De MariaDecember 11, 2011 8:35 AM
Christians Truth said...
My reply: I will continue to discuss more with you, but do know that I do not believe that Catholics keep the commandments of God,
I remember you saying that. But I assure you that we do.
and that Catholics go against the Word of God with calling their brothers ‘father,’ for elevating Mary, for making statues and bowing to them, etc.
1. The Word of God does not forbid calling a man "father". The verse we discussed is merely a metaphor which Jesus used to emphasize the Fatherhood of God.
2. Scripture elevates Mary. We follow the example set by God in His Written Word. 3. Scripture does not forbid making statues.
4. Nor does Scripture forbid bowing before them in honor of the men and women which they represent.
My reply: Before we continue, please clarify what you mean by “That means you will wait until Judgment Day before you enter heaven, if you are saved.” Do you mean the judgment after we each die, or do you mean at the Great White Throne Judgment?
At the Great White Throne Judgement. Nothing impure will enter heaven. Therefore, the particular or immediate Judgment will result in those who are in an imperfect state of grace going through Purgatory in order to be perfectly purified in preparation for heaven.
As for 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, this is about those who are God’s fellow workers, not about the field, see 1 Corinthians 3:9.
Are you not God's fellow worker? Each and every man who builds upon Christ's foundation is a fellow worker with God. That is why the Scripture says:
...13Every man's work shall be made manifest….
Again, it is about God’s fellow workers…the leaders,
It is about any man who lays a foundation in Christ:
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
those who are bringing people to God.
Those who are cooperating with God. That includes all believers.
I am already in heaven, see John 6:56; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1; Colossians 1:13; and,Hebrews 12:28.
Sorry friend, but you are not unless you are participating in the Sacraments. All those verses are a reference to the Sacraments whereby we were translated to the heavenly kingdom.
My reply: Jesus says we have to obey to remain in God’s love. However, you are double-talking right now. You say those who love God keep the commandments and are PRIVILEGED to receive the sacraments; then you say it is the way God saves us. Which is it to you?
Do you not realize that we are under a new Covenant? Have you not read what Scripture says?
Matthew 20:1-16 The Jews are they who agreed to labor for God (Exodus 19:6-8). We are they who come last. Because of the Sacraments, we are the last who are first.
Let it be known, the Catholic's baptism is false, as is their Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.
On the contrary, the Catholic Sacraments are the mercy of God which saves us wherein we are washed and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
My reply: How do you think that you can use Hebrews 12:22 to support the Catholics beliefs on sacraments?
Everytime we submit to the Sacraments, we submit to a pre-judgement by God. If we submit with a false attitude, without faith, we are condemned. But if we submit with true faith, we are saved and walk amongst the Saints who dwell in Christ (Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 11:28-29).
Sincerely,
De Maria