Neither A Roman Catholic nor A Protestant

This may sound strange to some of our readers. For that matter, it may sound strange to some of my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. But the truth is, though I was raised in the Roman Catholic heresy, I am not a Roman Catholic, praise be to God. But I am also not a Protestant.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Allow me to explain.

I am not saying that a Roman Catholic cannot be saved. It is highly doubtful, since the little scripture they do get is intentionally twisted to support their false works-based path to mythical Purgatory. I won't say "gospel", for there is no good news in Roman Catholic doctrine. But a person raised in Catholicism may stumble upon the true gospel, trust in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone and be saved, in spite of what that church teaches. If so, they may stay in the system for a time, but eventually, they will come out.

I am not saying Protestants cannot be saved. Many teach the same error of infant baptism and sacraments of Rome. Many are merely cultural Christians, like Roman Catholics are cultural Catholics, (like Thai people are cultural Buddhists, etc.). I have brothers in Christ who are Protestant, let me be clear. Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Mennonites, Nazarenes, Assemblies of God...all may be saved; all need to be saved. Okay?

So what am I, then?
Well, I am a Christian.
Specifically, if that is not enough of a descriptor, I am a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not enough? I am a born-again Bible believer. I was born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit on May 15, 1995 through repentance toward God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

Just like all Christians. Just like you, if you are saved.

Am I splitting hairs or being unduly critical? You may judge, but read on.

I am stating that my spiritual heritage does not rest on church fathers, creeds, "-ists" or "-isms", even if they are good and right and Biblically sound. My heritage is with all believers everywhere, throughout all history. Despite the domination of the Roman church, starting with Constantine, there has always been the true church - the true body of Christ - on the earth, by whatever name you wish to call them. Some of the names we know; others, perhaps many, we will never know this side of Heaven.

It is with those brethren that I cast my lot. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

It is the Bible alone that is my compass, my light, and my anchor. I don't want "that old time religion"; I don't want traditions of men if they conflict with the word of God. I want truth. I want sound doctrine. I want to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Why do I care? Because many professing Christians are ditching the Bible and sound doctrine, heading back into Roman heresy, New Age mysticism, or both. Protestants are signing agreements with Roman Catholics not to proselytize their members, and identifying with them as brethren. Protestant "believers" are "coming home to Rome." That Protestants are embracing these unbiblical practices and beliefs is evident; if you doubt this, just go to your local Christian bookstore and look what is for sale there. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Mt. 6:21, Luke 12:34) 

The "...simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3) is not enough for these - they want an experience. I want to tell you that I came out of the apex and pinnacle of religious experience. Roman Catholicism offers more than one can imagine in the way of religious experience: you want it, they got it. Everything EXCEPT new life, eternal life, in Jesus Christ. It is of them that the prophet Isaiah well spake, "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" (Isaiah 44:20)

Are you satisfied with Jesus Christ? Is He enough for you? Are you looking for something else? Something more? If so, you do not know Him. You need to know Him, whom to know is eternal life (John 17:3). I want to tell you, He is all I want, and all I need. He is my Lord and my God, my Savior, my only hope of Heaven; my Great Shepherd, my Alpha and Omega, my Advocate, and the Author and Finisher of my faith.

And I wanted you to know, because I want Jesus Christ and His word to be all of these, and more, for you.