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The good and bad news about a genuine walk with God



The good news: Catholics agree with virtually all protestants on one fact. A person who lives with a genuine and sincere faith in Jesus Christ will be saved. Jesus promised this much.


The bad news: It's going to include some hurt.


The pain of humiliation-


In Christian teachings, the concept of "He who humbles himself will be exalted" is profoundly rooted:


  • The Bible:

    • Luke 14:11: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." This is from one of Jesus' parables about how one should conduct oneself at a wedding feast, using it as a metaphor for life and humility.

    • Matthew 23:12: Similar to Luke, this verse states, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Here, Jesus is critiquing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and pride, teaching that true honor comes from humility.

    • James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." This passage emphasizes the importance of humility before God, promising divine favor to those who adopt this virtue.

    • 1 Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." Peter encourages believers to trust in God's timing for their exaltation, rather than seeking it for themselves.

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Augustine of Hippo: In his works, Augustine often speaks on humility. In "The City of God," he discusses how the pride of humans led to the fall, contrasting it with the humility of Christ, which leads to salvation and exaltation.

    • Thomas à Kempis in "The Imitation of Christ" writes about the virtues of humility, stating that one should not seek great things for oneself but rather embrace humility to find peace and divine favor.

    • John Chrysostom: Known for his eloquent sermons, Chrysostom preached on the virtue of humility, especially in his homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, where he elaborates on how humility leads to spiritual greatness.


These writings and teachings encapsulate the Christian belief that humility is not only a virtue but a pathway to spiritual elevation. By humbling oneself, one aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who himself exemplified humility by washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), thereby setting an example for all Christians to follow. This principle underscores the idea that in God's kingdom, the last shall be first, and the servant of all is the greatest.

Augustine's view on humility

Teachings on pride in Christianity

include more from Kempis


The pain of persecution-


The theme of persecution of Christians is recurrent in both Biblical scripture and Christian writings throughout history:


  • The Bible:

    • John 15:20: Jesus prepares his disciples for persecution by saying, "Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."

    • Matthew 5:10-12: In the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, saying, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

    • 2 Timothy 3:12: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

    • 1 Peter 4:12-14: Peter encourages believers not to be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon them to test them, as though something strange were happening to them, but to rejoice insofar as they share Christ's sufferings.

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Tertullian (c. 160 – c. 220 AD) in his "Apologeticus" discusses the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire, pointing out how the blood of martyrs serves as the seed of the Church, suggesting that persecution actually strengthens Christian faith and numbers.

    • Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-108 AD), in his letters written while on his way to martyrdom, speaks of the joy in suffering for Christ as a way to be united with Him.

    • Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69 – c. 155 AD) famously said, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?" before his martyrdom, reflecting the steadfastness of early Christians in the face of persecution.

    • The Martyrs of Lyon (177 AD) - Their accounts, as recorded by Eusebius in his "Ecclesiastical History," show Christians enduring severe persecution, yet their faith was a testimony to others.


These sources collectively paint a picture of persecution as an expected part of Christian life, echoing Jesus' teachings that following Him might lead to hardship but also to divine reward. The notion is that Christians, through their steadfast faith and willingness to suffer for their beliefs, not only imitate Christ but also bear witness to their faith, potentially leading to the growth of the Church. This theme is not just historical but is seen by many Christians as ongoing in various parts of the world today.


The pain of regret and remorse-


Regret and remorse are also themes that appear in Christian teachings, emphasizing repentance, the desire for forgiveness, and personal transformation:


  • The Bible:

    • 2 Corinthians 7:10: "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." Here, Paul distinguishes between worldly sorrow (regret over consequences) and godly sorrow (remorse leading to repentance).

    • Psalm 51: This psalm, attributed to David after his sin with Bathsheba, is a profound expression of remorse and a plea for forgiveness. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions."

    • Luke 15:17-19: The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates remorse when the younger son comes to his senses and decides to return to his father, saying, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

    • Matthew 26:75: After Peter denies Jesus three times, the scripture notes, "And he went out and wept bitterly," showing his deep regret.

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Augustine of Hippo: In his "Confessions," Augustine reflects on his life with deep regret over his past sins, particularly his youthful indulgences, which he later repents of, finding peace through faith in God.

    • Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200 – 258 AD) in his work "On the Lapsed," addresses Christians who had renounced their faith under persecution. He speaks to the necessity of true repentance, not just regret over the consequences of their actions, but a heart turned back to God.

    • The Didache (late 1st century AD), an early Christian text, talks about repentance in its instructions for baptism, emphasizing that one should not be baptized with a double heart but with true repentance.

    • John Climacus (7th century), in "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," discusses the step of Repentance, highlighting that true remorse leads to a change in life, moving away from sin and towards virtue.


These sources collectively emphasize that regret and remorse are not merely emotional responses to one's actions but should lead to repentance—a turning away from sin towards God. This transformation is seen as central to the Christian journey, offering forgiveness, healing, and restoration. The focus is on the transformative power of remorse when it leads to genuine repentance and a commitment to live according to Christian values.


The pain of trials and crosses-


The pain associated with trials and crosses is a significant theme in Christian theology, scripture, and early writings, often teaching endurance, faith, and spiritual growth through suffering:


  • The Bible:

    • James 1:2-4: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Here, trials are seen as 

      opportunities for spiritual maturation.

    • 1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

    • Romans 5:3-5: Paul writes, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame."

    • Hebrews 12:7-11: It speaks of God's discipline through suffering as a sign of love, saying, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children," and that this discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Ignatius of Antioch: In his letters, particularly "To the Romans," Ignatius expresses a desire to suffer with Christ, viewing it as a means to attain God, stating, "I am God's wheat, 

      ground fine by the lion's teeth to be made purest bread for Christ."

    • Augustine of Hippo: Throughout his writings, Augustine reflects on the redemptive aspect of suffering. In "The City of God," he discusses how all trials serve to refine the soul, 

      drawing believers closer to God and preparing them for eternal life.


The pain of death to self-


The concept of "death to self" or self-denial is central to Christian teachings, emphasizing the necessity of letting go of one's ego, desires, and will in favor of God's will and the imitation of Christ's life:


  • The Bible:

    • Matthew 16:24-25: Jesus teaches, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." This is one of the most direct references to the idea of dying to self.

    • Galatians 2:20: Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

    • Romans 6:6-7: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."

    • Philippians 2:3-8: Paul encourages believers to have the same mind as Christ Jesus, who "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Augustine of Hippo: In his "Confessions," Augustine reflects on the process of dying to self, describing his own conversion as a turning away from his old life towards a life in Christ, where his will was to align with God's.

    • John Chrysostom: In his homilies on various Biblical passages, he often speaks on the necessity of self-denial for spiritual growth, emphasizing that one must put to death the desires of the flesh to live according to the Spirit.

    • Macarius of Egypt (4th century), in his "Homilies," speaks of the inner battle where the soul must die to its own will to become alive in Christ, highlighting the spiritual transformation this entails.

    • The Philokalia, a compilation of texts written between the 4th and 15th centuries by spiritual masters, contains numerous teachings on the need for the "old man" (the self-centered life) to be put to death, allowing the "new man" in Christ to live.


This theme of "death to self" in Christian theology is not about literal death but a metaphorical one where the believer's own will, desires, and ego are surrendered to live in accordance with God's will. It's a process of transformation, leading to freedom from sin, spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with God. This self-denial is seen as the path to true life, echoing Christ's own life of humility and service.


The walk of a Christian is what Jesus described as the narrow and rocky road.



The imagery of the narrow and rocky road is a metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing the challenges, difficulties, and the less-traveled path of true discipleship:


  • The Bible:

    • Matthew 7:13-14: Jesus explicitly uses this imagery, saying, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." This passage directly speaks to the choice between an easy, popular path and the challenging, less-traveled path of true faith.

    • Luke 13:24: "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Here, Jesus again emphasizes the effort required to follow the path to salvation.

    • Hebrews 12:1-2: While not using the term "narrow," this passage speaks to perseverance through difficulties: "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

  • Early Church Fathers and Christian Writings:

    • Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 – c. 215 AD) in his "Stromata," discusses the Christian life's hardships as a means to spiritual growth, likening it to a narrow path where one must be vigilant and disciplined.

    • Tertullian in his "Apology" speaks of the Christian life as one of endurance and trial, where the path to perfection is fraught with difficulties but leads to a true understanding of God.

    • Augustine of Hippo: In his sermons, Augustine often reflects on the Christian journey as one of struggle against sin and temptation, where the narrow path symbolizes a life of humility, love, and repentance.

    • John Climacus in "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" describes the spiritual journey to God as climbing a ladder, with each rung representing virtues that must be achieved, often through struggle and hardship. This can be seen as an extension of the narrow path metaphor, emphasizing the effort and the rocky nature of the ascent.


These sources collectively convey that the Christian life is not one of ease but of deliberate choice, discipline, and often suffering. The narrow and rocky road represents the path of true discipleship, where one must forsake worldly pleasures and endure hardships for the sake of following Christ. This path, though difficult, is believed to lead to eternal life, spiritual maturity, and a deeper, truer relationship with God. The emphasis is on the transformative power of these trials, which refine faith and character.


Salvation is the pearl of great price Jesus spoke about. Matthew 13:45-46: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." This parable underscores the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is of such immense value that one should be willing to give up everything to attain it.


"Faith alone" ideology is false, easy religion. Getting to heaven is going to require blood, sweat and tears. Anyone who thinks it won't be is deluding themself.


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