Salvation Assurance

Salvation Assurance and Philippians 2:12

      Is salvation assured like fundamentalists say or is it something like the Catholic Church teaches that we have to work out? That is what this post is about and it is inspired by a special friend on Facebook and many others whom I have been blessed with.

Clearing up some misconceptions.

The first thing I want to clear up is the Catholic position of salvation which is often misunderstood by fundamentalists and non-Catholic Christians alike.

We are saved by Grace, through faith and our faith is justified by our works or we have a dead faith. A dead faith can not save us as said in James chapter 2.

I have found in my more than ten years study on the Christian faith and reading the bible that salvation is not assured to us (fundamentalist position), but is something we must work out with fear and trembling like Saint Paul has put it.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12 KJV) In this verse and in his letter to the Philippians as a whole he is talking to people who are already Christians.

In the fundamentalist’s interpretation of salvation, Christians are assured salvation after becoming a Christian (excepting Christ as personal Lord and Savior). If that view of salvation was something held to by Paul and his Christian audience then he would have had no reason to say what he did to the Philippians.

But, let’s back up a bit and view this verse in context. Did these Christians in whom Paul is talking to confess that Christ was their Lord and Savior? In the fundamentalist’s view of salvation if they had not then they would not be truly saved Christians and Paul’s advice to them would make sense.

In Philippians chapter 2:2 Paul is giving some advice (as he is doing throughout this letter) to “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of mind.” (Phil 2:2 KJV) As Christians we must agree especially on key doctrines of the faith, like salvation. This like “mind” he is talking about, that he wants to be in the Christian, he explains is also in Christ Jesus.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Phil 2:5 KJV) Paul is explaining that Christians must think like Christ and agree especially about matters of the teachings of faith like Paul is teaching through his letter. Paul goes on and is teaching the Philippian Christians (after he talks about what Christ did for us) that God has given Christ a name “which is above every name:” (Phil 2:9 KJV)

He continues, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Phil 2:10 KJV) In other words Christ is King of the world and everything that exists and we must especially as Christians bow to him who is our Salvation!

Paul is telling Christians to think like Christ, and worship Christ. If we think like Christ and worship Christ then we can assume that we will for the most part also act like Christ. We will do all of this by Grace when we have believe in his name.

This next verse (2:11) comes right before the one first quoted which suggests that Christians works out their salvation with fear and trembling. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (phil 2:11 KJV) Here Paul has told the Philippian Christians to “confess that Christ is Lord…”

We know that this is exactly what these Christians have already done because Paul says in the next verse, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed…” Obeyed what? That not only Christ is Lord and Savior, but that their salvation must be worked out even still and after this confession of faith!

Verse 12 continues “not in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Paul explains in the very next verse that “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13 KJV) In other words even after we confess Christ as our Lord and savior not only does our salvation need to be worked out, but that God is not done with us yet either.

In the fundamentalists view of salvation Philippians 2 verse 12 is not needed. Paul could have stopped at verse 11, but he and the Holy Spirit working through Paul did not! Paul is not teaching “assurance of salvation” he is talking about a faith in Christ that keeps on working towards salvation and a faith that God can use as he pleases until we see him in heaven.

After all, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven.” (Matt 7:21 KJV)

Sincerely Joanne

For more information please check out and I highly recommend:

 Works Salvation by Joanne Utke 

What do Catholics Believe about Salvation article by Jimmy Akin

Catechism of the Catholic Church Grace and Justification 

The Salvation Controversy by Jimmy Akin

The Problem of Good and Evil

    The contents of this post about the question of good and evil was created Taken From The Enchiridion, or Handbook by Saint Augustine is addressed to Laurentius in answer to his questions. St. Augustine wrote it sometime after the death of St. Jerome (September 30, 420).The author usually calls the book “On Faith, Hope and Love,” because he treats the subject under these three heads cf.

This book is one of my favorites I encourage you to read it. It is like a 5th century Catechism or Apologetical works if you will and explains many Orthodox Christian teachings as understood by St. Augustine in the 5th century. For now here are a few awesome chapters for you to ponder on.

St. Augustine

Chapter 11. What is Called Evil in the Universe is But the Absence of Good.

And in the universe, even that which is called evil, when it is regulated and put in its own place, only enhances our admiration of the good; for we enjoy and value the good more when we compare it with the evil. For the Almighty God, who, as even the heathen acknowledge, has supreme power over all things, being Himself supremely good, would never permit the existence of anything evil among His works, if He were not so omnipotent and good that He can bring good even out of evil. For what is that which we call evil but the absence of good? In the bodies of animals, disease and wounds mean nothing but the absence of health; for when a cure is effected, that does not mean that the evils which were present— namely, the diseases and wounds— go away from the body and dwell elsewhere: they altogether cease to exist; for the wound or disease is not a substance, but a defect in the fleshly substance,— the flesh itself being a substance, and therefore something good, of which those evils— that is, privations of the good which we call health— are accidents. Just in the same way, what are called vices in the soul are nothing but privations of natural good. And when they are cured, they are not transferred elsewhere: when they cease to exist in the healthy soul, they cannot exist anywhere else.

Chapter 12. All Beings Were Made Good, But Not Being Made Perfectly Good, are Liable to Corruption.

All things that exist, therefore, seeing that the Creator of them all is supremely good, are themselves good. But because they are not, like their Creator, supremely and unchangeably good, their good may be diminished and increased. But for good to be diminished is an evil, although, however much it may be diminished, it is necessary, if the being is to continue, that some good should remain to constitute the being. For however small or of whatever kind the being may be, the good which makes it a being cannot be destroyed without destroying the being itself. An uncorrupted nature is justly held in esteem. But if, still further, it be incorruptible, it is undoubtedly considered of still higher value. When it is corrupted, however, its corruption is an evil, because it is deprived of some sort of good. For if it be deprived of no good, it receives no injury; but it does receive injury, therefore it is deprived of good. Therefore, so long as a being is in process of corruption, there is in it some good of which it is being deprived; and if a part of the being should remain which cannot be corrupted, this will certainly be an incorruptible being, and accordingly the process of corruption will result in the manifestation of this great good. But if it do not cease to be corrupted, neither can it cease to possess good of which corruption may deprive it. But if it should be thoroughly and completely consumed by corruption, there will then be no good left, because there will be no being. Wherefore corruption can consume the good only by consuming the being. Every being, therefore, is a good; a great good, if it can not be corrupted; a little good, if it can: but in any case, only the foolish or ignorant will deny that it is a good. And if it be wholly consumed by corruption, then the corruption itself must cease to exist, as there is no being left in which it can dwell.

Chapter 13. There Can Be No Evil Where There is No Good; And an Evil Man is an Evil Good.

Accordingly, there is nothing of what we call evil, if there be nothing good. But a good which is wholly without evil is a perfect good. A good, on the other hand, which contains evil is a faulty or imperfect good; and there can be no evil where there is no good. From all this we arrive at the curious result: that since every being, so far as it is a being, is good, when we say that a faulty being is an evil being, we just seem to say that what is good is evil, and that nothing but what is good can be evil, seeing that every being is good, and that no evil can exist except in a being. Nothing, then, can be evil except something which is good. And although this, when stated, seems to be a contradiction, yet the strictness of reasoning leaves us no escape from the conclusion. We must, however, beware of incurring the prophetic condemnation: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness: that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” And yet our Lord says: “An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil.” Now, what is evil man but an evil being? For a man is a being. Now, if a man is a good thing because he is a being, what is an evil man but an evil good? Yet, when we accurately distinguish these two things, we find that it is not because he is a man that he is an evil, or because he is wicked that he is a good; but that he is a good because he is a man, and an evil because he is wicked. Whoever, then, says, “To be a man is an evil,” or, “To be wicked is a good,” falls under the prophetic denunciation: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil!” For he condemns the work of God, which is the man, and praises the defect of man, which is the wickedness. Therefore every being, even if it be a defective one, in so far as it is a being is good, and in so far as it is defective is evil.

Chapter 14. Good and Evil are an Exception to the Rule that Contrary Attributes Cannot Be Predicated of the Same Subject. Evil Springs Up in What is Good, and Cannot Exist Except in What is Good.

Accordingly, in the case of these contraries which we call good and evil, the rule of thelogicians, that two contraries cannot be predicated at the same time of the same thing, does not hold. No weather is at the same time dark and bright: no food or drink is at the same time sweet and bitter: no body is at the same time and in the same place black and white: none is at the same time and in the same place deformed and beautiful. And this rule is found to hold in regard to many, indeed nearly all, contraries, that they cannot exist at the same time in any one thing. But although no one can doubt that good and evil are contraries, not only can they exist at the same time, but evil cannot exist without good, or in anything that is not good. Good, however, can exist without evil. For a man or an angel can exist without being wicked; but nothing can be wicked except a man or an angel: and so far as he is a man or an angel, he is good; so far as he is wicked, he is an evil. And these two contraries are so far co-existent, that if good did not exist in what is evil, neither could evil exist; because corruption could not have either a place to dwell in, or a source to spring from, if there were nothing that could be corrupted; and nothing can be corrupted except what is good, for corruption is nothing else but the destruction of good. From what is good, then, evils arose, and except in what is good they do not exist; nor was there any other source from which any evil nature could arise. For if there were, then, in so far as this was a being, it was certainly a good: and a being which was incorruptible would be a great good; and even one which was corruptible must be to some extent a good, for only by corrupting what was good in it could corruption do it harm.

Chapter 15. The Preceding Argument is in No Wise Inconsistent with the Saying of Our Lord: “A Good Tree Cannot Bring Forth Evil Fruit.”

But when we say that evil springs out of good, let it not be thought that this contradicts our Lord's saying: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit.” For, as He who is the Truth says, you cannot gather grapes of thorns, because grapes do not grow on thorns. But we see that on good soil both vines and thorns may be grown. And in the same way, just as an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit, so an evil will cannot produce good works. But from the nature of man, which is good, may spring either a good or an evil will. And certainly there was at first no source from which an evil will could spring, except the nature of angel or of man, which was good. And our Lord Himself clearly shows this in the very same place where He speaks about the tree and its fruit. For He says: “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt,” — clearly enough warning us that evil fruits do not grow on a good tree, nor good fruits on an evil tree; but that nevertheless the ground itself, by which He meant those whom He was then addressing, might grow either kind of trees.

Chapter 16. It is Not Essential to Man's Happiness that He Should Know the Causes of Physical Convulsions; But It Is, that He Should Know the Causes of Good and Evil.

Now, in view of these considerations, when we are pleased with that line of Maro, “Happy the man who has attained to the knowledge of the causes of things,” we should not suppose that it is necessary to happiness to know the causes of the great physical convulsions, causes which lie hidden in the most secret recesses of nature's kingdom, “whence comes the earthquake whose force makes the deep seas to swell and burst their barriers, and again to return upon themselves and settle down.” But we ought to know the causes of good and evil as far as man may in this life know them, in order to avoid the mistakes and troubles of which this life is so full. For our aim must always be to reach that state of happiness in which no trouble shall distress us, and no error mislead us. If we must know the causes of physical convulsions, there are none which it concerns us more to know than those which affect our own health. But seeing that, in our ignorance of these, we are fain to resort to physicians, it would seem that we might bear with considerable patience our ignorance of the secrets that lie hidden in the earth and heavens.

Chapter 17. The Nature of Error. All Error is Not Hurtful, Though It is Man's Duty as Far as Possible to Avoid It.

For although we ought with the greatest possible care to avoid error, not only in great but even in little things, and although we cannot err except through ignorance, it does not follow that, if a man is ignorant of a thing, he must immediately fall into error. That is rather the fate of the man who thinks he knows what he does not know. For he accepts what is false as if it were true, and that is the essence of error. But it is a point of very great importance what the subject is in regard to which a man makes a mistake. For on one and the same subject we rightly prefer an instructed man to an ignorant one, and a man who is not in error to one who is. In the case of different subjects, however—that is, when one man knows one thing, and another a different thing, and when what the former knows is useful, and what the latter knows is not so useful, or is actually hurtful—who would not, in regard to the things the latter knows, prefer the ignorance of the former to the knowledge of the latter? For there are points on which ignorance is better than knowledge. And in the same way, it has sometimes been an advantage to depart from the right way—in travelling, however, not in morals. It has happened to myself to take the wrong road where two ways met, so that I did not pass by the place where an armed band of Donatists lay in wait for me. Yet I arrived at the place whither I was bent, though by a roundabout route; and when I heard of the ambush, I congratulated myself on my mistake, and gave thanks to God for it. Now, who would not rather be the traveller who made a mistake like this, than the highwayman who made no mistake? And hence, perhaps, it is that the prince of poets puts these words into the mouth of a lover in misery: “How I am undone, how I have been carried away by an evil error!” for there is an error which is good, as it not merely does no harm, but produces some actual advantage. But when we look more closely into the nature of truth, and consider that to err is just to take the false for the true, and the true for the false, or to hold what is certain as uncertain, and what is uncertain as certain, and that error in the soul is hideous and repulsive just in proportion as it appears fair and plausible when we utter it, or assent to it, saying, “Yea, yea; Nay, nay,”— surely this life that we live is wretched indeed, if only on this account, that sometimes, in order to preserve it, it is necessary to fall into error. God forbid that such should be that other life, where truth itself is the life of the soul, where no one deceives, and no one is deceived. But here men deceive and are deceived, and they are more to be pitied when they lead others astray than when they are themselves led astray by putting trust in liars. Yet so much does a rational soul shrink from what is false, and so earnestly does it struggle against error, that even those who love to deceive are most unwilling to be deceived. For the liar does not think that he errs, but that he leads another who trusts him into error. And certainly he does not err in regard to the matter about which he lies, if he himself knows the truth; but he is deceived in this, that he thinks his lie does him no harm, whereas every sin is more hurtful to the sinner than to the sinned against.

Source. Translated by J.F. Shaw. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 3. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.)

I hope you have enjoyed the wonderful words of St. Augustine's book. He is considered a doctor of the church and his insights have been enjoyed for about 1500 years now!

Sincerely Joanne Utke :)

Works Salvation

I have titled this Works Salvation not because that is a real teaching, but that non-Catholics wrongly assume that it is a real teaching.

So lets begin!

        We are saved by faith in Christ.
This means what He taught us!

Salvation is a free gift only because it was purchased for us by Christ. Christ provided the redemption and we have to do the work out of love. 

I have seen this  posted by many non-Catholics on the Internet and none-Catholics teach in their churches. The thing is we are saved by faith in Christ and that faith in Christ is only true, is only justified, by what we do with it.

Our faith is not something to keep to our self. Faith is meant to be acted on or it will not save us! It is the difference between a dead faith absent of Grace given by the Holy Spirit and a living faith that is made alive by the Holy Spirit.

So far I think non-Catholics will agree with this. As it says in James 2:17 "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead." There is a couple verses commonly quoted by non-Catholics to prove faith alone salvation in Rom 3:28 "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

And in Rom 4:4 "Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due." Saint Paul is talking about works of the Mosaic law specifically which Christians are not bound and will not save us, again we can all agree on that. In this chapter and in many others Abraham is *justified by his faith* that worked in him to cause obedience to God, not that he did it perfectly. Paul is making it clear to readers that it was his faith and not his works that counted him righteous. We can see that by reading the whole chapter and the whole book, But I don't think we disagree on that, yet it is still a good book to read.

We also see in Rom 2:6 "He will render to each one according to his works:" Rom 2:13 "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified."

We can see that there is a type of works (Christian works) that *justifies our faith in Christ that saves us* or we have a dead faith (a dead faith will not save us). Works of mercy, charity (like prayer), love, proclaiming the Gospel, and I will add the Sacraments like baptism, all of which make our faith alive!

John 14:12 "“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

If you are a non-Catholic reading this you should know that what I am showing you here is traditional Catholic teaching about salvation. For the record the Catholic Church has never, and will never teach works salvation, we are not saved by works as non-Catholics wrongly assume the Church teaches.

The Catholic teaching on this is *we are saved by Grace through faith, and our faith is justified by our Christian works* it is a living faith in Christ that saves us not a dead one!

We can look at John 1:17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." This is how we are saved I know you the non-Catholic Christian agrees and this is Catholic teaching just so you know.

Regarding the salvation of the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Rom 3:23-25 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins."

Concerning the free gift of salvation through Grace (Christ) and the justification through Grace. Rom 5:15-16 "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification."

Rom 5:21 "so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Christ is the Grace that has appeared for our Salvation through faith in him! Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,"

The Grace of God who is Christ has appeared to bring us salvation by Grace through faith in him and all that he taught us to do if we love him. All of this in biblical and it is Catholic teaching which you non-Catholic Christian agree with! I hope that you can now see how you don't actually disagree with the Catholic teaching on Salvation, now that you know what that is.

"The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion, effecting justification in accordance with Jesus' proclamation at the beginning of the Gospel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. "Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man. Justification detaches man from sin which contradicts the love of God, and purifies his heart of sin. Justification follows upon God's merciful initiative of offering forgiveness. It reconciles man with God. It frees from the enslavement to sin, and it heals. **Justification is at the same time the acceptance of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.** Righteousness (or "justice") here means the rectitude of divine love. With justification, faith, hope, and charity are poured into our hearts, and obedience to the divine will is granted us. Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men. Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. It conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. Its purpose is the glory of God and of Christ, and the gift of eternal life:" (Catechism of the Catholic Church Article 2 Grace and Justification selections 1990-1992)

In conclusion.

Non-Catholics often and wrongly assume and teach that the Catholic Church teaches "Works Salvation" as many like to call it. They assume without ever reading the Catechism or talking with faithful knowledgeable Catholics that the Church teaches that we are saved by works.

I hope that after this you the non-Catholic will never again wrongly teach lies such as this to people! I also hope the words here can inspire you to learn more about what the Church actually teaches by reading the Catechism. If you are Catholic I hope this helps you understand what the Church teaches on about Salvation when someone tries to tell you about "works salvation."

We all love Christ and want to do God's will and imitating Christ by doing "the works that he does." This is what Saint James meant in his book when he said, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." James 2:24. He is talking about Christian works like I stated before which justifies our faith in Christ and is made possible by Grace.

We don't want to suppress the truth and it is our duty to teach the truth, but first we must know what that is. I believe as do all faithful Catholics that the fullness of that Truth is Christ and is found accessible to us in the teaching of the Catholic Church!

Rom 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth"

God bless you and may Grace be with you always!

Sincerely Joanne Utke

Are Catholics Christians?

     I have heard it before, "Catholics aren't Christians." I am sure you all have heard this before. If you are among the various Protestant or non-Catholic Christians you may actually believe this statement. That is what this post is all about to answer the claim that Catholics aren't Christians. My first thought is how could anyone make such a claim in the first place. Don't all Christians love Christ? Don't all Christians profess a belief in the death and resurrection of Christ the Son of God our Savior! For the Catholics I can say YES WE DO, and the faithful Catholic like the faithful Christian thinks no different on these points. 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor..."

To learn more about the marks of a true Christian refer to Romans 12:9-21.

Christ through Saint Paul in the book of Romans gives us the standard that we must follow. Being a Christian is not just something you believe in it is also something that you do! Believing is one thing, but we are called to act on what we believe. The Catholic and the non-Catholic alike are subject to these standards which are Christ's! There are so many more verses that I could show you here to make the point, but I think you will get it.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 

Now that we know what a Christian is and DOES, lets take a quick look at a verse that tells us what a Christian most definitely is not.

"Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son." 1 John 2:22

Along with not acting like a Christian another way to NOT be a Christian is to be "antichrist" and not a Christian. Any denomination that denies Christ is "antichrist." Catholics as well as other Christian denominations do not fall into this category who profess a belief and obedience to Christ at least most of the time

"for all have sinned and fall short to the Glory of God." Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 is no excuse to do what you wish even commit sin because our Lord also says, "You therefor must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Matthew 5:48 The thing here is we as Christians are called to a higher standard and must do our very best to meet those expectations if we want to reach the goal which is heavenly perfection and the beatific vision (seeing God as he is.) This is where the Sacraments of the Catholic Church come in which I will talk a little bit about. This article is not about Sacraments so I strongly encourage you to learn more about them. 

A little bit on the Apostolic Church. The Catholic Church is The Apostolic Church which was founded on the Rock of Christ who then passed on this authority to Peter his first Apostle who is also a rock to act in "Persona Christi" (in the person of Christ) for his Church here on earth.

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 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.”" Matthew 16:18-19

This Church was to be an everlasting Church that exists both in heaven and on earth simultaneously encompassing all believers from all corners of the world, a Universal Church founded by Christ himself! This Catholic Church is given by Christ the authority to "bind and loose." In other words to bind the things of heaven right here on earth like the seven Sacraments (Baptism, etc..) and to loose also as in the nullification of a marriage, etc.. Regarding Sacraments this is how I define it, "a Sacrament is the physical reality of a spiritual good." You can also say that they are channels God uses to distribute his Grace. Catholics are in fact Christians as all who have faith in Christ the Son of God are. Don't you ever let anyone tell you other wise especially if your Catholic! Give this article to them or others like it. This is a common misconception among non Catholics. Here is a little history on the word Catholic being used to represent the early Church Christ founded. The word Catholic comes from the Greek word for "Universal" you can look it up in the dictionary to see that. It signifies the Universal Church that Christ established through the Apostles which included not only Jews, but Gentiles as well. In other words Everyone! 
The reason why Catholics are called Catholic is to differentiate the Catholic with the non-Catholic. Starting in the first century of Christianity there were a lot of people claiming to be Christians, (not much has changed) but were not among the sect of the Apostles. And in many cases teaching something other than what the Apostles taught.

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

 "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." 2 Thessalonians 3:6

The term Catholic was coined to identify those Christians who follow Christ's Church through the Apostles (Apostolic Church) and the others. The earliest record of the early Church being Called Catholic exists in the writings of Saint Ignatius of Antioch and later writings from many other Fathers of the Church contain the term Catholic as well when referring to the Apostolic Church.

"You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. Nor is it permitted without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate the agape; but whatever he approve, this too is pleasing to God, so that whatever is done will be secure and valid."

This Saint Ignatius quote is taken from a very early Christian erra--- (LETTER TO THE SMYRNAEANS - ST. IGNATIUS BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, AD 110 (2nd century) The Faith of the early Fathers page 25, section 65.)

Saint Ignatius' quote is also interesting because he was Bishop of Antioch in the 2nd century less than a century after Acts of the Apostles was written. Antioch is also the place where the followers of Christ are first called Christians.

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts 11:26

Also notice that Ignatius also mentions that this early Church consisted of bishops, presbyters (which are priests), reverence to the deacons, and the validity of the Sacraments, like Eucharist, baptism and the mass in the Catholic Church alone. Which confirms what scripture teaches us about there being one faith and one baptism!

"one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Ephesians 4:5

There is so much more I could say on this that I could write a book on it. In fact many books have been written on them as well. Let me recommend first anything by Scott Hahn. Please take a look at my recommended reading page on this blog for a nice list of books that I have read. You may also want to refer to the Catholic answers website and most importantly the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information. The Catechism link above that I have provided you will take you to the Apostolic succession page in the Catechism. I think you will find it helpful if you will take the time to read it. Also keep in mind that the Catechism is always available online for free for your reading pleasure.

Many people make lots of claims about the Catholic Church claiming to know what the Church teaches on one teaching or another. I have found that most people have a lot to say regarding what the Catholic Church teaches and most are acting upon misinformation that has been given to them sometimes even among Catholics them selves. 

Unfortunately many Catholics have not read much of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I want to urge all Catholics and non Catholics alike to pick it up and study it along with your bible. 

The Catechism helps us to study scripture in the light of Christ resurrected and in light of the almost 2,000 year history and tradition of the Church! I also often wonder how many people who claim to know what the Church teaches actually have read the Catechism. From my experience those who appose the Church's teachings have not read even one line in the Catechism, and do not understand the biblical origin of her teachings. 

How about you? 

Speaking for my self I have it, and read it often, and love it. I make it a regular part of my spiritual reading. I have just gotten it also for my Kindle for more convenient reading that way anytime I promote a religious or spiritual view it is in line with authentic teachings of the Apostolic Church. I find it a very beautiful, Theological book which loves and honors Christ.

For more information about the early Church Fathers like Saint Ignatius is The Fathers Know Bestby Jimmy Akin. You can also read many of the writings of people like Saint Ignatius online just by doing a search.

Please also take a look at these previous posts:

Eucharist in Scripture Study Guide

And feel free to take a look at the Bible Study page at the top of this blog :)

Thank you for your time and the likes to this page.

God bless! From Joanne Utke

Quotes used in this article:

Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 7:21
1 John 2:22
Romans 3:23
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 16:18-19
2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6
Acts 11:26
Ephesians 4:5
LETTER TO THE SMYRNAEANS - ST.  IGNATIUS BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, AD 110

All bible quotes are taken from the English Standard Version of the bible which I happen to love!

God's Birthday

                                                 Christmas and God's Birthday

       Is December 25 really the true date of Christ's birth?

Was December 25 chosen to replace pagan celebrations like Saturnalia or Natalis Solis Invicti which means Birthday of the Unconquered Sun?

The answers to these and many other questions about the date of Christmas explained in this wonderful ebook called God's Birthday by Taylor R. Marshall. A must read for the holidays for any one who questions the date of Christ's birth!

I suggest that you get this book right away Taylor Marshall does an awesome job  in this book! Every year I read about Christmas and the debates over the date of December 25, but no one puts it into such common sense as Taylor.

This book is short it is an ebook, but it is packed with historical facts proving the date of December 25 for the birth of Christ. I also learned some other interesting dates in this book.

Did you know that Christ is believed to have died and been conceived on the same day March 25? I also learned that Saint Hyppolytus' in his works titles Chronicon the earth is said to be created on what is identified as March 25, 5500 B.C.!

There is one for the creationists :)

"Thus, March 25 was identified by the Church Fathers as the Creation date of the universe, as the date of the Annunciation and Incarnation of Christ, and also as the date of  the Death of Christ our Savior."

This makes 9 months earlier from March 25 exactly December 25!

Every year I am reminded about the many Christmas nay sayers out there who do not want to believe that Christ was born on December 25. These same people tend to shoot out all of the other myths concerning Christmas as well, for one reason or another.

I have found that there is more proof to support a December 25 birthday for our Lord than any other date. But, don't take my word for it. You can read the book and see the proof for your self.

I strongly encourage you to get this ebook by Taylor Marshall especially if you have any dought about the birthday of Christ. This book is also a must read for those who believe that December 25 is not really Christ's birthday.

Anyway, thank you Taylor Marshall for writing this book! Get God's Birthday ebook for FREE a limited time only! Just click the link and in the post there is a link to get the book.

Thanks for reading my post :)

Joanne Utke

Holy Day Season

Have a Happy Holy Day Season!  

    Christ's life is a mystery that we can begin to understand with the help of the Holy Spirit leading us through the scriptures with the eyes of faith. This Christmas lets continue to contemplate on Christ's life starting with his birth! The Catechism can help. Also read the Gospels especially the Nativity story. A great thing to do with the family this Christmas. I have a past post about The Christmas Story that takes a look at Christmas in Luke's Gospel please take a look.

Christmas is a season about giving and charity, but not just material things. Ultimately Christmas in about Christ. Christmas is about giving of yourself to others just like Christ did. Anyone can give a store bought gift, but does everyone always give of them self? After we have learned about the birth of the savior of the world and how to give of our self to others just as Christ did we go on to Lent when we can put all of this into practice.

Then we have Easter when we can learn about and contemplate on the death and resurrection of Christ. We are reminded about his life, death, and resurrection and can live it through the Church.. We should use this to again be Christ like giving of our self to others. I want to urge you every year to get out your bibles and don't just live through the Holy Days like everyone else, but read about it in Scriptures and then really live it as well.

I would have to say that the Christmas season is my favorite time of year. It is a great time to get together with family and friends. It is an even better time to share Christ with others which can give us a good start for the new year. God knows that we need a reminder to be Christ like and we need this reminder many times each and every year. I am constantly reminded of Christ and I contently live to imitate him in my life. I also always fail at this. 

Here is a Scripture that I have on my white board as I write this post; 

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) 

In conclusion I hope that we can all be not just observers of the holidays, but active participants in mind, body and spirit. This is my goal anyway. I don't want to just do the holidays. I want to understand them and see Christ in them and do as Saint Paul says in the Ephesians verse "be imitators of God" and "walk in love." If we open our eyes to Christ we will see him everywhere and I think that is what he wants. I feel that this is how we can come to really know him.  

Please check out my The Christmas Story post as well as The Season for Giving and Charity. There is also some links to activity posts specific for the holidays.

I also did a nice post about Hanukkah if you would like to check it out. 

Thank you for reading!
Joanne