and hand. It was natural for early Christians to think of the Eucharist as a sacrifice. The fulfillment of prophecy demanded a solemn Christian offering, and the rite itself was wrapped in the sacrificial atmosphere with which our Lord invested the Last Supper.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.
It is really sad that you think that the Sacrament of Baptism is just a “show” for others to enjoy. Baptism is needed in order to become a child of God, thats why we baptize our babies. Do you think Jesus did everything He did without a purpose and just to amaze and wow those that surrounded Him?
I dont believe you were “saved” by the Catholic Church in 1973, it’s takes a lifetime of faith and good works to be saved and even then we cant be sure that we did enough. I really dont think the books you all used were replaced by “completely different” ones, whats a joke is that people think they can pick up a Bible, read a couple verses, think they can interpret its meaning, and then want to start their own church (lets remember Christ instituted only 1 chruch and thats the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church) thats the real joke.
I pray that you really look for genuine and truthful Catholic answers to your questions.
God bless you, Rodrigo +
Why am I so persistent with this message about the plan of salvation? Because it is something that you share with Good friends. Now understand this, I am not asking you to leave your church, I just want you to have peace and security about where you’ll spend eternity. The Bible says you can know you have eternal life with Him, 1 John 5:13 & John 5:24. This Good News is something I should share with everyone, we all should.
You are a very good person. God still says your best is never good enough to get into heaven. Only Jesus can qualify you with his perfect righteousness. This is the bottom line, Jesus came to exchange His righteousness for your sinfulness. When He was crucified on the cross, it was you who was died. When He was buried it was you who was buried and when He arose it was you who arose to newness of life. When you acknowledge His substitutionary work, it is applied to you. You don’t want to stand at judgement all alone. Paying for your sins daily is Old Testament. We are under a new plan, the New Testament. It says that daily sacrifices will never make perfect those who come by that method. The new plan is that Jesus’s offering made us perfect. If we could attain heaven on our own or other’s merits, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come. God has given his Word as instruction and to show us the way and He expects us to understand it.
The scriptures say that those who have Jesus have eternal life, and those who do not have Jesus do not have eternal life. Read God’s Word ( Romans Chapter 8).
In the 1st. century church (read the Book of Acts), they had it right. The church in the dark ages missed it big time. If Jesus paid it all for your sins, which He did, where does paying for your own sins after death make sense? Where does indulgences come into play? You can not pay for your sins. Jesus paid it all. If You believe this and say it in a prayer, God will accept you just as you are, your destiny is sealed. God does not renege on his promises. This would settle the question that if you would die tonight where would you spend Eternity? After you do this, “there is now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus”, Romans 8:1.
This is not my idea. I am not smart enough to have figured this out on my own. I found this out in the Charismatic Movement sponsored by the Catholic Church. The book that was used during this period was approved by the church: (Imprimatur:) Leo A. Pursley, Bishop of Fort Wayne- South Bend, quote: “Our goal is to help people to see the momentousness of Christianity, to help them understand the basic Christian message ( what Jesus has done and will do for them), to help them realize the need to make a serious decision”. NOW, the contents of these same books have been changed and the Church denies what they approved back in the 1980s.
I know you’ve been warned about my beliefs. I had to chose between the truth of a 6,000 year old BOOK, the Holy Bible and the traditions of mere men. Your decision would influence your family’s eternal destinies also. Please don’t be deceived. You and your family can’t make it to Heaven without this message. I know it’s different but it is the truth. Don’t go another day without reasoning this out . God made a decision, because there was no other way, and sent his only Son to be tempted in every way as we are, yet he suffered and died sinless for you, so you could be presented blameless before the JUDGE.
Not accepting His sacrifice is the only thing that keeps you out of Heaven. He overlooks all when you come up short of perfection. Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice for your dilemma. God will not blame the Church or a Pope or a Bishop or Priest or a Deacon; ONLY YOU are responsible for your decision. God deals with each individual person. You have to decide. Your Spouse has to decide. Your children have to decide, WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS’ PAYMENT, ACCEPT HIM AS SAVIOR or reject His ultimate substitution?
Babies will make it to Heaven because they are too young to make a decision on their own. They would not be held accountable if they die before they can comprehend the substitutionary death of Jesus for their sins. That’s why baptizing babies has no effect; they’re already in Heaven if they die at an early age.
Did you know the Catholic church has eliminated the second commandment from the Ten Commandments? See the latest catechism. Did you know the Pope said that muslims can attain heaven if they seek Allah with all their heart? Jesus says that, “He is the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by Him.” — Dick M.
Jesus ; I accept your death,burial, and that you rose from the dead in my place unto new life and I believe you are who the Word say’s you are.Come into my spirit and make me a new creation as you promised.. give me your nature and fill me with your Spirit. your word say’s that if you Ask according to Your will ,you shall have what you ask, it is Done. Thank you JESUS>> Dick Martin
Peace be with you my friends. I come in peace. Hmmmm… Actually, Dick, Jen and Rodrigo, you are all correct. The reason why Catholics have these sacraments it is because, they accept Jesus in their lives meaning, they accept them as their Savior and Mighty King. Being “Catholic” means living with Christ or acting with Christ through our lives. These sacraments are also based in the bible, remembering what God did to us to save us all.
But similarly, these sacraments cannot save you unless you accept Christ in our lives. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one can enter the kingdom of God, only through Him.
Let’s read John 14 (verses 1-31)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
However, friends, faith without good deeds is dead.
Let’s read the book of James 2 (Chapter 2 verses 1 to 26):
Favoritism Forbidden
2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”[b] also said, “You shall not murder.”[c] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Faith and Deeds
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
In conclusion accepting, believing and following Jesus in humility is our key to salvation. That is why we called CHRISTIANS. Whether Catholic, Born-Again, INC, Adventist, Jehova’s witnesses, etc… we follow Christ. If we only believe in Christ and no good deeds, then we are like devils who just believe but do not follow.
Let us not argue. We have only one God. We have different in interpretations but we have only one faith. We must love each other, we must spread His word, we must worship God because that is what Jesus wants us to do.
I am a Catholic before (for 29 years) but now, I’m a Born Again Christian. I accepted Christ in my life as my Savior (and never been happy). However, through humility, I didn’t criticized Catholics who also accepting and following Christ through good deeds, sacraments and following the teachings of the bible.
My friends, let us not argue. We must not fight together. Instead we must join hands and fight evil. We must fight Satan by accepting Christ and doing Christ’s works. We must not let our hearts be covered by wickedness, pride , lust, hatred and boastful. We must encourage peace, humility, love, faith to the Lord and forgiveness. Forgiveness to people who sinned to us and sinned to the Lord. And we must also love our enemies. Love the sinner but not the sin.
Let us open our hearts and minds through Lord Jesus Christ.
^_^ Leo
leo,- the scriptures are very clear that we are saved by Grace ,it’s a free gift not of works that any one should boast. See Eph.2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast. Works come after you are saved to show your salvation to others. See 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.
If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. . Works after your saved are for a reward or lack of reward. The scriptures state that works are called DEAD WORKS before you saved and you need to repent of those works.See Hebrews 6:1 .Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
And this we will do if God permits. God does not pay any attention to your works until you accept Jesus then you are connected to God. until then He does not hear your prayers. see John 9:31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. You can only be a Worshiper of God when you are reconciled (reconnected) to the Father. Bottom line is you can’t Save your self. Why did Jesus come to save you form your sin if you could have with your Works? Please reason this out and make the necessary correction. You can’t Save yourself, the Church can’t either,Baptism can’t save you Jesus paid it All ,Once, Forever, For all who accept Him (his plan). This is the ONLY WAY. His way or the Highway to—-. No argument Two different views only one is truth. Bible says that Jesus,the Word and the Holy spirit is Truth Not church tradition or mans inventions. Love in Christ Jesus, Dick
Can you please resend the last email I deleted the first part on accident. Sorry I haven’t responded lately I’ve been busy with other parish ministries, you know trying to help other learn the truth.
leo,- the scriptures are very clear that we are saved by Grace ,it’s a free gift not of works that any one should boast. See Eph.2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast. Works come after you are saved to show your salvation to others. See 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.
If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. . Works after your saved are for a reward or lack of reward. The scriptures state that works are called DEAD WORKS before you saved and you need to repent of those works.See Hebrews 6:1 .Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
And this we will do if God permits. God does not pay any attention to your works until you accept Jesus then you are connected to God. until then He does not hear your prayers. see John 9:31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. You can only be a Worshiper of God when you are reconciled (reconnected) to the Father. Bottom line is you can’t Save your self. Why did Jesus come to save you form your sin if you could have with your Works? Please reason this out and make the necessary correction. You can’t Save yourself, the Church can’t either,Baptism can’t save you Jesus paid it All ,Once, Forever, For all who accept Him (his plan). This is the ONLY WAY. His way or the Highway to—-. No argument Two different views only one is truth. Bible says that Jesus,the Word and the Holy spirit is Truth Not church tradition or mans inventions. Love in Christ Jesus, Dick
. Hebrews 10: 11-18 Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices(Mass), which can never take away sins.
But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down (meaning “It is finished) at the right hand of God,
from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Catholic Priests offer the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus repeatedly on a daily basis, year after year for the sins of the people, which can NEVER take away Sins.
Jesus offered himself only ONCE for ALL Sins for ALL People. When you believe this and apply it to your Spirit you are made Perfect ( In Him). God says that He will NOT remember your Sins no more. When you are born into this world you have the sinful nature in your spirit. You spirit is who you are. You need to acknowledge Who Jesus is and confess with your mouth that you asked Him to live in you (knock and the Door will be opened) to change your Dead Spirit into an alive Spirit ; (This is being born again). Your Spirit is as Perfect(as perfect as it will ever be) and one with the Father. No need to confess to a priest because you can go directly into Gods presents. Sin is not the problem ever again. When you die you can be sure you will go to heaven. Jesus paid for your reservation, you name tag is at your place at the table. You have a mansion waiting with your name on the mail box. God promised in his Word. Only those who have not accepted Jesus will Be Judged for their Sins. Without Jesus your OUT. With Him your IN.
You call yourself a Christian but go against the teachings and beliefs of even the very first Christians. Early/first Christians(Catholics) believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They believed that just “saying” you are a believer of Christ was not enough to get you to heaven. Answer me this, if some kills, says they believe in Christ, then kill again, are they saved? I’m no one to judge but I don’t think it’s right to use Christ as a cover up. Early Christians also believed (as we Catholics believe) that the Sacraments were/are more than just a “show” to prove our selves to others (as you mentioned previously) WE have always believed that we receive Gods grace through these awesome gifts(sacraments). You live by the Holy Bible alone? Let’s remember that Catholic Bishops did extensive studies to determine what books were truly inspired by God. Now in the book of Revelation we read that NO ONE shall add or take away from this holy book, so why is it that Martin Luther decides to take 7 books out of the Bible and thinks he is worthy enough to add words to it? Just some thoughts, I pray you start to understand what the Church teaches and stop making your own religion that’s convenient to you. Acts 9:4 God bless. Rodrigo +
I am a Christian because I follow God’s Word. Not the teachings of mere Man. All religions that are not Christian, follow the teaching of Men. Catholics did not exist until 270 a.d. . By this time the Bible taught it correctly. Martin Luther was against the selling and buying to get into Heaven, a different way than thru Jesus( the only way, the bible way.) These other books you mention contradict all the other books that make up the bible after Martin Luther. All Catholic theology is set in place by Catholic theologians= Men’s traditions and not the Word of God- “There will be the weeping and nashing of teeth”.
About the kill subject and not able to judge and using Jesus as a cover up– shows you don’t know anything about the New Testament. Christians are not under the old law.Title : The Holy Bible, New King James Version Romans 8:2(NKJV) “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1(NKJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”. The bible says if you’re Born again you are seated in heaven already with Christ Jesus, Eph. 2:6. You do not attain any Grace or Merit thru any works on your part. Wages require Works. Grace and Merit are aquired thru Jesus as a Free Gift. I don’t want to know what the Church teaches. Stop making up your own Religion and study the Bible. Go back over the things I have written to you. You are looking through the Catholic telescope. you’re only seeing what the Church wants you to see–There’s a whole different World out there. It is possible to Know You Have Eternal Life–Today.. The Pope says you can’t know until you die. Not biblical. Love in Jesus, Dick Martin
I love your passion for our Lord Dick I really do. I want you to know that I nor any other Catholic worship according to man made tradions but by traditions left to “mere men” by Christ himself (2Thes. 2:15). You know Dick that at the end of Johns Gospel he mentions that there was so much left unwritten, so should we not practice the things that Jesus taught but werent written, I would have to say ABSOLUTELY.
So Catholics werent around until 270 AD? Around the year A.D. 107, a bishop, St. Ignatius of Antioch in the Near East, was arrested, brought to Rome by armed guards and eventually martyred there in the arena. In a farewell letter which this early bishop and martyr wrote to his fellow Christians in Smyrna (today Izmir in modern Turkey), he made the first written mention in history of “the Catholic Church.” He wrote, “Where the bishop is present, there is the Catholic Church” (To the Smyrnaeans 8:2). Thus, the second century of Christianity had scarcely begun when the name of the Catholic Church was already in use. So you see that the name had to be adopted in order to prevent confusions due to others starting their own church (NOT the ONE Jesus founded) and saying it was the one true Church of Christ. If you look at how the first Christians worshiped you’ll see that’s it’s the same as our Catholic faith today.
The Bible was approved by the Catholic councils until 393 AD in Hippo and 397 AD at the council on Carthage.
I nor the Church has ever believed that money would get you into Heaven so I don’t know where you got that from.
These seven books may seem contradicting to you but the Catholic bishops who approved them probably had way more years of study than you, so gown can you argue that? Plus I don’t think Gid ever “contradicts” Himself.
Now I may not be the best student of the Bible but I do know not to ever interpret it personally as you do (2 Peter 1:20), you must have missed that verse.
So I’m still trying to figure out if you believe wether you DO or DO NOT believe that Faith alone can save an assassin who believes in Christ but kills for a living? Let’s remember that in the New Testament (the one I obviously don’t know anything about) St James states Faith alone is NOT enough, you may have missed that one also.
Christ has done His part to save us, as promised by God the Father, now it’s up to us to either pick up our cross and follow Him (Lk. 9:23) or drink up, eat and be merry for tomorrow we die (1 Chor. 15:32). So you see that not everyone is granted Heaven, why else would there be a hell? Christ Himself even speaks of it in Lk. 16:19-31. I guess I do know a little bit of the New Testament huh? Oh you never really mentioned anything about the first Christians believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist like we Catholics still believe…..?
God bless, Rodrigo
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5:8-10)
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 7:19-25)
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
That’s it. Christ died for us exactly because we are incapable of not sinning. But if we believe in Him, then we «have been justified by faith». There is no need to confess your sins to priests, no need for a purgatory, etc. etc. Not to be saved.
You then have to confess your sins daily to your Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, to ensure your relationship with God is not compromised.
Early Christians were not Catholic. Catholic church comes about in the 4th century.
You might want to have a look at Revelation 2:12-17 and Revelation 2:18-29.
The first paragraph talks about the Church of Pergamos. Pergamos means “mixed marriage” and here starts the mixing between Christianity and Paganism in the Church. On the historical level, Pergamos Church era is finished, as well as the era of the previous two churches in Revelation. From the next Church on, however, Revelation talks about existing churches.
Next paragraph is the Church of Thyatira. Thyatira in Greek means “continual sacrifice”: in the Catholic Church, the Lord is still on the cross, and Catholics believe that the communion wafer becomes His actual body and blood as it’s consumed.
Thyatira is guilty of having allowed Jezabel’s spirit in the Church.
I’ll leave the rest with you.
God bless you.
Dear rodrigo, Your Catechism Part 1,Article 2-100 states that only the church can interpret the word of God. See 91; says that the faithful can interpret the word and are anointed to recieve truth guided by the Holy Spirit. You believe many things that are not scriptual . buying your way into heaven (indulgences), look up the word in the dictionary. Puratory and Indulgences contradict The reason Jesus came to pay the debt you could not pay yourself. What a slap in the face of God to try to pay for your redemption yourself. the Bible says your righteousness is like filthy Rags,like womens once a month rags. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done (self works), but according to his mercy he saved us. Thank you Jesus. The Bible Says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (that’s Me)
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (He has)
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? ( that you) Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man ( that’s you) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. ( that’s Me)
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. ( I do). Don’t you know that any one thatis Born Again is Dead to sin. He is a New creation-Who has nnever existed before. Read Romans and 1st. john. Could go on and on with this. Listen to YOUR heart not the Leaders of this worlds system. Love Dick..
You are right Dick, The Church has the power to interpret the word of God, who is the Church? It consist of all ordained, religious, and all lay people. So that means that the earliest Catholics especially the priest and bishops have already studied and interpreted the scriptures for us so that we, after 1,700 years, don’t misinterpret the true meaning behind the New Testament.
Yes, I do believe non-biblical things like our triune God(the word Trinity is never mentioned in the Bible).
As for purgatory, read 1 Cor. 3:11-15, here we see that we again are measure by our works and that after death we will pass through the fire.
Indulgences–When someone repents, God removes his guilt (Is. 1:18) and any eternal punishment (Rom. 5:9), but temporal penalties may remain. One passage demonstrating this is 2 Samuel 12, in which Nathan the prophet confronts David over his adultery:
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan answered David: ‘The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin; you shall not die. But since you have utterly spurned the Lord by this deed, the child born to you must surely die’” (2 Sam. 12:13-14). God forgave David but David still had to suffer the loss of his son as well as other temporal punishments (2 Sam. 12:7-12). (For other examples, see: Numbers 14:13-23; 20:12; 27:12-14.)
I do believe Jesus has paid for my sins but I also believe that I can ruin my chances of getting into Heaven by offending Him with my bad behavior.
You know I think Adam and Eve slapped God in the face when they did not want to follow His rules and conditions, this is what many people do when they leave His Church(as Adam and Eve left their state of grace) and start their own church or believe whats most convinient for them (Adam and Eve believed disobeying God and eating of the forbidden tree, so they could be like Him, would be to their conviniance but intstead it lead them into punishment).
As for Titus 3:5 the works Paul is speaking of are works of the Mosaic law(read through Titus 3:9) you cant cut the scriptures short because thats where you run into confusion. Here Paul says that practicing the Mosaic law is ok but dont count on it alone to save you. We have to do good works as those that Jesus Himself has taught us to have a chance for salvation.
Are you saying that God loves you and not me?
OK I think i just read that you consider me “natural” (which I am, I do not consider myself devine by no means) and you consider yourself worthy to judge others (only God can judge us) and you believe no one can judge you? Do you conider yourself to be devine? You see Dick I like to humble myself but it looks like you like to exalt yourself, you must have skimmed over the New Testament (remember the one I obviously havent read) when you missed Lk. 14:11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Anyone who is baptized is cleansed of their sin and recieve the Holy Spirit, this doesnt mean that they will not fall into sin again, I can guarantee you that we will sin again for we are NOT God, we are imperfect. If we were dead to sin why would we ask God not to lead us into temptation when we pray the Our Father/Lords prayer?
Oh I had a few questions.
1. Why do you not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist when the early Christians believed this?(Read The Church Fathers)
2. You believe in “Sola Fide/Faith alone” and “Sola Scriptura/Scripture alone”, but where can i find that in the Bible? Isn’t that non-biblical?
Dick I pray that you listen the Holy Spirit within you and to the great teachers/Fathers of the Church that have done so much for us to better understand our Lord and Savior.
God Bless, Rodrigo +
Dear Rodrigo,
As far as interpreting the Bible, tradition should never contradict or change the Word of God. Tradition should never override the Word.
To see the Bible from God’s view, (the Old Testament was used to deal with man to show him through the law, his sinfulness; unable to keep the law, and unable to save himself.) Noone was ever saved by keeping the law, Gal-ation 2:16. The gospels were about the life of Jesus. The book of Revelation is about the future.
Ans. to question #1: You can’t go back into the history of the church further than the writings of Paul. Paul received the revelation from God Himself. Paul wrote about faith, grace, righteousness, salvation as a gift, (not by works). His writings (the Epistles) are the way that God is dealing with man today. Hebrews 8:12, 13.
If you are born again you can apply grace and righteousness to your account. If you are not born again you are still under the law, your salvation is not based on law, because we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. If you are saved by works, no amount of work equals having Jesus’ righteousness, and that’s what you NEED to go to heaven. If the Pope, Bishops, Priests, Billy Graham, Mother Theresa or anyone who is counting on their works to attain heaven, they will be eternally disappointed and damned. We need the righteousness (right standing before God) of God applied to us so the Judge will see us perfect, holy and glorious in His sight.
I apologize if my confidence in the Word of God and knowing my security and position in Christ, comes off as being arrogant. This is what faith is: be-
lieving who I am IN Christ, for I have already died, was buried and rose again; for Jesus was my substitute, Romans 6:5-14. The Word says I am sealed by His Holy Spirit and seated in heavenly places, Ephesians 2:6 (my spirit is already there, positionally). I live every day believing this BY faith.
Now Faith comes by HEARING and hearing by the Word of God, Romans 10:17. Faith is not a denomination. Faith is based on the Word of God. But without Faith it is impossible to please Him, Hebrews 11:6.
Ans. to question #2:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of WORKS, lest anyone should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. The WORKS we do before we’re saved are considered “dead works to be repented of, Hebrews
6:1. The works after we are saved are considered good works and God keeps account of these for rewards after we get to heaven.
38 years ago, I had to weigh what God says in His Word vs. any doctrine of the Church. If any religion has luke-warm followers, who don’t know the doctrine that is being taught, they are held responsible for it all. The Bible has very elementary principals. Jesus is the Cornerstone, the Apostles are the foundation, and we are to build on these stones unto a strong building, for we are to be the temple of His Holy Spirit.
Our spirit is perfect when we are born again, but the Bible says we have to renew our mind. How do we renew our mind? We have to throw out the false and put in the truth. Where do we find this truth? The Word teaches there are 3 truths: Jesus is the way the Truth and the life, #2 the Word is Truth. #3 the Holy Spirit is Truth. Church or Man’s tradition is not mentioned here at all.
What I’ve said here, I have mentioned in my prior communications. May you be blessed with God’s wisdom and understanding of His Word. Sincerely, Dick
God made us in his Image and likeness. When Adam and Eve sinned God told them that they would die spiritually. We don’t inherit their sin. They had God’s Nature and it was changed into the Sinful Nature. We inherit the SINFUL NATURE. It produces Sin because it is it’s NATURE to do those things. Everyone who is born of the flesh has the sinful Nature. We are a three part being. 1- We are a Spirit made in the image and likeness of our Father God. 2- We have a Soul which is our Mind, our intellect , our emotions, our free will. 3- We have a Body. The body we need to live on the earth. The scripture calls our Body a TENT that our Spirit live in so we can move about. When we die our body and spirit separates and we are Spirit with a soul only. If you die with a sinful Nature you will surely spiritually die and go to hell. This is why Jesus said you must be BORN AGAIN. Born from Above. When you are born again your old Nature is Gone as if it never existed . You become new, with a new Nature. You are born of God’s NATURE. Born of water is the natural birth. Born of the Spirit is a Second Birth of Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,(Notice WERE And ONCE in this passage)in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (SATAN)
among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. HE MADE, WHO WERE, has been—Past Tense. Saved not of Works so you won’t boost. The New testament is about Faith , Grace, Righteousness. The LAW is out. If you are not born again you are still under the LAW. You will be judged by the law. If you are born again you are under GRACE (unmerited favor) And will not be Judged according to the law but by GRACE.
John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Does these scriptures sound like you don’t have assurance. You believe you don’t know if your in or out until you face Judgement. Scriptures tell us over and over again you can know. This is FAITH, Believing God’s word and applying it .
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ( No Judgement, No Condemnation, I’m Free.) Reason this out. This is GOD speaking. His words. No contest. His word never changes. Take it up with HIM. Love in Jesus , Dick
Wide is the path to destruction Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Wide is the Gate; Broad is the Way that leads to destruction, and many that go in that way. The largest denomination in the world is the Catholic Church. Wide, Broad, and many; means the largest in numbers that go in that way. God is telling you to go in by the narrow gate which leads to Life. Narrow Gate is Difficult because of Pride. You need to humble yourself, become as a little child. Do not follow man’s self righteousness ,greed, exulting self above God. To be a Christian Means to follow, to seek after and be Christ like.
Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
Jesus is the Rock in the Word of God. He is the cornerstone were to build our eternal Life on. The Word also says were to lay a foundation on the teachings of the apostles. To be a Christian is to have a Relationship with Jesus not being a member of any Denomination. I have spoken to a lot of Catholic friends and Being one for 36 yrs. Of my life I know that in general Catholics are not taught what it takes to attain Heaven and have everlasting LIFE. They sacrifice Jesus over and over ,daily for the sins of the people. The word of God says Jesus paid in full for your sins
once for everyone who will acknowledge his free gift.
The word says that if you seek him you will find him. If you knock on the Door he will open it. Ask and it shall given unto you. How simple it is. Jesus gave himself for you as your substitute. No one should say NO to this Gift. If you don’t you will have to Pay for your own sin = eternal hell.
God only asks you to do One thing in your life and that is receiving his gift ( Jesus). The bible says this is what keeps you out of heaven, not accepting Jesus as your personal savior. It’s called the unforgivable sin. You MUST do this to attain Heaven. 1 Mary said yes to God; to become the mother of baby Jesus. No where does the bible say that She was born without Original sin or that she is a Queen or an Advocate. Praying to Her or the Saints goes no further than the ceiling. The bible says that all who receive Jesus are saints already. If Jesus came and died for ALL our sins, which he did and there are no degrees of sin which there’s not ; then there is no need for a belief in purgatory. All sinners have a wage coming and that is eternal death. If you are Born again in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. 1 John 5:11-13
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
Jesus bridged the chasm that made us foreigners to God . We had no way to fellowship or have Sonship with God, even to this day we are cut off from him ;He does not even hear you prayers, and if you’re getting answers to your prayers it is not from Him. Only when you pray for Jesus to give you NEW LIFE then and only then do you get God’s attention. Indulgences are a method to remove time spent in purgatory for punishment due to Sin. Several of them listed : 1. A single prayer to the blessed Virgin Mary, 500 days less wait in purgatory.
2. Salve Regina, 5 yrs off.
3. Anima Christi, 300 days.
4. Anima Christi after communion, 7 yrs off according to Ignatius Loyola.
5. If one as much hears someone says 3 very beautiful prayer for the dying, 400 yrs off.
6. If you say “Eternal Father, I offer thee the wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ to heal the wounds of our souls”, 300 days off.
7.Masses for the dead to be released from time spent in purgatory. All the Doctrines of the Catholic Church dealing with sin mean nothing in the light of this scripture.
1 John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Propitiation is a word chosen by God himself to show us that Jesus and Him alone is enough to appease (completely satisfy) the justice required for our Salvation. The word of God states that there is nothing needed to be added. God makes us Children of God the moment we accept Jesus
and He Seals us and Preserves us and we are numbered in the beloved. We are seated in heavenly places by Faith in Him. ( See Eph. Chapter 1). I have a mansion with my name on the mail box already in Heaven. Jesus said it is finished and He is Seated and on his throne (meaning He has done all that is necessary) and it says we are seated also (meaning we have done all that is necessary). You must be born again from above, God will do it! Just ask him too. Love in Jesus, Dick Martin