Catholicism Unveiled

What Hides Behind the Public Image?

Mary Ann Collins, A Former Catholic Nun

Afterword

Some people may face emotional turmoil or difficult decisions as a result of what they have read in this book. Therefore, they will need Scriptural strength to get through some tough times. Jesus told us that tribulation is a normal part of Christian life. He said:

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Few people have faced the level of personal hardship that the Apostle Paul endured. He was whipped with 39 stripes on five occasions. He was beaten with rods on three occasions. He was stoned and left for dead. He was shipwrecked three times. He often endured weariness, pain, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, cold, and inadequate clothing. (2 Corinthians 11:24-27; Acts 14:19) But Paul saw things from the perspective of eternity. Because of his eternal perspective, he described his suffering as being light and temporary. Paul said:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Paul’s perspective on suffering, danger, and tribulation was that, because of the love of Jesus Christ, we can overcome it all. Paul’s life was a testimony to the fact that we really can do all things, because Jesus Christ gives us strength, and God’s grace really is sufficient for us. (See Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9.)

If we truly love God, and eternity is real to us, then we can draw strength and courage from Paul, who said:

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

These promises are conditional. They only work if Jesus Christ is your Lord and your Savior. If He isn’t, then please read the following section about Eternal Life. It comes right after this Afterword. If you are unsure whether or not you are a born-again Christian, please read it. This issue is so important that you need to know for sure where you stand.

Some people were baptized as an infant, or confirmed and baptized when they were young. Some people prayed a “sinner’s prayer” when they didn’t fully understand what they were doing. If you are one of those people, then you can strengthen and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ. Please read the section about Eternal Life.

Please consider giving a copy of “Catholicism Unveiled” to your pastor. Ecumenism has caused many pastors to lose their awareness of the radical differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. One reason is linguistic confusion. Catholics and Protestants have different understandings of some key words. For example, according to Catholic doctrine, “grace” is something that can be given to inanimate objects, such as water.[1]

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Have you ever ridden on a train or a subway? I’ve been on many of them. Sometimes waiting in the station has been pleasant. Sometimes it has been tedious, tiresome, and frustrating. The important thing is not what happens in the station. What really matters is getting on the right train, heading for the right destination.

Earth is like a train station. Our time here may be difficult or pleasant. It is often a mixture of the two. The important thing is our eternal destination. Are we heading for Heaven or for Hell?

God has promised that, if we truly love Him, then he will enable us to do whatever is necessary, and endure whatever happens to us. The Bible says:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God...” (Romans 8:28)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

No matter what happens, we can have joy now and hope for the future. God is faithful, and He loves us.