MODERN CHRISTIANITY

 

 

Perhaps one of the largest groups of unsaved “religious” people in the world are those who sit in the pews of our churches. Those referred to as false converts are not what are often called “traditional Christians” (Christmas and Easter Christians”) or “nominal Christians.” Rather, these are people who profess to be born again, but have never found a place of biblical repentance. They don’t have “the things that accompany salvation.” There’s no fruit in their lives to say that they have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They sit among the Church but they are not part of the Church.

 

 

Background

Something certainly is tragically wrong; the contemporary Church has forsaken biblical evangelism. Modern Christianity has failed to use God’s Law (Ten Commandments) to bring the knowledge of sin, and has therefore filled the Church with false converts.

 

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin Romans 3:20 KJV

 

These false converts have named the name of Christ, but have never departed from iniquity (“lawlessness”-transgression of the Ten Commandments).

It is a neglect of the Law that has resulted in our churches being filled with tares among the wheat, foolish virgins among the wise, bad fish among the good, and goats among the sheep. This is why so many profess Christ and have no assurance of salvation. They have no assurance because they are not saved. This is why so many profess to have the love of God in their hearts, and at the same time couldn’t care less that the world is going to Hell. Every Christian should be horrified beyond words that any human being could be cast into Hell.

 

Who Is God?

Idolatry is the fertile soil from which a false profession grows. The Scripture tell us that,

 

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:6 KJV

 

 

So few fear God because so few pulpits preach the fear of God. Rarely do sinners hear That God is angry with the wicked every day, that if they are friends with this world, they are enemies of God, and that His wrath abides on them. Every time they sin, they are storing up His wrath that will come upon them on the Day of Wrath.

 

Rather, they hear the unbiblical gospel of “God has a wonderful plan for your life” or simply that God wants them to prosper. Instead of being told to repent because they have offended a holy God, they are told that God will solve their problems.

 

Who Is Jesus?

To the false convert, the Saviour is the One who died for his sins. However, you will find that there is a shallow understanding of the sacrifice of the Father. This is because he has no knowledge of God’s Law.

 

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith Galatians 3:24 KJV

 

It’s only when he sees his terrible sin (that he is a terrible Law-breaker) and that he deserves consequent damnation that he will understand the unspeakable sacrifice that the Father made in Jesus of Nazareth. The Law makes grace abound. It makes Jesus precious to him.

 

Scriptures

A false convert may believe that the Scriptures are God’s Word, but he usually doesn’t see them as his life’s sustenance. He doesn’t desire the sincere milk of the word that he may grow, because he hasn’t tasted of the goodness of the Lord. “This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.” Because he doesn’t soak himself in the word, he is ignorant about subjects such as holiness of God, the Law of God and its functions and the reality of true and false conversion.

 

Heaven and Hell

A false convert usually lacks any depth of sound doctrine. He couldn’t explain the basics of how we are justified or sanctified. This is because, without the Law, God seems unjust to condemn sinners (most of whom he sees as reasonably good people) to eternity in Hell. More than likely he will believe that everyone goes to Heaven, except people like Adolf Hitler. Hell is a place for those he thinks are worthy of punishment.

 

Sin and Salvation

A false convert thinks lightly of sin this is why he believes he can be a Christian. He is truly a “worker of iniquity”

 

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:23 KJV

 

Who sees nothing wrong with fibs, not keeping his word, taking things that belong to other people, and giving himself to sexual lust? His reasoning is, “Who doesn’t do that?” and God understands. You may even hear blasphemy slip from his lips. The false convert has often been through the motions of modern “conversion” (responded to an altar call, prayed a sinner’s prayer etc.) and has consequently been given assurance by the preacher that he is saved.

 

Conclusion:

Use the moral Law (like a mirror) to show him his true state before a holy God. However, once you have shown the seriousness of sin, explain that seeing sin in its true light has been what has been lacking in his life. This will help him understand why he has never truly repented. Why should he repent if his sin isn’t too bad? Ignorance of the Law has left him seeing himself as a basically good person. Without the light of the Law, he has never seen the character of a holy God, known the fear of God, or understood the sacrifice of the cross.

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

A BIBLICAL VIEW OF ABORTION

 

 Human life begins at the moment of conception. At that moment, a baby’s life has begun, which has its own DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which is totally unique. DNA is coded information, the blueprint for the new human’s growth and development.

Some people attempt to justify abortion for a variety of reasons, including:

Inconvenience - along with the baby comes sleeplessness, giving up your life to raise someone

That is what your mother did for you. She did not have you aborted, she raised you and sacrificed a lot so you could live.

Incompetent Parents - If the child will not be loved, then it is better for that child not to be born.

Instead of killing a baby, you have it adopted. Which is best: to kill your child or to give it to someone else?

The baby has disabilities - If the child comes out with severe mental or physical disabilities.

Put the baby in child care that has people that specialize in taking care of babies with disabilities.

It is the woman’s body - it is her body, so she should be able to make the choice to have an abortion.

It is her body, but it doesn’t mean it is right to kill the baby inside her womb. The baby is not a part of the mother’s body but another human being, a gift from God.

Rape or Incest - A woman has the right to an abortion if she has been raped or has been involved in incest.

Why not just have the baby adopted? Why punish the baby for the crime committed by the father? The baby is innocent, though the father is guilty and both are guilty for those who are involved in incest. You never take the life of an innocent child.

Financial reasons - Someone who does not have money is unable to care for their own child and themselves.

Why kill the baby when the government has the child’s welfare?

The Bible says that God made us according to His image and likeness. Abortion is the death of an unborn human being made in God’s image and is valuable to God.

 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Genesis 1:27 KJV

 

Taking an unborn baby’s life is wrong according to God’s Law, "Do not murder."

 

Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13 KJV

God knows us before he forms us in the womb. He covered and fashioned us all in our mother’s womb, fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows us all intimately.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5 KJV

 

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13,14,16 KJV

 

God hates those who shed innocent blood, which includes abortion. Killing especially to the innocent is wrong. Cursed he/she that taketh reward to slay an innocent person.

 

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:17 KJV

 

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy 27:25 KJV

 

God is the giver of life and commands us not to take the life of an innocent person. Taking the life of the unborn is clearly murder, and God will punish those who rip open women with children.

Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Amos 1:13 KJV

 

The unborn child was granted equal protection under the law. If somebody hurts a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely, but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined; but if there is a serious injury, he/she shall be surely punished.

If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

Exodus 21:22 KJV

 

Life is a gift from God and should not be taken away by abortion. Babies in the womb are not just lumps of tissue. Biblically as well as biologically, you and I are unique human beings from the moment of conception and have life even inside our mother’s womb.

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Luke 1:41 KJV

 

Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord. Each life is special and is of great value to God, yet our tiniest children, boys and girls, in the womb are being slaughtered through abortion. Do not think that if you remain silent at this time, you will escape God's judgement. You have the ability, power and duty to end abortion now in this nation.

 

 

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalm 127:3 KJV

 

God is holy and will judge every one of us. There is hope for our nation, and there is hope for you, but it can only be found through repentance and believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

 

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 3:19 KJV

 

Jesus Christ ever lives and intercedes for He has the power to save us all from the wrath to come through His atoning work on the cross of Calvary and His glorious resurrection. His precious bloodshed on the cross will cleanse you from all your sins. Please read the Bible daily and ask God to help you obey what you read.

 

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25 KJV

 

Blessings in Christ.

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

THE DECEPTION OF REINCARNATION

 

Reincarnation is the teaching that after death, the soul goes to a holding place and enters into a new human body, animals, plants, insects, or even inanimate objects. It is believed that the soul can come back to life over and over again until the person learns what he or she is supposed to learn.

Although reincarnation works with Karma and it might sound good that the idea of your past life of goodness and badness affects the quality of your next incarnation, it makes no sense.

If this is true that every person had a first incarnation, that means every person had perfect Karma since he/she had no previous life. So, if he/she had perfect Karma and did not learn what he/she was supposed to learn during his/her first life, what makes you think that after a multitude of incarnations, with accumulated bad Karma, he/she is now able to reach the perfect state of union with divine consciousness?

When it is time to reincarnate, who is the authoritative figure that decides whether you are good or bad? These religions have no God who judges nor a measure by which we are judged by. Like a justice system with no judge, it makes no sense.

 

Think about this:

Who’s giving out these new bodies and what body did you have before you got here in this life?

What were you in your previous life?

Do you think you were a human being?

A good one or a bad one?

What did you do to get a body like this, in this life?

What will happen to you in your next life? Will you be a cockroach or a king?

How does God judge what you will be when you come back if you lived a bad life, a cockroach, or a good life, a king? 

Let us see if you have lived a good life and what you will be when you come back.

Do you think you’re a good person? Have you ever lied, even once? Have you ever stolen anything, regardless of the value? Jesus said, if you look at a woman with lust, you commit adultery with her in your heart. Have you ever looked with lust? Have you ever hated someone? If you said "Yes" to these four questions, by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, adulterer and murderer at heart.

Will you be innocent or guilty on the day of judgement? Please listen to your conscience, you know you will be guilty and therefore end up in God’s eternal prison a place called Hell. That’s not Gods will.

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9KJV

 

The deception of reincarnation is that there is no judgement day, no need to trust in Jesus Christ for what He has done on the cross through death, burial, and resurrection so that we may have eternal life.

Only Jesus Christ is perfect. Because of this, nobody is good enough to escape the cycle of reincarnation. After death, we face judgement. There is no second chance.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.

Hebrews 9:27KJV

That is why you need a Saviour today. Once you die, you will not go back to the end of the line and try again. You are going to be judged and, without the righteousness of Jesus Christ, you will not stand.

Do not be misled by false hope or the deception of reincarnation; they will only take you down the wrong path.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12KJV

To receive everlasting life as a free gift, believe, repent change of mind from unbelief to belief, trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ precious blood alone to save you and you will pass from death unto life.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9KJV

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 KJV

 

As born again Bible believing Christians, we believe that there is no need to come to life over and over again. Ahead of us is the glory of heaven!

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. Romans 8:18KJV

 

 

Blessings in Christ.

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

END TIME SIGNS

 

 1.False Bible teachers would be money hungry. They would be smooth talkers, have many followers, and slur the Christian faith (2 Peter 2:1-3)

2.Homosexuality would be increasingly evident at the end of the age (2 Timothy 3:3)

3.Earthquakes would be in diverse places (Matthew 24:7)

4.Stress would be part of living (2 Timothy 3:1)

5.Many wars would erupt (Matthew 24:6)

6.People would forsake the Ten Commandments as a moral code, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and killing (Matthew 24:12)

7.There would be a cold religious system, in denying God’s power (2 Timothy 3:5)

8.Men would substitute fantasy in place of Christian truth (2 Timothy 4:4). This is so evident at Christmas when the birth of the Saviour is lost behind the myth of Santa Claus.

9.Deadly diseases would be prevalent (Matthew 24:7). The worldwide increase in AIDS deaths is almost inestimable.

10.The fact that God once flooded the earth (the Noahic flood) would be      denied (2 Peter 3:5-6). There is a mass of fossil evidence to prove this fact, yet it is flatly ignored by the scientific world because of its uncanny implication.

11.The institution of marriage would be forsaken by many (1 Timothy 4:3)

12.There would be an increase in famines (Matthew 24:7)

13.Vegetarianism would increase (1 Timothy 4:3-4)

14.There would be a cry for peace (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

15.The possession of Jerusalem would be at the centre of international turmoil (Zechariah 12:3)

16.Knowledge would increase (Daniel 12:4)

17.There would be hypocrites within the Church (Matthew 13:25-30)

18.There would be an increase of religious cults/false teachers (Matthew 24:11 & 24)

19.The future would seem fearful to many (Luke 21:26)

20.Humanity would become materialistic (2 Timothy 3:4)

21.There would be many involved in travel (Daniel 12:4)

22.The Christian Gospel would be preached as a warning to all nations (Matthew 24:14)

23.Jesus said Christians would be hated “for His name’s sake” (Matthew24:9)

24.And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s heart failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Luke 21:25-26)

26.Youth would become rebellious. For men shall be lover of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy (2 Timothy 3:2)

27.Men would mock the warning signs of the end of the age saying, “for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:4). The Bible even reveals their motivation, they love lust (verse 3). They fail to understand that a day to the Lord is as thousand years to us. God is not subject to the time that He created. He can flick through time as we flick through pages of a history book. The reason He seems to be silent, is because He is patiently waiting, not willing that any perish, but that all come to repentance.

Salvation is available for all who repent, believe, and trust in Jesus Christ alone, there is nothing more important than your eternal destiny, Heaven or Hell. No one is guaranteed tomorrow today is the day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV)

 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13 KJV

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

 

HE IS NOT HERE - HE IS RISEN

 

Above: On back of door in Tomb of Jesus

 

The reason why God commands all men everywhere to repent is…. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31KJV)

 

We can have assurance that the day of judgement will take place and that Jesus will judge the earth - because of the resurrection.

 

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 20:12(KJV)

 

 

The Garden Tomb is believed by many to be the garden and sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea, and therefore a possible site of the resurrection of Jesus.

 

 

So should we then try and convince an unbelieving world of the resurrection?

God’s Word is very clear about Jesus Christ resurrection appearances below:

 

 

              CHRIST’S RESURRECTION APPEARANCES

 

 

              APPEARED TO:                      

            1. Mary………………John 20:10-18                                  

            2. Mary and women…Matthew 28:1-10                  

            3. Peter……………1 Corinthians 15:5                                   

            4. Two disciples………Luke 24:13-35                        

            5. Ten apostles…Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23                        

            6. Eleven apostles ……John 20:24-31                  

            7. Seven apostles…… John 21                     

            8. All apostles Matthew28:16-20;Mark16:14-18                        

            9. 500 brethren………1 Corinthians 15:6                    

          10. James…………1 Corinthians 15:7                                       

          11. All apostles………Acts 1:4-8                         

          12. Paul Acts 9:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:8                                    

 

 

 

 

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God - who was beaten and bruised for our transgressions, willingly giving up His life to conquer the grave for us! He then rose from the dead, because it was not possible that death could hold him.

 

 

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:24(KJV)

 

 

Above:Tomb of Jesus

 

           

When sinners repent and believe the gospel, the eyes of their understanding are enlightened. They pass from darkness into light, from death to life.

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24(KJV)

 

We then become a new creation in Christ with a brand new heart and new desires.

 

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV)

 

 

It is through the power of the gospel that the world will appreciate the miracle of the risen Christ who is the resurrection, also have assurance that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness.

 

 

So celebrate the resurrection by sharing the good news of the gospel with someone today.

 

All Glory to God Almighty

With Blessing in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

 

 

CONFLICT BETWEEN NATIONS

 

 

War has broken out in Europe. Russia attacked and invaded Ukraine. There are more than 40 active conflicts around the world at the moment. Seeing what has been featured in the news not only in Ukraine but throughout this dying world was and still is, so heart-breaking. So many lives have been lost and so much destruction has occurred.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those families on both sides who have lost loved ones, particularly the Ukrainians with young children and the elderly fleeing the bombs. Families have been displaced from one another, husbands left behind, soldiers along with volunteered civilians defending their beloved country and fellowmen.

People have been queuing for days in the freezing cold as millions flee to the border crossings into Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, or Moldova. Everyone is so cold, hungry, and tired. The reality is that there will be difficult times, trials, tribulations, natural calamities, violence, wars, rumours of wars, as prophesied in the Bible. 

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:6-8 KJV

 

As Bible-believing born-again Christians no matter what happens in this world, despite the hardships of life, trials, persecution, we find safety and strength in God. It is only by God’s grace and power that we stand at all. Sufferings will end, but blessings will endure forever for those who are in Christ.

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1 KJV

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 KJV

 

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

 

What is happening in Ukraine could happen to any country. We hope that this will be a wake-up call for everyone. Some people assume that their plans are permanent and last forever. Life is so fragile. Here today is gone tomorrow, we come into the world with nothing and we leave this world with nothing. All that matters is our eternal destination Heaven or Hell.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

James 4:14 KJV

 

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:7 KJV

 

It is time to repent, (change of mind from the rejection of Jesus Christ to be sorry for who you are and what you are) believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone, not in our good works.

We will be judged not on the good works that we have done, but on the sins that we have committed.

 

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV

 

Jesus Christ’s precious bloodshed on the cross at Calvary will cleanse you from all sins. God will grant you eternal life change you from within, give you a new heart (spiritual change) with new desires to do what’s righteous and nobody can pull you out of His hand. Read the Bible daily and ask God to help you obey what you read.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:7 KJV

 

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:28 KJV

 

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

THE DECEPTION OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

 

 

The Roman Catholic church teaches the deity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection and return of Christ to the earth.

However, most Roman Catholics when asked “Are you a Christian?” they will normally reply, “I’m a Catholic.” They are right to do so because there are clear and fundamental differences.

A German monk named Martin Luther found that salvation didn’t come through anything he did (good works), but simply through trusting in the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ. He listed contradictions between what the Scriptures said and what his church taught and nailed his “95 thesis” to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. He became the first to “protest” what he saw as errors of the Roman church.

The Roman Catholic church traces its history back to the church of the first century but the Protestant church asserts that Catholicism actually had a later beginning, in the fourth century, when Constantine unified the Roman Empire by merging paganism with Christianity.

The Roman catholic church maintains that the true church is built on Peter, whom they believe was the first “pope.” However, Peter himself denied this fact, maintaining that Jesus Christ is the Rock and the Chief Cornerstone of the church.

The Bible says:

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

1Peter 2:6-8(KJV)

 

 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:4(KJV)

 

Who is God?

Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism share similar beliefs that God is the Creator of all things.

 

The Bible says:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:16-17(KJV)

 

Who is Jesus?

Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism share similar beliefs that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, who suffered and died for our sins, and rose again on the third day.

 

The Bible says:

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

1Corinthians 15:3-4(KJV)

 

Christian belief of Heaven and Hell

The Bible speaks clearly of the existence of Heaven. It describes a place in which sadness, pain, and death end.

 

The Bible says:

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4(KJV)

 

 

Hell is also spoken in the Bible. It is a place of torment or misery and eternal punishment of the wicked after death and complete separation from God.

 

The Bible says:

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9(KJV)

 

 

Roman Catholicism belief of Heaven and Hell

According to the Catholic Catechism, upon death each person will begin eternal life. After being judged by Christ each individual will gain “entrance into the happiness of heaven, immediately or an appropriate purification, or entry in the eternal damnation of hell” Heaven is described as “the state of supreme and definitive happiness those who die in the grace of God and have no need of further purification are gathered around Jesus and Mary, the angels and the saints”

 

In addition, Catholics believe in a “holding place” called Purgatory, for which there is no biblical basis. It is believed to be an intermediate stage that is used to purify souls that will eventually go to Heaven, but that still have some temporal restitution they must make. Purgatory is not in the Bible. Any true Christian must be guided by the light of the Scripture and the Bible only makes mention of two eternal realities not three; eternal life in the presence of God Almighty (Heaven) or eternal damnation completely separated from God (Hell).

 

Jesus purged our sins already.

The Bible says:

 

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Hebrews 1:3(KJV)

 

The doctrine of Purgatory misleads people into thinking they can somehow be made right with God after this lifetime. Scripture clearly warns us: There are no second chances.

 

The Bible says:

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Hebrews 9:27(KJV)

 

Christian belief of Sin and Salvation

 

Sin is transgression/violation against God’s Holy Law. An act of rebellion against Him.

The Bible says:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4(KJV)

 

The Scriptures clearly teach that the only way we could ever be justified is by His mercy, not by the bribery of good works. Eternal life is not something we can earn, but is a free gift from God to all who repent, believe and trust the Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

The Bible says:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Version (KJV)

 

Jesus said that we must be born again or we will not enter Heaven. The Scripture teaches a sinner needs to repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

 

The Bible says:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:3-7(KJV)

 

 

Roman Catholicism belief of Sin, Salvation and Ten Commandments

 

The Vatican denies what the Bible says, that eternal life is not something we earn, but is a free gift from God to all who repent and trust the Saviour. They deny this doctrine and pronouncing the curse of God upon anyone who believes that eternal life is through “faith alone”. Roman Catholic church teaches that we can earn our salvation, calling Heaven God’s “reward for good works.”

The Vatican teaches that salvation comes only through the Roman Catholic church, and because its works-based, salvation can be lost through sin and is never assured in this life. They believe that the first step in salvation is to be baptized. Tragically, the Roman Catholic church maintains that in baptism (sprinkling) the new birth takes place. (The baby cannot repent of sins committed, he is not saved by baptism and therefore is not born again.) The sacrament of penance is required to receive forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. Acts of penance vary but include prayer, saying the rosary, reading Scripture, saying a number of “Our Father” or “Hail Mary” prayers, doing good works, and fasting.

 

The Bible says:

 

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:5(KJV)

 

Roman Catholics bow down to and give homage to statues of the saints, angels, images of Mary and Jesus, etc. Bowing down to anything is a direct violation of the Ten commandments - which they officially accept as God’s law? You will find that the second of the Ten Commandments has completely been removed which is against idolatry. The third commandment then becomes the second and the fourth became the third and so on. The Roman Catholic church then took the Tenth Commandment (found in one verse and dealing with one of the subject of covetousness – see Exodus 10:17), broke it in half and made it into the Ninth and Tenth Commandments.

 

Here are the Ten Commandments as listed on the official Vatican website:

 

1.I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange God’s before me.

2.You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

3.Remember to keep holy the LORD’s day.

4.Honor your father and your mother.

5.You shall not kill.

6.You shall not commit adultery.

7.You shall not steal.

8.You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

9.You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.

10.You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.

 

These are the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible

 

1.Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2.Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

3.Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4.Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5.Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

6.Thou shalt not kill.

7.Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8.Thou shalt not steal.

9.Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

10.Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

 

While Roman Catholics acknowledge Holy Scripture as a source of authority and doctrine, they give equal weight to tradition because Salvation does not depend on a person’s repentance and faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ, according to the Catholic church even those who have never heard of Jesus can be saved- even if they follow another religion.

 

Again, the Bible is clear that forgiveness of sins does not depend on our own efforts, but only on what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. Yet, like the Catholic church, much of the traditional Protestant church has moved away from the great truth upon which it was founded. It is simply to say that the gospel is good news for both Catholic and Protestant - eternal life is freely available to all who do what the Scriptures command.

 

Repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

 

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10: 9,10(KJV)

 

With Blessing in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com