Protestants and Catholics, part 4: Do you think that these are two of the most devilish deceptions?

Question

1) “Christians” with false assurance: Christians (tares) that are 100% sure that they are going to heaven, yet are deceived. They are not known by God, and are on their way to hell.
2) Christians with no assurance – Christians (wheat) who often feel condemned in their sinfulness, fearful that they will go to hell, with absolutely no assurance.

There are Catholics and Protestants that fall in both of these categories, of course, but it is certainly evident (given the theological differences) that Protestant are more likely to fall into the first trap…and Catholics into the second.

Before Protestants answer with their infallible certitude: I would remind you of Matthew 7:21-23, which speaks about people who were “sure”, yet were not known by God and went to hell. So, how do you answer the possibility of Matthew 7:21-23 for yourself?

Before Catholics bash “assurance” altogether: I would remind you that while your church does not teach “infallible certitude”, it absolutely teaches that you may have assurance that only barely falls short of 100%:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Assurance_of_Salvation.asp
So, how do you answer this?

Shouldn’t we warn the first to repent and to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) and make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10), and educate the second about the truths proclaimed most powerfully in 1 John (specifically 1 John 5:13) and by Paul (Philippians 1:21)?

Corrosion:
I tried to add you as a contact because of another question I read in which a few fellow atheists nominated you as "atheist pope". I enjoy reading challenging questions, and answering them, if I am willing and able. I like to challenge and be challenged...all in search of truth. (plus, I use to be an atheist, myself)

Corrosion:
Here you go:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqVzREM0duiBwGuxuSQMMUojzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20071206024254AA1pVB7

Three nominations - the most of anybody. Congratulations - if nothing else, you are well respected by your cohorts. (or should I say, disciples?)

Corrosion:
What is sad is that merely by adding you as a contact, you have blocked me. Other atheists have chosen my answer as best to their questions in the past; it appears you are unworthy of your nomination (or just afraid I may give true answers to your questions).

Answer 1

I am a disciple of St. Faustina, a young uneducated Polish nun, only lived to her 30`s, who became the first saint of the new millennium. I think her message has a remedy for both kinds of traps.

This is what Jesus told her (perhaps to the Catholics who are lost in their sinfulness):

"I am love and mercy itself. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or angel will be able to fanthom it throughout eternity. On the cross I let My sacred heart be pierced by a lance for all souls. No one have I excluded!... Let no soul fear to draw near to Me. My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world. The greater the sinner the greater the right he has to My mercy."

for people with an unwarranted confidence:

"I demand from you deeds of mercy which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbor always and everywhere. You are not to shrink from this or try to excuse yourself from it. Even the strongest faith is of no avail without works."

-- Divine Mercy, "repose of hearts, peace amidst fear. Inspiring hope against all hope".



......to the Orthodox? maybie this: "Fear nothing; I am always with you."

Answer 2

Catholics keep telling you they started the church from which Protestant churches sprang. It is true. Cretians. Titus 1 This was after christ was dead. Why do you think you can still kiss up to her adopted doctrines of the trinity, virgin birth, sunday worship, pagan holidays etc.etc. etc. Personally, I think you are in trouble and don't know it. You continue to claim you have the spirit and have left the catholic church teachings supposedly returning to the ways of jesus. You really don't deep down believe that do you?

Come out of her and her daughter protestants. Then you will be out of Babylons many voices. Perhaps then you can hear the true voice.

Answer 3

Those who Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7:21-23 were those who were not known by Jesus. Clearly they were never saved to begin with, because they had no relationship with Him.

Once saved, always saved, if TRULY saved. We "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" that means we work out what has been given to us freely, by "work it out" I mean live it out. We are also urged to make our calling and election sure, that is because there is a chance of falsely thinking yourself to be saved.

What do you think Protestants mean when they say they have excepted Christ as LORD and Savior? A Lord is to be obeyed, if the person has not accepted Christ as Lord, of course their salvation is not real. But our Salvation is still by faith, because all our works are as filthy rags without faith.

Answer 4

You care to adress the Orthodox? I would say 100% assurances in salvation are a deception as they get people to ignroe their sin.

Answer 5

I totally agree, with conviction, on the last part of your thesis. If only many had true conversion, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, received with frequent repentance, there wouldn't be mincing of scripture, but rather nourishment by His Word and fellowship with a Holy God.

BTW, What does your name mean? God Bless You!

Answer 6

Catholicism teaches that we can have "moral certitude" that one is in the state of grace if he or she acts according to the Law of god and cooperates with grace through the church,gospel and sacraments

Answer 7

Devotion to the mother of God is a sure sign of salvation.


Besides we can only have moral certitude, unless God would reveal it to us in a private revelation.


It seems you are making up your own Church....well you wouldn't be the first.

Answer 8

We are not perfect. But I do know that many Christians can fall into these categories. I don't know if I fall into those categories, I'm Catholic so you think I fall into the second. I don't know and I will only know my fate when I die.

Answer 9

Bleah, why waste my time doing that?

I've got a life to live, you know.

I have another question.

Why did you try to add me as a contact? Trolling reporter for your imaginary friend?