Mother of My Lord

One of the things which always astounded me. Astounds me to this day, really, is the fact that a Protestant and a Catholic can look at the same verse and come up with two radically different understandings of that verse. 
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Rerun: Romans 8, a Catholic perspective

This Chapter is frequently used by Protestants to support the false doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved.  It does no such thing.  Here is a Catholic understanding of the entire chapter.

Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Those who live according to the  the Spirit of God will not be condemned because they do not commit the sins of the flesh but do the works of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Because it is by the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ that we are made free from the sinful nature in our flesh.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, 

The Law of God, the Commandments, are written in our hearts.  But the law of sin in the flesh is opposed to the Law of God and dominates the sinful nature.

God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Therefore, God sent His only Son appearing as a sinful man in order to destroy sin in man.

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Now, the righteousness of the Law of God in the Commandments, is fulfilled in us, who have received the life of Christ in the Sacraments and now walk after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; 

Because, those who seek their own pleasure follow after sin.

but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

But those who seek after God do the will of God.

6 For to be carnally minded is death;

Those who seek after sin will be condemned to eternal punishment, the death of the soul.

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

But those who seek after God will receive eternal life and reconciliation with God.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

But those who seek after the flesh are enemies of God.  For they will not submit to God's will, nor can they ever, since they are opposed to God.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Therefore, those who live for themselves can't please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. 

But, those who are God's do not seek after themselves, because the Holy Spirit dwells in their hearts.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

But if any man does not have Christ's spirit dwelling in him, that man does not belong to Christ.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if Christ dwells in you, then you are dead to sin and made alive by the Spirit of Christ which leads you to do the will of God.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

And if the Spirit of God is in you, then He shall raise you to eternal life by the power of His Holy Spirit.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Therefore, don't live according to the wicked yearnings of the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Because if you do, you will suffer condemnation.  But if you live according to the righteousness of the Spirit, you will put to death the sins of the flesh and gain eternal life.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Because those who are led by the Holy Spirit are children of the Father.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Because the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to call God, "our Father".

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And the Spirit of God affirms our belief that we are sons of God.

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

And if we are sons of God, then we will receive an inheritance which will will share with His only begotten Son, if and only if, we suffer with Him that we may together receive His love.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Because, I deduce, that the sufferings of this life are no comparison to the magnificence which we will receive

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Because the creation hopes for the revealing of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Because made creation weak and incapable of saving itself, in order that it could hope for salvation by God.

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Thus creation itself shall be freed from sin when the sons of God receive their freedom.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Therefore, all creation suffers until now

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

And not only creation, but even we who have received the sanctifying grace of God by the Spirit, even we suffer, hoping for the time when we are admitted into heaven and recognized as sons of God.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Because we are saved by perseverance in faith, because we don't yet see what we will receive, and so we wait with expectation.

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

And since we can't yet see what we will receive, we continue to wait with perseverance.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

The Holy Spirit gives us strength to overcome our weakness

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:

Because we don't know how to pray as we should

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

So, the Holy Spirit prays for us with sounds that we don't know how to make

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 

And God knows what the Holy Spirit says

because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Because the Holy Spirit intercedes for God's people according to ask for those things which God wants us to have

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, 

And we know that everything that happens is for the good of those who love God

*Note:  Those who love God is the over arching assumption of the following verses.  In other words, God foreknows all, but only those who love Him are called and only those who love Him answer His call and only those who love Him are justified, etc. etc.

It is also well to remember that those who love God are those who keep His commandments:

Exodus 20:6
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 Those who love God are those who respond to His call and do His will as revealed in the Commandments

29 For whom he did foreknow,

God knows all.  Therefore, He did know who would return His love.

he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, 

and His plan was that all mankind be made in the image of His Son, the image of God.

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

That His Son, Jesus Christ, God with us, might lead us all into heaven to be adopted children of God.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,  them he also called:

Not only that, but God planned that all mankind would accomplish His will by keeping His commands.

and whom he called, them he also justified: 

and those who responded to His call and did as He commanded, these are they who love Him.  So, He forgave them their sins.  As the Son said in the Gospels:

John 14:21
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.

and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

And to those who persevered in well doing and pleased God, He will give the crown of glory.

31 What shall we then say to these things? 

What shall we say then?

If God be for us, who can be against us?

 If God is in our corner, who can defeat us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

God the Father is He who gave up His Son to die for our sins.  If He gave us His Son, don't you think He will give us anything else that we need?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

God is Judge and can read man's heart.  No other man can do so.  Therefore, if God says that we are righteous, who can deny it?

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who is our Judge but Jesus Christ, who died, rose again and is now seated on the Throne of Glory at the right hand of the Father.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Nothing can stop love God from loving us.  No trouble, no suffering, no attack, not hunger or poverty nor danger nor even threat of life.

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Because we have already given our lives for God.  We no longer live, but Christ lives in us.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

So, even in death, we have won through Christ who loved us to His death.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

And I believe with all my heart, that nothing, not death, not life, not angels, not kings nor magistrates, not now and not ever,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

Not anything above nor anything below, not any other thing in creation,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 

will be able to take God's love away from us

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And this love was made manifest in our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died in order that we might live. 

Catholic vs Protestant paradigms - How we read Scripture

The Catholic Church teaches us to understand Scripture according to the Sacred Deposit, the Sacred Traditions, which Jesus established. Why? Because, Jesus Christ established a Church and commanded that Church to teach what He commanded. (Matt 28:19-20). As a result, the Catholic Church went about teaching orally. 

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What is St. Paul saying in Romans 7:25?

My original commentary on Romans 7 can be found here.  I was recently reading it over and thought it needed some editing for better understanding.  I hope you like it. Here we go.  Let's break down the whole chapter and part of chapter 8 to boot. Romans 7King James Version (KJV) 7 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? St. Paul is talking about the Law of Moses. Don’t you know, brothers, and I’m speaking to the Jews, because they know the Law, that the Law has power over a man, as long as that man lives? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the Law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the Law of her husband. Let’s look at it this way.  A man is married to the Law as a woman is married to a man.  As long as the man lives, she is bound to him.  But when he dies, she is loosed from him. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. While he lives, she may not marry anyone else, or she commits sin.  But if he dies, she is free to marry anyone else without committing sin. So, as long as the Law was in force, the Jew was bound to it.  He could not belong to another Faith or Religion.  But when the Law passed away, the Jew was no longer bound to it. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Now then, my Jewish brothers, you are dead to the law through the Body of Christ.   Ok, what does that mean?  Remember, the Jews were married to the law.  But Christ fulfilled the law, in His Body, when He was sacrificed for their sins.  (We’re talking about the Jews, right now.  Christ died for all men’s sins.  But lets focus on the Jews.) When Christ fulfilled the law, the law passed away.  It was no longer in force.  So, the law had died.  The Jew is now free to be bound to another Law.  The Law of Christ. So, why does St. Paul say that the Jew had died to the Law?  Because, in order to become a Christian, we must be baptized.  And being baptized, we die with Christ in order to be reborn in His image. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Remember that St. Paul is speaking to former Jews.  And he is also a former Jew.  That is why he says, “we”.   Let’s break it down: When we were in the flesh - meaning, before dying with Christ in Baptism. The motions of sin - Concupiscence, temptations. Which were by the law - according to the Law or which were revealed in the Law. Did work in our members to bring for fruit unto death - were moving us to commit sin and thus to destroy our souls. So, in other words, “Before we were Christians, while we were still under the Law, we were tempted to violate the Commandments of God.  These temptations of the flesh, if we acted upon them, would cause us to sin and thus to lose our salvation. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. But now we are delivered from the law - For us, the Law is no longer valid. that being dead wherein we were held; - when we were in the flesh, we were dead to the Spirit. that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. - But now, we are alive in the Spirit because by the grace of God, we have overcome sin. 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Am I saying that the Law of Moses was sinful?  By God, I would never say such a thing.  Because without the Law, I would never have known that I was committing sins.  Unless the Law had told me that coveting a woman was a sin, I would not know that lust was sinful. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. A man does not commit sins if he does not know that they are sins.  But after I learned what was sin by the Commandments, I was still tempted to sin. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. When I was young, I did not know about the Law and I committed no sin.  But when I learned the Commandments, I was no longer free to do all that I wanted. He is speaking here, of the age of reason.  Let me give you an example.  My Father in Law, God rest his soul, was a wonderful man, but when he lived with us, he cussed all the time.  My daughter’s first words were some of his choicest selections.  And everyone thought it was cute.   But, if she had continued speaking like that when she was older, she would have had her mouth washed with soap. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Therefore, although the Commandments were intended for my freedom, I felt constrained. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Because sin tempted me and lured me and I could not resist. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. So, the Commandment is good and holy and intended for our good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. So, then, did the Commandment cause me to sin?   No!  But, although the Commandment identified the sins and forbid them, I could not resist. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Because the Law is of God, but I am a man, a son of Adam, with original sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. The result is that I do things which I don’t want to do because they are sinful.  And when I want to do good, I don’t.  I wind up doing what I don’t want to do. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. And that is evidence that the Law is good.  Because I want to keep the Law, but I can’t. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. So, when I sin, I don’t do it intentionally.   18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. But concupiscence and temptations dwell in my flesh and I don’t know how to overcome them. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. And therefore, I find myself committing sins, unintentionally. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. So, if I commit unintentional sins, it is because of my fallen nature. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. So, there is another law that is in my flesh, which prevents me from obeying God’s Law. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Because in my heart, I love God’s Law. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. But the law of Original Sin keeps me captive to the temptations of my flesh. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? O poor me!  How shall I be saved from these temptations to sin? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. - This is possibly a word-play reference to the Eucharist.  Eucharist means “thanksgiving” and is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.  When one consumes the Eucharist in a worthy manner, he gives thanks to God through the Body of Christ. So, even though I do my best to do good, I find myself committing unintended sins.

Romans 8King James Version (KJV)

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

It follows that there is no law against those who are one with Christ, who seek to avoid sin and do good in accordance with the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Because the requirements of the Law of Christ have freed me from the law of sin in my flesh.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

The Law of Moses could not remove sins from the flesh.  But God sent His own Son, in the appearance of a sinful man, in order that He would destroy sin, in the flesh. 

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Thus giving us the grace to overcome sin and obey God’s Laws.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Those that pine after the deeds of the flesh are dead. But those who live according to the Spirit are alive.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Those who seek to do the sins of the flesh will die.  But those who seek to do the deeds of the Spirit, will live.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Because the flesh is against God and will not submit to His law.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

So, all who live according to the temptations of the flesh will be condemned.

Essentially then, this whole treatise is summarized in Rev 22:13-15:

Revelation 22:13-15

King James Version (KJV)

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Sincerely,

De Maria

PS see also Romans 8

Christ died for us, all

Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. 15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

It is a Protestant error that Christ died only for those who are saved.  Christ died for saint and sinner, alike.  The difference is that the saint accepted the gift of salvation through Christ's blood.  While the sinner rejects that grace.

Let's dissect the above Scripture verse.

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us,

First, the Apostle explains that he is compelled by his love of Christ.  Compelled to do what?  Compelled to preach the love of Christ for all men. 

once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; 

And he became compelled by Christ's love when he came to believe that Christ loved all men.  And he came to this belief once he understood that Christ had died for all men.  The Apostle in question is St. Paul and in a different letter, he says it differently.  Let's compare:

Romans 5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Now, many will use that verse to deny that Christ died for all men, sinner or saint.  However, there are other verses which show that Christ died for all men and not just for those who would be saved.  For instance:

1 Timothy 2:4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. 

So, it is clear that God willed that all men be saved, not just those who would eventually become saints.  So, let's go back to the original verse we were studying.

2 Corinthians 5:14....therefore, all have died. 

 What could that mean?  Well, in my opinion, the word translated as "therefore", can also mean, "because".  Christ died for all men because all men have died.  Is this true?  Yes.  It is called, "Original Sin".

The CCC says:
1018 As a consequence of original sin, man must suffer "bodily death, from which man would have been immune had he not sinned" (GS § 18).

And, we can compare to another verse in Scripture:

Romans 5:Humanity’s Sin Through Adam. 12 [a]Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned[b]—

THEREFORE,  Christ died for all men.

Follow?

I hope so, therefore, I'll continue.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves

Why did He die for all men?  So that you too would be convicted of His love for you and turn to Him in order that you might also live.

He died for you so that you might know how much He loves you.

John 3:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 For God so loved the world that he gave[a] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

And turn to Him to be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:15....so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

That's the condition, folks.  In order to be saved, those for whom He died, must recognize the gift of live, be grateful for it and in return, give their own life over to Him who died for their salvation:

Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

Folks, in a very real sense, we were purchased when we were redeemed by the blood of Christ:

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body. 

 Therefore, we need to recognize that we belong to God.  And belonging to God, we represent Him to all men.  Therefore, we should behave as sons of God and honor Him with the things that we do.  In order that those men, for whom Christ died, may turn to Him and live:

Matthew 5:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

I hope that makes sense.

Romans 8:38

Oops!  I originally titled this Romans 8:28.  I meant, Romans 8:38.

This Chapter is frequently used by Protestants to support the false doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved.  It does no such thing.  Here is a Catholic understanding of the entire chapter.

Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Those who live according to the  the Spirit of God will not be condemned because they do not commit the sins of the flesh but do the works of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Because it is by the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ that we are made free from the sinful nature in our flesh.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,

The Law of God, the Commandments, are written in our hearts.  But the law of sin in the flesh is opposed to the Law of God and dominates the sinful nature.

God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Therefore, God sent His only Son appearing as a sinful man in order to destroy sin in man.

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Now, the righteousness of the Law of God in the Commandments, is fulfilled in us, who have received the life of Christ in the Sacraments and now walk after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;

Because, those who seek their own pleasure follow after sin.

but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

But those who seek after God do the will of God.

6 For to be carnally minded is death;

Those who seek after sin will be condemned to eternal punishment, the death of the soul.

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

But those who seek after God will receive eternal life and reconciliation with God.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

But those who seek after the flesh are enemies of God.  For they will not submit to God's will, nor can they ever, since they are opposed to God.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Therefore, those who live for themselves can't please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

But, those who are God's do not seek after themselves, because the Holy Spirit dwells in their hearts.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

But if any man does not have Christ's spirit dwelling in him, that man does not belong to Christ.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if Christ dwells in you, then you are dead to sin and made alive by the Spirit of Christ which leads you to do the will of God.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

And if the Spirit of God is in you, then He shall raise you to eternal life by the power of His Holy Spirit.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Therefore, don't live according to the wicked yearnings of the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Because if you do, you will suffer condemnation.  But if you live according to the righteousness of the Spirit, you will put to death the sins of the flesh and gain eternal life.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Because those who are led by the Holy Spirit are children of the Father.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Because the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to call God, "our Father".

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And the Spirit of God affirms our belief that we are sons of God.

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

And if we are sons of God, then we will receive an inheritance which will will share with His only begotten Son, if and only if, we suffer with Him that we may together receive His love.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Because, I deduce, that the sufferings of this life are no comparison to the magnificence which we will receive

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Because the creation hopes for the revealing of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Because made creation weak and incapable of saving itself, in order that it could hope for salvation by God.

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Thus creation itself shall be freed from sin when the sons of God receive their freedom.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Therefore, all creation suffers until now

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

And not only creation, but even we who have received the sanctifying grace of God by the Spirit, even we suffer, hoping for the time when we are admitted into heaven and recognized as sons of God.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Because we are saved by perseverance in faith, because we don't yet see what we will receive, and so we wait with expectation.

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

And since we can't yet see what we will receive, we continue to wait with perseverance.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

The Holy Spirit gives us strength to overcome our weakness

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:

Because we don't know how to pray as we should

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

So, the Holy Spirit prays for us with sounds that we don't know how to make

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

And God knows what the Holy Spirit says

because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Because the Holy Spirit intercedes for God's people according to ask for those things which God wants us to have

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

And we know that everything that happens is for the good of those who love God

*Note:  Those who love God is the over arching assumption of the following verses.  In other words, God foreknows all, but only those who love Him are called and only those who love Him answer His call and only those who love Him are justified, etc. etc.

It is also well to remember that those who love God are those who keep His commandments:

Exodus 20:6
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 Those who love God are those who respond to His call and do His will as revealed in the Commandments

29 For whom he did foreknow,

God knows all.  Therefore, He did know who would return His love.

he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,

and His plan was that all mankind be made in the image of His Son, the image of God.

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

That His Son, Jesus Christ, God with us, might lead us all into heaven to be adopted children of God.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,  them he also called:

Not only that, but God planned that all mankind would accomplish His will by keeping His commands.

and whom he called, them he also justified:

and those who responded to His call and did as He commanded, these are they who love Him.  So, He forgave them their sins.  As the Son said in the Gospels:

John 14:21
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.

and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

And to those who persevered in well doing and pleased God, He will give the crown of glory.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

What shall we say then?

If God be for us, who can be against us?

 If God is in our corner, who can defeat us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

God the Father is He who gave up His Son to die for our sins.  If He gave us His Son, don't you think He will give us anything else that we need?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

God is Judge and can read man's heart.  No other man can do so.  Therefore, if God says that we are righteous, who can deny it?

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who is our Judge but Jesus Christ, who died, rose again and is now seated on the Throne of Glory at the right hand of the Father.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Nothing can stop love God from loving us.  No trouble, no suffering, no attack, not hunger or poverty nor danger nor even threat of life.

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Because we have already given our lives for God.  We no longer live, but Christ lives in us.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

So, even in death, we have won through Christ who loved us to His death.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

And I believe with all my heart, that nothing, not death, not life, not angels, not kings nor magistrates, not now and not ever,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,

Not anything above nor anything below, not any other thing in creation,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

will be able to take God's love away from us

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And this love was made manifest in our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died in order that we might live. 

7QT's on the differences between Protestant and Catholics

In my opinion, 

the difference between the way that Catholics understand Scripture and Protestants interpret Scripture runs much deeper than the idea of a difference in the "interpretation of words". 

--- 1 ---

Correct me if you think I'm wrong, but when a Protestant looks at Scripture, he seeks to discover in the Scripture something which he has not heretofore understood. This is why so many of them object that one must not approach Scripture with what they call, "presuppositions."

--- 2 ---

It is not the same for a Catholic. We do not delve into Scripture to discover something which we do not know. That is why so many Catholics by pass Scripture altogether and go directly to Church Doctrine. We know that the Church has already read the Scripture and has neatly explained to us all the things which Scripture says are "hard to be understood" (2 Pet 3:16).

--- 3 ---

When a Catholic reads Scripture, 
first of all, he prays. We don't simply read Scripture. We pray Scripture.
second of all, he confirms the knowledge of the Word of God which he has already learned from the Church.

When I read Scripture, whether it be in the Douay or in the King James, I know that it means what the Catholic Church teaches. Take the word repent (i.e. penance) for instance.

--- 4 ---

Acts 26:20 KJV 

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20  Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
20 But to them first that are at Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and unto all the country of Judea, and to the Gentiles did I preach, that they should do penance, and turn to God, doing works worthy of penance.

--- 5 ---

To do penance is to do works worthy of repentance. Someone who is truly penitent, someone who is truly repentant, will want to make amends for that which he regrets doing. That is the Catholic Teaching concerning metanoia or turning to God with deep sorrow for our sins. And that is the underlying understanding that I bring to my reading of Scripture.

--- 6 ---

This is in line with Catholic Teaching:

113 2. Read the Scripture within "the living Tradition of the whole Church". According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church's heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God's Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture
 (". . . according to the spiritual meaning which the Spirit grants to the Church"⁸¹).

--- 7 ---

I've been talking with Protestants for about twenty years now. And I have come to believe, that a devout Catholic who never opens the Bible understands the Word of God better than even the best Protestant preacher who has gone to the best Protestant seminaries.

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Is the Saint engaging in eisegesis?