Subject: Did Christ Descend into hell/ |
Bible Note: Dear Robert, I can only tell you that we Catholics are as puzzled about why all you guys don't see the light and re-join us, as you are about why we don't see the light and join you. :-) I assure you that any personal relationship with Christ which I have attained was attained by grace through the ministry of the Catholic Church which I believe Jesus founded. I believe Jesus established a Church with a leadership and authority and that this fact is clearly demonstrated in the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles. I believe in a visible Church just as much as I believe Jesus was visible when He was on earth and established His Church. Perhaps that is where we differ. I am not sure. I believe the Church is there to minister to us and facilitate more than regulate our personal relationship with Christ. I have tried doing things on my own in this realm to my great sorrow. If I am being regulated it is with my consent and by my choice to my benefit. I am free to leave any time I wish. Many do. And many come in from other Churches or no Church. Those that come from other Churches do so because they believe the Catholic Church enhances their relationship with Christ. You, I gather, believe differently. If Church affiliation does not enter into this at all, why are you encouraging me to leave the Church with which I am affiliated and through which I have come to know Christ? "I have an aunt who is RC and is in her last days on this earth, although a devout RC all her married life, she is trusting on the finished work of Christ for her salvation." I do not believe that being a devout RC all one's married life and trusting in the finished work of Christ for salvation at life's end are mutually exclusive. I hope to do the same at my life's end even as I do now from day to day. I pray that God will receive your aunt into His presence when she is called. Emmaus |