She couldn't find Jesus in the Catholic church
Another snatched from RomanismThe testimony of Sis. Joanne
For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Tracy's note: What a thrilling testimony this is. When the Holy Ghost comes in, He quickens the mind--His work is nothing short of miraculous.
Dear Tracy:
Seven people in my family have died over the past 2 years and I was searching for Him ... I could never find that lasting peace inside and I had always wanted Jesus in my life. So one day I typed in "Jesus" on the internet and found your web-site.
I have been reading your web-site for a long time, and at first I couldn't believe what the articles said about Roman Catholics, you know sometimes the truth hurts. I grew up Roman Catholic. But with time I decided to have a look at your articles ... and I couldn't believe my eyes. I never knew that Jesus had siblings! I was always taught as a little girl to read my catechism and the prayers (the prayer of absolution)... [T]he Roman Catholic church always referred to Mary as an "ever virgin." What a lie! So, I continued to read more articles and was shocked to find out what garbage I was believing in all these years. You see, I really never questioned anything...I just followed the crowd...your web-site was an eye opener.
All those years in the Catholic church I could remember praying and looking at the wall-size crucifix portraying a "dead" Jesus, and being so sorry that I could never measure-up because I always sinned. I remember crying and asking Him if he could truly show me how to get Himself in my life because I really didn't know how. Then one day, (as a result of studying your web-site), I bought an authorized King James Bible (all my life and I never even owned a bible) and turned to Ephesians and the verses that I read made me cry so hard because they were so sweet. The verses were "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." All these years, I thought I had to do something (to work harder, to be a better person) to merit eternal life...I cried and I still cry when I think of all the incredible love that Jesus had for everyone when he died...it was a precious gift. No other gift in this lifetime could ever equal His gift of unconditional, unselfish love.
When I got home, I cried and humbled myself and every bit of pride and self-righteousness I had crumbled. I admitted that I was a sinner and that I was so sorry for trying to work for eternal life and for being Roman Catholic (worshipping idols, eucharist). I repented of my sins and invited Jesus to be No. 1 in my life as my Saviour and King. The moment I received Jesus as my Saviour, it was like a 10,000 load of bricks were unloaded off my shoulders and I had finally found that lasting peace I was looking for! The hollow feeling inside me was filled.
Looking back now, all those years in the Catholic church...and He wasn't even there. Jesus' death on the cross didn't have any meaning to me in the Catholic church. It has incredible meaning to me now. Now, I know that Jesus paid the price for all of my sins (past, present and future). The Catholic church never taught me that! All they care about were their traditions and doctrines of men. I always was made to feel guilty and fearful.
I am looking forward now in a Brand New Life In Jesus Christ and I know that it is His Precious Blood that has freed me forever. I read His Word everyday and it speaks to my soul. I understand it, and my life has changed as a result. I'm not angry and resentful anymore, but it's like my soul is filled with His Love and a Calming Peace that I never knew existed and I thank Him everyday for his precious Gift of Eternal Life. My husband commented to me a couple of days later that my "heart was finally open."
The most puzzling question I had in my life is now answered. Jesus is more precious to me than anyone or anything in the world. Many times I ponder what depth of love God must have had ... to send his only begotten Son to die for sinners so they (whom receive Him as Saviour) could have eternal life and at the same time have their future sins forgiven. It is pure love, a love that knows no boundaries. This concept is still very new to me; it's beyond my comprehension...
A fellow sister in Jesus Christ,
Joanne