Tens of millions are in the 40,000 separate schisms that call themselves “Christian”. How do we know which of the 40,000 schisms is “really Christian”? One passage offers a key to seeing who is “really Christian”.
1 John 2:3-11 is very clear: “Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep His commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
Some are called to ask “What are His commandments that the Beloved Disciple said we must keep if we are to be “truthful Christians” and not “lying Christians”?
One of Jesus’ clear and unambiguous “implied commandments” is this short, direct statement: “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood you do not have life in you.” Another of His “implied commandments” was given to Peter and all in every age: “Thou art Peter and on this rock I build My Church. . .” At The Last Supper/First Mass, Jesus made it sufficiently clear that bread and wine would become His Body and Blood in every Catholic Mass thereafter.
Those anxious to “obey” will, as billions of Catholics have, weave all His Commandments together, and find the forgiveness, absolution, Body, Blood, and teaching in The Only Church He Founded.
We may consider that Jesus said the bizarre: “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood you do not have life in you.” as a test of obedience. From the time He said it, those not led to complete obedience have gone off into heresy, schism, and disbelief.
The beloved Disciple explains:
“But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.”
Many, however, are afraid to abandon the incomes and organizations provided by schisms. Some of them are so fearful of losing cash flows, comfort, and position that they become anti-Catholic. They actually fight against The Only Church He Founded. Sometimes, they war with tyranny and oppression. Other times, they twist and distort the clear words of Scripture for their own reasons. What does the most beloved Disciple say about them?
“Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
Those who take Scripture seriously enough have no choice but to be Catholic. If they cannot do that, it is at least somewhat wiser to at least respect The Church they lack the obedience to join.
Jesus, and John, make it clear. Salvation comes from obedience.
