An Open Christian
Response
to a Person
Claiming to
Be a
“Born Again”
Catholic
Dan Corner
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
What you have claimed for yourself, all other Catholics can also claim, since Catholicism teaches one is born again at infant baptism. This, however, is surely not the meaning of this important term, as found in God’s word. To be born again as the Lord Jesus and Peter mention (John 3:3-7;1 Peter 1:23) occurs when a person repents of their sins and places all 100% of their trust in Jesus for their salvation. This is not what any baby can do, and is even flatly opposed to Catholic doctrine. As the Bible teaches that Jesus is to be the focus of our trust for salvation, Catholics are taught a different message.
That other message of Catholicism for salvation includes the sacraments, Mary and one’s own good deeds. Also, many still believe Catholic church membership is also essential, as they were taught before Vatican Council II.
To believe wrongly about certain religious subjects, as bad as that might be, is not as lethal as embracing a false plan of salvation. Any person (not just a Catholic) who is not trusting in Jesus to the point of faithfully obeying him is on the road to hell, even though he might claim to be born again and even do some kind things for others. If you will carefully read through the entire New Testament, and change your beliefs and behavior accordingly, it will bring true salvation to your soul. (There are many true Christians today that used to be Catholics.)
Getting back to the Catholic plan of salvation, please ponder the unfounded emphasis that it places upon Mary. She allegedly is the mediatrix and dispenser of all graces. Since we are saved by grace, and she is supposed to be the mediatrix and dispenser of all graces, then Catholicism is indirectly claiming she is necessary for our personal salvation. This, in part, is why so many Catholics trust in her.
Furthermore, the epitome of the Roman Catholic Gospel is the Rosary prayer, according to Catholicism. When such is recited, Mary is openly proclaimed to be our life, sweetness and hope. Such a message is diametrically opposed to the salvation truth that Jesus is our life, sweetness and hope. Moreover, the real gospel does not describe Mary in that manner. In fact, Mary has no mention at all in the real gospel. See 1 Cor. 15:1-8. An error of that magnitude is enough to damn all who are so deceived.
Idolatry is a sin that will send any person to hell, unless it is turned from. On Good Friday, Catholics bow before and kiss the crucifix in an effort to show their love to Jesus. Though the intentions are good, the act itself is both pagan and idolatrous. Christians are to worship God apart from images (John 4:23,24). This is basic and was part of the commands given to Moses:
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments (Ex. 20:4-6).
Catholics regularly bow before and kiss wood and plaster on Good Friday (and at other times) in their attempt to pass their worship and adoration on to Jesus (and others). Hence, idolatry is being committed on a regular basis. Consequently, if a Catholic does get Biblically saved, he must leave such an idolatrous system to stay saved. Again, no idolater will enter God’s kingdom (1 Cor. 6:9,10), but will instead be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8).
When you go to a medical doctor you want the truth about your physical condition. If the doctor examines the evidence and then reports that you have a dangerous high blood pressure, pulse and sugar level, you want the truth even though it would be disturbing and life changing. To know the truth is vital so that adjustments can be made, before it is too late. How much more is it vital to know the truth about salvation and change accordingly before it is eternally too late?
None of this is mud-slinging, disunity or confusion. Please be assured that this response is written out of genuine Christian love, which is described, in part, as not delighting in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Cor. 13:6). Christians who know the truth must try to help others find salvation. (To remain silent would not be loving.)
The Bible does teach unity and love among the real/genuine followers of Jesus, but that can not include any person who aligns himself with a religious system that is dangerously disseminating false information about salvation and is himself without salvation.
We have Christian love for all types of religious people and, therefore, desire that all come to salvation, the same desires as God himself (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 17:30; etc.). Hence, we speak the truth in love, even though it is not always pleasant to hear or read. Those who are willing to verify these facts can easily do so, but it will only be those who put into practice the word of God that reap the benefit of salvation (Lk. 8:21). May this be the case with you. GOD BLESS YOU.
249 pages contrasting the
Mary of Catholicism with
the Mary of the Holy Bible.
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