Bible Question:
I don't know if I can ask this question in this forum without upsetting people, but I will try. I keep trying to ask the Bible Answer Man on the radio, but keep getting busy signals. Anyway, having been raised Catholic and then starting to read the Bible at the ripe age of 35, it seems like many of the Catholic truths do not "jive" easily with the Bible. Can it really be that the Catholic Church's teachings are wrong? Can it be that so many Catholics (I think I heard the number 1 billion) could be believing the wrong concepts, and if so, does that call into question their salvation? I ask these questions not in an inflammatory way, not to induce any sort of anti-Catholic rhetoric, but it seems amazing to me that so many people for so many centuries could be so wrong. I am considering leaving the Cath Church for a more Bible-based church, but feel like I'm getting ready to jump off a cliff (perhaps this feeling is from 35 years of hearing how there is only one "true" Church). Striving to be Berean-like, Stephanie |
Bible Answer: Stephanie, I agree with Ed. The very foundation of our faith began with the revealed truth of the Word by the Holy Spirit..He is the one who convicted us of sin and revealed to our heart the saviour Jesus Christ.(John 6:44)Our very birth into the kingdom of God is due to the revelation and work of the Holy Spirit in response to faith mixed with the hearing of the Word. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by the Word of God. I am reminded of Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD build the house,they labor in vain that build it. If the house you desire to see built is the transformation from yourself to the image of Christ.. God must build the house. Theological education is of some value, studying other books is of some value by offering us various options of interpretation which can open our minds to posibilities we may not have been able to even entertain...BUT there is only one Truth of scripture. We do not want to fall into this catefory.. 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the Truth. (I capitalize Truth because I see the revealed mind of God as diety..Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life) The Holy Spirit revealed truth changes us from within, transforms us into the Christ like person we are predestined to be. 2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God.... Thus the Bible must be final authority and the Holy Spirit your PRIMARY teacher! John 16:13 ...He (Spirit of Truth)has come, He will lead and guide you into all Truth... I suggest you seek to develop a deep and sincere personal relationship with the Holy Spirit so when you read or hear various teachings, you will be sensitive to the Voice of the Holy Spirit either affirming or rejecting the teachings. He has been sent to be each believers personal guide through life, God WITH us and IN us. God bless |