Dear Catholic friend, if you are genuinely seeking after God and longing to know his forgiveness and peace, I pray that these short articles will be of help to you. In many ways, they reflect my own journey and struggle as I searched the Scriptures to understand the gospel message and the way of salvation.
It was not a comfortable journey for me, and I do not suppose it will necessarily be an easy one for you either. Questions of faith touch some of our deepest loyalties and convictions. Yet they are worth facing honestly and prayerfully. The Bible calls us to pursue God earnestly: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
Grateful to God for the grace that transformed my own life, I pray that he will also lead you to behold his glory in the face of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no greater joy.
- How can I find the right path?
- Does the Church need a priesthood?
- Is Christ’s sacrifice enough?
- Who is our mediator?
- How can I receive forgiveness?
- What is the foundation of the Church?
- How can God justify us and still be just?
- What is the role of good works in salvation?
- Am I born again?
- What shall I do with Christ?
How can I find the right path?
Jesus spoke of two paths: one that is wide and leads to destruction, and another that is narrow and leads to life. So how can we find the road to heaven and avoid the wrong one?
We need better guidance than human religion or philosophy, because Scripture warns us that “the world did not know God through wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Thankfully, God has not left us to guess who he is and how we can know him. He has spoken to us through the Bible.
The Bible was written by people guided by his Holy Spirit. For this reason, the Bible is truly the Word of God. And because God does not lie or make mistakes, we can trust what the Bible teaches. Most importantly, the Bible shows us how we can be saved. The Holy Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
- What about tradition? Tradition can be useful, but it must never take the place of God’s Word. Jesus warned about this danger (Mark 7:1–13). The religious leaders of his day had the Scriptures, but they also followed many human traditions that had been passed down to them from their ancestors. In effect, by mixing these traditions with Scripture, they ended up distorting what God had actually said. Jesus strongly rebuked them for setting aside God’s Word because of their traditions. We need to be careful not to repeat the same mistake. Our beliefs must always be tested by what God has said in Scripture.
- What about religious teachers? Should we listen to them? Yes, certainly, especially those who faithfully teach the Word of God. But it is also our responsibility to make sure their teaching agrees with the Bible. That’s what the early disciples did: they “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). What a great example for us. Let us follow in their footsteps, and build our faith on the solid rock of God’s Word.
- What about our own opinions? The Bible warns us not to rely on our own thoughts and ideas. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). We are wise when we let God’s Word shape the way we think. Our faith should not rest on the uncertain foundation of “That’s what I think,” but on the firm foundation of “That’s what God has said.”
The Bible is our trustworthy guide on the path to heaven. When we listen to, believe, and obey its message, we can say to the Lord with confidence, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
So let us place our trust in God’s Word and walk the path he has shown us.
Does the Church need a priesthood?
Priesthood is an important theme in the Bible. The Letter to the Hebrews speaks at length about it. A priest offers sacrifices for sins and represents the people before God (Hebrews 5:1). We need a priest because we are sinners and cannot come into the presence of a holy and glorious God on our own.
In the Old Testament, God appointed priests to serve first in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They offered different kinds of sacrifices. Some were offered to make amends for sin, so that the sinner could receive forgiveness and be accepted by God; these sacrifices involved the shedding of blood. Others were offered as acts of thanksgiving and worship.
But with the coming of Jesus, everything changed. Now, “we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14). Instead of offering an animal sacrifice, Jesus offered himself. “He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). After giving his life on the cross to bear the sins of his people, Jesus rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for all who believe in him.
- Because of this, the Old Testament priesthood has come to an end. There had to be many priests in those days because each one eventually died and another had to take his place. But Jesus lives forever, and so “he holds his priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:24). His priesthood never comes to an end and is never passed on to a successor.
- Since Jesus holds his priesthood forever and needs no successor, there is no longer any need for a priestly class in the church to offer sacrifices to satisfy God’s justice for sin. The New Testament never calls church ministers priests in this sense. Instead, it refers to church leaders as presbyters (elders), pastors (shepherds), and bishops (overseers) (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–2). Their role is not to offer sacrifices for sin, but to teach God’s Word, guide the church, and care for God’s people.
- Not only that, but all Christians are priests. Everyone who believes in Jesus belongs to the “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Through Christ, every Christian can come directly to God — not to offer sacrifices to make satisfaction for sin, because Jesus has already done that once for all, but to offer God praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15).
So, does the church need a priesthood? Yes — Jesus is our great High Priest. He “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). We are invited to draw near to God through Christ with confident faith, praise, and thanksgiving.
Is Christ’s sacrifice enough?
God is our Creator, and we owe him our obedience. But from the very beginning, humanity has rebelled against him and broken his law. We too have disobeyed our Maker. Because of our sin, we are guilty before God, deserving of his judgment and in danger of hell.
Yet in his great mercy, God provided a way for sinners to be saved. In the Old Testament, he appointed Levitical priests to offer animal sacrifices on the altar. These sacrifices taught two important truths:
- The sinner deserves death as the just punishment for sin.
- But the sinner can be spared if another bears the penalty in his place.
These sacrifices pointed forward to what Jesus would accomplish. He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Christ was righteous, perfect, and without sin. Yet he took upon himself the sins of his people. He suffered and died on the cross, bearing the full penalty that our sins deserved. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). And again, “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28).
Scripture is clear: Christ offered one sacrifice, not many. Jesus “has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily… since he did this once for all when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27). His sacrifice took place once in history, about 2,000 years ago, but its power and benefits remain forever.
Jesus gave the Lord’s Supper to his disciples so that, by sharing the bread and the cup, they would remember him and proclaim his death until he returns (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Over time, however, the understanding of this act shifted. In Catholic teaching, the Lord’s Supper became more than a way to remember Jesus—it came to be seen as an ongoing sacrifice.
In Catholic teaching, the sacrifice of Christ is said to be ‘daily renewed’ during the Mass; other Catholic sources say that ‘the work of our redemption is carried on’ and that Christ ‘daily offers Himself upon our altars for our redemption.’ (Catechism of the Council of Trent; Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church; Mediator Dei, Pius XII).
So consider this question: Is a daily sacrifice still necessary today?
Look at what Scripture tells us. God gives this comforting promise to his people: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Based on this, the Bible concludes: “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:17–18).
Yet during Mass, the priest asks the congregation to pray “that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” I warmly invite you to reflect on this:
- How can we ask God to accept a sacrifice for sin when his Word assures us that “there is no longer any offering for sin”?
- Shouldn’t we take God at his word regarding his Son’s sacrifice — believing that it was offered once for all and is completely sufficient for our forgiveness?
Who is our mediator?
Sin separates us from God. That is why we need a mediator to bridge the gap — someone who can remove our guilt and reconcile us with God. How wonderful that God himself has provided us with such a mediator, just as the Holy Scriptures say:
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5–6).
We notice how clearly Scripture speaks about this. Just as there is one God, there is also one mediator between God and humanity. Not two, not three, not many — Scripture says there is “one mediator.” There is only one bridge between earth and heaven, one who can bring sinners back into friendship with their Creator. That one and only mediator is the man Christ Jesus.
Jesus alone qualifies for this role, for several reasons:
- Jesus is fully human
Because he became truly one of us, he can represent us before God. “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14): the eternal Son of God, who is truly God, took on our human nature. He became like us in every way, yet without sin, so that he could stand in our place before the Father. - Jesus is the Christ
He is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, chosen and sent by God to save his people. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon him, showing that he was the one God had promised. Through the power of the Spirit, Jesus also performed mighty works that confirmed his identity as the Christ, the Son of the living God. - Jesus is the Redeemer
Jesus paid the price to set his people free from the slavery of sin. This is another reason why he became truly human. He took on flesh and blood so that, after living a perfect life, he could offer himself on the cross in our place, bearing our sins. As Scripture says, “he gave himself as a ransom for all” — that is, he gave his life as the price to set sinners free.
In short, Jesus alone is perfectly qualified to be our mediator: he became one of us, he is God’s promised Messiah, and he gave himself to redeem us from sin.
All those who have been redeemed — including Mary and the saints who are now in glory — are in heaven rejoicing and praising God because of the one and only mediator, Jesus Christ. Rather than looking to them as mediators, let’s follow their example and place our trust in Jesus, who alone reconciles us to God.
Jesus alone is our mediator, and he invites us to come to God through him: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:9).
How can I receive forgiveness?
Sin is the breaking of God’s law, an offense against him, so ultimately God alone has the authority to forgive it. When King David was crushed under the weight of his own sin, he found peace through direct confession to the Lord: “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
The first Christians followed this same path, confessing their sins to God and asking him for forgiveness. Jesus himself embedded this practice into their daily life, instructing his followers to pray: “Our Father in heaven… forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:9,12).
Over time, however, new traditions began to take shape within the church. Gradually, the practice now known as the Sacrament of Confession was introduced, teaching that a Catholic priest holds the authority to grant absolution, acting as a judge to forgive sins in God’s name.
Perhaps, like me, you grew up learning that Jesus instituted this sacrament when he said to the apostles: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23).
- Jesus clearly gave the apostles authority concerning the forgiveness of sins. But how were they to exercise that authority in practice? Was it through private confession and priestly absolution, or in some other way? The Acts of the Apostles and the rest of the New Testament show us how the apostles understood their commission.
- What we do not find in the New Testament is an example of the apostles hearing individual confessions, giving absolution, or assigning penances. Instead, their clear focus was preaching the gospel—calling everyone to repent and turn to Christ for the free gift of forgiveness.
- The Apostle Peter declared, “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). The Apostle Paul preached the same message: “Through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38).
If the apostles were with us today, they would extend God’s offer of forgiveness in precisely the same way: by pointing us directly to Christ and calling us to repent and trust in him. In fact, this is exactly what they continue to do through the teaching they have left us in Scripture.
There is another important point to consider. Catholic teaching holds that even after a person has been forgiven, he must still make satisfaction for his sins. This is done through acts of penance in this life and, where necessary, through purification in purgatory after death.
Yet Scripture speaks a far more liberating truth, assuring all believers: “Your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake” (1 John 2:12), and “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Jesus paid the debt in full on the cross.
This leaves us with a vital question: How am I seeking pardon today? Am I relying on a human priest and my own efforts to make amends, or am I confessing directly to God, trusting completely that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse me from every sin?
What is the foundation of the Church?
When Jesus asked his disciples about his own identity, Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus blessed Peter for this confession and said: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17–18).
This raises an important question: What exactly is “the rock” on which Jesus said he would build his Church?
In one sense, the Church is built on Peter together with the other apostles and prophets. Scripture says that the Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). This is why, in the Creed, we confess our faith in the “apostolic Church.” The Church is founded on the teaching of the apostles — above all, their witness to who Jesus is and what he has done to save us.
Peter was certainly a leading figure among the apostles, but the New Testament does not present him as the supreme ruler of the whole Church. He is named alongside James and John as one of its leading apostles (Galatians 2:9). Over the centuries, church structure evolved, and the role of the bishop of Rome gradually took on the central authority now known as the Papacy.
The Church is not built on Peter as a person, or even as a leader, but on the faith he confessed, namely Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Remarkably, even the Catholic Catechism affirms this truth, noting that “it is on this faith, confessed by Peter, that Christ built his Church” (CCC 424).
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions about the Church, but the Bible brings us right back to what matters most.
- Who is the head of the Church?
Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior(Ephesians 5:23). - What is the foundation of the Church?
No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
How should these truths affect us personally? We should ask ourselves: Am I truly part of Christ’s Church? Do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man and gave himself for my sins? May each of us be able to say from the heart, “Yes, I trust in the Son of God. Jesus is my Saviour. Jesus is my Lord.”
Then we can have confidence that we belong to the Church built on Christ, the solid rock. And just as the Lord blessed Peter, He blesses each of us who join Peter, the apostles, and millions of believers throughout the ages in declaring: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
How can God justify us and still be just?
There are some things God cannot do. God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18); he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:13); and he cannot act unjustly (2 Chronicles 19:7). We can be sure that God will be perfectly just when he condemns the wicked, and equally sure that he will remain just when he saves his people. God cannot show us mercy by simply turning a blind eye to our sins and pretending they never happened. In showing kindness to us, he cannot cease to be just.
Picture this scene in a courtroom. A man stands accused of several crimes. The judge listens to the witnesses and examines the evidence. There is no doubt that the accused is guilty. But then the judge says, “You’re guilty. You deserve to be punished. But I want to show you kindness. I don’t care what the law requires — I’m letting you go. You’re free to leave.”
What would we think of such a judge? Probably that he was incompetent, corrupt, or unjust. One thing is certain: we would never call him a good judge. He would have failed in his duty to uphold justice.
Now imagine that the same judge finds the man guilty and orders him to pay a heavy fine, as the law requires. But the man replies that he cannot possibly afford to pay it. The judge then says, “Justice must be served. The penalty must be paid. But I also want to show you mercy. I have spoken with my son, and he has agreed to pay the full amount on your behalf. So you may go. You are free.”
In this case, the judge has shown himself to be both just and merciful.
- This is a picture of what God has done for us. God justifies sinners freely, not because we deserve it, but out of his kindness. He sets us free on the basis of the redemption accomplished by his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24). Christ paid the price with his own blood, taking upon himself the punishment we deserved.
- This is why Scripture joyfully declares that God is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). God justifies — that is, he sets guilty sinners free from condemnation and the punishment of hell — but only those who believe in his Son. And in showing such mercy, God remains perfectly just, because his Son fulfilled all that the law required on their behalf.
There are some things we cannot do either. We cannot escape the justice of God. The penalty for our sins must be paid — either by us in hell, or by Christ on the cross.
But there is one thing we can do. With God’s help, we can admit our guilt and appeal to his mercy and justice in Christ. We can look to the cross — the ultimate display of both God’s love and God’s justice — and entrust ourselves to Jesus.
What is the role of good works in salvation?
No one can ever boast that they have earned salvation through their own works or abilities. Scripture tells us plainly: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
So then, does this mean Christians don’t need to do good, since they aren’t saved by works? Or worse, can they go on sinning without concern? God forbid! Such thinking is a denial of the gospel, for the very same passage continues: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10)..
Often, errors arise when we emphasise one truth while ignoring or denying another. This passage guards us against going to either extreme in our understanding of God’s role and our role in salvation.
Not by Works
We must note that salvation is not by our own strength or effort. It is “not a result of works.” God owes us nothing. He does not save us as a reward for what we have done, but by grace — by undeserved favour. This is difficult to accept. We like to think we are not that bad and that, with a little help from God, we can earn our way to heaven. But Scripture bursts the bubble of our pride. Not by your effort, God says; not by your works, so that no one may boast!
God’s Workmanship
If we boast, let us boast in the Lord, for salvation is his work. Those who are saved can joyfully declare: “We are his workmanship.” The salvation of a sinner is a far greater work than the creation of the universe — and it is only God who accomplishes it, not us, through his Son. Jesus left the glory of heaven, became a man, and gave himself on the cross to redeem his people. Salvation, then, is not a human achievement: it is God’s handiwork. To him be all the glory and praise!
For Good Works
But that doesn’t mean God’s children sit back with their hands folded! God has set them free from the chains of sin so that they may gladly serve him in righteousness and love throughout their lives. Notice how Scripture first says that salvation is “not by works,” and then immediately adds that we are “created for good works.” There is the biblical balance! Salvation is not caused by our works; rather, it produces good works. Salvation comes first and is received by faith. Then, those who are saved bear the fruit of good works.
So let us give up all attempts to earn God’s favour by our works. Instead, let us trust wholeheartedly in Christ and receive with gratitude the free gift of salvation. Then, with clean and willing hands, let us devote ourselves to doing good — worshipping God, obeying his commandments, loving and serving others — not to earn his love, but in grateful response to the astonishing love he has shown us in his Son, Jesus Christ.
By God’s grace, this is the path I have sought to follow. My sincere hope and prayer is that you too will come to Christ, trust in him, know his forgiveness, and live a fruitful life for his glory.
Am I born again?
Jesus once told a Jewish teacher and religious leader named Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
It doesn’t matter how religious we are, how often we go to church, how many prayers we say, or how moral our lives may seem — if we are not born again, we will not enter heaven.
Why is this new birth necessary?
Because Scripture tells us that we are all “dead in [our] trespasses and sins” (see Ephesians 2:1). Just as physical death separates us from one another, spiritual death separates us from God.
It is not enough to turn over a new leaf or make a few resolutions to live better. Religious rituals — even such things as circumcision or baptism — cannot change our inner condition. Nicodemus was already circumcised, yet he still needed to be born again.
Since we are spiritually dead, what we truly need is spiritual life — and that life begins only through the new birth.
But how can I be born again?
According to the Bible, we cannot do this ourselves. The new birth is not something we achieve. A baby does not choose to be conceived or born. In the same way, a spiritually dead person cannot bring themselves to life by their own will or effort.
Scripture says that God’s children are “born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). You and I depend entirely on the mercy and power of God’s Spirit to give us new life.
So how can I know if I have been born again?
Although the new birth is God’s work, the effects of this radical change become visible in our lives. The apostle John gives us several tests by which we can examine ourselves.
- “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (1 John 5:1). Previously, Christ may have meant very little to us. But now we trust in him with all our heart, convinced that he is the Christ, the Son of God — the one sent by the Father to save us from our sins.
- “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning … Everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” (1 John 3:9; 2:29). God’s children reflect the character of their Father. They hate what God hates, fight against sin and temptation, and seek to obey his commands.
- “Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Because God is love itself, those who truly know him naturally learn to love just as he does. They forgive genuinely from the heart, work hard to help and serve others, and are kind and generous to everyone.
Friend, this is a moment for each of us to look honestly at ourselves in the light of God’s Word. Do I believe? Do I obey? Do I love? If I can answer yes with a clear conscience, then I can confidently say: “Yes, God has truly caused me to be born again.”
What shall I do with Christ?
Dear friend,
As the years pass by, I’ve become more aware of just how short life really is. The Bible tells us that “people are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). With so many distractions in this world, it’s easy simply to drift along and live as though these few years on earth are all there is. But deep down, we know there is more. God has set eternity in our hearts. It would be foolish for us to neglect our souls, our relationship with him, and our eternal destiny.
- We have to admit that we have no power to save ourselves. But thanks be to God, he has not left us without hope. The gospel really is good news — a message from heaven that we need even more than breath itself! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became man, lived among us in perfect obedience to God, died on the cross for our sins, rose again, and now reigns in glory as Lord over all. One day he will return in power and glory, raise the dead, judge the world, and gather his people into his eternal kingdom.
- You and I both believe these precious truths that we profess in the Creed. But I think you’ll agree with me: it’s not enough simply to know them in our minds. These truths call for a personal response. Christ is not only someone to know about, but someone to trust, follow and love.
Many years ago, when I was still young, I began to feel the weight of my sin and the fear of being lost. By God’s grace, I turned to him in repentance and asked him for mercy. The embrace of his love has been, and still is, the joy and peace of my soul. Since that day, my desire has been to follow my Lord Jesus, to honour him in everything, and to live in the joyful hope that one day I will be with him and enjoy him forever.
So, my friend, I encourage you to think carefully about where you stand before God. If you feel the burden of your sins, listen to God’s call in the gospel. Repent — turn your back on sin, on greed, pride, sexual immorality, grumbling and dishonesty — and turn to God. Do not be afraid to come to him. He is gracious and kind, and welcomes those who come to him with a humble heart. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Above all, believe in the Saviour, Jesus Christ. You can come to him with confidence, knowing that he will receive you with open arms, forgive your sins, and give you the grace to begin a new life that pleases God.
You may have a thousand questions on your mind. But in the end, the most important question is this: What shall I do with Christ?
The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all our trust, love and obedience. So come to him. In your own words, ask him to be your Lord and Saviour. His promise still stands for you today: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38).