One theme has run throughout each chapter of this book. It is the major difference between Catholicism and true Christianity:
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You may have noticed that every doctrine of Catholicism brings members into bondage to the Catholic church. You need the church to be saved. You need the church to receive forgiveness for your sins. You need the church for everything!
By design, you are in bondage to the Catholic church from shortly after birth at baptism until the moment of your death when you receive the Last Rites.
But the Bible declares that Jesus died to set you free from that bondage:
| "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Romans 8:21 |
Paul preached:
| "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 |
Christ sets people free. Religion brings them into bondage:
| "...because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:" Galatians 2:4 |
Don't be deceived! Religion promises liberty, but always delivers bondage:
| "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." 2 Peter 2:19 |
God's Word urges true Christians to stand fast in the liberty that only Christ can provide:
| "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1 |
The Apostle Paul knew about this liberty, and warned fellow Christians not to misuse it:
| "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Galatians 5:13 |
God doesn't want you toiling in bondage to a religion. He wants you to enjoy real liberty:
| "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17
"And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts." Psalm 119:45 |
Set free
As a former Roman Catholic, I know what this bondage is all about. Throughout my youth, I was taught Catholic rules and regulations, and I lived in fear of what would happen if I didn' t obey them.
One of the greatest joys I experienced when I asked Jesus into my heart was the liberty I found in Christ. The chains of bondage were broken off. Its power over me was lifted and I was set free.
Which will it be for you?
You can be delivered from the bondage of the Catholic church, and experience this same liberty. Jesus already did the work to set you free:
| "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:15 |
Paul discusses the same subject again:
| "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son... To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons... " Galatians 4:3-5 |
Love or hate?
Paul follows these remarks with this statement:
| "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16 |
In closing, I ask you the same question. Am I your enemy because I have told you the truth? Some will certainly suggest that I am against Catholics. I am not!
On the contrary, I have presented here the one and only message that can spare Catholics (and all people) from an eternity in the lake of fire. That's not hate, that's love.
I want all Catholics to receive the gift of eternal life. I want you to be set free from a religion that enslaves you. That's not hate, that's love.
I want you to experience the joy and peace that only Jesus Christ can give. That's not being an enemy... that's being a friend.
Your real enemy
You do have an enemy, though. His name is Satan. He hates you and wants you to burn in hell forever:
| "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8 |
The devil knows that to devour you he must keep you from obeying God's Word.
Here's his plan:
First, he creates a religion, complete with all the religious trappings to make it appear authentic.
Next, he formulates unbiblical doctrines that members must perform. People become so busy obeying these rules they never find Christ.
Another earmark of Satan's religions is the denigrating of Jesus Christ. The devil hates Jesus and knows that He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Therefore, Satan will do everything He can to keep people's eyes off Christ.
Unfortunately, this plan has been working for centuries. Don't underestimate Satan. He is a master deceiver. (See Revelation 12:9.)
Please don't let the devil deceive you any longer. He is your real enemy and he is using a religion to keep you away from Jesus Christ. Please don't let him keep you away any longer.
Turn to Jesus today. He is waiting to set you free. God bless you as you experience true salvation in Jesus Christ:
| "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 |
Understanding Roman Catholicism © 1995 by Rick Jones
