First Sunday of Lent

On this, the First Sunday of Lent, let us call into mind the supernatural power of how to get to Heaven. Without this power, we cannot get to Heaven - without this power, we fall - and will fall into the depths of Hell. So ask yourself, what IS this power? And next ask, if you HAVE this power within you? 

That power is Sanctifying Grace - the FREE GIFT from God to SAVE YOUR SOUL! Without Sanctifying Grace you CANNOT get to Heaven... it is THE MEANS which God provided for us to get to Heaven. If you have fallen out of the State of Sanctifying Grace and were to die - you will NOT go to Heaven, your soul will be LOST for ALL ETERNITY. What must YOU do? Accept this FREE GIFT!

This is why it is so important to remain diligent in our Faith through the means of Sanctifying Grace which Jesus Christ provided for His Church. Through any other means or rationalizations outside the Church, you are only fooling yourself. There are NO OTHER MEANS other than that which Jesus Christ provided through His Church. Those means are the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. 

A Sacrament is, as we learn from catechism, "an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to bestow Sanctifying Grace. The primary Sacrament to restore Sanctifying Grace is the Sacrament of Confession (aka, Penance and Reconciliation). From this Sacrament we are open to receiving the other Sacraments, most notably the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Regular reception of these two Sacraments can keep our souls in that state of Sanctifying Grace.

Let us make a conscious effort this Lent to make a habit out of going to Confession and Holy Eucharist.

Slogan Salvation

All to often we hear statements from our challengers which are more like slogans. Slogans are fine to get one to think about the deeper message of the slogan - but all too often we find in apologetics, especially among Protestants, they seem to embrace the slogan itself and not go any further.  Let's examine The Five Solas, which are embraced by nearly all of Protestantism.  Not only embraced, but these are foundational to most Protestants, some saying that if fault can be found in even one of these - that they should return to Catholicism.  Hmmm.  Consider as well, these terms are in Latin, the official language of the Catholic Church (yes, it still is) yet these terms are virtually, if not wholly, unheard of in the first 1500 years of Christendom!  One would THINK if they are so foundational that the Church Fathers, especially the Latin Church Fathers, would have not only spoken of these terms, they would have spoken IN those terms - and they simply do not.

Slogan 1:  Sola Fide
The anti-scriptural concept of Faith Alone.  Whoa!  What am I talking about?  Protestants will argue that St. Paul teaches this throughout his epistles, but what they don't realize is that in virtually every case, St. Paul is contrasting faith with "works of the law" and clarifying that works of the law cannot save you but it is faith in our Lord Jesus Christ which saves.  What they tend not to look into - or ignore if they've encountered Catholic apologists - is the fact that St. Paul is not preaching Faith Alone for as St. James teaches "faith without works is dead."  Can a dead faith save anyone?  No!  Faith, if it is saving faith, is never alone!  Another interesting point here, again ignored by most Protestants, is that the ONLY place the words "faith" and "alone" are used together in Scripture is in flat out denial of the 16th century invention of sola fide.  All "Bible believing Christians" ought to flee from any group or leader who professes the lie of sola fide.

One of my criticisms in this article is that most Protestants don't go beyond the slogan to see what it really means however, not all do that.  Some do examine these to seek out deeper meaning.  Ironically, especially with sola fide, we find the rationalizations end up in double-speak (rendering the argument contradictory and useless).  For example, while greatly respected in most Protestant circles, Dr. R.C. Sproul examines sola fide and comes to the conclusion that "we are saved by faith alone, but not a faith which is alone."  So which is it, Dr. Sproul?  Is it alone or is it not alone?  The term sola fide states it is alone, so to contradict that, regardless of the rationalizations, makes sola fide invalid if it is "a faith which is not alone."

Slogan 2: Sola Gratia
OK, well this one is not anti-scriptural as sola fide is, but what does it mean?  Sola gratia means "by grace alone," and in concept - that is a true statement for Catholics as well.  It IS by His Grace that we are saved, and none can be saved outside His Grace.  Does this mean we do not DO anything in the economy of salvation?  Well, unless you're an adherent to an extremist interpretation of predestination (typically among Calvinists) which is represented by the "U" in TULIP (Unconditional grace or election), you would reject the view of having to do nothing.  Even the ACT of ACCEPTING the grace is an ACT of DOING something. Therein lies the chief separation between most of Christendom and the Calvinists. While Catholics would accept that the grace is limited in who would receive it, the grace is not limited as to who COULD receive it.  "For God so loved the world..." not just part of the world, but the whole world... "He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall be saved." (John 3:16). Note, the CHOICE to believe is left to man.  The passage does not say, "that whosoever God has chosen to believe in Him..." it states "whosoever," so that this GIFT is freely given to any and ALL who may accept it, or reject it.  Back to the point here though, Catholics do not reject a proper understanding of sola gratia.

Slogan 3: Sola Christus
This is a statement that we are saved by (Jesus) Christ alone.  Again, this is not a statement or slogan which Catholics disagree with!  It is NOT through Jesus Christ's death on the Cross, more importantly His Resurrection on the Third Day, by which all of mankind was redeemed.  Jesus Christ paid the price in full, our redemption is made!  All we must DO is ACCEPT the FREE GIFT which He has given to the world. Those who reject this GIFT are rejecting their salvation.

Slogan 4: Sola Deo Gloria
Translation, "Glory to God alone."  In Catholicism the honor we reserve to God alone is called "latria." It is wrong to give latria to anyone besides God Himself. Now does this mean we are not to give honor (glory) to anyone else?  Do we not "honor" those whom we consider "heroes" who have given their life for others, or risked their life to save another?  The use of titles, like "doctor" or "teacher" or "professor" or "rabbi" are forms of glory/honor we freely give to others.  This slogan is hypocritically used by ignorant Protestants who do not consider other forms of honor/glory which even they give to others stemming from a lack of understanding of the Catholic differentiation between latria and dulia (which is honor given to those who are not God).  So, while Catholics would not wholly reject sola deo gloria, if we're going to use Latin, the more accurate slogan would be "sola deo latria."

Slogan 5: Sola Scriptura
And we come to the fifth of the Five Solas, and another anti-scriptural slogan.  Whether you accept the broader "If it's not in Scripture, we don't have to believe it" position or the more precise, "Scripture alone is the sole infallible word of God," the fact is neither can be found in Scripture!  So if the former, since it is not found in Scripture, you don't have to believe it! If the latter, since it is not found in Scripture - THIS slogan is not infallible.  The root of this teaching stems from those who left the authority laid down by Jesus Christ who selected The Twelve and further commanded that they go out and do as He did.  The Twelve, our first bishops, did as He commanded and went out and selected others to serve and guide His Church.  Then comes the revolt of the 16th century and these new leaders, having rejected the authority Jesus Christ established, created a "different gospel," to fill the void they created. And, to make it clear that they would not yield to Christ's authority, they invent this slogan that only Scripture is infallible.

Now, if this were simply not found in Scripture that would not make it "anti-scriptural," as I have earlier labelled it, so what makes this slogan anti-scriptural?  If Scripture is truly the sole infallible source for the Church - then Scripture should not be telling us of ANOTHER infallible source - yet it does! I am reminded of my discussions/debates with Dr. (oh, that intolerable use of glory, honor, title again) James White who made the challenge for us to show him "the other pen."  Well, having done this many times before, let us do so again.  That "other pen" is revealed no less than two times in Scripture wherein a single man, Peter is given this infallible authority and later the whole council of the Apostles are given this same infallible authority.  Of course I speak of Matthew 16:18-19 and Matthew 18:18.  Unless you are conceding that error (something fallible) can be bound in Heaven, then you must concede that these men were given infallible authority AND said authority is recorded IN Scripture - thus "Scripture alone" is not the "sole infallible source of authority for His Church."  Therefore sola scriptura is a lie and is anti-scriptural, for Scripture itself opposes it!

In Conclusion
As I originally stated, the use of slogans is not necessarily a bad thing - but limiting ones apologetic to "slogan salvation" is.  What do those slogans actually entail?  Is faith ever REALLY alone if it is a "saving faith?"  What do we MEAN by Grace Alone?  Can we really rationalize our way around a lie like sola scriptura?  If you're going to use slogans, can you REALLY defend your use of them, or do you just fall back on the slogan, over and over again?  I believe a fuller examination of any of these slogans will bring you to the truth of the Catholic Faith, if not right away - someday, if you're being honest with yourself.

AMDG,
Scott Windsor<<<

Infant Baptism

Is Baptism Something for Infants?

It is indeed fitting that this article follows the previous one posted on January 1st, the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord.  Why?  Because baptism has replaced circumcision in the New Covenant!  St. Paul makes it clear that baptism is the "circumcision of Christ."  

"In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand, in despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the circumcision of Christ:  Buried with him in baptism, in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him up from the dead." Col. 2:11-12

According to Jewish Law (Genesis 17:10-14 and Leviticus 12:3) states that circumcision is to take place on the eighth day after the male child is born.  This was a sign of the keeping of God's Covenant with His People. No one would argue that a child of 8 days old is not an infant - thus this "sign" was made upon an infant who made no choice in the matter - it was a decision by his parents.  Likewise, baptism, being "the circumcision of Christ" is a decision made by Christian parents for their children (and no longer just a sign among male children, baptism is for male and female alike).

Note as well, is the act of faith an operation of the person being baptized, or is it "the operation of God?"  St. Paul makes it clear, the operation is that of God!  With that in mind, does it matter if the person being baptized decided to be baptized or not? Is God less empowered to act/operate if the person being baptized is an infant?  Certainly not!

Believers Baptism?

Some will try to argue that the only baptism spoken of in Scripture is that of a "believers baptism," that is - one has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and THEN are baptized. Other wording may include that baptism is only for the regenerated (born again).  Certainly there are examples of this in Scripture but along with the above evidence that baptism replaces circumcision as the covenant sign of the New Covenant, we also have at least three examples of "entire households" being baptized.  (Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33 and 1 Cor. 1:16).  In none of these examples are the children or infants excluded. We could challenge those who accept only this "believers baptism" of the "regenerated" with a question of how many in their church/community are unregenerated?  What happens to children who have not been baptized and die before receiving baptism?  If only the regenerated can receive baptism - are all those children lost and damned to hell forever?

All Were Baptized in Moses

St. Paul tells us clearly that ALL the People of Israel were baptized in the cloud and in the sea.  The reference clearly being the crossing of the Red Sea wherein the whole people, from the aged to the infant, were, in St. Paul's wording "baptized."  (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).

Can Parents/Sponsors Speak For Children?

Scripture teaches us that a believing wife sanctifies (makes holy) her unbelieving husband, and likewise a believing husband sanctifies an unbelieving wife.  Not only that, through this the children are also made holy! 

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the believing wife; and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the believing husband: otherwise your children should be unclean; but now they are holy. 1 Corinthians 7:14 DRB

If even an unbelieving spouse can be made holy AND thereby the children are made holy by the believing spouse - then certainly the parents can represent their children at baptism - just as they did under the Old Covenant in circumcision.

St. Cyprian (c. 250 AD), in answer to those who were opposing infant baptism even at this early date writes:

But in respect of the case of the infants, which you say ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, and that the law of ancient circumcision should be regarded, so that you think that one who is just born should not be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day, we all thought very differently in our council. (Epistle 58.2)

In fact, this whole letter is written in favor of infant baptism.  Read it here:   http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/050658.htm

In Conclusion

The relationship between circumcision and baptism is made clear in Scripture.  Baptism is the circumcision of Christ.  The Law of the Old Covenant was that circumcision was to be performed on infants who were 8 days old.  There is nothing indicating that this practice should change in the New Covenant with baptism.  Baptism makes clean the recipient, not cleansed from dirt - but cleansed from the stain of the sin of Adam - which we are all born into. (1 Peter 3:21).  It is not the water which cleanses, that's just the sign, rather it is God who does the work - or "operates" in baptism.  Clearly also in Matthew 19:14 we are not to suffer the little children from coming to Him, and forbid them not.  Those who would argue against infant baptism are forbidding the little ones from coming to Him.

Did You Take Time To Know Me?

Last Sunday, where we heard the Gospel message about the Transfiguration, the sermon I heard was simply wonderful.  I was speaking to someone recently about the Transfiguration, and they thought I was talking about the bread and wine becoming the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ in the Eucharist.  While Fr. spoke on a variety of topics, the one which stood out for me the most was very catechetical.  Most who read this blog profess to be Christians, but what does that really mean?  What does it entail to call yourself a Christian? Do you know the difference between transubstantiation and the Transfiguration?  Is being a Christian something you "put on" on Sundays and "take off" Monday through Saturday?  How much time do you spend in building your relationship with Jesus Christ?  Many seem to have the attitude that while the "believe" in Jesus Christ, they don't want that to get in the way of their life and fun.  "Jesus is just alright with me," as sung by the Doobie Brothers, seems to sum it up - Jesus is "just alright."  He doesn't reign supreme in most of our lives.  How comfortable will you be, standing in front of the Judgment Seat when how much time you spent to know Him, love Him and serve Him is exposed and judged?  Get to know Him, because the more you know Him, the more you can love Him.

I am reminded of the simplicity and beauty of the Baltimore Catechism.

Q. 150. Why did God make you?
A. God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next.
Q. 151. Why is it necessary to know God?
A. It is necessary to know God because without knowing Him we cannot love Him; and without loving Him we cannot be saved. We should know Him because He is infinitely true; love Him because He is infinitely beautiful; and serve Him because He is infinitely good.
http://www.baltimore-catechism.com/lesson1.htm

I know that my children grew up with these questions and answers memorized, but now that they are grown - I am asking them (and I primarily write this article for THEM) do you love God?  What do you do to get to know Him better?  If you wish to be happy with Him forever in the next life, you have to get to know Him in this life, and love Him and serve Him.  What does that mean to you?  Can you do more?  I know I can.  We all must strive to continue to grow in Him, to know Him and love Him and serve Him.  If you don't have time for Him - how do you think that will fly when He's planning an eternity for you?   Giving God your time and worship shows how much you love Him.  Putting God FIRST in your life will result in all your other concerns working out (Matt. 6:33).  I ask myself the same questions - and I know the there is more I can do and I know there are times when I fail. 

If you're stuck in a rut, or routine - then you're not working on your relationship with God - or at least not working hard enough.  What more can you do?  What more can I do? 

Is There Fine Print in Romans 10?

"Before you sign a contract you had better read the fine print to see what is not covered," so says Pastor Seltz of The Lutheran Hour.  He goes on to say that "God's promises are not like that... there are no exceptions, there is no fine print.  Everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ will not be put to shame.  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  You might be asking, 'Well, what does it mean to call on the Lord?'  Ah!  There's the catch, right?"  That's in the introduction to today's radio broadcast this first Sunday in Lent.  As he starts the actual lesson the above is repeated and then he asks, "Everyone?  Really? I mean, is there any fine print in Romans chapter 10?  You know about fine print, don't you?  Fine print spells out exclusions in contracts... Fine print says that even though it's being marketed is for everyone, it's not really for everyone.  So, is there any fine print in Romans chapter 10?  Does the word really mean everyone, or is there some fine print somewhere excluding people from this bold promise?  Where is the fine print in Romans 10?  Nowhere!  You won't find it there or anywhere in the Bible."  With all due respect, Pastor Seltz is wrong here.  Scripture, the Bible, DOES contain "exclusions" and even states that there will be some who cry out TO HIM "Lord, Lord!" who shall NOT enter the Kingdom of Heaven; in fact He will say to them, "depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matt. 7:21-23).  Part of "the fine print," if you will, limits entry into Heaven to those who "do the will of My Father in Heaven."  Simply calling upon Him is not enough, and the "fine print" is right there!

Attempting to prove his point, Pastor Seltz tells the story of the Pharisee and the Publican/Tax Collector who go into the Temple to pray (Luke 18:9-14).  The Pharisee boasts, "Thank you Lord for not making me like this tax collector..."  The tax collector humbly prays, "Have mercy on me, a sinner."  Jesus declares it is the tax collector who goes away justified before God.  Hmmmm, according to Pastor Seltz just "calling upon the Lord" is enough to justify, or save (keep in mind, he makes this equivocation in using this parable to support his argument for salvation).  So, per Seltz' earlier statement, the Pharisee should have been justified too!  Afterall, he too called upon the Lord, did he not?  Scripture tells us that the Pharisee did not leave justified.  So there we have yet another example of "fine print" which negates Pastor Seltz' premise.

Mt Claret Retreat Center, Camelback  Mountatin behind it.

Seltz goes on to tell another story, this one of a 21 year old man in Phoenix, Arizona who had decided to climb Camelback Mountain.  He made this decision without thought for any special clothing or gear - just a "strapping young man" who was full of courage.  However, as you may have guessed already, after getting about 50 feet up the side of a steep and shear rock face, he found himself unable to climb any higher and it was too risky to attempt to climb back down.  He was stuck, but he did happen to have a cell phone on him - so he called "9-1-1" and rescuers came out to save him.  He was saved because he gave up his pride and humbly called out for help.  Well, this climber happen to know the right number to call!  What if he had called the Mount Claret Retreat Center (a Catholic church and retreat center at the base of Camelback Mountain)?  The priests, nuns and/or office staff there would not have been able to "save" that young man - however, they would have known the right number to call to get him rescued!  The point we make here is just calling out for help may not be enough!  You have to call the right number!  When it comes to our salvation and the forgiveness of our sins, Jesus gave explicit instructions (more "fine print" for Pastor Seltz) which specifically points out who is able to forgive sins.  Jesus gave this authority to a special group of men, the Apostles, who would become our first bishops in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and only THESE MEN had the authority to forgive sins, and sins THEY did not forgive are NOT forgiven (John 20:22-23).  In the same context, as Jesus sent our first bishops out, they too were to send others out in the same manner  (John 20:21) [typo fixed, thanks Nathan!].  So, going somewhere which does not have this apostolic authority means you're going somewhere which has no authority to forgive sins - you would therefore be still stuck on the side of Camelback Mountain, to use Pastor Seltz' analogy.  You would not be "saved."

One cannot read Romans 10 in a vacuum, apart from the rest of Scripture.  The "fine print" is there, for those who have eyes to see.

Overall, Pastor Seltz message is not too far off the mark, in fact, "the message" is right on - but when it comes to where/whom to call, he "missed it by that much."

Please click on one of the "share" buttons below to share this article to your favorite social media sites - and feel free to comment too!

Faith Without Works

So what good is it if one has faith but has no works?  Now, we can all agree that faith is an indispensable ingredient to attain salvation, to be saved, but is faith alone for salvation the teaching of Scripture and the Church?

Today’s second reading gives us a strong clue of the answer to that question.  James says that “faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Seems pretty clear but then you’ll have those who tell you that one can have a dead faith or a living faith and because they have at least one type of faith then they are ‘saved’.

Can a dead faith save you?  Some say yes because they have believe that one is saved through faith alone.  And yet we find Scripture teaching very different things.  In the same chapter of James, just a few lines following today's passage we see that James also emphatically states that “..as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.”  We see here that James has made the ‘body’ analogous to ‘faith’ and ‘the spirit’ analogous to ‘works’.  Now how useful or life inducing is it if the body is without the spirit?  In the same way, faith, if it has no works is useless, that is, lifeless.

Lifeless…  Kinda points to not saved right?  But let’s see what Jesus has to say on ones works and how it relates to salvation.  Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels that one is judged by ones works.  In the story about Judgement Day in Matthew 25, we see Jesus separates the sheep from the goats on the simple criteria of whether one has ‘clothed the naked’, ‘fed the hungry’ and gave drank ‘the to the thirsty’, and so forth.  Something that one DOES.  If one does NOT do those things that the Father Wills us to do then we are sent to eternal punishment (Mat 25:46).

The Catholic website (www.catholic.com) puts it succinctly when it states that:

The Church teaches that it's God's grace from beginning to end which justifies, sanctifies, and saves us. As Paul explains in Philippians 2:13, "God is the one, who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work."

Notice that Paul's words presuppose that the faithful Christian is not just desiring to be righteous, but is actively working toward it. This is the second half of the justification equation, and Protestants either miss or ignore it. (http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/why-does-the-church-teach-that-works-can-obtain-salvation)

And finally, if one tries to convince you that one is saved by faith alone just point out James 2:24 which states directly that “…a man is justified [ie saved] by works and not by faith alone.”

God Bless
Nathan

Baptism of the Lord

What is baptism? What does the Bible say? Let’s start with Ezekiel 36:25-27 which states:

I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. …I will put my spirit within you .

“I will sprinkle clean water” and He “will put [His] spirit within you” – And so with this outward sign using water we see that God gives us His spirit and that through this sprinkling we will be cleansed of all our impurities. Is this prophecy truly made alive in the New Testament through the sacrament of Baptism? Let’s compare what God said through Ezekiel to what God said through Peter at Pentecost.

Peter (said) to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).

Ezekiel said: “I will sprinkle clean water”

Peter said: “be baptized”

Ezekiel said: “[I will] cleanse you from all your impurities”

Peter said: “for the forgiveness of your sins”

Ezekiel said: “I will put my spirit within you”

Peter said: “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”

It seems quite undeniable that Ezekiel’s prophecy is perfectly fulfilled in the sacrament of Baptism. Because of His promise from Ezekiel we now know that the Grace of God comes during the sacrament of Baptism but what else does baptism do?

We know through Scripture that baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13)

Baptism brings us in communion with each other by becoming members of the One Body of Christ.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:27)

We are brought into the Body of Christ, the Church.

And he is the head of the body, the church (Col 1:18)

Since we are baptized into the one body of Christ and we now know that Christ’s Body is the Church means that baptism brings us into the Church. And this is why there is no salvation outside the Church because there is no salvation outside of Christ.

And so we see that baptism brings Graces from God (Acts 2:38), washes away sins (Acts 2:38), we become Christians through baptism (1 Cor 12:13) by becoming members of the Church as through a door (Eph 4:4). And baptism is instituted by Jesus Christ when He sent out the Apostles to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mat 28:19)

God Bless

Nathan

Works Part of Salvation Process?

Are we justified by faith alone, works alone or a combination of the two? What do the Holy Scriptures alone have to say about the subject? This idea that all truths of Christian right-living is found in Scripture through a plain reading of the text, a Protestant Christian doctrine of Sola Scriptura, will be used in this endeavor. Plain texts of Scriptures will be used to support the idea of justification(salvation) by faith or by works.

Let’s look at a few verses supporting the idea of salvation by faith alone…

Gal 3:11 “Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

Gal 3:24 “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.”

Rom 3:28 “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”

Acts 16:30-31 “He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Eph 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

There are quite a few more verses I could bring to your attention but these are a good sampling of verses pointing to faith for salvation. And yet, did you notice anything curious? Not one verse mentions salvation or justification by faith alone. In fact there is not one verse in all of Scripture that states that salvation is found in faith alone. Faith is definitely required but nowhere can we find a verse of Scripture stating that faith ALONE is required for salvation. In fact whenever we find the criteria of salvation when we are judged we find that we will be judged by our WORKS, not on whether or not we had faith. Here are some examples of this…

Rom 2:6-8 “God "will give to each person according to what he has done."To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”

James 2:12-13 “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”

Rev 20:13 “The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

1 Tim 5:8 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

And of course Matthew 25 where faith is only assumed and ones final destiny is determined by what we did or failed to do.

“‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ^[…] ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ ⁴¹ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Mat 25:34-41)

Knowing that all of Scripture is inerrant we must find a way to merge the two ideas together. From the first set of Scriptures we know that faith is required for salvation. We also know from the second set of Scriptures that we will be judged to be worth salvation or damnation by what we do or have failed to do (works). Therefore we can rightly assume that salvation is NOT found through faith alone but through faith AND works. In fact there is only one place in all of Scripture where we find the words ‘faith’ and ‘alone’ together and it is to negate it (James 2:24) and just a few verses later we find that faith, if it is alone (ie without works) it is dead. Does a dead faith save? Defining or explaining how this relationship between faith and works mesh together goes beyond the scope of this paper. What we have found is that salvation is dependent on BOTH our faith and our willingness to carry our cross daily (works) because of that faith. And so we find that Scripture clearly teaches that salvation through faith alone is most definitly unscriptural.

God Bless
Nathan

Rob Zins on Catholic Plan of Salvation

Former Catholic, Rob Zins, has established a "ministry" for Catholics which he calls "A Christian Witness to Roman Catholicism" (CWRC).  In this article I will examine an article Mr. Zins published which allegedly portrays the Catholic plan of salvation.  Zins' article can be found here: http://www.cwrc-rz.org/romancatholicsalvation.html   I would add, Mr. Zins does not consider Catholics to be Christians at all, so one has to keep that in mind too when reading his words.

Zins begins his article in a rather confusing/confounding manner.  He speaks of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church - then draws focus to one of them, Holy Orders.  After pointing to Holy Orders he digresses into a brief discussion of celibacy of the priesthood.  Then after that short discourse he admits that celibacy is not a requirement for all Catholic priests and that married clergy is even the "norm" among Eastern Catholics and Orthodoxy.  

In order to understand the Roman Catholic religion one must begin with the Roman Catholic Sacraments. Roman Catholics are taught to trust in their priests who perform religious rituals called Sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic religion. One is Holy Orders. The term Holy Orders extends to bishops, priests and deacons in the Roman Catholic religion. If a priest has taken a vow of celibacy then he would not be able to partake of all seven sacraments. However, celibacy is not a requirement for all Roman Catholic priests.

One has to wonder what the point of this opening paragraph was!  The opening statement typically would present ones case and present some preliminary arguments to be followed up upon later in the article/essay.  Zins entitles his article "The Roman Catholic Plan of Salvation," but his opening statement has little, if anything, to do with the Catholic teaching on salvation!   Okay, so he wants to lay a foundation of understanding of Catholic Sacraments - but all he has done is begin with a pet argument of many ill-informed Protestant apologists who like to attach priestly celibacy as if it is a dogma - but then Zins shoots down that argument himself!

"The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation." New Catholic Catechism. Paragraph # 1129. 

This is an accurate, if out of context, quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).  Zins, however, continues with disjointed argumentation.

Christians remain unconvinced that Roman Catholic Sacraments are necessary for salvation. 

Well, by Mr. Zins' representation - certainly non-Catholics and especially anti-Catholics would not be "convinced."

The Roman Catholic sacramental scheme is alleged to be constructed upon the Bible. However, in the Roman Catholic religion, there are other sources of authority equal to the Bible. Hence, proof for the seven Sacraments of Rome does not necessarily need to rest upon Scripture. 

Whether or not Mr. Zin's "however" statement is true is irrelevant to the statement that the "sacramental scheme is (alleged to be) constructed upon the Bible."  Mr. Zins has adopted, accepted and embraced the unbiblical doctrine of sola scriptura - which he defines as:  "That Scripture as contained in the Old Testament (39 books, English) and in the New Testament (27 books, English) is our only infallible and sufficient rule for salvation and sanctification. (2 Timothy 3:16)"  My point in bringing this up is that not only is the teaching of sola scriptura NOT found in Scripture - Scripture itself OPPOSES it!  In Matthew 16:18-19 and Matthew 18:18 we clearly see that Jesus is empowering men with infallible authority!  These men are our first bishops and their offices continue to this day in the One, True Church.  So yes, while the Seven Sacraments are definitely founded upon Scripture and scriptural precedence, "proof for the seven Sacraments of Rome does not necessarily need to rest upon Scripture."  I would submit that "proof" lies with one who has faith - and for one who lacks faith, no explanation will suffice.

Rome's doctrine of Sola Ecclesia [sic] (the Church alone) establishes and defines doctrine.

Well, first off the Latin words would not be capitalized in this context.  Second, it would be "sola ecclesiam."  Third, I would challenge Mr. Zims to demonstrate the Catholic Church actually using this phrase in defining doctrine.  While it is a common summary (one which I myself embraced back in 1988-89 in debates with James White), the phrase simply is not used in official teaching by the Church.  That being said, Scripture is PART OF the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church, it is not apart from it!  What is defined in Scripture is not defined apart from the Catholic Church!  The Scriptures were written by Catholics and the Canon of Sacred Scripture was established by Catholics through the Holy Ghost.

Christians, trusting in the Bible alone for salvation and sanctification, understand that heaven is given to lost sinners on the basis of faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone. Such faith consists in confidence that Christ alone, at His cross, suffered and died for all of the sins of His Church which is the Body of Christ. Such a faith completely trusts in the promises of God in Christ Jesus. One such assurance is eternal forgiveness of all sins and punishments based entirely upon the satisfaction of Christ's death. Such a faith takes the righteousness of Christ as the complete ground of justification. Such a faith grasps Christ's righteousness immediately. Christians believe there is only One mediator between God and man and He is Jesus Christ. 

Again I must assert that this "Bible alone" doctrine is opposed by Scripture, but we've discussed that already.  What Zins goes into next is essentially a statement of sola fide - also opposed by Scripture in James 2:24.   In fact, it is James 2:24, and ONLY there that Scripture uses the words "faith" and "alone" together, and it is in NEGATION of faith alone, or sola fide!  That being said, Catholics believe that all grace comes from the Cross and Jesus Christ.  We believe in the promises of God in Jesus Christ.  We not only believe Him, we OBEY Him!  We do not doubt His Word when He said He would build His Church (singular, not plural) and that this Church would be built upon "this rock" - and in context, we find that Simon Bar-Jonah was just named "Rock" in that same passage!  

Christians also believe there is no mediator between them and Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic religion believes itself to be the mediator between man and Jesus Christ. But Christians cannot conceive of a "go-between" and deny the necessity of a "a middle man" between poor lost sinners and Jesus Himself!

I would challenge Mr. Zins to present the official Catholic teaching which states the Catholic religion is the mediator between man and Jesus Christ.  This is simply a false statement and then while not discussing the Sacraments AT ALL in this piece, Zins concludes:

Hence, the entire Roman Catholic sacramental system is inappropriate and in the way when seen in the light of the Christian's direct access to God via a direct route to Jesus. 

So, Mr. Zins has missed the mark entirely.  He does not discuss the Sacraments - and then based upon his misunderstanding of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Church and the Sacraments He established - he concludes this system, implemented by Christ Himself, is "inappropriate."

I would be happy to engage Mr. Zins further in a discussion of the scriptural basis of the Sacraments and the relationship of Jesus Christ to His Church through those Sacraments if he would accept this invitation to a scholarly discussion/debate.

AMDG,
Scott<<<

The Matter of Hell

The Matter of Hell

Fr. Barron "Is Hell Crowded or Empty?":

Michael Voris, "Fr. Barron is Wrong"

One must conclude that Fr. Barron is indeed "wrong" on this matter, as Voris points out.  There is and can be no "hope" that "all are saved," it's simply not possible and Scripture is quite clear on the matter.  While I would agree with Fr. Barron that God doesn't send anyone to Hell and that those who find themselves there actually sent themselves to this eternal damnation the fact remains "many are called but few are chosen" (Matt 22:14).  Fr. Barron does not commit to a complete apocatastasis (complete restoral of all free souls to grace, including the fallen angels and Satan himself) but he explicitly states there can be "hope" to that end, and that, my friends, is scandalous at best and perhaps even heretical.  Why would I go as far as to say it may be heretical?  Apocatastics is formally condemned at the Second Council of Constantinople:

The Anathemas Against Origen.
  I.   If anyone asserts the fabulous pre-existence of souls, and shall assert   the monstrous restoration which follows from it:  let him be anathema. 

http://americancatholictruthsociety.com/docs/councils/05Constantinople2_canons.htm

It is that "monstrous restoration" which is apocatastasis and thus there can be no "hope" that "all souls" will one day be restored, period. Fr. Barron argues that such hope can exist because of the "dramatic thing that God did through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus." We cannot hold to this hope when we find one of the primary sources in Scripture to speak of Hell is Jesus Christ Himself!

Matt 5:22  Matt 5:29-30  Matt 10:28  Matt 11:23   Matt 13:41-43  Matt 16:18  Matt 18:9  Matt 23:15 Matt 25:31-46  Mark 9:43-47  Luke 10:15  Luke 12:5  Luke 16:22-28   Revelation 20:15 (Angel of the Lord) 

(Hover over the above verses to read them)

Why speak of and teach of Hell if there is a possibility that no one is going there?  Simple logic defies Fr. Barron's "hope" here.  No one who accepts the Scriptures above can reasonably hold a theologically sound position that there is hope for the salvation of all people.  

Let this article be a plea to Fr. Barron to publicly retract what he said in the above video and express with the same conviction not only for the existence of Hell, but also that it is impossible for it to be "empty."

Faith, Hope and Charity

Faith, Hope and Charity - you're heard, I'm sure "the greatest of these is charity" (1 Cor. 13:13) but which is the "weakest?"  We often find opportunities to strengthen Faith and Charity, but what of Hope?  In a French parable I was told by a French priest and as you can see in the Eastern icon to the right, Faith and Charity are portrayed as mature, and queenly - yet Hope is portrayed as a little girl.  Why is that?  Because Hope does not get exercised as much, and doesn't mature.  What does this mean to us as Christians?  Seeing that you're reading this now, you're likely somewhat interested in apologetics, which allows you to flex your "Faith muscles" or at least give them some exercise.  One would hope too that this exercising is done with Charity too, so both are getting strengthened and built up (when apologetics are done appropriately, per 1 Peter 3:15).

As Christians we are also called to do acts of charity, giving to the poor, spending time with the lonely, etc.  So if one is living their Faith, then Charity grows naturally from that Faith.  So, this is why we see these two portrayed as more mature adults.  Hope is still a child because she is not put to the test except, typically speaking, in times of great need - and for most of us, we don't see such times very often.

When we find ourselves on our deathbed, Faith and Charity may only take us so far - but Hope is what we're going to need the most in that hour when Satan attacks us and tries to bring us into the sin of despair.  In reality this is the "unforgiveable sin" for when one is in despair at that final hour they have given up on Faith and Charity - so THAT is where Satan will focus his attacks!  Despair is not only the loss of Hope, but also a loss of Faith.  

What is the difference between St. Peter and Judas Iscariot?  Both were Apostles, and both betrayed our Lord, yet one is exalted while the other shamed and condemned.  The difference is Judas went into despair, he did not believe Jesus would forgive him of his betrayal and went off and hanged himself.   St. Peter, on the other hand, after flatly denying our Lord was forgiven and Peter accepted His Grace!  The contrast between these two is stark - but their similarities are startling as well.

The point is Hope needs to be strengthened and matured so that we are more able to endure the attacks of Satan who would like nothing more than to get us to fall into despair, like Judas, and he "wins" another soul away from eternal salvation.  Having Hope gives us the ability to persevere through the darkness which can just about be guaranteed that each of us will go through.  So long as we have Hope, we can persevere - and those who persevere to the Last Day shall see eternal salvation (Matthew 10:22) see also: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11711a.htm.

Scripture:

Romans 8:24-25

Romans 12:12

Romans 15:13

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 39:7

Proverbs 23:18

1 Peter 3:15

Romans 5:4

Zechariah 9:12

Titus 3:7

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

What must one do to be saved?  According to John 3:16 "whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting."  But what are we asking to be believed in?  Let's take a pictorial and scriptural walk through salvation history...

Luke 2:6-14 

6 And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock.

9 And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.

10 And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

11 For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.

Luke 2:41-52

41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch,

42 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.

44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.

45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.

48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business?

50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.

52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.

Jesus, now an adult of about 30 years old, goes out and selects His Disciples, the men who would hold an office called the bishopric (Acts 1:20).  He selects the first of them as they were fishing, Peter, James and John:  

Luke 5:1-11  

1  And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.

4 Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.

7 And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.

8 Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9 For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

10 And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

(Inserting Matthew 4:19) 19 And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.

11 And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.

Next we visit the Wedding at Cana where Jesus performs His first public miracle, launching His ministry into full swing for the next three years.  

John 2:1-11

1  And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.

2 And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.

4 And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.

7 Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

8 And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.

9 And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,

10 And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

Jesus raises the synagogue leader's daughter from the dead:

Mark 5:35-42

35 While he was yet speaking, some come from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying: Thy daughter is dead: why dost thou trouble the master any further?

36 But Jesus having heard the word that was spoken, saith to the ruler of the synagogue: Fear not, only believe.

37 And he admitted not any man to follow him, but Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

38 And they come to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he seeth a tumult, and people weeping and wailing much.

39 And going in, he saith to them: Why make you this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

40 And they laughed him to scorn. But he having put them all out, taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

41 And taking the damsel by the hand, he saith to her: Talitha cumi, which is, being interpreted: Damsel (I say to thee) arise.

42 And immediately the damsel rose up, and walked: and she was twelve years old: and they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Jesus taught in their synagogues and amazed all who heard Him:

Luke 4:14-15

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the spirit, into Galilee, and the fame of him went out through the whole country.

15 And he taught in their synagogues, and was magnified by all.

Passion Week begins...

On what we call Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the back of an ass.  

Luke 19:36-37

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes underneath in the way.

37 And when he was now coming near the descent of mount Olivet, the whole multitude of his disciples began with joy to praise God with a loud voice, for all the mighty works they had seen,

38 Saying: Blessed be the king who cometh in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory on high!

39 And some of the Pharisees, from amongst the multitude, said to him: Master, rebuke thy disciples.

40 To whom he said: I say to you, that if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.

Also Matthew 21:8-9

8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way: and others cut boughs from the trees, and strewed them in the way:

9 And the multitudes that went before and that followed, cried, saying: Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

On His way into Jerusalem, Jesus pauses and weeps for the city:

Luke 19:41-44

41 And when he drew near, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying:

42 If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace; but now they are hidden from thy eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and straiten thee on every side,

44 And beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee: and they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.

Jesus, entering into the Temple finds it laden with vendors/moneychangers selling their wares...

Luke 19:45-46

45 And entering into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought.

46 Saying to them: It is written: My house is the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves.

Matthew 21:12-13

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the chairs of them that sold doves:

13 And he saith to them: It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.

Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles:

John 13:3-16

3 Knowing that the Father had given him all things into his hands, and that he came from God, and goeth to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments, and having taken a towel, girded himself.

5 After that, he putteth water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 He cometh therefore to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to him: Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered, and said to him: What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith to him: Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him: If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith to him: Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him: He that is washed, needeth not but to wash his feet, but is clean wholly. And you are clean, but not all.

11 For he knew who he was that would betray him; therefore he said: You are not all clean.

12 Then after he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, being set down again, he said to them: Know you what I have done to you?

13 You call me Master, and Lord; and you say well, for so I am.

14 If then I being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also.

16 Amen, amen I say to you: The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is the apostle greater than he that sent him.

Jesus celebrates the Lord's Supper, the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Matthew 26:26-28

26 And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body.

27 And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this.

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.

Jesus prays at the Garden of Gethsemene:

Matthew 26:36-57

36 Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani; and he said to his disciples: Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray.

37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to grow sorrowful and to be sad.

38 Then he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death: stay you here, and watch with me.

39 And going a little further, he fell upon his face, praying, and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh to his disciples, and findeth them asleep, and he saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with me?

41 Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh weak.

42 Again the second time, he went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, thy will be done.

43 And he cometh again and findeth them sleeping: for their eyes were heavy.

44 And leaving them, he went again: and he prayed the third time, saying the selfsame word.

45 Then he cometh to his disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Rise, let us go: behold he is at hand that will betray me.

47 As he yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people.

48 And he that betrayed him, gave them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, hold him fast.

49 And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi. And he kissed him.

50 And Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came up, and laid hands on Jesus, and held him.

51 And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword: and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

52 Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me presently more than twelve legions of angels?

54 How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?

55 In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: You are come out as it were to a robber with swords and clubs to apprehend me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on me.

56 Now all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples all leaving him, fled.

57 But they holding Jesus led him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled.

Betrayed by one who was chosen by Him, Jesus is tried, convicted and sentenced to death on the cross - but Jesus did nothing wrong!  Jesus died on the cross for your sins, for my sins - for all the sins of the world.

The price is paid, but our salvation story does not end with the cross!  If it did, then sin and death had won the battle, but on the third day, Jesus arose from the grave, victorious over sin and death and according to John 3:16, whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life.

John 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been laid.

13 They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord; and I know not where they have laid him.

14 When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, thinking it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master).

17 Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God.

18 Mary Magdalen cometh, and telleth the disciples: I have seen the Lord, and these things he said to me.

For another 40 days the Resurrected Jesus visited His Apostles, our first bishops, to instruct them on the ways of governing His Church.  He did not leave His Church rudderless!  In fact he singled out one of The Twelve to take His place as Shepherd, here on Earth after He had gone.  Earlier in His ministry Jesus told Simon Bar Jonah that he, Simon, would be given the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus also renames Simon to Kephas or Cephas, a name meaning "rock" and declares "upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).  

Then, we see in John 21:15-18 where Jesus, three times over, commands St. Peter to feed or tend His sheep.  His sheep is His Church, and clearly Jesus is passing on the role of Shepherd to St. Peter here.

He rose into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, until He shall come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do YOU believe in Jesus?  Do YOU believe that Jesus kept His promise to build His Church (a single Church not hundreds, if not thousands of separate schisms who do not agree with each other and even condemn one another)?  Do you believe Jesus left His Church in the charge of the Apostles, our first bishops, to lead His Sheep and keep His Sheep unto salvation?  Certainly you do not believe Jesus waited over 1500 years to form new churches, and again hundreds if not thousands of such "churches" do you?  I compel you to study the true story of the founding of the Christian Church and see which church, singular, that Jesus Himself founded and that One Church to which you should belong to.  It is Jesus' desire that we be one, just as He and the Father are One (John 17:21-22).

Pope Francis appeals to us to preach this "first proclamation" of salvation, and to do THIS in balance with preaching against sin.  We're not to give up on exposing sin and trying to direct our brothers and sisters to the Lord - but we cannot have a constant focus upon that which condemns us.  Let us look at not only what, but WHO saves us.