Bible Question:

I'm a Catholic, but I don't agree with all of the Catholic church teachings. I believe salvation comes only thru Christ and no other way. I read the Bible and find nothing in the Bible about salvation through the church. I believe one should go to church. I believe this is not an option. Christ started the church. But I believe the church should preach God's Word. I know the Roman Catholic church teaches Jesus isn't the only way. One can pray to Mary and she will help. I don't accept transubstantiation, but I do believe Christ is present when I take the bread and wine. I try to explain this to my family and things start getting rough. How do you get this across to your family?

Bible Answer:

Jesus warned us that every true Christian will suffer for Him. You are encouraged to read “Why did Jesus say He came to set a man against his father?” It will provide a biblical perspective on your situation. Now, how do you help your family understand? First, pursue peace with your family and be patient and gracious with your words.

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (NASB) Col. 4:5-6

Second, pray for them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help them understand you. Ask God to give you a special time to explain what you believe and when the time seems right, graciously and lovingly tell them. Explain that Jesus Christ is the only way into heaven. Only Jesus can forgive sins.

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (NASB) Acts 4:12

Mary cannot help either. Even Mary was a sinner who had to be corrected by Jesus when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-5). Mary was a wonderful mother to Jesus, but she cannot help in the area of salvation. While she joined the disciples for prayer after Jesus left, she was silent throughout the meeting (Acts 1:12-26), and then she never appears again in the Bible. This is an important point. If she was so important, why does she not appear again?

Conclusion:

Salvation is between God and each individual person. Pray for your family and speak as God allows. Only God can change their hearts.

Suggested Links:

Searching For God
Why did Jesus say He came to set a man against his father?
How can I help my mother understand that there is no purgatory?
What is the history of the Roman Catholic church?
What does the Bible say about praying the Rosary?