Neither Calvin nor Luther had a love for the corruption the lies within Rome. History continues on. One major issue that spurred the Reformation was the sale of indulgences. It is basically a money-making scheme from the darkest recesses of hell. Mr. Ratzinger (a.k.a. pope Benedict Arnold???) is bringing the practice back into the mainstream. See this article from the London Telegraph: Trips to Lourdes to cut time spent in purgatory.
Romanist priests sell the ability to get out of purgatory (an non-Scriptural place) if you pay them off now. It is part of why Romanism has such big cathedrals and the Vatican (the Unholy See) are so lavish in their designs. They had the gold from the peasants' pockets.
Rome makes Benny Hinn, Joyce Myers, Kenny Copeland, et al look honest. The lack of integrity of the modern day Pharisees (Romanism) almost make the Prosperity Pimps (see those referenced in the last sentence) like bastions of virtue.
Mr. Ratzinger needs to repent. He wants to bilk millions out of their hard-earned money for nothing in return but empty promises.
This is why witnessing the Gospel to Romanists is vitally important. We (Biblical Christians) cannot agree to "live in harmony" with Romanists. They are in need of the true Gospel of Christ. The one found in the Bible (66 book version), not in the Roman Catechism.
If you are a Romanist (a.k.a. Roman Catholic) and you are reading this, see the outline below and use it as a beginning point for seeking God unto salvation. Only remember- it is not about saying the right words, or having a magic formula. It is all about repenting and trusting in Christ for your salvation- by His grace and not our works (Ephesians 2.8-9).
the WAY...
once upon a time you sinned. for this sin you are separated from GOD . you cannot repair the gap sin has put between you and GOD . only JESUS CHRIST can bridge that gap. when JESUS becomes your SAVIOR your relationship with GOD is restored to what it was meant to be.
sin has an effect...
* romans 3:23, all have sinned.
* romans 6:23a, sin's price is death.
* revelation 20:15, that death is eternity in hell.
our efforts are futile...
* proverbs 14:12/ 16:25, there is a way that seems right to a man but leads to death.
* jeremiah 17:9, the heart is deceitful above all things.
* isaiah 64:6, our good works are worthless.
JESUS bridged the gap...
* romans 5:8, while we were sinners, CHRIST died for us.
* john 14:6, JESUS is the only WAY to salvation.
* romans 6:23b, the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS.
* romans 10:9-13, admit sin, repent, confess JESUS as LORD, and believe with faith in CHRIST alone for your salvation.
salvation restores you and GOD...
* john 1:12-13, believers made GOD's children through CHRIST's sacrifice.
* jonh 8:36, set free by JESUS CHRIST.
* ephesians 1:13-14, sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT guaranteeing our inheritance as GOD's possession.
* jude 24, JESUS will present believers before GOD's (FATHER, SON, & HOLY SPIRIT) presence, spotless through HIS righteousness and by HIS grace.
once upon a time you sinned. for this sin you are separated from GOD . you cannot repair the gap sin has put between you and GOD . only JESUS CHRIST can bridge that gap. when JESUS becomes your SAVIOR your relationship with GOD is restored to what it was meant to be.
sin has an effect...
* romans 3:23, all have sinned.
* romans 6:23a, sin's price is death.
* revelation 20:15, that death is eternity in hell.
our efforts are futile...
* proverbs 14:12/ 16:25, there is a way that seems right to a man but leads to death.
* jeremiah 17:9, the heart is deceitful above all things.
* isaiah 64:6, our good works are worthless.
JESUS bridged the gap...
* romans 5:8, while we were sinners, CHRIST died for us.
* john 14:6, JESUS is the only WAY to salvation.
* romans 6:23b, the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS.
* romans 10:9-13, admit sin, repent, confess JESUS as LORD, and believe with faith in CHRIST alone for your salvation.
salvation restores you and GOD...
* john 1:12-13, believers made GOD's children through CHRIST's sacrifice.
* jonh 8:36, set free by JESUS CHRIST.
* ephesians 1:13-14, sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT guaranteeing our inheritance as GOD's possession.
* jude 24, JESUS will present believers before GOD's (FATHER, SON, & HOLY SPIRIT) presence, spotless through HIS righteousness and by HIS grace.
