86-03 102 Street #6E
Richmond Hill, NY 11418 USA
goingintoalltheworld@hotmail.com
I embarked on what I thought would be a "new life," when I entered the convent. My purpose for "leaving the world" was to attain Salvation. I thought this was "the way." Today I know that Jesus Christ is THE WAY. John 14:5.
I knew that the Roman Church did not have the answer to Salvation. I knew that there was a disconnect between myself and God; no matter what I did -- trying to live the Imitation of Christ, attend mass, confession, rote prayers, etc. I knew that the priest's authority was not God-given, but a usurpation. The bread and wine, I knew, could not be changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. And yet, I was deluded, thinking that Salvation could be found in an institution that believes all of the above. I saw the convent as a separate entity from the Roman Church, a place where I would be free "to be good enough." But false teaching, sophism, abasement, works, etc. were still the methods used to captivate the mind, soul and spirit, fostering the living of a lie. "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.
A rude awakening! I knew Salvation was not to be found in the "church," and I thought that the "giving up of my life" to God in the convent was Salvation, but it was not. Where is that freedom from sin, freedom from always trying to do that which I think God wants done, and not attaining to that state where I could say "I am good enough," that state which in my ignorance I called Salvation.
I soon saw that I was in error, believing a lie, for no matter what I did, I was still separated from God. I sought Salvation, and did not find it, for I sought it under the guise of what man calls holy: religion, morality, obeying man's doctrine. "These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." Colossians 2:23.
After leaving the convent, my life for the next fifteen years was miserable. I had always been spiritually destitute, but now I had no hope of finding, knowing God. I still went to church for a time, thinking that that was what I should be doing. Oh, I was in a terrible state, knowing that I was lost, but not knowing where to turn. I tried going to college, studied some philosophy, another dead end, as here again were only the thoughts of man, and if you followed these thoughts backward (or forward) they did not come from, nor lead to God.
I read books on psychology, mythology, new age, the occult, self-help, art, science, religion, and many other subjects, all dead ends. I was living the life of the world, a life separated from God, and leading to death.
But God in His Mercy sent a friend to me, a friend who brought me the Good News, the Word of Life, the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I was separated from God, with no hope, living in darkness, until I heard, and received, the Good News of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God: He was wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my iniquities, and by His stripes I am healed. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, took my sin upon Himself, and died in my place, that I might have eternal Life. I am ever in awe, ever thankful, ever joyful, forever saved by, in, and through my only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through Him I am truly born again, born from above.
Lucille
For God so loved the world that
He gave his only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him
should not perish
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
God demonstrated His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do
not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit. For the law of
the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has
made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1,2
Do you know for certain that if you died tonight that you would go to heaven? This is the most important question of your life. If you are not absolutely certain, please contact me or visit this link.