The Mass Card

Catholic Convert,

You said, 'As the Scripture says "He that doeth righteousness IS righteous."

Ray is saying, 'Your above Scripture comes from I John chapter three and you, on closer study, will see that John uses the Greek word, 'poiown' meaning practice. The chapter points out that every Christian practices righteousness and every sinner practices unrighteousness. Not the repeated use of the word, 'practice.' This word is repeatedly used in I John chapter three.

Your explanation about Purgatory is fine but points to what Christ will do at the Judgment Seat of Christ in His evaluation of our lives. Purgatory is the faulty structuring of some RC way back in time. I read of no Purgatory in the N.T., but the Apostle Paul refers to the Judgment Seat of Christ in II Corinthians 5:10 and in Romans 14:10.

And God speaking through Paul says in Romans, 'But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at naught your brother: for we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.'

Ed, it's your choice. Will you believe the Catholic Church who without Biblical support teaches about a place or existence of Purgatory, or will you choose to believe God and what He inspired His penmen to write in His most Holy Word of the Living God.

In the end we either believe in a man made religion or a faith that is grounded on the firm foundation of Christ and His spoken word to us.

 

Carson Weber,

People like Debby from Philly and I and all other non-Catholics think that priests and other people in cloisters should be paid for their ministry to other Christians and on behalf of the lost ones of our world.

Our grievance with the Catholic Church is that people are praying for the eternal welfare of those who are already in Heaven or Hell. Purgatory is a twisted theology that keeps people praying in hopes that their relatives and/or friends will soon be released from this middle ground between earth and Heaven.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome was built on the pennies of the poor who never saw a Bible, and trustingly believed their spiritual superiors. Tetzel said, 'As soon as coin in coffer rings, the soul from Purgatory springs!' A perfect message repeatedly preached among the poor, to help finance the pope's temple.

For the Christian it is sudden death; sudden glory in Heaven. [II Corinthians 5:8 & Philippians 1:23] You're going to have to swallow what the words of Jesus has to say to us.

My first post was: 'Perpetual Membership in the Marianist Spiritual Alliance

has been conferred upon George Capuano who will share forever
in the Masses, Prayers, and Good Works of the Marianists.

Perhaps Carson Weber needs to clarify the meaning of 'prayers for the dead and the good works of the Marianists.' I think the rest of you Catholics are guessing or do not know the meaning behind these words. What do the Steubenville, Ohio professors have to say about one of their cherished, traditional beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.

In James chapter five God was dealing with the sick and with those who were alive and had sinned since salvation, and not for dead corpses. When people are dead it is to late to make their peace with the Lord God. There is no transfer of 'good works' from saintly people to those who lived in rebellion toward the Lord.

Read the Gospel. John 3:16 & 18.

 

Harley4Him,

Yes I wanted some discussion from everyone, but the Catholics don't seem to know the meaning of the 'merits of the Marianists' is all about. Some probably know but don't want to admit to it's full meaning. What else can we think?

 

Grace Saves,

When I started the topic I quoted the phrase correctly. At a later post I asked if the 'merits of the Marianists' could be placed to the account of the needy person in Purgatory? This was said to get a correct answer from a knowledgeable Catholic.

In your post you said and confirmed the concept of referred 'merits' to the needy soul in Purgatory when you said,

' . . . our grace-filled prayers and works (because they are spiritual in nature) can be applied to their purification, not because this is necessary, but because God desires it . . . '

I Corinthians 3:11-15 is dealing with the Judgment Seat of Christ as found also in II Cor. 5:10-11 and Romans 14:10; if the Lord God had wanted to use the word Purgatory He would have done so. In stead, our Lord, used the words as noted above. This judgment is for Christians only where rewards will be given to His faithful people of God. Sinners will at a latter time stand before Christ at the Great White Throne Jugment as found in Revelation chapter twenty. Rewards are never given to the lost and damned souls other than the 'second death' which is to be cast into the Lake of fire. [vs.15]

Christians are saved at last not because of some brown robed friar and his cloistered life, but through the blood of Jesus Christ [I Cor. 15:3 & I John 2:1-2] has been applied as a covering because that person has received God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. [John 1:12 & 3:16]

The same snake that was in the presence of Adam and Eve also slithers his way through all of this Roman Catholic traditions that are not found in the Word of God and, therefore, did not come from the precious heart and lips of our Lord Jesus.

After a sinner or Christian is dead it is too late to 'pad the books' with alleged 'transferred good works' before the holy a majestic God of holiness, with whom we have to stand in His Presence.

I think you probably have expressed the Catholic view as well as Carson Weber might have done. I thought because he is in a theological setting, the institution might have a formal spin on what this system of 'good works' is all about.

Will anxiously await your Scriptural backing for soul purification in the fires of Purgatory. . .

 

Grace Saves,

In answer to your question. 'Sanctification a lifelong process. That is a definite. He is still working on me.

I wasn't trying to prove anything. I wanted to know the true meaning of 'the good works' of the cloisered brothers and sisters. I don't at all doubt their devotedness to the Lord; I have sat with a couple of brothers in New Ringgold, Pennsylvania. I think is was called, St. Mary's 'something'. I cannot remember the last word. They live over the Appalachain Mountains on the north side of the mts. and do seminars there and entertain visitors, along with their other devotional activities.

I am merely saying that their prayers would be more effective to pray for the living who are both Christian and non-Christians, which they probably do.