The Catechism pronounces that, as the one true church, those who are baptized into the Catholic church are assured of heaven:
| "The Church does not know of any other means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude..." Pg. 320, #1257 |
In the United States, that means 25 percent of the population, or over 60 million people, are headed for heaven.
In many other countries, ninety percent or more of the population is Catholic, meaning nine out of every ten people will pass through the pearly gates. Worldwide, Catholicism claims nearly one billion members.
You may not believe that nearly a billion people could be wrong, but look what Jesus said:
| "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14 |
According to Jesus, the masses willingly accept false religious systems that lead to destruction, while few find true salvation that leads to heaven. Could 60 million Americans be considered "few?" Would anyone say that one billion people world-wide is a "few?"
When Jesus walked the earth, a small minority followed Him. Most rejected his teachings and remained in the well established, socially accepted religions. In other words, they rejected the truth so they could keep their religious traditions. Jesus spoke the following words to those who did this:
| "...Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:9 |
While Jesus was preaching, one listener who began to comprehend this truth asked Jesus:
| "Lord, are there few that be saved? And he (Jesus) said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:23-24 |
When Jesus taught his disciples to go out and preach the gospel, he said:
| "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;" Matthew 9:37 |
In other words, most people are lost and need a Savior, but few have the truth to go and tell them.
Conclusion
Throughout this book, every Catholic doctrine has violated God's Word. Yet millions of Catholics ignore God's instructions and continue following the traditions of men, claiming to be right because they are in a religious majority. Jesus warns:
| "...whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man... And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man..." Matthew 7:24, 26 |
Does God consider you a wise or foolish person? If you believe you can ignore God's commands because you are in a religious majority, you need to read Matthew 7:24-26 again.
Jesus gives another warning to the majority who have disregarded God's Word and are counting on earning their salvation through good works:
| "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:22-23 |
How is it that so many Catholics can call Jesus their Lord, yet totally disregard His instructions? Jesus asked that very same question in His Word:
| "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46 |
You can ignore this question now, but what will you say when Jesus asks you the same question in person when you die and stand before Him for judgment?
Understanding Roman Catholicism © 1995 by Rick Jones
