tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post5572854988357907745..comments2023-05-24T05:37:27.382-07:00Comments on Grace and Miracles: When We Question Our SalvationAnette Ackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11360188067259687608noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post-90283491136712032092009-10-19T15:29:12.480-07:002009-10-19T15:29:12.480-07:00Anonymous,
I appreciate your comment, and your ad...Anonymous,<br /><br />I appreciate your comment, and your adherence to what the Bible says. Even though I am quoting Brother Lawrence, I'm far from the Church of Rome for several reasons:<br /><br />First, Brother Lawrence focused on faith. His entire book is about salvation by faith alone--faith that produces good works. Even though he was Catholic, he arrived at the conclusion that God alone can save him. He downplayed the Eucharist (even though he mentioned it), penances, and other requirements, preferring to go straight to God.<br /><br />I have read The Imitation of Christ, and find much that I disagree with. Although Thomas a Kempis mentioned faith, his focus seemed to be on works. I've read the book several times with an open mind, and have always had a hard time accepting much of it. At one point he said that we are to "worship" God's saints. I'm sure that you and other modern Catholics think he was wrong about that, but nevertheless he said it.<br /><br />Second, the Church of Rome has so many requirements that it would be easy to lose sight of simple faith. I've had some experience with "crossing the Tiber" Catholics recently, and they seem very preoccupied with the trappings of Catholicism. I believe that the more we add to simple faith in Christ, the more likely that we undermine that faith by allowing those things to become idols. <br /><br />Third, I believe in the authority of the Bible over the church. When I was at Notre Dame, a professor tried to tell us that even an evil Pope is inerrant when he speaks "ex cathedra." I simply don't buy that. I think that the authors of the books of the Bible were close enough to the Spirit of God to speak his truth. That is why the Bible is inerrant.<br /><br />I don't believe that God intended to place a man (the Pope) in authority over us. Christ is the one and only head over the church. <br /><br />There are many other reasons I disagree with modern day Catholicism. Does that mean that I agree with everything Luther said? Not necessarily, but I do believe in the basic tenet of Protestantism, which is salvation by faith alone. But faith which is real will lead to good works. <br /><br />Having said that, the modern evangelical church has definitely watered down God's word. Faith that leaves us unchanged is no faith at all. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised--our Lord said that the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. I think those few belong to every denomination. Of course I've known deeply spiritual Catholics who live by faith. <br /><br />But for me, the evangelical church gives me the most freedom to practice what I believe (salvation by faith alone), so that's where I feel most at home.<br /><br />Thank you again for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. <br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />AnetteAnette Ackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11360188067259687608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post-6160353712315399012009-10-19T13:19:54.644-07:002009-10-19T13:19:54.644-07:00Well, you've just repudiated the basic foundat...Well, you've just repudiated the basic foundation of Protestantism. Congratulations for seeing what the Bible actually says. Now, when will you come home to Rome?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post-13477727688369670152009-10-12T16:19:29.285-07:002009-10-12T16:19:29.285-07:00Cindy,
Yes, it took me a long time to figure tha...Cindy, <br /><br />Yes, it took me a long time to figure that out, but it's a key point because often we want to hold onto our sin. Philippians 2:12-13 says: "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to WILL and to work for His good pleasure." We're not capable of even willing the right thing without God's help. We have to act, but only he can enable us. <br /><br />Thanks, Becky!Anette Ackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11360188067259687608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post-23215835045075520622009-10-12T14:03:59.896-07:002009-10-12T14:03:59.896-07:00Good post. Becky xGood post. Becky xBecky Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10461619000199966097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365849129692359439.post-25163159223587592752009-10-11T08:12:41.944-07:002009-10-11T08:12:41.944-07:00It never occurred to me that we could ask God to h...It never occurred to me that we could ask God to help us stop wanting to sin. Thanks for the insight.Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13513895958508524647noreply@blogger.com