quote:
Originally posted by blue's:
Bill, I have a lot of friends that are Catholic, enjoy the video and then tell me if you can walk in this woman's shoes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41sflWxWus
Hi Blue,
I, too, have Friends and loved ones who are Roman Catholic. Yes, this woman was an amazing woman -- and, if I had to bet, I would say she is in heaven right now -- in fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since I never had an opportunity to know her personally, I cannot say that I know she is in heaven -- but, I believe she is with God.
Quite honestly, you and I cannot say that any other person is or was saved. Only that person and God know for sure. I cannot tell you for sure that Billy Graham is saved. But, I believe he is, just as I believe Mother Teresa was saved and is in heaven today.
Could I do the wonderful things she did? No, I most likely could not. We never know what we can do until we are put to the test. However, in this case, I would bet against Bill Gray.
But, let's get to the crux of the issue of salvation. No one is saved through good works. We are told this in Ephesians 2:8-9. And, in Isaiah 64:6 we are told that our "good works" and "good deeds" are like filthy rags in the eyes of God. Our works and deeds can NEVER get anyone into heaven; not even Mother Teresa.
Our salvation comes, by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ -- plus nothing else (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, once we are saved, our good works and good deeds are the "fruit" or result of our salvation. In other words, works cannot give us salvation. However, salvation can, and should, give us good works.
Do I believe that Mother Teresa and Billy Graham are Christian saints -- and that she is today a saint in heaven? Yes, I do. But, I only say that from seeing the "fruit" or works their salvation has brought forth.
Could I walk in her shoes? Not very likely. I am not as strong as that tiny woman was and is today in heaven. I can and did help a Friend move her furniture into her new home two weeks ago -- and then set up her beds, dressers, and such to get her settled into her new home. All I have left to do is to go hang one large painting, which requires another man to help me lift it and hang it.
Yes, I can still do all these physical things. But, am I strong enough to lift people's spirits and hearts, from the slums, and point them toward God as this tiny woman did throughout her lifetime? Probably not. Her memory is to be admired.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill