I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I received an email newsletter from an anti-Catholic apologist that I have corresponded with previously. Here is the full newsletter followed by my response. The newsletter pretty much ignores 1 Corinthians 13, which is the basis of my response.

The Newletter:

Pope Benedict said that Martin Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith alone is correct if ‘faith is not opposed to charity.’ The Pope said this during a general audience in a speech on St Paul’s teaching on justification. (November 2008 link)

I am glad that the Pope corrected the false idea popularized by some irresponsible apologists that ‘sola fide’ (faith alone) implies freedom from doing good and license to sin (‘antinomianism’). The Reformers vehemently resisted and opposed the antinomian heresy. The Protestant concept of justification by faith alone never excluded good works in the life of the believer. On the character of genuine faith, Luther wrote: ‘Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever.’

Moreover the Pope also said that faith means to trust in Christ. ‘Faith is to look at Christ, to entrust oneself to Christ…’. In traditional Catholic theology, faith is defined as the assent of the intellect to divine truth. Protestants emphasized trust (‘fiducia’), in addition to knowledge and assent, as the essential element of saving faith. It is not enough to know God’s Word, or even to be convinced that it is factually true – to be saved, one must entrust himself to Christ, resting on him alone for salvation.

The Pope noted that the apostle Paul ‘places at the center of his Gospel an irreducible opposition between two alternative paths to justice: one based on the works of the law, the other founded on the grace of faith in Christ.’ In other words, one cannot be saved by faith in Christ if he also attempts to be saved by ‘works of the law’. This is exactly what Protestants mean when we speak of ‘sola fide’ – we are justified by trusting in Christ and not on account of our works.

By Faith and Works

Does this mean that Catholics and Protestants are now in agreement on the doctrine of justification? Unfortunately this is not the case. The Pope’s speech highlights the sad reality that the modern Catholic Church is still insisting on the Council of Trent’s doctrine on justification by faith and works. The divide between the two religions remains as wide today as it was in the 16th century.

On one hand the Pope endorses Paul’s teaching of justification by faith, apart from works of the law; on the other, he insists that we can really be just in the eyes of God on account of our love for God and neighbor. That is justification by love, or, justification by human works, for how can we express love apart from doing good works?

The Pope argues that faith unites us with Christ, enabling us to love God and others, and in so doing, we fulfill the law and become really righteous. He said that ‘the double love of God and neighbor the whole law is fulfilled. Thus the whole law is observed in communion with Christ, in faith that creates charity.’ He concluded his speech by saying that ‘transformed by his love, by love of God and neighbor, we can really be just in the eyes of God.’

To be sure such works of love are not done by our natural abilities; we must have faith, we must be united with Christ to really love. But ultimately, it is on account of these personal works that we are justified by God, according to Catholicism.

Works of the Law

How does the Pope resolve the contradiction between Paul’s teaching and Catholic doctrine? Didn’t Paul clearly state that ‘we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law’? (Romans 3:28).

In effect the Pope says that Paul was only referring to the Torah, the first five books of Moses. The Torah included rituals and cultural observances, in addition to ethical and moral principles, which distinguished and guarded Israel from the false religions of the pagans. But since the coming of Christ, those observances are no longer necessary. Thus when Paul says that we are not justified by the works of the Law, he was really saying that we are not justified by the Law of Moses, but he does not exclude that we are justified by the works of love. That’s the Pope’s argument in a nutshell.

The Pope rightly points out that in his epistles Paul discusses the division between Jews and Gentiles, and that now all believers are united in Christ irrespective of the ethnic background. But that was not his only concern. Paul also addresses the universal human tendency to self-righteousness, that is, our attempts to gain favour with God on account of personal works and merits.

We agree that when Paul spoke about the Law, he was thinking particularly of the Torah, the Law of Moses, and not of the law in general. But that does not mean that we can dismiss his argument as irrelevant since we are no longer required to obey to Jewish ceremonies and rituals. The Torah did indeed include ceremonial and civil precepts, but it also included moral laws. Jesus summarized the Law of Moses as the supreme love for God and love for our neighbor, and said that ‘on these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets’ (Matthew 22:37-40).

What then, if the Mosaic Law - with its ceremonial, civil and moral laws – could not justify, how can we now become just in God’s eyes if we take away the ceremonial and focus on the law’s moral teaching, namely love? Can we obey the law perfectly?

The problem is not with the Law of Moses; Paul declares that ‘the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good’ (Romans 7:12). The problem is with us, sinners by nature, and even after regeneration, the remaining corruption prevents the most mature Christians from reaching moral perfection on this side of eternity. If the Jew could not be justified by the works of the perfect Law, no-one could be justified by the works of any law. After all did not the Gentiles, though ignorant of Moses, also have ‘the law written in their hearts’ (Romans 2:14)? Yet they too were unable to be justified by works.

The Law of Moses served the purpose of keeping God’s covenant people, Israel, distinct from pagan idolatry, as the Pope said. But the moral aspects of the law, whether written on tablets of stone or on the human conscience, also served to expose our depravity, guilt and helplessness. ‘Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin’ (Romans 3:20).

By Faith, Not Works

Moreover Paul could not have limited the concept of ‘works of the Law’ to the Torah. He presented the Patriarch Abraham as the primary witness to his doctrine. He wrote:

‘What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness’ (Romans 4:1-5).

In this context ‘works’ could not refer exclusively to obedience of the Torah, for Abraham lived many centuries before Moses. It is therefore wrong to force Paul’s concept of ‘works of the Law’ exclusively to the Law of Moses. Clearly Paul applies the same principle to works in general. Abraham could not boast before God because he was justified faith and not by works. The same applies to us all.

Paul then gives an example from ordinary life – when a worker receives his payment at the end of the month, could it be considered as grace, a free gift, a favour? Certainly not! The worker has every right for the money he earned by his labour.

But justification is not based on the principle of merit. The very opposite is true. Justification is by grace, pure and underserved grace. Only he is counted as righteous by the divine Judge who ‘does not work’ but ‘believes’ God. That is grace!

Faith Working Through Love

Once more it must pointed out that the question is not about the propriety and necessity of good works in the life of believers. On this point, Paul, Luther and the Pope are in agreement. The question, though, has to do with the purpose of such works.

In Catholicism, the faithful are urged to do works in the hope that they will eventually become ‘really’ just in the eyes of God on account of their ‘love to God and neighbour’. In Paul’s teaching, we are not justified on account of any personal works, but by faith; good works follow after faith and justification. In Catholicism faith is insufficient; it must be supplemented by works to really justify. In biblical Christianity, faith is sufficient, faith truly justifies the beliver on account of Christ’s blood and righteousness, and having justified the sinner, faith then works by love (Galatians 5:6) to the glory of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. In Catholicism justification is by faith and works – therefore it cannot be of grace (Romans 11:6); in biblical Christianity justification is by faith, that it might be of grace (Romans 4:16).

Here then is the dividing line between Trent and Luther, Catholicism and Protestantism, the true gospel and its counterfeit. May God give us the grace to believe in Jesus his Son, and being justified by faith alone, to give ourselves to love God and our neighbour from our hearts.

My Response:

I usually don’t put personal items on the blog but here are a few pictures of my new Siberian Husky puppy. He will be coming home next Monday November 24. I am still thinking about some new names and have considered among other names, Ignatius or Iggy after the early Church father St. Ignatius.

Many Christians today believe that they can interpret scripture on their own without any guidance from the Church, priests, bishops, etc. They believe that the Holy Spirit will guide them to truth through themselves. While it is true the Holy Spirit will guide the Church to truth when it comes to Holy Scripture, that does not mean that everyone can come to scripture and let it interpret itself. This false doctrine/belief has led to the splintering and division within the Church.

I want to look at a passages from the Bible that make the point. Acts 8:26-35  tells the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and clearly shows the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church to truth but it also clearly shows the role in the Church and the role of Bishops and priest. Philip was an Apostle and the Apostles had the authority of bishop or overseer. The Ethiopian eunuch clearly indicated that he could not understand what the scripture was saying unless someone instructs him. Now the Holy Spirit did instruct him but it was not through himself, it was through Philip. Many misunderstand how the Holy Spirit accomplishes his task of bringing them to truth. The Holy Spirit works through the Church to bring us to the truth.

2 Peter 3:16-17 shows us why this false doctrine is not the doctrine of the Bible:

Peter follows up with the message of Acts in telling us that the ignorant (or untaught) and unstable will distort the Biblical truth to their own destruction. This clearly shows the need for teaching and guidance when it comes to interpreting scripture on a whole.

The Holy Spirit may work through us directly or he may work through the Pope and the Magisterium to bring us the truth. How can we gauge what we believe the Holy Spirit is saying to us is true? We can be sure by measuring it against what the Church teaches. The Church is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth and is guided by the Holy Spirit. The Church is ,indeed, the measuring rod for truth. Do not be deceived by those who claim that they know the truth because the holy spirit guides them. Measure what they say against what the Church has taught for 2000 years. In this way you will know whether what they say is true or not. You will know if they are guided by the holy spirit as they claim to be.

Here is distubing news as reported by the Catholic League regarding a group of gay anarchists who stormed a Church in Lansing Michigan. I find it odd that if we say that we disagree with the particular lifestyle we as Catholics and Christians are called bigots but when these people invade our house of worship they get a pass. Talk about double standards.

November 11, 2008

On Sunday, November 9, a band of about 30 gays stormed a church in Lansing, Michigan. Some were well dressed and were stationed inside Mount Hope Church; others were outside dressed in pink and black. The group of self-described homosexual anarchists, Bash Back!, claims the evangelical church is guilty of “transphobia and homophobia.”

The protesters outside the church were beating on buckets, shouting “Jesus was a homo” on a megaphone and carrying an upside-down pink cross. Fire alarms went off inside the church, protesters stormed the pulpit and a huge rainbow-colored flag was unfurled with the inscription, “IT’S OKAY TO BE GAY! BASH BACK!” The church was vandalized, obscenities were shouted and worshippers were confronted. There were no arrests.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue addressed this issue today:

“The real story here is the refusal of the mainstream media to cover what is surely one of the most disturbing events of 2008. If an organized group of gay bashers stormed a gay church, there is not a single sentient person in the United States who wouldn’t know about it.

“This is urban fascism come to America’s heartland. It must be quickly stopped before it gets out of control. We are contacting Mike Cox, the Attorney General of Michigan, calling for an investigation.”

Please contact Mike Cox at miag@michigan.gov

Here is an interesting article from the Catholic League with the stats that tell the percentage of Catholics who voted in various states to protect marriage.

CATHOLIC VOTE ON MARRIAGE AND FAMILY: MUCH TO CHEER ABOUT

Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented today on the role Catholics played in securing marriage and family rights in the election:

“Were it not for Catholics, the institutions of marriage and the family would have taken a hit in places like Arizona, Florida and California. Indeed, in Florida and California, their vote proved to be decisive.

“Arizonians rejected gay marriage by a vote of 56% to 49%, though the margin among Catholics was less—51% to 49%. In Florida, the Catholic vote proved to be controlling: overall, the ban on gay marriage won by 62% to 38%, but among Catholics it was 66% to 34%. Californians narrowly defeated gay marriage by a margin of 52% to 48%, but Catholics rejected it by an impressive 60% to 40% differential. A vote in California to support parental notification lost by 52% to 48%, but it won among Catholics by a hefty 58% to 42%.

“On both issues, Catholics and Protestants who are regular church-goers clearly supported a ban on homosexual marriage and affirmed their support for parental consent. Unmarrieds and those who don’t go to church overwhelmingly voted for the right of two men to marry; they also voted to deny mothers and fathers of their right to be notified in advance if their child is considering an abortion.

“Those who support traditional values, then, tend to be religious and married while those who sport a preference for moral relativism tend to be secular and single. The implications are clear: tax laws, and other public policy initiatives, which are both family-friendly and church-friendly, are critically important.

“Because those who reject traditional values and religion voted heavily for Barack Obama, it’s a sure bet the culture war will only get hotter. We expect to be quite busy.”

Here are the daily readings at Mass for the week starting November 2, 2008.

Sunday November 2: 

First Reading: Wis 3:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: Rom 5:5-11 or Rom 6:3-9

Gospel: Jn 6:37-40

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Monday November 3:

First Reading: Phil 2:1-4

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3

Gospel: Lk 14:12-14

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Tuesday November 4: 

First Reading: Phil 2:5-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 22:26b-27, 28-30ab, 30e, 31-32

Gospel: Lk 14:15-24

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Wednesday November 5:

First Reading: Phil 2:12-18

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14

Gospel: Lk 14:25-33

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Thursday November 6:

First Reading: Phil 3:3-8a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Gospel: Lk 15:1-10

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Friday  November 7:

First Reading: Phil 3:17—4:1

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

Gospel: Lk 16:1-8

To see the readings in full for this day click here.

Saturday November 8:

First Reading: Phil 4:10-19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9

Gospel: Lk 16:9-15

For the readings in full for this day click here

Does Halloween have pagan origins.  The quick answer….No… not really.

The word Halloween basically means All Saints Eve. It is the day preceding All Saints Day. The word hallow mean holy…the word saint means holy. There a many sites on the web that refute the pagan origin Halloween myths, so don’t take my word for it! Just do a little research.

The facts are that All Saints Day was celebrated various times of the year depending on the location that one lived. Halloween has no direct connection to Samhain, the pagan holiday that is supposedly its origin, as it was celebrated on different days of year in many locations. In Ireland where Samhain originated, All Saints Day was practiced in April  until it was changed to its current date. Undoubtedly some of these myths are  anti-Catholic in origin and meant to steer people away from the truth.

Undoubtedly some of the practices today are commercial in origin and have no real connection to the original feast.

Having a feast to honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have passed on to their reward is not pagan. Even if the date of a pagan feast was changed to a Christian feast celebrating our Christian brothers and sisters would not indict the feast day itself. In fact, the day would become sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ.

Much like music styles of our day have ”pagan” origins, the music in itself can be offered to the Lord in his honor and be sanctified because of this. The same can be said of any day of the year. This reminds me of some recent discussions on this blog with some who think that the word Christian is of pagan origins. I like to think of 1 Peter 14:16 and apply it to the feast of All Saints Day and any other Christian holiday.

yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God.

Hey… let us use this day to glorify Jesus Christ and honor our brothers and sisters who have been perfected in Christ!

Like 1 Corinthians 12:26, let us all rejoice in the honor that is given to the Saints who are in heaven.

or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

This Halloween and the following days let us remember the true origins of the feast days of All Saint and All Souls and remember all our departed brothers and sisters in heaven and purgatory.

After various protest from Catholics the poster of 40 videos desecrating the Eucharist have been removed by the poster named fmsdude. Thanks be to God for this good news. I am sure there will be others but if we all stand up and protest these sort of things are voice and prayers will be heard.

Here is a short article on the Catholic League website regarding this situation.

http://catholicleague.com/chatterbox.php?#183

This article from the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has Joe Biden talking double speak regarding abortion. He agrees with the Church teaching on abortion but will not legislate against it because many people don’t agree with it. At the same time he agrees with Church teaching that racism is intrinsically evil but will vote to restrict it even though many people disagree with the Church’s teaching on this evil. Something does not add up. Mr. Biden goes on to spread more misinformation regarding Catholic teaching on this issue.

 Here is the article:

Here is an aticle from CNA that claims that Bill Maher lied to parish in order to film part of his anti religion movie at a Catholic Church. It appears that Mr. Maher and his type will stoop to the lowest levels to achieve his agenda. One person commented on CNA about the similarities of this to those who desecrated the Eucharist. Both lied or misrepresented themselves to pull off their evil agendas.

US

Here is an interesting and somewhat scary video of some radical pro abortion feminists attacking some young adult Catholics praying and protecting a Cathedral in South America. This video shows the hate of some towards the truth of pro life. Please pray for those who stand up against this type of behavior.

Here is an article about the event on CNA.

Recently I have started a discussion with a follower of cult leader Tony Alamo who posted a comment on this blog. This person is a former Catholic who has a very poor understanding of the Catholic faith. I fear that this person is being deceived by this group and wanted to hopefully, through the grace of God, help open their eyes.

Here was the response from the individual followed by my reply which is rather lengthy.

Well Christopher,
I used to be catholic, went to church every Sunday every holiday. But the catholic doctrine NEVER informed me that I had to be born again and that Jesus died for my sins.
The catholic doctrine told me to pray to Mary.
Mary did nothing but bare the son of man.
Jesus was beaten beyond recognition, he was mocked, scoffed at, tortured, and murdered. Only by the shedding of blood are sins forgiven. 
No priest no man can forgive sins. Only the shedding of Christ’s blood, He was the lamb without spot or blemish. 
you can believe what ever you want. God made you a free moral agent.
There is no purgatory, no lighting of candles will get you out.
You have to accept Jesus as Your personal savior to wash your sins away in His blood that He shed on the cross at Calvary.
Where is it written in the Bible that people went to other people and asked forgiveness of their sins? In the Old Testament the people took their offerings, animals without spot or blemish and the priest sacrificed the animal as an offering unto the Lord for their sins. Not unto man.
Did the Apostles that were with Jesus hold confessionals? NO they didn’t because it’s a made-up make-believe false doctrine that is sending souls to hell.
Only Jesus can forgive sins and wash them away.
Invite Jesus into your heart and ask Him to wash your sins away before it’s too late and you end up at the judgment bar of God.

Here is my response… I have put the other persons comments in blue.

Greetings! May the Peace of Christ be with you.
 
Thank you for the reply, Judging by the tone and content of your email I do not believe that you have a firm grasp of the Catholic faith.
 
You said:
I used to be catholic, went to church every Sunday every holiday. But the catholic doctrine NEVER informed me that I had to be born again and that Jesus died for my sins.
 
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus died for our sins and if you went to Mass and truly understood what it was about you would know that. With all do respect, you may have attended Mass and listened to what was said but I do not believe that you heard or understood what was being said. In many ways you may have been one of those who “heard but did not listen or understand”(Matt 13:13).
 
As you may remember during Sunday Mass 3 readings from the Bible are read aloud to the congregation. One of the readings is from one of the four Gospels. A Catholic who attends mass Daily will hear virtually the whole Bible in a three year period.
 
The Nicene Creed which is part of the  Mass clearly states that Jesus died for our salvation.
 
For us men and our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary , and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried.

You said:
 
The catholic doctrine told me to pray to Mary.
Mary did nothing but bare the son of man.
 
My Response:
 
Well if it was not for Mary and her act of obedience, Jesus Christ the Son of God would not have come into this world to die for your sins and the sins of the world. I have written numerous times on the role of Mary in the salvation story but lets put it this way, Jesus honors his mother and so should we. Mary is a role model for all believers.
 
The word pray simply means to ask and in that context Catholics pray to Mary as well to all the saints. In this same way I would ask you and other to pray for me.
 
I just received a book with various Catholic prayers and I would like to share a few with you.
 
Act of Faith
 
Oh My God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three Divine Persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that your Divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths, which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
 
Act of Hope
 
Oh my God, relaying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen
 
Anima Christi
 
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from Christ’s side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus , hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from you. From the malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me and bid me come unto you. That I may praise you with your saints and your angels forever and ever. Amen
 
These three prayers are all Catholic prayers and are all acknowledge Christ as our saviour.
 
You said:
 
No priest no man can forgive sins. Only the shedding of Christ’s blood, He was the lamb without spot or blemish.  and  Did the Apostles that were with Jesus hold confessionals? NO they didn’t because it’s a made-up make-believe false doctrine that is sending souls to hell.

 
This is not what the Bible says. Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins in his name. This power was passed onto the Bishops and priests of the Church. In another way all of us are given the power to forgive sins committed against us.
 
Look at John 20:22-23
22
15 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.
23
16 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
 
Look at Matt 16:19
 
19: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
 
Look at Matt 18:18
18: Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Look at Acts 19:18
 
18: Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
 Look at 2 Corinth 5:18
 
18: All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
Look at  James 5:15
 
 
15: and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16: Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
 
Here we have multiple passages from the Bible that either show us the authority that Jesus gave to the Apostles to forgive and retain sins. This is the authority that was passed on to the priest and bishops today. We also see the practice of confessing. We also hear about a ministry of reconciliation. This authority comes from Jesus but he has given man the authority on his behalf. Men having the authority to forgive sins is indeed scriptural. This is the application of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This is a sacrament of Faith.
 
You said: There is no purgatory, no lighting of candles will get you out.
 
The Bible seems to indicate otherwise. The Bible indicates that nothing unclean will enter heaven. The Bible seems to allude to a purification before entering heaven.
 
Look at Mark 9:49
49: For every one will be salted with fire.
Look at  Luke 12:58-59
58: As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59: I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper.”
Look at 1 Corinthian 3:15
15: If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Here you have several passages that very clearly show a process of purification or sanctification. If you die without being sanctified completely purgatory is the finishing stage of sanctification. This purification comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is just the application of his sanctifying grace.
 
You said: You have to accept Jesus as Your personal savior to wash your sins away in His blood that He shed on the cross at Calvary.
While it is true that we must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved, can you show me the formula that you just stated in the Bible. I do not believe that this formula is found anywhere in the Bible. In fact the Bible states in John 3:5:
 
5: Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
 
This passage refers to water baptism and is what the Bible means by being born again.
 
Let us now look at Acts 2
 
38: And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39: For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40: And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41: So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
 
Let us now look at 1 Peter 3:20-21
20
who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.
21
This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God 7 for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
 
Here we clearly see that Jesus uses baptism to save us, to make us born again in water and spirit. God uses baptism to bring us into his family. It is through faith that it is made effective and it brings the application of the merits of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. It all comes from Jesus Christ. All the sacraments are made effective by Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. You have been deceived and for that I am sad. You have accepted a different paradigm than the one given to us by Jesus Christ through his Church he founded 2000 years ago.
 
Unlike youI, I will not question your salvation but I do pray that you reexamine what your understanding of the Catholic Church is and your affiliation with Tony Alamo. I do think you may be in danger of being deceived by someone who is not of God.
 
I would like to clearly state that I have already been born again through water baptism and I do believe in Jesus Christ as my saviour and the saviour of mankind. Catholics believe this. Everything in the Catholic Church comes from Jesus Christ and his death on the Cross for mankind.
 
God Bless.