Showing posts with label Catholic Answers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Answers. Show all posts
Aug 4, 2022
Catholic Answers : Eucharistic miracle Mexico 2022
Catholic Answers : Eucharistic miracle Mexico 2022: Wow! The latest Eucharistic miracle reported in Mexico on July 24 2022. There are many videos taken at the time of the event. The Eucharist...
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Nov 29, 2015
Advent: Reflecting on God's Presence Catholic Answers
Fr. Patrick Wainwright has been a priest of the Miles Christi religious order since 1997. A native of Argentina, he received a licentiate degree in philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Savior in Argentina. He has taught philosophy and theology at the seminary and university levels, and has preached dozens of retreats and missions since his ordination. Fr. Wainwright helped start a new Miles Christi religious house in Detroit in 2000, and has been exercising his ministry from there ever since.
Advent: Reflecting on God's Presence (Encore) | Catholic Answers
Advent: Reflecting on God's Presence (Encore) | Catholic Answers
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Oct 12, 2015
Did The Pope Really Say Jesus Was A Failure?
I've been seeing a lot of talk about how the Pope said that Jesus failed or that he was a failure. I am sure you've heard this too. Jimmy Akin did a post as about this too for Catholic Answers. You should also check that out.
I have a good idea that those spreading the claim in question probably didn't stop to actually read the official document. They are most likely repeating the words of those who also didn't read the official document.
Here is the official quote in context.
I am writing this to those who want to know the truth about what the Pope actually said and not rely on their own or others preconceived notions. Despite what people are saying he didn't say the cross was a failure. He didn't say christ's redemption was or is a failure. The Pop wouldn't say that because that would be wrong.
Note the words "humanly speaking." He means that to those who didn't believe in Christ it seemed as though he was a failure. The Romans and the Jewish leadership wanted Christ dead and they got it! But they were unbelievers. To them Christ failed his mission little did they know his mission had only begun!
Next time you hear a claim that the Pope or a Pope said
something blasphemous simply ask for their source and read the official documents. Chances are they are mistaken and have not read it either.
Read the official document here.
By Joanne Utke
I have a good idea that those spreading the claim in question probably didn't stop to actually read the official document. They are most likely repeating the words of those who also didn't read the official document.
Here is the official quote in context.
I am writing this to those who want to know the truth about what the Pope actually said and not rely on their own or others preconceived notions. Despite what people are saying he didn't say the cross was a failure. He didn't say christ's redemption was or is a failure. The Pop wouldn't say that because that would be wrong.
"We can get caught up measuring the value of our apostolic works by the standards of efficiency, good management and outward success which govern the business world. Not that these things are unimportant! We have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and God’s people rightly expect accountability from us. But the true worth of our apostolate is measured by the value it has in God’s eyes. To see and evaluate things from God’s perspective calls for constant conversion in the first days and years of our vocation and, need I say, it calls for great humility. The cross shows us a different way of measuring success. Ours is to plant the seeds: God sees to the fruits of our labors. And if at times our efforts and works seem to fail and produce no fruit, we need to remember that we are followers of Jesus… and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, in the failure of the cross."
Note the words "humanly speaking." He means that to those who didn't believe in Christ it seemed as though he was a failure. The Romans and the Jewish leadership wanted Christ dead and they got it! But they were unbelievers. To them Christ failed his mission little did they know his mission had only begun!
Next time you hear a claim that the Pope or a Pope said
Read the official document here.
By Joanne Utke
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Sep 30, 2015
The Elevation of Mary
She was saved in a unique way by the free gift of Grace at her own conception. This is called the Immaculate Conception. It refers to a unique salvation reserved
Mary because of the role she would play in salvation history. Jesus as
Scripture states, was like us except in sin. (Hebrews 4:15, 2 Cor 5:21)
It's simple. The Word of God cannot be contained in that which is unholy, or full of sin!
Therefore it is logical!
Christ's mother had to be preserved from all stain of sin in order to contain that which is without sin. Can the unholy contain which is holy? Who on earth is suitable to contain in her womb The Word of God? The words of Jesus in this next verse come to mind.
"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17 ESV)
There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus' mother who is "blessed among women" was preserved from sin at her conception and preserved from sin throughout her life. It is precisely because of that special and unique salvation that she lived her whole life without sin.
She was the first faithful Christian!
Mary was the first to believe in Jesus Christ, and because of him she surrendered herself completely to God, when she said,“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38 ESV)
All Have Sinned...
But the scriptures say, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23.)
Doesn't that include Mary? To answer that I argue that Rom 3:23 isn't speaking of a literal "all" but can be considered a hyperbole. A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point. It is like the opposite of “understatement.” It is from a Greek word meaning “excess.” Like when we say things like, "everyone will be there!" We don't actually mean everyone, but a lot of people. I believe that is what's going on in Romans 3:23.
Romans 3:23 says, "all have sinned" but we already know that there is exceptions to that verse. Obviously Jesus isn't included in Romans 3:23, because he never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15, 2 Cor 5:21) Also unborn babies, new born babies, small children, and anyone who has not yet sinned for whatever reason, etc... are also not included in the "all" of this verse, because they haven't sinned. There are many exceptions to Romans 3:23. Since we know that to be true why couldn't Mary the Mother of Jesus also be an exception? My point is you can't say that Romans 3:23 includes Mary when she could possibly be one of many exceptions to it :)
The question is how do you know she isn't?
"Not all without exception (every human being), but all without distinction (Jews and Gentiles alike, 3:9; 10:12). That there are exceptions is clear: Jesus was sinless; children below the age of reason do not willfully commit sin; and tradition holds that Mary, by the grace of God, lived her entire life unstained by sin." (From the footnotes of my Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: RSV New Testament
)
Don't Catholics elevate Mary?
Yes, but not to the point of deifying her and not to the point of worship. Mary deserves honor, love, respect as the Mother of the our Lord. We are called to imitate Christ and he loved his mother perfectly, he honored her following perfectly the fourth commandment. (Ex 20:12, Ephesians 6:2) We are to honor, and love Mary as our own Mother, as Christ does. See, Do Catholics worship Mary?
Mary because of the role she would play in salvation history. Jesus as
Scripture states, was like us except in sin. (Hebrews 4:15, 2 Cor 5:21)
It's simple. The Word of God cannot be contained in that which is unholy, or full of sin!
Therefore it is logical!
Christ's mother had to be preserved from all stain of sin in order to contain that which is without sin. Can the unholy contain which is holy? Who on earth is suitable to contain in her womb The Word of God? The words of Jesus in this next verse come to mind.
"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17 ESV)
There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus' mother who is "blessed among women" was preserved from sin at her conception and preserved from sin throughout her life. It is precisely because of that special and unique salvation that she lived her whole life without sin.
She was the first faithful Christian!
Mary was the first to believe in Jesus Christ, and because of him she surrendered herself completely to God, when she said,“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38 ESV)
All Have Sinned...
But the scriptures say, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23.)
Doesn't that include Mary? To answer that I argue that Rom 3:23 isn't speaking of a literal "all" but can be considered a hyperbole. A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point. It is like the opposite of “understatement.” It is from a Greek word meaning “excess.” Like when we say things like, "everyone will be there!" We don't actually mean everyone, but a lot of people. I believe that is what's going on in Romans 3:23.
Romans 3:23 says, "all have sinned" but we already know that there is exceptions to that verse. Obviously Jesus isn't included in Romans 3:23, because he never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15, 2 Cor 5:21) Also unborn babies, new born babies, small children, and anyone who has not yet sinned for whatever reason, etc... are also not included in the "all" of this verse, because they haven't sinned. There are many exceptions to Romans 3:23. Since we know that to be true why couldn't Mary the Mother of Jesus also be an exception? My point is you can't say that Romans 3:23 includes Mary when she could possibly be one of many exceptions to it :)
The question is how do you know she isn't?
"Not all without exception (every human being), but all without distinction (Jews and Gentiles alike, 3:9; 10:12). That there are exceptions is clear: Jesus was sinless; children below the age of reason do not willfully commit sin; and tradition holds that Mary, by the grace of God, lived her entire life unstained by sin." (From the footnotes of my Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: RSV New Testament
)Don't Catholics elevate Mary?
Yes, but not to the point of deifying her and not to the point of worship. Mary deserves honor, love, respect as the Mother of the our Lord. We are called to imitate Christ and he loved his mother perfectly, he honored her following perfectly the fourth commandment. (Ex 20:12, Ephesians 6:2) We are to honor, and love Mary as our own Mother, as Christ does. See, Do Catholics worship Mary?
"And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"(Luke 1:41-43 ESV)
The Sacred Scripture elevates Mary in the same way our Lord (who is the Word) does. Likewise the Catholic Church elevates her to the same status, no more, no less! If you think otherwise you are mistaken as to the true teachings of the Church! In Luke Mary is "blessed among women." And in a most prophetic statement Mary declares, "For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" These words spoken in sacred scripture are fulfilled by those faithful Christians who honor, love, and call her blessed!
And, What About that Mother of God thing?
Notice that in Luke 1:43 Elizabeth after she was "filled with the Holy Spirit" in verse 42 calls Mary "the Mother of my Lord!" In other words the mother of my God, since Elizabeth's Lord is God and Jesus in Mary's womb is God, it goes that she is the Mother of God.
It's in Scripture folks!
This is why the Church since the first centuries of Christianity have affirmed that Mary is the Mother of God! In early Christianity the Greek title Theotokos, or "God bearer" as translated was used to show Mary's unique motherhood.
"The Virgin Mary, being obedient to his word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God" (Irenaeus in his Against Heresies, 5:19:1 [A.D. 189]).
Although Mary is the Mother of God, she is not his mother in the sense that she is older than God or the source of her Son’s divinity, or the source of God for that matter, for she is neither. Rather, the Church says that she is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb a divine person, Jesus Christ, God "in the flesh" (2 John 7, cf. John 1:14) and in the sense that she contributed the genetic matter to the human form God took in Jesus Christ. For more information and early church quotes about the Mother of God, like Irenaeus. I highly recommend you read, Mary: Mother of God.
The Catechism of The Catholic Church explains it this way...
491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God,134 was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:
- The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.135
493 The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God "the All-Holy" (Panagia), and celebrate her as "free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature".138 By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long.
"Let it be done to me according to your word. . ."
494 At the announcement that she would give birth to "the Son of the Most High" without knowing man, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with the obedience of faith, certain that "with God nothing will be impossible": "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word."139 Thus, giving her consent to God's word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God's grace:140
As St. Irenaeus says, "Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race."141Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: "The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith."142 Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary "the Mother of the living" and frequently claim: "Death through Eve, life through Mary."143
I want to encourage you to read the whole article 3 and paragraph 2 of The Catechism of The Catholic Church.
Such a beautiful doctrine I just want you all to know about it!
In Conclusion...
Sure the Catholic Church elevates Mary above all other women in history. The Scriptures do. The early Church Fathers do in their writings! Why shouldn't we? She is "blessed among women!" She is the Mother of our Lord who is God incarnate! He was conceived in her womb taking on her flesh to be his own. She raised him, loved him, and was the first to believe in him! When our savior was hanging on that cross she was there too once again as she always had been, loving him, believing in him and following him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (Jn 3:16 ESV)
On that day when her son was hanging on that cross she saw her baby boy and remembered the day (the Annunciation) she consented in faith to be his Mother. You see Mary also gave us something, she gave us her son! And Christ's only concern as he died was us, and his Mother!
"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home." (Jn 19:26-27 ESV)
Will you as a beloved disciple take her home also?
Everything Mary is, every title the Church gives her is in relationship to her son. She owes it all to God as we all do! It's always about Christ. He wants us to love and honor her. When we do that we love and honor him! Likewise she wants to bring us to her son, our brother! And she never stops telling us “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:5 ESV)
I hope you liked the article or at least found it informative regarding what the Catholic Church actually teaches regarding the elevation of Mary. There is so much more I could say. Consider this a start and open your heart and your home to Mary as Christ would want you to.Everything Mary is, every title the Church gives her is in relationship to her son. She owes it all to God as we all do! It's always about Christ. He wants us to love and honor her. When we do that we love and honor him! Likewise she wants to bring us to her son, our brother! And she never stops telling us “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:5 ESV)
Remember to check out the links on this article for more information. Good stuff! Also get the awesome book by Tim Staples Behold Your Mother - A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines
learn so much more about our Lord's Mother!Sincerely
Joanne Utke
Additional Information
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Aug 26, 2015
Problems in The Catholic Church
For those who like to point out the problems in The Catholic Church, and the wrong things committed by Catholics and so called Catholics and think somehow this invalidates what Christ has accomplished in his Church!
We are all sinners and do wrong and make mistakes even Peter denied Christ three times and did not Judas one of the twelve hand picked by Christ, betray his master? There have always been these problems. However if you want to talk about the wrong done by Catholics over the last 2,000 years lets add Martin Luther a Catholic priest who after denying the Church, lead thousands of good Catholics (Christians) to the slaughter and mass persecution made possible by the Reformation. King Henry the 8th the Catholic King who after denying the Church turned into a mass murderer beheading also his own devoutly Catholic wife! Why? Because his Catholic Bishop wouldn't grant him a divorce so he could procure multiple marriages!
The point is the Church is Holy because Christ is Holy, the Holy Spirit is Holy and not because of you, me, the Bishops, priests, etc... The same goes for each one of us as Christians! We can be Holy, but only because of Christ and the Holy Spirit. We must pray for the holiness of ourselves, our Bishops, priests, and everyone!
Jesus truly present in the blessed sacrament of the Eucharist sanctify us! Amen
Continue reading on this topic of Problems In The Church...
We are all sinners and do wrong and make mistakes even Peter denied Christ three times and did not Judas one of the twelve hand picked by Christ, betray his master? There have always been these problems. However if you want to talk about the wrong done by Catholics over the last 2,000 years lets add Martin Luther a Catholic priest who after denying the Church, lead thousands of good Catholics (Christians) to the slaughter and mass persecution made possible by the Reformation. King Henry the 8th the Catholic King who after denying the Church turned into a mass murderer beheading also his own devoutly Catholic wife! Why? Because his Catholic Bishop wouldn't grant him a divorce so he could procure multiple marriages!
The point is the Church is Holy because Christ is Holy, the Holy Spirit is Holy and not because of you, me, the Bishops, priests, etc... The same goes for each one of us as Christians! We can be Holy, but only because of Christ and the Holy Spirit. We must pray for the holiness of ourselves, our Bishops, priests, and everyone!
Jesus truly present in the blessed sacrament of the Eucharist sanctify us! Amen
Continue reading on this topic of Problems In The Church...
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Jun 23, 2015
Problems In The Church
Regarding problems in the Catholic Church...
There has always been problems. Did not Jesus hand pick Judas and he betrayed him deserving the title of devil? (John 6:70) Did not Peter deny Christ three times? (Luke 22:54-62)
You see there have always been problems in the Church. The Church is run by humans and we are all sinners and do the best we can with what we know. And some can be just out right bad! I will not deny that. I will say however that you may have been given some not so true information or information that has been blown out of proportion. I recommend the book Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians"
which is a very honest look at all of those claims against the Catholic Church.
Now if you want to say that the Catholic Church is false because of sinners which exist and have always existed in the Church or because of some people in the Church passed or present that did some things they should not have, then not even Protestantism would be true under those criteria! During the reformation was not Catholics also persecuted and killed by other Christians? You see there are sinners everywhere, but that is not a test to how true or holy the Catholic Church is. The Catholic Church is holy because of Christ and not because of you or me or anyone else! Christ is the head of the Church with the Pope who succeeded from Peter as his vicar.
"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.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ." (Matt 16:18-20 ESV)
Even if not one person in the Church was saved or holy she (the Church as the Bride of Christ) would still be holy and perfect because Christ is one with his bride! And he sanctifies her with his very own body! The Catholic Church was founded by Christ and this is a historical fact see above quote. The Catholic Church is The Apostolic Church like it or not! She has existed for almost 2,000 years despite the many people throughout history that tried to take her out! Satan has tried, but Christ promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against his Church (Matt 16:18 noted above).
This also implies that Satan will sure try and he has! Only the Catholic Church has stood while others fall! I want to invite you to learn more about the Church with an open mind apart from the anti-Catholicism that you may be accustomed to. There are many awesome people who write openly and honestly about the faith. Steve Ray a convert is one of them, also check out Tim Staples and Jimmy Akin also converts from Protestantism to Catholicism. Go to Catholic.com for more information.
And just learn even if you never agree just learn about the Church from real Catholics who love the faith! I am not asking you to agree just take a look openly and honestly. You can read the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the truth about what the Church actually teaches and stop getting your info about the faith from people who don't know or never really understood in the first place.
God bless!
Sincerely Joanne Utke
There has always been problems. Did not Jesus hand pick Judas and he betrayed him deserving the title of devil? (John 6:70) Did not Peter deny Christ three times? (Luke 22:54-62)
which is a very honest look at all of those claims against the Catholic Church.Now if you want to say that the Catholic Church is false because of sinners which exist and have always existed in the Church or because of some people in the Church passed or present that did some things they should not have, then not even Protestantism would be true under those criteria! During the reformation was not Catholics also persecuted and killed by other Christians? You see there are sinners everywhere, but that is not a test to how true or holy the Catholic Church is. The Catholic Church is holy because of Christ and not because of you or me or anyone else! Christ is the head of the Church with the Pope who succeeded from Peter as his vicar.
"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.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ." (Matt 16:18-20 ESV)
Even if not one person in the Church was saved or holy she (the Church as the Bride of Christ) would still be holy and perfect because Christ is one with his bride! And he sanctifies her with his very own body! The Catholic Church was founded by Christ and this is a historical fact see above quote. The Catholic Church is The Apostolic Church like it or not! She has existed for almost 2,000 years despite the many people throughout history that tried to take her out! Satan has tried, but Christ promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against his Church (Matt 16:18 noted above).
This also implies that Satan will sure try and he has! Only the Catholic Church has stood while others fall! I want to invite you to learn more about the Church with an open mind apart from the anti-Catholicism that you may be accustomed to. There are many awesome people who write openly and honestly about the faith. Steve Ray a convert is one of them, also check out Tim Staples and Jimmy Akin also converts from Protestantism to Catholicism. Go to Catholic.com for more information.
And just learn even if you never agree just learn about the Church from real Catholics who love the faith! I am not asking you to agree just take a look openly and honestly. You can read the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the truth about what the Church actually teaches and stop getting your info about the faith from people who don't know or never really understood in the first place.
God bless!
Sincerely Joanne Utke
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Check out the tabs for more information. Or just check out the options to the side bar. If you like what you see please follow. Friendly comments are always appreciated.
Mar 4, 2015
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 Salvation Controversy
by Jimmy Akin
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
by Jimmy Akin
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Check out the tabs for more information. Or just check out the options to the side bar. If you like what you see please follow. Friendly comments are always appreciated.
Feb 11, 2015
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
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 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
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Check out the tabs for more information. Or just check out the options to the side bar. If you like what you see please follow. Friendly comments are always appreciated.
Dec 30, 2014
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.
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. “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
"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 2:22Along 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 3:23Romans 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.
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.
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.
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 Best
by 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
"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 16:18-19This 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 3:6The 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 11:26Also 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 Best
by 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!
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Check out the tabs for more information. Or just check out the options to the side bar. If you like what you see please follow. Friendly comments are always appreciated.
Nov 6, 2014
Soul and Spirit
Soul and spirit: The same/united in the soul, or separate?
Does the soul die and the spirit live on?
I say that human beings are both body and spiritual soul. Our soul isn't physical, but spiritual and can know of spiritual things as well as temporal things. Our soul is how our bodies are moved, and how all of the natural functioning of our bodies are made possible.
The soul is how we learn, and understand, and how we can have faith, "man understands through the soul." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
Without the soul our bodies would not be active. Therefor at death our bodies are in no more need of our soul, and our soul is free from the bodies limitations. The spiritual part of our soul is what allowes us (our soul) to move on to an after life..
I guess we could say that the soul moves the body, and the spirit moves the soul. "Therefore the soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a body, but the act of a body." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
Saint Augustine when speaking about resurrected matter has this to say, "Every soul will have, as its own, all that is required to complete a whole human body." Also he says, "in an instant of time this matter returns to the soul that first animated it, and that caused it to become a man, to live and to grow."
As humans we have a body which is physical, we also have a soul, that is spiritual, our spirit. Our spirit is what makes us human. Just like how the body and soul live united to each other in life, so does the soul and spirit after bodily death. The soul does not need the body to move, or exist. The soul is subsistent, and can subsist without the body.
"We must conclude, therefore, that the human soul, which is called the intellect or the mind, is something incorporeal and subsistent." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The human person, created in the image of God, is a being at once corporeal and spiritual. The biblical account expresses this reality in symbolic language when it affirms that "then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Man, whole and entire, is therefore willed by God." (CCC 362)
In scripture the human person is often referred to as a "soul" people are seen as souls, and human characteristics are shown to come from the soul.
Some examples, "And his soul was drawn to Dinah" (Gen 34:3) and, "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41), also "And fear came upon every soul" (Acts 2:43)
Jesus himself even says, “Now is my soul troubled." (John 12:27). Even evil emotions, and thoughts are shown to come from the soul, "the great man utters the evil desire of his soul" (Micah 7:3).
Of course you can look these up and read them in context I have only quoted the portion useful for this article. You will see more examples of how human emotions, thoughts and desired come from the soul, and more specifically the spiritual human soul.
Even though evil thoughts and intentions can come from the soul, it is our spirit that moves us to pure thoughts and good intentions. Our spirit which is like God's Spirit is how God speaks to our souls. We are connected to him spiritually in this way.
Soul and spirit separate, but one.
In scripture the soul, and spirit are often talked about in a way that denotes there separate functions, but not necessarily meant to explain a duality of soul, and spirit. In other words not to mean that the soul, and spirit are separate from each other. Scripture showes that all though the soul, and spirit have some separate functions they are one, and together make the spiritual human soul, and the complete person.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47)
"And now, O Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, the soul in anguish, and the troubled spirit crieth to thee" (Baruch 3:1)
We see that the soul, and spirit serve man in their own way. Not only does the soul move the physical body, the soul is moved by the spirit into emotional experiences and especially spiritual experiences.
The soul suffers while the spirit cries out to God!
Like I said before the soul moves the body, and the spirit moves the soul. The spirit moves the soul to prayer (praying in spirit), to faith in God, to understanding of divine things, to love, etc.. All of these spiritual works is what leads us to our salvation.
This is how Saint Steven could say, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)
And how it is said of Christ, "When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30)
This is why we humans have spiritual souls, this spiritualness of our soul is what makes it, subsistent, and immortal. Our spiritual soul is how we are created in the "image of God" (Gen 3:7)
"The human body shares in the dignity of "the image of God": it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit" (CCC 364)
But, what about verses that seem to show that the soul and spirit are separate things? Like, (Danial 3:86) "O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever."
(1 Thess 5:23), "may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
And, (Mark 12:30) "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’"
We see that we are to love God with the full capacity of all the functions of our body, soul, and spirit, as in this next verse. "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
This Mark verse especially is not to be taken as the heart, soul and mind are separate things, but that they are united in their separate functions in one spiritual person.
Take our physical bodies for example we have a heart, lungs, liver, brain, arms, legs, etc... We are comprised of many parts, but all are one in our one body. If we part up the human body it will not live as a body. No physical part of us will live on it's own a part from the rest of the parts of a body. Not only that a leg is not a body, no more than a heart is a body. Only all parts together (united) make a body!
The only exception to this is our spiritual soul that as scripture show es and I will point out can and will live apart from the body. Yet, this is a temporary state scripture also tells us that to be fully alive is to be united body and soul in Christ. This is why Christ emphasized the resurrection when are bodies are united to our spiritual souls as the completion of his mission, and our true end.
Regarding the above verses, (Daniel 3:86, 1 Thess 5:23, Mark 12:30) we must read these verses in light of the other verses that clearly show a unity of both soul, and spirit, as mentioned above.
In regards to the 1 Thess 5:23 verse we see that it is important that we become sanctified in all things namely our "spirit, and soul, and body" not that these are all separate things, but that their separate functions all work in unity towards our perfect end/salvation.
Further we read in (Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
This shows that like joints and marrow, the soul and spirit are working together in a special unity, or oneness, and that only the word of God can penetrate it, move it, effect a change in it, divide it, etc...
Souls and salvation.
I said before that when the body no longer needs the soul as in death, the soul is then free from the limitations of the body. It is the spirit that moves the soul towards it's after life. Many times the Scripture authors use language to show that the soul has moved on, and left the body.
"And as her soul was departing (for she died), she called his name Ben-o′ni; but his father called his name Benjamin. So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)" (Genesis 35:18-19)
The state of our soul upon death will determine it's ultimate end. It is the soul that requires salvation, "As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls." (1 Pet 1:9)
The state of our souls is precisely why we need salvation. In 1 Peter we also read, "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22)
Sin hurts us, and not just because of the problems it causes the body, but more importantly the problems sin causes in our soul! Therefor we must work through faith in Christ, and obedience to the truth to save our soul, and others,
"let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:20)
If the soul dies upon death of the body then what is said in James makes no sense. Why would we have to save our souls, and others if the soul just dies anyway?
Why would Peter imply that our soul must be purified if it just dies upon the death of the body anyway? He would only need mention purifying our souls if our soul lived on to await the resurrection.
So, does the soul die after death, and the spirit live on?
I have already touched on some of this above. I have said and shown you that while there is sometimes a distinction in Scripture between soul and spirit, there is also a unity, a oneness, and that the distinction does not mean to show us a duality of soul and spirit.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way, "Sometimes the soul is distinguished from the spirit: St. Paul for instance prays that God may sanctify his people "wholly", with "spirit and soul and body" kept sound and blameless at the Lord's coming. The Church teaches that this distinction does not introduce a duality into the soul. "Spirit" signifies that from creation man is ordered to a supernatural end and that his soul can gratuitously be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God." (CCC 367)
In (Matthew 10:28) we read, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Here Christ is telling us to fear God, and not man because man can only kill the body and not the soul, but God if he wants can kill both! If the soul was separate from the spirit, and automatically died when the body dies, then this warning of Christ makes no sense. This verse implies that the soul is alive still even when the body is dead.
If the soul separated from the body, and died as a natural part of death then man could kill the soul when man kills a body. And if our soul is dead upon our natural bodily death then how can, or why would God destroy it in hell?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The unity of soul and body is so profound that one has to consider the soul to be the "form" of the body: it is because of its spiritual soul that the body made of matter becomes a living, human body; spirit and matter, in man, are not two natures united, but rather their union forms a single nature." (CCC 365)
"The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created immediately by God - it is not "produced" by the parents - and also that it is immortal: it does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection." (CCC 366)
This is why at the resurrection our spiritual soul is united to our body, yet not the same corruptible body that we had, but a glorified spiritual body united perfectly with our spiritual soul.
"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body." (1 Cor 15:42-44)
This spiritual body as I have shown is not a body with a spirit, but a glorified incorruptible body with a spiritual soul! While on earth this spiritual soul has a oneness that can lead us to spiritual action, thoughts, knowledge, love, etc.. And hopefully towards our salvation.
We are a body with a spiritual soul. Our spiritual soul will not naturally die on it's own, our soul by nature is immortal, because by nature it is spiritual. This spiritual soul is one, both soul, and spirit. Any distinction between body and soul does not mean a separated nature, but that they have separate functions that work in unity with our whole self. At the resurrection of the body this unity will be perfected and complete. In the mean time our spiritual soul will live on to be with God, angels and Saints!
A little bit on "soul sleep"
Some people believe that in scripture many times sleep is referred to as death and that this indicates that our souls actually are sleeping until the resurrection of the body. Some believe that this is the end of our existence prior to the Resurrection of the dead, and some say that our spirit is the only part of us that moves on. While others say no part of us moves on to an after life.
Most of the time in Scripture when sleep is referenced it is actually regarding real bodily sleep/rest. Some times however it is used in another way. I have found that nowhere in Scripture is this notion of soul sleep taught. Anytime where sleep is used in conjunction with death it is referring to the body as being inactive, and appearing to be sleeping.
Prior to the resurrection of the dead our bodies remain inactive and return to dust, but our spiritual soul lives on to be reunited to an "awakened" glorified body! This is the context of scripture, and falling asleep in death. Since our soul is not the body, but the form of the body this makes sense. It is our bodies that appear to be sleeping at death.
The language in scripture used about sleeping in death is known as phenomenological language. This occurs when we describe something as it looks, and not of how it is actually. The classic example of phenomenological language is when we talk about the sun rising and setting. The sun appears to rise and set, but this motion is actually due to the rotation of the earth rather than to motion of the sun around the earth.
Scriptural example of the phenomenological language occurs in verses like this one, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)
Daniel is speaking about the resurrection of the body, and not the state of the soul after death. We must take all scripture in light of the others, and in light of the resurrection.
"so man lies down and rises not again; till the heavens are no more he will not awake, or be roused out of his sleep." (Job 14:12)
This is another example about people being raised out of "sleep" for the resurrection. Again we must look at verses like this in light of the resurrection. Both these verses are talking specifically about the body and not the state of the soul.
One more example of this phenomenological language is verses that show God to be sleeping obviously we know that God doesn't need sleep and he is not sleeping although sometimes it seems that way like in this Psalm.
"Rouse thyself! Why sleepest thou, O Lord? Awake! Do not cast us off for ever! (Psalm 44:23)
I have found no such Scripture to show that anything other than the body "sleeps" in death. When we sleep for rest for example our souls are still active. Our souls doesn't sleep when we sleep, but remains active. This is how we dream, and this is how people suffering from a coma are still alive. I say this because our soul is linked to our mind. We can see this in Scripture and in the other quotes I have provided.
God spoke to people many times threw dreams here is only a few examples from Matthew you can look them up, (Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)
It is clear to me that often times sleep is used as a euphemism for death (Euphemism is defined as a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing) our Lord himself uses such a euphemism.
"Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, “Our friend Laz′arus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Laz′arus is dead;" (John 11:11-14)
We know that Jesus loved Lazarus and that he cried about his death. Being like us in every way, but sin Jesus here is using a Euphemism for death at first rather then plainly stating that he was dead perhaps for the sake of those around him. Also notice that the Apostles with him did not take him to be speaking about death when he said sleep, but they understood him literally to mean rest.
Another example of this, "And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, he said, “Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose." (Matthew 9:23-25)
Also here the people did not take him to be speaking literally about death, and laughed at him because they knew she was dead. Obviously sleep was not something that they used to literally mean death or they would have understood what he was saying.
Many people use this next verse to prove "soul sleep,"
"Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," (1 Corinthians 15:51)
When we look at this in context we see that sleep is being used in conjunction with the resurrection of the bodies of the dead. Sleep here is being used in a way to show that our bodies which have returned to dust will be raised as if they had been sleeping.
"I tell you this, brethren: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:50-52)
This is how it is said, "but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” (Eph 5:13-14).
Remember we will be fully alive, and our self when we are reunited with our glorified bodies at the final resurrection!
“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats," (Matt 2531-32).
"And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”" (Matt 25:46)
Another way that sleep is mentioned in scripture is to show that we are asleep in faith, or intellect and that we need to awaken, and take notice of the things that we are failing to do.
"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6 )
In conclusion.
We have so many good English translations of the Bible available to us today and with remarkable accuracy to the original Greek texts (Septuagint) and Hebrew texts. Some may say when you look up the Greek it is spirit not soul there for it says something different.
First of all which Greek text? Not surprising there are a number of Greek texts for the bible and many also differ in wordage used from another. So while one Greek text says soul, another may say spirit in the same verse.
I have come to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit has preserved very well the message of scripture through the various main stream translations available to use today. The Holy Spirit most faithfully does this through the interpretive authority of the Catholic Church, believe it or not!
I think it doesn't matter whether the verse says soul or spirit since they are one thing which denotes different functioning only, as I have shown here. Both words when human beings are concerned mean the spiritual human soul, no matter if spirit or soul was present in the original texts. The only way it matters is if you believe that spirit and soul are different things, this changes everything!
Please note that the different word used is used to denote a particular function of the spiritual soul and not meant to show that they are separate things all together.
Soul, or spirit may be used to denote the whole human person, or the whole spiritual person, and spirit may be used to denote some spiritual concept. I encourage you to always cross reference and if you can do learn biblical Greek as well as Latin since both were at once universal languages as English is today, and compare for the best understanding.
Almost there your patients is appreciated :)
I think that it is dangerous to think that the soul dies after death. Like I said earlier our soul is what in us that needs salvation. Our soul moves our body, and sin committed in the body effects the state of and, salvation of our souls.
Our souls are spiritual this is where spirit comes from. God has given us this spirit, his Spirit so that we can unite our wills to his and enter salvation. Our soul is not separate from the spirit, but one united for our immortality. This is what makes us human because we have a spiritual soul. When we begin by rejecting the immortality of the soul, we then can find our self on a slippery slope to rejecting sin, and the effects of sin.
We can then say that we have no need of salvation because our soul dies anyway. This thinking may also lead us to rejecting the wonderful sacramental system established for us in the Church like baptism which removes the stain of sin from our souls.
There are many things not explicitly taught in scripture that the Church has declared through her authority. It is good to look to this authority for a full explanation of biblical truths. The Church is the body of Christ united through all believers. Through her authority she is our Mother and we owe it to Christ to listen. The Church is also the voice of Christ in this world and the interpreter of sacred scripture.
The immortality of the spiritual soul is an infallible teaching of the Catholic Church which is from Christ. She has spoken, and as Saint Ignatius 2nd century Bishop of Antioch says...
"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."
By Joanne 11-6-2014
References and quotes:
Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica part 2 Article 1 Whether the soul is a body? Article 2 Whether the human soul is something subsistent?
Saint Augustine's Enchiridion CHAPTER XXIII. The Reality of the Resurrection
The Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 362-367. II. "BODY AND SOUL BUT TRULY ONE"
Letter to the Smyrnaeans by St. Ignatius of Antioch. Third Bishop of Antioch 98-110 AD a hearer of the apostle John and 3rd in order to Peter. Quote From the Faith of the early Church fathers, Jergans addition
Gen 34:3
Acts 2:41
Acts 2:43
Luke 1:46-47
Baruch 3:1
Gen 3:7
Danial 3:86
1 Thess 5:23
Mark 12:30
Hebrews 4:12
Genesis 35:18-19
1 Pet 1:9
1 Peter 1:22
James 5:20
Matthew 10:28
1 Cor 15:42-44
Job 14:12
Psalm 44:23
Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)
John 11:11-14
Matthew 9:23-25
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
Eph 5:13-14
Matt 25:31-32
Matt 25:46
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Does the soul die and the spirit live on?
I say that human beings are both body and spiritual soul. Our soul isn't physical, but spiritual and can know of spiritual things as well as temporal things. Our soul is how our bodies are moved, and how all of the natural functioning of our bodies are made possible.
The soul is how we learn, and understand, and how we can have faith, "man understands through the soul." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
Without the soul our bodies would not be active. Therefor at death our bodies are in no more need of our soul, and our soul is free from the bodies limitations. The spiritual part of our soul is what allowes us (our soul) to move on to an after life..
I guess we could say that the soul moves the body, and the spirit moves the soul. "Therefore the soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a body, but the act of a body." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
Saint Augustine when speaking about resurrected matter has this to say, "Every soul will have, as its own, all that is required to complete a whole human body." Also he says, "in an instant of time this matter returns to the soul that first animated it, and that caused it to become a man, to live and to grow."
As humans we have a body which is physical, we also have a soul, that is spiritual, our spirit. Our spirit is what makes us human. Just like how the body and soul live united to each other in life, so does the soul and spirit after bodily death. The soul does not need the body to move, or exist. The soul is subsistent, and can subsist without the body.
"We must conclude, therefore, that the human soul, which is called the intellect or the mind, is something incorporeal and subsistent." (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The human person, created in the image of God, is a being at once corporeal and spiritual. The biblical account expresses this reality in symbolic language when it affirms that "then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Man, whole and entire, is therefore willed by God." (CCC 362)
In scripture the human person is often referred to as a "soul" people are seen as souls, and human characteristics are shown to come from the soul.
Some examples, "And his soul was drawn to Dinah" (Gen 34:3) and, "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41), also "And fear came upon every soul" (Acts 2:43)
Jesus himself even says, “Now is my soul troubled." (John 12:27). Even evil emotions, and thoughts are shown to come from the soul, "the great man utters the evil desire of his soul" (Micah 7:3).
Of course you can look these up and read them in context I have only quoted the portion useful for this article. You will see more examples of how human emotions, thoughts and desired come from the soul, and more specifically the spiritual human soul.
Even though evil thoughts and intentions can come from the soul, it is our spirit that moves us to pure thoughts and good intentions. Our spirit which is like God's Spirit is how God speaks to our souls. We are connected to him spiritually in this way.
Soul and spirit separate, but one.
In scripture the soul, and spirit are often talked about in a way that denotes there separate functions, but not necessarily meant to explain a duality of soul, and spirit. In other words not to mean that the soul, and spirit are separate from each other. Scripture showes that all though the soul, and spirit have some separate functions they are one, and together make the spiritual human soul, and the complete person.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47)
"And now, O Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, the soul in anguish, and the troubled spirit crieth to thee" (Baruch 3:1)
We see that the soul, and spirit serve man in their own way. Not only does the soul move the physical body, the soul is moved by the spirit into emotional experiences and especially spiritual experiences.
The soul suffers while the spirit cries out to God!
Like I said before the soul moves the body, and the spirit moves the soul. The spirit moves the soul to prayer (praying in spirit), to faith in God, to understanding of divine things, to love, etc.. All of these spiritual works is what leads us to our salvation.
This is how Saint Steven could say, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)
And how it is said of Christ, "When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30)
This is why we humans have spiritual souls, this spiritualness of our soul is what makes it, subsistent, and immortal. Our spiritual soul is how we are created in the "image of God" (Gen 3:7)
"The human body shares in the dignity of "the image of God": it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit" (CCC 364)
But, what about verses that seem to show that the soul and spirit are separate things? Like, (Danial 3:86) "O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever."
(1 Thess 5:23), "may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
And, (Mark 12:30) "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’"
We see that we are to love God with the full capacity of all the functions of our body, soul, and spirit, as in this next verse. "and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
This Mark verse especially is not to be taken as the heart, soul and mind are separate things, but that they are united in their separate functions in one spiritual person.
Take our physical bodies for example we have a heart, lungs, liver, brain, arms, legs, etc... We are comprised of many parts, but all are one in our one body. If we part up the human body it will not live as a body. No physical part of us will live on it's own a part from the rest of the parts of a body. Not only that a leg is not a body, no more than a heart is a body. Only all parts together (united) make a body!
The only exception to this is our spiritual soul that as scripture show es and I will point out can and will live apart from the body. Yet, this is a temporary state scripture also tells us that to be fully alive is to be united body and soul in Christ. This is why Christ emphasized the resurrection when are bodies are united to our spiritual souls as the completion of his mission, and our true end.
Regarding the above verses, (Daniel 3:86, 1 Thess 5:23, Mark 12:30) we must read these verses in light of the other verses that clearly show a unity of both soul, and spirit, as mentioned above.
In regards to the 1 Thess 5:23 verse we see that it is important that we become sanctified in all things namely our "spirit, and soul, and body" not that these are all separate things, but that their separate functions all work in unity towards our perfect end/salvation.
Further we read in (Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
This shows that like joints and marrow, the soul and spirit are working together in a special unity, or oneness, and that only the word of God can penetrate it, move it, effect a change in it, divide it, etc...
Souls and salvation.
I said before that when the body no longer needs the soul as in death, the soul is then free from the limitations of the body. It is the spirit that moves the soul towards it's after life. Many times the Scripture authors use language to show that the soul has moved on, and left the body.
"And as her soul was departing (for she died), she called his name Ben-o′ni; but his father called his name Benjamin. So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)" (Genesis 35:18-19)
The state of our soul upon death will determine it's ultimate end. It is the soul that requires salvation, "As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls." (1 Pet 1:9)
The state of our souls is precisely why we need salvation. In 1 Peter we also read, "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22)
Sin hurts us, and not just because of the problems it causes the body, but more importantly the problems sin causes in our soul! Therefor we must work through faith in Christ, and obedience to the truth to save our soul, and others,
"let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:20)
If the soul dies upon death of the body then what is said in James makes no sense. Why would we have to save our souls, and others if the soul just dies anyway?
Why would Peter imply that our soul must be purified if it just dies upon the death of the body anyway? He would only need mention purifying our souls if our soul lived on to await the resurrection.
So, does the soul die after death, and the spirit live on?
I have already touched on some of this above. I have said and shown you that while there is sometimes a distinction in Scripture between soul and spirit, there is also a unity, a oneness, and that the distinction does not mean to show us a duality of soul and spirit.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way, "Sometimes the soul is distinguished from the spirit: St. Paul for instance prays that God may sanctify his people "wholly", with "spirit and soul and body" kept sound and blameless at the Lord's coming. The Church teaches that this distinction does not introduce a duality into the soul. "Spirit" signifies that from creation man is ordered to a supernatural end and that his soul can gratuitously be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God." (CCC 367)
In (Matthew 10:28) we read, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Here Christ is telling us to fear God, and not man because man can only kill the body and not the soul, but God if he wants can kill both! If the soul was separate from the spirit, and automatically died when the body dies, then this warning of Christ makes no sense. This verse implies that the soul is alive still even when the body is dead.
If the soul separated from the body, and died as a natural part of death then man could kill the soul when man kills a body. And if our soul is dead upon our natural bodily death then how can, or why would God destroy it in hell?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The unity of soul and body is so profound that one has to consider the soul to be the "form" of the body: it is because of its spiritual soul that the body made of matter becomes a living, human body; spirit and matter, in man, are not two natures united, but rather their union forms a single nature." (CCC 365)
"The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created immediately by God - it is not "produced" by the parents - and also that it is immortal: it does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection." (CCC 366)
This is why at the resurrection our spiritual soul is united to our body, yet not the same corruptible body that we had, but a glorified spiritual body united perfectly with our spiritual soul.
"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body." (1 Cor 15:42-44)
This spiritual body as I have shown is not a body with a spirit, but a glorified incorruptible body with a spiritual soul! While on earth this spiritual soul has a oneness that can lead us to spiritual action, thoughts, knowledge, love, etc.. And hopefully towards our salvation.
We are a body with a spiritual soul. Our spiritual soul will not naturally die on it's own, our soul by nature is immortal, because by nature it is spiritual. This spiritual soul is one, both soul, and spirit. Any distinction between body and soul does not mean a separated nature, but that they have separate functions that work in unity with our whole self. At the resurrection of the body this unity will be perfected and complete. In the mean time our spiritual soul will live on to be with God, angels and Saints!
A little bit on "soul sleep"
Some people believe that in scripture many times sleep is referred to as death and that this indicates that our souls actually are sleeping until the resurrection of the body. Some believe that this is the end of our existence prior to the Resurrection of the dead, and some say that our spirit is the only part of us that moves on. While others say no part of us moves on to an after life.
Most of the time in Scripture when sleep is referenced it is actually regarding real bodily sleep/rest. Some times however it is used in another way. I have found that nowhere in Scripture is this notion of soul sleep taught. Anytime where sleep is used in conjunction with death it is referring to the body as being inactive, and appearing to be sleeping.
Prior to the resurrection of the dead our bodies remain inactive and return to dust, but our spiritual soul lives on to be reunited to an "awakened" glorified body! This is the context of scripture, and falling asleep in death. Since our soul is not the body, but the form of the body this makes sense. It is our bodies that appear to be sleeping at death.
The language in scripture used about sleeping in death is known as phenomenological language. This occurs when we describe something as it looks, and not of how it is actually. The classic example of phenomenological language is when we talk about the sun rising and setting. The sun appears to rise and set, but this motion is actually due to the rotation of the earth rather than to motion of the sun around the earth.
Scriptural example of the phenomenological language occurs in verses like this one, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)
Daniel is speaking about the resurrection of the body, and not the state of the soul after death. We must take all scripture in light of the others, and in light of the resurrection.
"so man lies down and rises not again; till the heavens are no more he will not awake, or be roused out of his sleep." (Job 14:12)
This is another example about people being raised out of "sleep" for the resurrection. Again we must look at verses like this in light of the resurrection. Both these verses are talking specifically about the body and not the state of the soul.
One more example of this phenomenological language is verses that show God to be sleeping obviously we know that God doesn't need sleep and he is not sleeping although sometimes it seems that way like in this Psalm.
"Rouse thyself! Why sleepest thou, O Lord? Awake! Do not cast us off for ever! (Psalm 44:23)
I have found no such Scripture to show that anything other than the body "sleeps" in death. When we sleep for rest for example our souls are still active. Our souls doesn't sleep when we sleep, but remains active. This is how we dream, and this is how people suffering from a coma are still alive. I say this because our soul is linked to our mind. We can see this in Scripture and in the other quotes I have provided.
God spoke to people many times threw dreams here is only a few examples from Matthew you can look them up, (Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)
It is clear to me that often times sleep is used as a euphemism for death (Euphemism is defined as a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing) our Lord himself uses such a euphemism.
"Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, “Our friend Laz′arus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Laz′arus is dead;" (John 11:11-14)
We know that Jesus loved Lazarus and that he cried about his death. Being like us in every way, but sin Jesus here is using a Euphemism for death at first rather then plainly stating that he was dead perhaps for the sake of those around him. Also notice that the Apostles with him did not take him to be speaking about death when he said sleep, but they understood him literally to mean rest.
Another example of this, "And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, he said, “Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose." (Matthew 9:23-25)
Also here the people did not take him to be speaking literally about death, and laughed at him because they knew she was dead. Obviously sleep was not something that they used to literally mean death or they would have understood what he was saying.
Many people use this next verse to prove "soul sleep,"
"Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," (1 Corinthians 15:51)
When we look at this in context we see that sleep is being used in conjunction with the resurrection of the bodies of the dead. Sleep here is being used in a way to show that our bodies which have returned to dust will be raised as if they had been sleeping.
"I tell you this, brethren: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:50-52)
This is how it is said, "but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” (Eph 5:13-14).
Remember we will be fully alive, and our self when we are reunited with our glorified bodies at the final resurrection!
“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats," (Matt 2531-32).
"And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”" (Matt 25:46)
Another way that sleep is mentioned in scripture is to show that we are asleep in faith, or intellect and that we need to awaken, and take notice of the things that we are failing to do.
"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6 )
In conclusion.
We have so many good English translations of the Bible available to us today and with remarkable accuracy to the original Greek texts (Septuagint) and Hebrew texts. Some may say when you look up the Greek it is spirit not soul there for it says something different.
First of all which Greek text? Not surprising there are a number of Greek texts for the bible and many also differ in wordage used from another. So while one Greek text says soul, another may say spirit in the same verse.
I have come to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit has preserved very well the message of scripture through the various main stream translations available to use today. The Holy Spirit most faithfully does this through the interpretive authority of the Catholic Church, believe it or not!
I think it doesn't matter whether the verse says soul or spirit since they are one thing which denotes different functioning only, as I have shown here. Both words when human beings are concerned mean the spiritual human soul, no matter if spirit or soul was present in the original texts. The only way it matters is if you believe that spirit and soul are different things, this changes everything!
Please note that the different word used is used to denote a particular function of the spiritual soul and not meant to show that they are separate things all together.
Soul, or spirit may be used to denote the whole human person, or the whole spiritual person, and spirit may be used to denote some spiritual concept. I encourage you to always cross reference and if you can do learn biblical Greek as well as Latin since both were at once universal languages as English is today, and compare for the best understanding.
Almost there your patients is appreciated :)
I think that it is dangerous to think that the soul dies after death. Like I said earlier our soul is what in us that needs salvation. Our soul moves our body, and sin committed in the body effects the state of and, salvation of our souls.
Our souls are spiritual this is where spirit comes from. God has given us this spirit, his Spirit so that we can unite our wills to his and enter salvation. Our soul is not separate from the spirit, but one united for our immortality. This is what makes us human because we have a spiritual soul. When we begin by rejecting the immortality of the soul, we then can find our self on a slippery slope to rejecting sin, and the effects of sin.
We can then say that we have no need of salvation because our soul dies anyway. This thinking may also lead us to rejecting the wonderful sacramental system established for us in the Church like baptism which removes the stain of sin from our souls.
There are many things not explicitly taught in scripture that the Church has declared through her authority. It is good to look to this authority for a full explanation of biblical truths. The Church is the body of Christ united through all believers. Through her authority she is our Mother and we owe it to Christ to listen. The Church is also the voice of Christ in this world and the interpreter of sacred scripture.
The immortality of the spiritual soul is an infallible teaching of the Catholic Church which is from Christ. She has spoken, and as Saint Ignatius 2nd century Bishop of Antioch says...
"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."
By Joanne 11-6-2014
References and quotes:
Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica part 2 Article 1 Whether the soul is a body? Article 2 Whether the human soul is something subsistent?
Saint Augustine's Enchiridion CHAPTER XXIII. The Reality of the Resurrection
The Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 362-367. II. "BODY AND SOUL BUT TRULY ONE"
Letter to the Smyrnaeans by St. Ignatius of Antioch. Third Bishop of Antioch 98-110 AD a hearer of the apostle John and 3rd in order to Peter. Quote From the Faith of the early Church fathers, Jergans addition
Gen 34:3
Acts 2:41
Acts 2:43
Luke 1:46-47
Baruch 3:1
Gen 3:7
Danial 3:86
1 Thess 5:23
Mark 12:30
Hebrews 4:12
Genesis 35:18-19
1 Pet 1:9
1 Peter 1:22
James 5:20
Matthew 10:28
1 Cor 15:42-44
Job 14:12
Psalm 44:23
Matthew 1:20, 2:12-22)
John 11:11-14
Matthew 9:23-25
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
Eph 5:13-14
Matt 25:31-32
Matt 25:46
1 Thessalonians 5:6
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