legalism vs. Freedom in Christ

I'm reposting a post from Judgenot because I liked it so much!

"I keep seeing these Catholic vs. Protestant vs. Catholic vs. Protestant threads, and I try to keep up with the debates - but I have a question: So – what is this – Northern Ireland?

As I grew up I rarely listened to the news. We didn’t have a TV until I was seven, and then I was intent on ‘Sky King’, ‘The Three Stooges, ‘Lassie’ and ‘The Lone Ranger’ – never news. But one on-going story that sticks in my mind was (is) violence in Northern Ireland. Protestants were killing Catholics, and Catholics were killing Protestants, around and around it went. When I was in grade school (early sixties) it was as predominant as what we hear on the news today: Muslims killing Jews and Jews retaliating.

I remember feeling sick and wondering – “don’t Catholics and Protestants each believe in Jesus? Why are they hurting each other? Why don’t they just stop?”

My naivety continues to this day. “Why do Protestants and Catholics do this to each other?”

I can only ascertain that it is due to foolishness. The book of Proverbs has much to say about ‘fools’ and to not argue with ‘fools’ (it is a waste of time!).

I will not get involved on one side or the other in this ongoing argument – other than to say if a man has Jesus living in his heart, then it makes no difference how that man chooses to worship Him. When Jesus is truly living in a man’s heart – I mean really, really living there – then that man’s worship of Him cannot be wrong.

Now; I’m sure there are advocates of one side or the other of this subject who will tell me that I am the ‘fool’ of which the book of Proverbs speaks. That if I wasn’t a ‘fool’ I would see, understand and agree with their particular point of view.

Fine.

Consider me a fool if you wish.

I consider anyone who demonstrates in favor of the FACT that Jesus is God and only through HIM are we saved, as the real winner. Anyone who demonstrates opposition to that Biblical fact is the loser.

Forgive me Lord for being angry. But to be perfectly honest – this bickering makes me sick to my stomach. Either Jesus is the head of your church (your heart) or He isn’t – no matter if the sign over the door of the church you attend says Catholic or Protestant. It doesn’t matter if you consider the pope, Ellen White, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham or Joseph Blough as your teacher of choice – if Jesus is leading you then you win.

If you disagree with that fact - then, perhaps you are arguing on the wrong forum?

Enough said. I'll not interupt the flow of this thread again.

Carry on.
JudgeNot"