Pope Francis Reaches out to Atheists

The Pope, spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics, has struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone towards atheists and agnostics, saying that God will "forgive" them as long as they behave morally and live according to their consciences. He recently wrote this message in an Italian daily newspaper, La Republica. The Pope wrote: “The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one's conscience.” “To listen and to follow your conscience means that you understand the difference between good and evil.” He said that the "mercy of God has no limits" and encompasses even non-believers....”  http://bit.ly/14FTIeq

The Pope's reaching out to atheists echoes a homily he delivered in May, when he said that even atheists could be welcomed into heaven. That declaration caused consternation among Vatican officials, with a spokesman later appearing to backtrack on the Pope's remarks, saying that people who do not believe in God "cannot be saved".

This message has been the theme song for liberal Protestants for years; but I never thought I would hear it from a Pope!

The trouble with the message is that if everyone, including atheists, were admitted to heaven upon physical death, then there would have been no reason for Christ to come and die on a cross—unless, of course, He particularly enjoyed being crucified. There is no place in Scripture or in classical Christian and Catholic doctrine where a clean conscience is a reason for being saved to eternal life. It is good to have a clear conscience; but Christ made it painfully clear that one’s conscience does not necessarily indicate that a person is okay with Christ and able to take advantage of His atoning sacrifice.  

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 “And there is salvation in on one else, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12. “Truly, truly, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

On the other hand, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:18 “And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:18-19

Pope Frances and liberal Protestants are wrong.