This is going to be about four questions in one, so bear with me.

The Apostle Paul wrote the following to new believers in Rome:

Romans 3:22 - 24 "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace throught the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Going strictly off of this text, here are my questions: 1) Where does it say that either Mary or the Pope are sinless? 2) Where does it say that certain sins are not forgivable? 3) Where does it state that when I die, I have to go to purgatory to pay for my "unpaid" sins? (Because I'm pretty sure it says Jesus paid for all my sins, not just some of them) (Nor does it say my redemption costs a thing, except faith) 4) Where does it state that God will not forgive all my sins?

Continuing on...

I would like everyone on this board to read the parable taught in Matthew 9:1 - 8. In this parable Jesus is healing a paralytic, and he tells the man "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees (those who know the law) then complain asking how Jesus can forgive the man, and Jesus replies "" Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

I really think a lot of people on this board need to take a humility lesson from Jesus and not knock people constantly, but look at them lovingly and say, "With Jesus your sins are forgiven." But instead you have fun telling people they are constantly doing wrong and there is no hope for them. How about you tell the real message of the Gospel:

God loves you. He gave his life for you. If you believe, you will see him again.

Thank you,

~jesse d.

-- Jesse D. (jessededeyne@hotmail.com), February 05, 2005

Answers

Your post is riddled with misconceptions of the Catholic faith. The pope is definitely NOT sinless. Does it say that Mary DID commit a sin? If you look strictly at the Bible, then you can come to whatever conclusion you want. There is NO sin that can't be forgiven. NONE! I seriously doubt anyone on this forum ever made that assumption. However, it's not that sins are forgiven automatically based on faith. I will leave the issue of purgatory to someone who knows more about it. I have a question for you: Where in the Bible does it say that all answers are found in the Bible?

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), February 05, 2005.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), February 05, 2005.

You see, the Bible itself says that not everything is taught in the Bible. Are these teachings lost forever? No; they are preserved through the traditions of the Catholic Church for all eternity, as God promised. Is that impossible for God? Is it so hard to believe that He would love us so much to leave us a moral compass to guide us and preserve His teachings (in full) forever?

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), February 05, 2005.

1) Where does it say that either Mary or the Pope are sinless?

A: "It" doesn't say Mary is sinless. But "it" does say that "whatsoever" the Church teaches as binding doctrine is bound in heaven. Don't you believe the Bible? It says that the sinlessness of Mary is bound in heaven! And no, the Bible doesn't say the Pope is sinless - and neither does the Church. There is no way the Bible could say anything contradictory to the Church's teaching, since the church compiled the Bible, and obviously would not have included anything conflicting with the fullness of truth Jesus had already revealed to it. The Pope is a man, and is therefore a sinner.

2) Where does it say that certain sins are not forgivable?

A: Actually, the Word of God does say that certain sins will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:32). However, every sin that is sincerely repented and confessed is forgiven. The Church does not claim otherwise. What are you referring to?

3) Where does it state that when I die, I have to go to purgatory to pay for my "unpaid" sins? (Because I'm pretty sure it says Jesus paid for all my sins, not just some of them)

A: Apart from the fact that this teaching is likewise bound in heaven ... Just because someone paid for my ticket doesn't mean that I went to the show. If Jesus paid for all sins, then all people should be saved, right? But not all people are saved, right? Why not? Did Jesus do something wrong? Was His sacrifice insufficient? Obviously not. We are saved when we RESPOND to the graces of salvation which are available to us through the death and resurrection of Our Lord. Some do not respond, and are lost. Some do respond, and are saved. But it should be obvious that someone who has lived with one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom, and has barely escaped eternal damnation, will not be as ready to stand before the throne of God as one who has devoted his entire life to the love and service of God, because nothing unclean can enter.(Rev 21:27). God's great mercy allows those who have responded imperfectly to His grace, to still be saved; but only through final purification, as by passing through fire. (1 Cor 3:15)

"(Nor does it say my redemption costs a thing, except faith)"

A: On the contrary, it specifically and repeatedly says that faith alone will not save anyone. (James 2:20,24,26; Matt 25:44-46; 1 Cor 3:13-15)

4) Where does it state that God will not forgive all my sins?

A: Every sin that is sincerely repented and confessed is forgiven. The Church does not claim otherwise.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), February 06, 2005.