Having received Catholic education kindergarden through Juris Doctorate (classes of 1962 & 1967), there were many positives for which I am thankful. But, one of them, is not the lack of Bible, Old Testament and New Testement education.

Well after graduation, I came to a self confrontation of my inherent sinfullness, and went to Scripture for answers. The Gospel of John and Book of Romans, Ephesians, Collosians, etc opened my eyes to other scriptures, such as Psalms and Isaiah, and to the central focus in the person of Christ.

Trying, in vain, to continually keep the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law, brought me to the need for spiritual power and for salvation from rightful judgment. Peter says in Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Paul says in Colossians 2:13: "… having forgiven you all trespasses." Jesus, God and Savior, says in John 10:27-30, to those who believe (trust) He gives Eternal Life and "they shall never perish" and none "pluck them out" of His or the Father's hand.

Sure, sin has its earhly consequences to the believer and there can be loss of reward in heaven, but, not salvation. Scripture does not mention mortal or venial sin.

Please pray to God in his Son's name, that many come to trust his word, to know it and do it and accept His free gift of total forgiveness by receiving Jesus into their hearts.

His Spirit's presence in their born again spirit will bring a process of change toward holy living, while ongoing or future sins will be cleansed and will gradually decrease through his power to help us confess, submit and obey. Intellect, alone, doesn't cut it.

May God Bless this message to all your hearts at Marquette.

Jack Carpenter is a 1967 alumnus of Marquette Law School.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on April 12 2005.