I'm new here, and not sure how to give a rep, but I agree with everything Spock said in post 106. I was not raised RCC, and while I know some of how they believe, I don't by any means claim to be an expert in it. It has been my experience, as Spock said, they can talk to you about their tradition and ritual - but not the Bible. My brother is very well versed in this, and posts a lot on the CARM website.
I have been saved most of my 54 years and have always had a burden for the lost. So I question all the time too - when someone has passed - did they accept Christ? I don't EVER mean to judge someone's heart....but I often wonder if people understood the way to salvation. I love the example Spock gave about asking "Why should God let you in Heaven" as that is one of the earliest things I learned, and it has served me well as far as giving me an idea of where someone may stand. Of course the only answer is because Jesus died for me, and I've accepted Him. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to "Test yourselves, to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves!..." To me that means, don't always depend on what you are hearing, check it out for yourself to see if what you believe IS the Truth.
I wonder about my mom all the time. While she was not Catholic (or anything) I am not sure of where she is spending eternity. My dad, is another (wonderful) story and once I've built up some posts, I want to put my testimony on that board.
It's my prayer every day that God will draw people to Him, that it is not His will that any man perish, and that He will open their eyes to the deception of the enemy.
I have looked for a forum like this for a long time. Thank you!