Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, and no one can enter the gates of Heaven except by means of HIM.

Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. --Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version The world wants a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly bizarre laws were written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Do not only call Jesus Lord , but live in a way that shows that He controls your life and His Spirit produces your character. John 5:19-47 The key to Jesus' ministry lies in verse 30: "I can of Myself do nothing. . . . I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." Jesus' life was not a jumble of conflicting inclinations or battling emotions. He had one purpose—to do the will of God. A fundamental decision at the foundation of life—a personal decision to follow God—solves much of life's turmoil. Often we construct our own will for our lives, and then try to get God to bless that plan. It is then that problems pop up like mushrooms in the spring. If you have not noticed yet, God does not always let you have your way. His will is not always the same as your will. If ahead of time you accept His will in matters, many of life's troubled waters will be calmed. Praise Christ Jesus that HE is the rock during the storms of life.

-- Sean J. Kennedy (mrkennedyj@yahoo.com), June 10, 2001

Answers

Jmj

Hello, Sean.
In light of the words in your message, with which I think everyone can agree, I am puzzled as to your choice of titles for this thread:
"Is it possible to get into heaven on your own merits?"
Are you implying that you think that a Catholic would answer "yes" to that question? An informed, orthodox Catholic would answer "no."
God bless you.
John

-- (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), June 10, 2001.

Dear Sean, I am very blessed to belong to the Church founded by Christ with Peter as His supreme Shepherd on earth. I can tell you that Catholics believe that ALL salvation comes from grace alone. Salvation comes from grace alone through faith. This faith is a living faith that is a loving faith and charitable faith and working faith. It is not a dead faith. If you have been told that Catholics believe they get to heaven through their own works, you have been told an untruth. The Church has never taught that salvation is received apart from grace that pours out from the Father through the Saviour Jesus Christ who died the perfect sacrifice on the cross for our sins.

-- Pamela Brink (rosylace@aol.com), June 14, 2001.