Saved by grace in the Sacraments - 1

 

De Maria

2 days ago

ROM,

Its like this. You are saved by faith, but not by faith alone as some claim. And you may not be saved by showing up to Mass. But you won't be saved if you don't. See Heb 10:25-30.

And yes, you are saved by going to Confession and repenting of your sins. That is how a man reconciles with God. See 2 Cor 5:18.

And finally, you are saved by FAITH that God alone can save you, through the Sacraments which are the works of God, it is FAITH in His operation that one is saved, not by our works, but by the Washing of Regeneration which is the operation of the Holy Spirit. See Titus 3:5; Col 2:12

Do you have enough faith?

 DE MARIA May 26, 2013 at 6:18 am

Jason quoted Darryl:
Jason, you wrote that redemption becomes something we must pursue by faith and the sacraments. That’s a relief. Oh wait How do I know if I’ve pursued redemption faithfully enough?

That’s a good question. How do you know you have enough faith to be saved by faith alone?

Note that the question does not pertain to Catholics. We leave all such judgment to God. But Protestants are constantly crying out, even on street corners, “Are you saved?” And then they all claim salvation by faith alone. Therefore, how do they measure faith? And how much faith is enough?

Let’s take an example from Scripture. Abram left Ur in response to God’s call. But he was not declared righteous at that point. It wasn’t many years before he was declared righteous. And yet, Scripture declares him faithful at that point:
Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

So, his faith was recognized at that point, but not his justification or salvation.

So, how much faith is enough faith to be justified? How much faith is enough faith to be saved?

Sincerely,

De Maria

salvation by faith alone is a shell game

1. DE MARIA May 26, 2013 at 5:34 am

   JASON LOH May 25, 2013 at 6:58 pm

   I think you have just reversed our respective theological positions. Protestants (confessional Reformed and Lutheran) do not teach and speak of salvation as being on the basis of one’s faithfulness but precisely on the faith and faithfulness of Christ.

   That’s the shell game Jason. You claim salvation by faith “alone”. Whose faith does that speak of?

   Besides, if it were by Christ’s faith and faithfulness, that would be universalism, the salvation of all regardless of their sins, which many of you preach as well.

   Or if you if will, salvation is God justifying the sinner apart from the Law.

   That’s a description of justification in Baptism and the Sacraments, where we approach God calling on Jesus name with complete faith that He will accomplish in us that which He promised, the washing of our sins.

   If I may add Luther here: If the sinner is judged but not saved on the basis of the Law, then God’s decree of justification is synonymous with election and predestination. Thus, Romans 9:18 – “[He] hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth” as quoted by Jonathan (actually) support the Protestant position (and not the RC) since it clearly refers to 1. unconditional predestination and 2. particular salvific will of God. No. 1 is not official or mainstream RC teaching and No.2 is explicitly condemned by the Church.

   You read that as though God was flippant. But God has already revealed to whom He will show His mercy:
   Exodus 20:6
   King James Version (KJV)
   6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

   Those who keep the Commandments, those who do the works of God, those who obey His Son, are they whom He will justify and save. That is from Scripture, properly understood:
   Romans 2:13
   King James Version (KJV)
   13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

   Sincerely,

   De Maria

Judgement will come first to those in the House of God

 

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   DE MARIA May 25, 2013 at 10:59 am

   RAYN May 24, 2013 at 10:40 pm
   I’ll continue to maintain what I said: for someone who isn’t familiar with the doctrine the current Pope regularly confesses publicly, then his statement could be taken to mean universalism. That said, sure, Catholics seem to get it. I don’t see any of the outbursts coming from Catholics.

   Yes, we understand the Pope. The Pope is thoroughly Catholic.

   Nevertheless, this provokes good questions about the inclusivism apparent in Roman Catholic theology, and the inability of Roman Catholic theologians to properly distinguish between general revelation (which is law, what you must do) and special revelation (gospel, what God in Christ has done on behalf of his people).

   Did you make this distinction up on your own? If not, please show me from Scripture.

   In Romans 1:18-3:20 the Apostle is driving toward his gospel presentation (which begins in Romans 3:21) by showing the necessity of it.

   We accept the necessity of the Gospel. What we are debating is the contents of the Gospel or what it truly means.

   We must keep in mind the whole time that we’re reading Romans 1:18-3:20 the conclusion of Paul’s arguement — he tells you what it is in 3:9, “we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,” after which he quotes a plethora of Old Testament Scripture to support that conclusion.

   All that he wrote is true.

   Whatever you think Paul means in that section, if it contradicts his own clearly stated conclusion, you haven’t understood that passage.

   That’s part of the problem. You claim that St. Paul speaks clearly. But Scripture tells you different and yet all Protestants refuse to believe what Scripture says about St. Paul’s writings:
   2 Peter 3:16
   As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

   We, however, understand that St. Paul says some things which we must study in order to understand correctly.

   The purpose of his arguement is to shut the whole world up in their guilt before God so that they’ll listen when he gives the glorious “but” in Romans 3:21! “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes the knowledge of sin,” (Romans 3:20).

   That is Catholic Teaching. But you don’t understand it correctly.

   By the term “the law”, St. Paul is speaking of the Old Covenant through which no man was ever justified. To be justified is to wash away sins. Here is what St. Paul says elsewhere:
   Hebrews 10:4
   For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

   The Old Law, the Old Covenant, did not justify. But doers of the law, will be justified, the law of the Ten Commandments:
   Romans 2:13
   King James Version (KJV)
   13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

   So Romans 1&2 shows that while the whole world knows what God requires in the law, since it is written on their conscience, and since Jews know the law even more clearly in the Scriptures, that simply shows that they are accountable for their sin — not that they’re actually attaining righteousness by whatever means.

   On the contrary, what it shows is that those who do the righteous works of God will be justified by God. Whether they are Jew or Gentile:
   Romans 2:1-13
   King James Version (KJV)
   1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
   12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

   If you want righteousness before God, Paul directs us outside of ourselves. “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3:21-22).

   Faith in Jesus Christ is not outside of ourselves. It is in our hearts.
   John 14:21
   He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

   Paul says that gentiles have the work of the law written on their hearts. Sure, we see this from the fact that nonbelievers build hospitals — glorious testimony to the fact that God has not abandoned the creation but is being patient with all until they come to repentance in Christ (Romans 2:4). But they are warned that apart from repentance they will only have to face God’s wrath. God will be just on the last day when he judges because everyone whom he condemns has had sufficient knowledge of what God requires in the law — but saving knowledge of God in Christ comes only through the good news Paul announces in Romans 3 which he no where says is inherent in creation, but rather distinguishes it from it.

   It will certainly be very difficult for non-believers to obey Christ and be saved. But you are misunderstanding the Scripture. St. Paul is saying that if you want to walk with the Saints in this life, you must obey Christ and keep the precepts of His Faith, His Church. But if you don’t, you must await the Judgment where all men will be judged. St. Peter says the same thing:
   1 Peter 4:17
   For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

   Bottomline, you guys are arguing a straw man of your own making. The Catholic Church teaches universalism in this sense. ALL men, universally, will be judged by God. The Catholic Church does not teach that all men are saved. Nor does Pope Francis.

   Sincerely,

   De Maria

Only those who obey Christ will be saved

1. DE MARIA May 25, 2013 at 10:34 am

   ROBERT May 25, 2013 at 10:16 am
   De Maria,
   Actually, I don’t feel good about myself. I am confident in my salvation not because I am faithful but because the Judge became incarnate and gave His life for me,

   He gave His life for all men. Including those who reject Him and wind up condemned.
   Hebrews 2:3
   How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

   and, believing in His resurrection I am saved.

   Only those who obey Christ will be saved:
   Hebrews 5:9
   And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

   Your personal claims of salvation amount to the sin of presumption. You have exalted yourself above your station:
   Luke 18:14 ….for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

   Before God’s bar of justice, I am not faithful.

   If you know this for a fact, then how are you saved? Only the holy will see the Lord. Not the faithless.
   Hebrews 12:14
   Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

   He doesn’t grade on a curve, y’know.

   How God grades is His business.

   Throwing out a random verse from Romans 14 that is not dealing with justification proves nothing.

   Whenever you are ready, we can go through the Scriptures which deal with justification. Let us begin with this one:
   Romans 2:13
   (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

   You should actually try and make an argument from a verse that is pertinent to the situation.

   You should try to understand Scripture according to the way Scripture prescribes:
   2 Corinthians 3:6
   Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

   Apparently, you don’t know that you are saved. At least you’re being consistent with Roman teaching.

   It is from Scripture. We leave judgment to almighty God:
   

   1 Corinthians 4:2-4
   King James Version (KJV)
   2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

   But I tell you that you can know you are saved and that God wants you to know if you are saved. But that would mean trusting in Christ alone and not in a church that cannot save you. If you can participate in the mass daily and still end up in hell, the sacraments are doing absolutely nothing for you.

   Whether the Sacraments and the Mass are doing anything for me is between me and God. You need to attend to your own duty.
   

   Luke 17:10
   So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

   Sincerely,

   De Maria

Not faithful?

                       ROBERT May 25, 2013 at 10:16 am

1. Actually, I don’t feel good about myself. I am confident in my salvation not because I am faithful but because the Judge became incarnate and gave His life for me, and, believing in His resurrection I am saved. Before God’s bar of justice, I am not faithful. He doesn’t grade on a curve, y’know. You're not faithful? And yet you are confident in your salvation? But didn't you say that you were saved by your faith alone? If you have no faith, then that means you have no salvation. Does God save the faithless? Didn't you say that He doesn't grade on a curve?
2. Your belief system is full of contradictions.

3. Throwing out a random verse from Romans 14 that is not dealing with justification proves nothing. You should actually try and make an argument from a verse that is pertinent to the situation.

   You've yet to provide any verse at all and your words are so contradictory, I don't think you'll be able to provide any verses.  The Scriptures do not contradict themselves. 

   Apparently, you don’t know that you are saved. 

   Because God is my Judge.  Here's what Scripture says about that:

4. 1 Corinthians 4:2-4 King James Version

   2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

5. At least you’re being consistent with Roman teaching. But I tell you that you can know you are saved and that God wants you to know if you are saved. But that would mean trusting in Christ alone and not in a church that cannot save you. If you can participate in the mass daily and still end up in hell, the sacraments are doing absolutely nothing for you.

   Where does Scripture say to trust in Christ alone?  You claim to trust Scripture, which was not written by Christ, therefore you're putting your trust in other people, not in Christ alone.  And you also trust your mom and dad, I assume.  I do.  And there are many other people whom I trust.  Here's what Scripture says about trusting others:

6. Hebrews 13:7 King James Version

   7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 

   Sounds like Scripture wants you to trust your leaders in the Church. 

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Feel good religion

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   ROBERT May 25, 2013 at 6:30 am
   ….If I’m a Muslim or Buddhist who does good and “feels” close to God, I’m going to end up in heaven anyway…..

   Nope. The Catholic Church teaches that God is our judge. Your opinion about yourself has nothing to do with whether you will wind up in heaven.

   For example:
   As a Protestant, you claim that you are saved because you consider yourself faithful. You feel good about yourself.

   The Catholic Church says that it doesn’t matter how faithful you claim to be. You are not the Judge. God is the one who decides whether you will be in heaven or not.

   In the same way, God will judge the Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and pagan of every sort, including also, the atheists:
   

   Romans 14:10
   But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

   Sincerely,

   De Maria
2. 

   
   

Converts tend to retain an evangelistic zeal

RT said:

The evangelistic zeal we see from these converts only betrays the fact that they want to retain Protestant ways of interpretation and thinking.

No.  They are just being obedient to the Church’s call for the New Evangelization.  Here's the proof.

1.  If they wanted to retain Protestant ways of interpretation and thinking, they would not rely on the Magisterium for Teaching, as they obviously do.

2.  I also have an evangelistic zeal for converts and I'm a convert from atheism.  Meaning that, it is the fact that we are converts which gives us the desire to shout from the rooftops all that we now know.

Sincerely,
De Maria

God does not grade on a curve

De Maria,

Apparently, you don’t know that you are saved. At least you’re being consistent with Roman teaching. 

The Catholic Church is consistent with Biblical Teaching:

1 Corinthians 4:3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

But I tell you that you can know you are saved and that God wants you to know if you are saved. 

That's true.  But Scripture qualifies that statement with a very important fact:

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

So, if we keep His Commandments, we can be sure that we will go to heaven.  Do you keep His Commandments?  Yes or no.

But that would mean trusting in Christ alone and not in a church that cannot save you. 

And yet, Scripture instructs you to trust in the Church:

1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Otherwise, Scripture would not call the Church, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth.

If you can participate in the mass daily and still end up in hell, the sacraments are doing absolutely nothing for you.

There's no difference there from the Protestant who claims to have faith but ends up in hell.  There are many, Scripture says, who will have faith in vain.

1 Timothy 1:19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Hebrews 6:4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Throwing out a random verse from Romans 14 that is not dealing with justification proves nothing. You should actually try and make an argument from a verse that is pertinent to the situation.

All the verses I've provided are pertinent to the situation, you just don't want to hear it.  You're living in denial of the truth.

Actually, I don’t feel good about myself. I am confident in my salvation not because I am faithful but because the Judge became incarnate and gave His life for me, and, believing in His resurrection I am saved. Before God’s bar of justice, I am not faithful. He doesn’t grade on a curve, y’know.

Several points here:

1.  You call God your Judge but you deny that He will judge you.  Thus, you are making yourself the judge of your salvation.

2.  You declare yourself unfaithful, yet you claim that God will allow you into heaven, even though you acknowledge that He does not grade on a curve.  Thus, damning yourself, because you are right.  God does not lie, God does not fudge.  You are either worthy of salvation or not.  God alone judges that fact.

1 Corinthians 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.  9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

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God is Judge

 

2. RT May 25, 2013 at 6:30 am

   ….If I’m a Muslim or Buddhist who does good and “feels” close to God, I’m going to end up in heaven anyway…..

   Nope. The Catholic Church teaches that God is our judge. Your opinion about yourself has nothing to do with whether you will wind up in heaven.

   For example:
   As a Protestant, you claim that you are saved because you consider yourself faithful. You feel good about yourself.

   The Catholic Church says that it doesn’t matter how faithful you claim to be. You are not the Judge. God is the one who decides whether you will be in heaven or not.

   In the same way, God will judge the Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and pagan of every sort, including also, the atheists:
   Romans 14:10
   But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

   Sincerely,

   De Maria

The Catholic position on Redemption

DeMaria,
Thanks for trying to answer, but I don’t think those verses really applied to what I was asking. I was hoping someone could explain from the Catholic position how we are all objectively redeemed (the price has been paid and satisfaction has been made) and what that entails, how it differs from subjectively applied redemption, and how satisfaction has been made but somehow not all men are under that satisfaction. As well as if the distinction between sufficient and efficacious grace plays into this.

I think Jason has hit the nail on the head. I gave you the Catholic position but you didn’t recognize it because you are looking at it from a Protestant perspective.

Christ died in order that all mankind might be redeemed. But some men rejected their redemption. Only those who cooperated with the grace of God have applied the grace of redemption to their souls and will be saved.

2 Cor 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Christ died for all so that some might be saved. Those who are saved are those who obey God, those who keep the Commandments.

Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Sincerely,

De Maria

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Salvation and grace

DE MARIA May 24, 2013 at 11:16 am

TIE May 23, 2013 at 8:13 pm
How is it that Christ suffered so that the human race might be freed from sin by making satisfaction for all the crimes of mankind and winning sufficient grace for the salvation of all men, but then God is not satisfied with a large portion of mankind who aren’t saved in the end?

It has to do with free will. God only approves of those men who do what He commands:
Exodus 20:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

How can we claim Christ made satisfaction to the Father but then the Father still not be satisfied, as some men are not saved?

Because some men have rejected the gift of salvation:
Hebrews 2:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

How can Catholics say that all men are actually redeemed and their sins paid for, but also say that not all of mankind is saved? (I know there’s a difference between redemption objectively accomplished by the passion and subjectively applied through the sacraments; but I still don’t understand what that difference means in reality and how even being objectively redeemed doesn’t imply salvation).

If I understand you correctly, you have left out the requirement of our voluntary submission to God’s will:
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Does this have to do with the distinction between sufficient and efficacious grace?

To my understanding, it has to do with free will.

Climbing the stairway to heaven

DE MARIA May 24, 2013 at 11:06 am

Olda May 23, 2013 at 8:18 pmDe Maria,I wouldn’t expect anything less from a wholly semi-Pelagian adherent.Enjoy your ladder-climbing.G’nite.

Semi pelagianism was condemned by the Catholic Church as a heresy. As for ladder climbing, yes, I am doing my best to climb the stairway to heaven by doing all which God wills:
John 14:21
King James Version (KJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Faith and obedience

DE MARIA May 23, 2013 at 8:06 pm

ROBERT May 23, 2013 at 7:21 pmI have to say, it does matter what the pope was actually saying. …. (And yes, I know he wasn’t speaking ex cathedra. The pope is infallible except when he’s not. It’s a weasely doctrine.)

Are you having trouble accepting that you don’t have all the answers? You might want to consider what Scripture says:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

And:
Hebrews 13:17
King James Version (KJV)
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Or do you consider those weasely doctrines too?

God is our Judge

DE MARIA May 23, 2013 at 7:57 pm

TOA  May 23, 2013 at 7:15 pmThe “good” that atheists do or that any of us do, won’t redeem us.

1. All men have been redeemed by the blood of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2. But no man will be saved who does not do good.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

First of all, “no one does good, no not one” (Romans)

God takes into account the good which people do in every nation:
ames 2:25
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

We are saved by grace THROUGH faith. Can anyone tell me what sort of faith that atheists have in Christ Jesus?

The sort of faith that is found in the law which God put in their hearts:
Romans 2:14-16
King James Version (KJV)
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Are you positive?

 First, the Executive Summary

On Aug 4, I tested positive for COVID19.  I immediately went to see Dr. Immanuel at her Reheboth Clinic in Sugarland.  She prescribed Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), Budesonide on a nebulizer and a Z pac.  I immediately felt better.  So, I'm convinced that HCQ and Budesonide are silver bullets against the COVID19 virus.

Thank God that there are doctors like Dr. Immanuel who are defying the medical community and saving lives by prescribing these medicines.

The long story

On July 27th, I was at work and feeling fine.  I work manual labor, outdoors.  The day was hot and I sweated like crazy.  I got into the bus that is provided to take us back to our cars and I got a chill because of the a/c.  It didn't stop when I got out of the bus and continued throughout the night.  It later was accompanied by a fever.  I didn't sleep much that night, so I used that as the excuse to miss work and head back home.  It was the last day of work for the month, anyway.  

At this point, I had no idea it was COVID.  I thought I had merely caught a cold because of going into the cold bus when I was so wet with sweat from working.  I was sure I'd be fine in a few days and I'd just go back to work.  But that was not to be.

6 days later, I was still sick and the symptoms had changed.  I also had a burning headache.  Something I had never experienced and a burning in the chest.  No, not like the feeling one gets when we read the Bible.  It was scary.  Although, all the symptoms were mild, I decided I could not go to work like that.  

By the grace of God, my wife remembered the video we had seen highlighting Dr. Immanuel and her work with COVID patients.  Her clinic is 50 miles from our house and my wife asked, "Do you want me to call her?"  I said, "sure".  She found out that it is a walk-in clinic, so I headed straight there. I haven't mentioned that I am a diabetic as well as have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

At the clinic, they immediately diagnosed me as being positive for COVID simply by my symptoms. I refused the test because it would cost $150. But I promised them I would take the free test the County offered. They prescribed hydroxichloroquine, budesonide on a nebulizer, and a Z pac. Plus, they gave me a shot of some anti-biotic, in-house. That evening, I felt a bit worse. But when I woke up the next day, I felt 100%. I felt so good, I hesitated to get a test, but my wife and children insisted. So I did and on Aug. 4th, I took the test at a nearby County facility. 6 days later, the result was positive for COVID. But I was no longer ill.

After my quarantine period was over and the County declared me “fit for duty”. I went back to work and found out that I was not the only one who went home sick, that day. That poor guy was put in the hospital and in critical condition, fighting for his life. He did not have the benefit of Dr. Immanuel, HCQ or Bodesonide. I told my supervisor to advise those treatments. But I don’t know if it was ever done. I think the guy is still ill.

I also learned that prior to either of us being ill, another fellow had gone to the hospital and COVID had eaten away at his lungs.

Needless to say, based on my experience, I believe that Dr. Immanuel and her staff are life savers. HCQ and Bodesonide are silver bullets against COVID19 when provided early.

Thank you Dr. Immanuel, Dr. Ola and your entire staff.  May God bless you for the work you do.

Bottomline

I guess you might be asking, "this is a religious blog, why are you posting this?"

Well, I feel it is my duty to inform people of what God has done for me.  And to inform them also, that it HCQ does work.  As well as Budesonide.  You don't have to wait until you're dying before you get the medicine.  There are doctors out there like Dr. Immanuel of Sugarland and Dr. Bartlett of Midland, who will help you.  

May God bless you,

Sincerely,

De Maria

St. Paul said faith and works

Paul did not say faith AND WORKS, he said FAITH, NOT WORKS (Ephesians 2:8,9). This is NOT the kind of faith that remains "alone" in producing good works which demonstrates that it's dead, and James condemns. This is the kind of faith that TRUSTS IN CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION. This person is MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS. The good works are the fruit, not the root of our salvation. Once again, Man is saved through faith and not by works; yet faith, if it is true, will be substantiated and confirmed by good works. Your church has this OUT OF BALANCE. So how many good works must you accomplish and add to Christ's finished work of redemption in order to help Him save you? See why you have no assurance of salvation? It's because you are trusting in works for salvation and don't know for sure if they measure up or not.

St. Paul did not say faith ALONE. He said, "doers are justified."

He washes away my sins. I don't literally get it in a sacrament. I certainly don't kill Him again.

We get it exactly as He says. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

I'm not talking about His glory. We will never be God. The righteousness of God imputed to us (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21) does not imply we take His glory. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27). For by ONE SPIRIT we have all been baptized into ONE BODY (1 Corinthians 12:13). Not to be confused with water baptism.

If you want to walk amongst the Saints in this life, you will be water Baptized, calling on the name of Christ, and He will wash away your sins.

More evidence you trust in works salvation. This says the books (plural) were opened and (another) book (singular) was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books (plural). Their works are not judged to determine if they performed well enough to earn their salvation. For the lost dead, they are judged according to their works to determine their condemnation in the lake of fire. For some it will be greater than others. For believers, they are judged by their works to determine rewards and loss of rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

It doesn't say anything about a believers book. Many who say to Christ, Lord, Lord, are in the other book. Many who claim faith ALONE, are in the other book. Many who have been baptized, are in the other book. Many who have received the Sacraments, are in the other book. It is those who have DONE THE WILL OF GOD who are in the book of life. Some who have never known the Gospel or the Old Covenant, but have been faithful to the Law written in their hearts, are in the book of life. Most of all, those who have obeyed Christ and kept His Commands and accepted His Sacraments, they are in the book of life. God knows who they are. We don't.

Christ rose again on the third day. He told the thief on the cross that this day you will be with me in paradise and mentioned absolutely nothing about purgatory. The dogma of purgatory absolutely denies the sufficiency of Christ's atonement for sin on the cross and is a detestable doctrine.

You have no understanding of the doctrine. You have given the definition of it as the determination of our reward. All who are in Purgatory will be saved on the Last Day. You believe in Purgatory and don't even know it.

So his suffering in the flesh caused him to become sinless and bypass purgatory? Yeah right. Sinful desires seem insignificant when one's life is in jeopardy. Suffering for Christ advances the progress of sanctification. This verse has nothing to do with purgatory.

On the contrary, you just don't understand it. But you already explained it and then turned around and denied it.

This verse has nothing to do with purgatory either.

It has to do with the works which the Thief accomplished from the Cross. You didn't even realize it, did you?

Maybe so, which caused him to grow to be more mature in Christ faster, but it was still the blood of Christ that washed away his sins. There were no further sins to suffer for in purgatory. Christ's atonement for sin on the cross is ALLSUFFICIENT. No purgatory necessary. Thank God I have been set free in Christ, know the truth and don't have to live in bondage to such false teachings.

Was the Thief not also suffering? He was CRUCIFIED.

Please continue to prayerfully consider the truth and God bless

You too. I have enjoyed our discussion and I thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It is rare that I get the opportunity to go into detail in matters of Scripture.

May God bless you and yours,

Sincerely,

De Maria