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I was born to a strict Roman Catholic family in Wolseley, Saskatchewan. I tried to be good but was headed for hell. 

I was told that by becoming a monk and priest, I could avoid sin and be more certain of my salvation. 

Because I was sincerely seeking salvation, I became a Basilian monk and 

received the long black robe and the adopted name “Saint Hilarion the Great”.

I was eager to serve the Lord and performed all my monastic duties. 

I whipped myself every Wednesday and Friday evening till my back bled; in penance I often kissed the floor; often I ate my meager meal kneeling on the floor or didn’t eat at all. 

I did many forms of penances because I was taught that I could eventually merit heaven. I did not know that the Word of God says:

“By grace are ye 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).

Eventually, I was ordained a priest. 

I said mass every day; heard confessions; recited the rosary to Mary; had devotions to saints; recited the breviary of formula prayers every day, and performed my penances. 

Yet, these did not satisfy my weary soul but only made me more distressed.

In our studies, we had 3 books about the Bible, but not the Bible itself. 

After I was ordained a priest I had a Catholic Bible and found verses that contradicted my beliefs and practices. 

God’s Book said one thing but my church another. 

Who was right, the Roman Church or God?

I decided to believe God’s Word.

After twelve years I escaped the monastery, a lost sinner, without peace in my soul. 

I still had the nature of the “old man”. 

I needed a new nature, a new heart. 

That only happens by being born again of the Spirit of God by faith alone in Jesus Christ, and not by monotonous repetition of prayers, penances, sacrifices and good works. 

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). 

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

I realized that the sacraments and my good works were in vain for salvation. 

They led to a false security. 

Soon after, I believed that Christ died for me because I could not save my soul. I trusted Him alone for my salvation. 

When I repented of my sins and accepted Him into my life, I believed that He paid my whole sin-debt on the Cross and I knew that my sins were forgiven. 

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). 

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

At last I found salvation full and free through Jesus Christ who died that you and I might live.

Friend, if you, too, are trying to reach heaven on your own, it is “not of works, lest any man should boast”. 

Heaven can never be earned. 

Christ alone is the way and the answer. 

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5,6).

Come to Him now confessing your sins and repent of them.  

Ask His pardon and accept Him as your own Lord and Saviour. 

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

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