What Saith the Scripture?
http://www.WhatSaithTheScripture.com/
An Earnest Appeal to Roman Catholics
Or, Roman Catholicism Examined in Light of the Scriptures
"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her"
(Jeremiah 51:9).
by Tom Stewart
2-22-99
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Preface
The Apostle Peter boldly proclaimed to the high priests, who had only recently crucified
Christ, that salvation comes only from Jesus Christ of Nazareth. "Neither is
there Salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under Heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). If all would agree that Salvation
comes only by the grace of God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ
upon the cross of Calvary-- "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should
boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)-- then adherence to or rejection of the Church of Rome
would simply be a test of Christian nobility, i.e., searching the Scriptures for
proof to go out or stay in. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures
daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Further, if anyone resorts to the investigation of Scripture, then a cardinal rule
must be observed. You must be willing to obey the Scriptures. Jesus said,
"If any man will do His [the Father's] will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17). This cannot
be an unreasonable rule, for Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the very Word that
"was made flesh" (John 1:14), that we must obey. "For this cause also
thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye
heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word
of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1Thessalonians
2:13).
I propose to demonstrate from Scripture that Roman Catholicism is not a Christian
religion, and that the Church of Rome is not a Christian Church. And, if so,
then it would only be reasonable for all those who truly name the "Name of Christ"
(2Timothy 2:19) to separate themselves from this "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Revelation 17:5). Thus,
the warning of the Revelation would fall upon your ears to come out of Babylon the
Great. "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and
that ye receive not of her plagues" (18:4).
Rome Saith, But What Saith the Scripture?
On October 11th 1992, Pope John Paul II affixed his signature to "The Catechism
of the Catholic Church"-- http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/ccc.html --for
the express purpose that we may be enlightened to "what the Catholic Church
believes" (from the Papal introduction). "For by thy words thou shalt be
justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). The following
is an attempt to compile quotations from "The Catechism of the Catholic Church"
(initial Latin version: 1992; English translation: 1994), which will be appended
by the word "Catechism" and its paragraph number, both enclosed in parentheses,
e.g., "Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal
sentiments of devotion and reverence" (Catechism, 82). All other comments will
be mine, as I attempt to expound the appropriate Scriptures. "My tongue is the
pen of a ready writer" (Psalm 45:1).
Rome Saith: Tradition Equal to Scripture
"Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal
sentiments of devotion and reverence" (Catechism, 82).
Tradition is a fine thing-- unless it negates or contradicts the Word of God. The
LORD Jesus Christ made strong objection to the religious Pharisees of His day for
setting aside God's plain commands through their traditions, i.e., "Making the
Word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many
such like things do ye" (Mark 7:13). But, some may object-- the Apostle Paul
enjoined the Thessalonians to withdraw from those who walked disorderly "and
not after the tradition which he received of us" (2Thessalonians 3:6). This
is true, but it would only be proper to note that the same Apostle illuminated his
readers in the same epistle that those traditions came from the Word of God that
the Holy Spirit had delivered to him. "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and
hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle"
(2Thessalonians 2:15). And unmistakingly, that inspired writer of Holy Writ realized
that his writings were not simply on the level of the writings of mere clerics and
ecclesiastics, but they were the very Word of God. "For this cause also
thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye
heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word
of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1Thessalonians
2:13).
Rome Saith: Interpretation of the Word of God Belongs Solely to the Pope
"The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely
to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion
with him" (Catechism, 100).
The Magisterium of the Church of Rome-- the Pope and the bishops-- cannot substitute
for the Spirit of the Living God, Whose function is to interpret and teach the Word
of God to the individual Believer. "20 But ye have an Unction [Greek, chrisma;
literally, Anointing, i.e., the Holy Spirit] from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
27 But the Anointing [literally, Unction, i.e., the Holy Spirit] which ye have received
of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same Anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as It hath taught
you, ye shall abide in Him" (1John 2:20,27). Even a very good human instructor
should not nor cannot replace the Teaching Majesty of the Blessed Comforter. Did
not the Saviour, Who is The Only Way, The Only Truth, and The Only Life (John 14:6),
give in Covenant His Paraklete to teach, support, and abide in every Believer? "16
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter [Greek, parakletos],
that He may abide with you for ever; 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:16,26).
Beware of any who substitute another teacher for the Blessed Spirit-- they will teach
you another Gospel. "As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach
any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians
1:9).
Rome Saith: Headship of the Pope Over All the Flock
"The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his
Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the
whole flock" (Catechism, 881).
It is altogether accurate to say that the Pope is the head of the Church of Rome,
i.e., Roman Catholicism; but, Jesus Christ alone, Who is the "Chief Shepherd"
(1Peter 5:4), is the sole and preeminent "Head of the... Church"
(Ephesians 5:23). "17 And He [Jesus Christ] is before all things, and by Him
all things consist. 18 And He is the Head of the Body, the Church: Who is the Beginning,
the Firstborn From the Dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence"
(Colossians 1:17-18). The Apostle Peter, whose name Petros in the Greek means stone
or rock, was promised by the Head of the Church that "upon this Rock
[Greek, petra or large rock; which plays upon Peter's name, but alludes to Jesus
Christ, the 'Spiritual Rock' (1Corinthians 10:4)] I will build My Church; and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). However, Simon
Peter was only one of many stones to compose the foundation of Christ's Church. "And
are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the Chief Corner Stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
The coveted Keys of the Church for binding and loosing have been the foundational
claim of the Papacy, but Jesus Christ is represented in the Revelation as having
higher claim to those Keys, i.e., possessing the "keys of hell and of death"
(Revelation 1:18). Certainly, the LORD Jesus Christ promised the Apostle Peter the
Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, which would be the authority of the Gospel-- the "power
of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). Jesus said
to Peter, "I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever
thou shalt bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose
on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven" (Matthew 16:19). However, not only was Peter
given those highly valuable Gospel Keys-- of powerful prayer and witness-- but the
rest of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) possesses them as well. Addressing His
disciples, the LORD Jesus Christ said, "18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever
ye shall bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on
Earth shall be loosed in Heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall
agree on Earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
of My Father which is in Heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together
in My Name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:18-20).
The supremacy of the Pope over all things Christian is foundational to Roman Catholicism.
But, "what saith the Scripture?" (Romans 4:3). "For other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1Corinthians
3:11). Plainly, Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23), is
also the Foundation of the Church, which is also His Body (1:23). The united testimony
of Scripture points to a supernatural structure for Christ's Church, and not mere
human invention. Commenting on man's rejection of Himself, Jesus said, "Did
ye never read in the Scriptures, The Stone which the builders [i.e., unbelieving
man] rejected , the same is become the Head of the Corner: this is the LORD's doing,
and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42). The Roman Catholic Church
has dethroned the Blessed Son of God and set up the Roman Pontiff as supreme over
the Universal Church. "I am come in My Father's Name, and ye receive Me not:
if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" (John 5:43).
Rome Saith: Papal Infallibility in Faith and Morals
"Christ endowed the Church's shepherds with the charism of infallibility
in matters of faith and morals" (Catechism, 890).
As "shepherd of the whole flock" (Catechism, 881), the Roman Pontiff claims
"infallibility in matters of faith and morals" (Catechism, 890). But, where
do "faith and morals" not reach? If a Christian is one who lives
"by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4),
then the totality of life must be governed by "faith and morals". So the
Papal See lays claim to infallibility in governing the life of the "whole flock".
This claim of infallible governing of "faith and morals" of the "whole
flock" befits an antichrist, for only Jesus Christ can rightfully say,
"All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in Earth" (Matthew 28:18);
thus, the LORD Jesus Christ alone is the Infallible "LORD of Heaven and Earth"
(Acts 17:24)-- and, not the Pope. "Little children, it is the Last Time: and
as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists;
whereby we know that it is the Last Time" (1John 2:18). The "charism of
infallibility" (Catechism, 890) of the Pope is a usurpation of the chrisma (Greek,
unction or anointing) promised to every Believer. "But ye have an unction [Greek,
charisma] from the Holy One, and ye know all things" (2:20). "Beware lest
any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8).
Rome Saith: Papal Infallibility Extends Over Scripture
"This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself"
(Catechism, 891).
It would be sufficient to condemn the Papacy for its brazen claim of "infallibility
in matters of faith and morals" (Catechism, 890) concerning the "whole
flock" (Catechism, 881), but to extend that claim of infallibility "as
far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself" (Catechism, 891) is certainly
blasphemous, i.e., impious and evil speech against God. "And he [the
Antichrist] opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His Name, and
His Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven" (Revelation 13:6). The Word of
God is no less than the LORD Jesus Christ Himself. "And He was clothed with
a vesture dipped in blood: and His Name is called The Word of God" (19:13).
For the Pope to claim infallibility over the "divine Revelation itself"
(Catechism, 891) is paramount to claiming dominion and supremacy over Jesus Christ,
the Son of God-- "which in His times He shall shew, Who is the Blessed and Only
Potentate, the KING of Kings, and LORD of Lords" (1Timothy 6:15). Unlike the
feeble, human tools that built the Vatican, God's Word can raise up or pull down
without the slightest intervention of man. "Is not My Word like as a fire? saith
the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29).
Is it any wonder that the Reformers called the Pope Antichrist? "Who opposeth
and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that
he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (2Thessalonians
2:4).
Rome Saith: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
"That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius
IX proclaimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of
her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of
the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all
stain of original sin" (Catechism, 491).
It is a cherished fact of Scripture that Mary, the human mother of Jesus of Nazareth,
conceived the child Jesus without benefit of a human father, i.e., the doctrine of
the virgin birth of Christ. "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God"
(Luke 1:35). This had long ago been predicted by the Scriptures. "Therefore
the LORD Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear
a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). But, to claim that Mary
was "preserved immune from all stain of original sin" (Catechism, 491),
demands that we must set aside the Scriptures that affirm that "all we like
sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6).
The complete moral depravity of the sinner is a fact of Scripture. "10 As it
is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 23 For all have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:10,23). Though Pope Pious IX (1854) claimed
the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Scripture-- and even Mary-- said he is wrong.
"46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the LORD, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47). Mary confessed in her Magnificat that God
was her Saviour, making her, at some time, a sinner; and thus, not "preserved
immune from all stain of original sin" (Catechism, 491). "If we say that
we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us" (1John 1:10).
Rome Saith: Ever-Virginity of Mary
"The liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as Aeiparthenos, the 'Ever-virgin'"
(Catechism, 499).
That Joseph, the husband of Mary, was not the father of Jesus, is abundantly clear
from Scripture. "24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of
the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she
had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His Name JESUS" (Matthew
1:24-25). And, that the Son of God was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit,
is duly recorded in Scripture. "18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this
wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just
man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto
him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary
thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew
1:18-20). However, Jesus of Nazareth had brothers and sisters, i.e., indicating that
Mary ceased from her virginity to have other children. "Is not this the Carpenter,
the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are
not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him" (Mark 6:3). Scripture
clearly states that Mary ceased to be a virgin, i.e., had sexual relations with her
husband Joseph, after Jesus was born. "And [Joseph] knew her not till
she had brought forth her Firstborn Son" (Matthew 1:25). Therefore, suffice
it to say that the dogma of the Ever-Virginity of Mary can only be an human invention,
and not the testimony of Scripture. "Howbeit in vain do they worship
Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7).
Rome Saith: Fullness of Salvation Only Through the Catholic Church
"Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church
was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or
to remain in it" (Catechism, 846).
It is revealing that Salvation would be denied to those who knowingly refuse to enter
or remain in the Catholic Church, i.e., the Protestants, for Salvation comes in the
Person and Name of Jesus Christ alone, and not from the Catholic Church--
or any other human organization. "Neither is there Salvation in any other: for
there is none other Name [of Jesus] under Heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved" (Acts 4:12). Whenever any man reveals to us our necessity to attach
ourselves to any human organization to receive Salvation-- BEWARE! "Yea, they
are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand:
they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter" (Isaiah
56:11). True, these are strong words; but, how strong can words be to represent those
who hinder their people from entering the Kingdom of God? "Woe unto you,
lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves,
and them that were entering in ye hindered" (Luke 11:52). Hence, Rome's claim
that "they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded
as necessary by God through Christ, refuse either to enter it or to remain in it"
(Catechism, 846) is a blasphemous lie. "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness
in them that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might
be saved" (2Thessalonians 2:10).
You may ask, "Who then can be saved?" (Luke 18:26). I would answer, "Whosoever
will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). The LORD Jesus
Christ said, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are
possible" (Matthew 19:26). Possibly, four of the most famous expressions of
the Gospel are:
The Apostle Paul was inspired of the Spirit of God to record what many have later called "The Romans Road of Salvation"-- because it references to the New Testament Book of Romans.
[Note: the assurance of your Salvation is granted only
if you walk in obedience. "3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if
we keep His Commandments. 4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments,
is a liar, and the Truth is not in him" (1John 2:3-4).]
Charles G. Finney, a well known American evangelist of the 1800's, said that "willingness
to obey Christ is to be a Christian". In other words, "If ye be willing
and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19), for "Thy
people shall be willing in the day of Thy power" (Psalm 110:3). Whatever thing
you withhold from the LORD , you must give up-- or perish. "21 Jesus said unto
him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow Me. 22 But when the young
man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions"
(Matthew 19:21-22).
And, lest any imagine that Salvation lies simply in the human will-- perish the thought!
Salvation is the "gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). God sovereignly bestows
"repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth" (2Timothy 2:25). It is the
mercy of God that He has not judged us already, for "it is a fearful thing to
fall into the hands of the Living God" (Hebrews 10:31). Even while it is still
today, "Harden not your hearts" (3:8). We neither understand nor value
God Our Saviour (1Timothy 1:1) enough. "And without controversy great is the
Mystery Of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen
of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into
glory" (3:16). Hasten, for "we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ" (Romans 14:10). And, "as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).
Rome Saith: Purgatory Necessary After Death for Final Purification
"All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified,
are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after death they undergo purification,
so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven" (Catechism,
1030).
"The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect"
(Catechism, 1031).
Scripture testifies that to be absent from the body, i.e., dead, is to be present
with the LORD. "6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we
are at home in the body, we are absent from the LORD: 8 We are confident, I say,
and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the LORD"
(2Corinthians 5:6,8). No intermediate place of purgatory for purification is mentioned
in Scripture. The Master told of Heaven and Hell as the destination of the departed,
giving no Scriptural foundation for Purgatory. "22 And it came to pass, that
the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's Bosom: the rich man
also died, and was buried; 23 And in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,
and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom" (Luke 16:22-23). Instead,
the Scriptures warn of the necessity of preparation for Heaven prior to departure
from this life. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the LORD" (Hebrews 12:14).
Only judgment follows death. "As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). The purification that makes man fit for Heaven
was accomplished solely by the sacrifice by the Son of God on the Cross. "We
are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all"
(10:10). If we obstinately refuse to trust the LORD Jesus Christ's sacrifice as the
sole foundation of our forgiveness and acceptance with God, then we shall not escape
God's judgment. "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped
not who refused Him that spake on Earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn
away from Him that speaketh from Heaven" (12:25). Neither sacraments nor purgatory,
but the blood of Christ can purge and make us fit to stand before the Living God.
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living
God?" (9:14).
Rome Saith: Transubstantiation Changes the Bread and Wine Into Christ
"By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the
whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our
Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood.
This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation"
(Catechism, 1376).
"The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single
sacrifice... In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ
who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained
and offered in an unbloody manner" (Catechism, 1367).
The Church of Rome represents the Mass as the bloodless equivalent of the atonement
of the LORD Jesus Christ on the Cross. But, did not the Son of Man say, "17
I lay down My Life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but
I lay it down of Myself" (John 10:17-18)? How then can a mere priest profess
to lay down the life of the Only Begotten Son of God in the Mass when Christ has
never given him license to do such? "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is
an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I
cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting" (Isaiah 1:13).
But, did not Christ say, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink
His blood, ye have no life in you" (John 6:53)? It is plain that the LORD Jesus
spoke of Spiritual Life-- Eternal Life-- which has no physical manifestation, except
the symbolism enjoined in the LORD's Supper. "26 And as they were eating,
Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and
said, Take, eat; this is My body. 27 And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave
it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is My blood of the New Testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:26-28). Therefore,
to eat and drink of Christ is to enter into intimate communion with the Heavenly
Bridegroom by simply trusting Him. "But without faith it is impossible to please
Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder
of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
The act of creation is the sole domain of God, and not of man nor priests. "For
thus saith the LORD that created the Heavens; God Himself that formed the Earth and
made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited:
I am the LORD; and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:18). Only a thief would attempt
to steal the creative prerogative of God. "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed
Me" (Malachi 3:8). But, God has covenanted with Himself to keep back His judgment
until He returns the Second Time. "14 Until the appearing of our LORD Jesus
Christ: 15 Which in His times He shall shew, who is the Blessed and Only Potentate,
the KING of Kings, and LORD of Lords" (1Timothy 6:14-15). Then, He will judge
the attempted theft of His creative right, i.e., He will bring the papal and priestly
creators of the Catholic Mass to judgment. "When the LORD Jesus shall be revealed
from Heaven with His mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ" (2Thessalonians
1:7-8).
Rome Saith: All Mortal Sins Must Be Confessed to a Priest
"One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must
confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having
carefully examined his conscience" (Catechism, 1493).
"All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious
must be recounted by them in confession" (Catechism, 1456).
The pattern of Scripture is to make confession to the Offended Party, and all sin
is against God. "Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil
in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when
Thou judgest" (Psalm 51:4). For this reason, we are enjoined to make confession
to God for the forgiveness of sins. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
(1John 1:9). Certainly, man ought to be given confession, if he is the party that
has been offended. "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,
go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou
hast gained thy brother" (Matthew 18:15). Confessing your sins to one another
is warranted, if the offending party is to return to praying ground. "Confess
your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
That phrase, "must confess to a priest" (Catechism, 1493) of Rome, viciously
rips at the heart of True Christianity, for the Truly God and Yet Truly Man Christ
Jesus is alone our High Priest and Mediator. "For there is one God, and
One Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1Timothy 2:5). Any
who would attempt to supplant Christ's role as our Confessor, is Against Christ--
which would make them an antichrist. "Even now are there many antichrists; whereby
we know that it is the Last Time" (1John 2:18). The LORD Jesus alone is our
Mediator, "Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession
for us" (Romans 8:34). If Christ alone accepts our confession, then we are received
by God-- regardless of priests that may still reject us. "To the praise of the
glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved"
(Ephesians 1:6).
"One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church"
(Catechism, 1493) implies that the reconciliation is a desirable thing, but that
belies the Truth. For the Earnest Believer, reconciliation with the Church of
Rome is unwanted and abhorred. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what
communion hath light with darkness?" (2Corinthians 6:14). Better that we
make our confession to God, for only then will our peace be great. "And the
peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Rome Saith: Justification of the Veneration of Icons
"The seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts
the veneration of icons" (Catechism, 2131).
The icons of Roman Catholicism are the idolatry forbidden in the Ten Commandments.
"4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing
that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the water
under the Earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I
the LORD thy God am a Jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me" (Exodus
20:4-5). The papal veneration of icons is the giving of reverence, adoration, and
respect that rightly belongs to the Almighty. And, the LORD God is adamant about
His refusal to give His glory to the images and relics of Catholicism. "I am
the LORD: that is My Name: and My Glory will I not give to another, neither
My Praise to graven images" (Isaiah 42:8).
The Jealous God rejects all who reject His Word concerning the "veneration of
icons" (Catechism, 2131). "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the Word of
the LORD, He hath also rejected thee" (1Samuel 15:23). It is a light thing to
contradict man, but it is monumental to reject God's Word concerning idolatry. "Hath
the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice
of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat
of rams" (15:22). This rejection must culminate in the destruction of not simply
the idols, but Babylon herself. "Declare ye among the nations, and publish,
and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded,
Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in
pieces" (Jeremiah 50:2).
Conclusion
Has the Creator given you "eyes to see, and ears to hear" (Deuteronomy
29:4) the abominations of the Church of Rome? If Rome could have been reformed, we
would have healed her. But, she would not-- and is not healed-- so forsake her.
"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her"
(Jeremiah 51:9). The vast system of lies that forms the foundation of Roman Catholicism
astounds the gaze of even the True Believer, and it is quite understandable that
the Apostle John "wondered with great admiration [or, wonder]" (Revelation
17:6), when he was shown MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH (17:5). Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), demands homage from his
people, much as Christ expects of His Church; therefore, the lies of the Church of
Rome become him. "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
with a hot iron" (1Timothy 4:2). Can such a judgment be too harsh for an
institution which has forced itself upon the world as the SOLE repository of Christian
Salvation-- and, thereby damned untold multitudes? "Reward her even as
she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which
she hath filled fill to her double" (Revelation 18:6). Your departure
from Rome, as well as those who may follow your example, will reward your former
master. "22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others
save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by
the flesh" (Jude 22-23).
As with any system of sin and error, the command of God is clear: "Come
out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch
not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2Corinthians 6:17).
Rome is a fearful master that comes to you as an "angel of light" (2Corinthians
11:14), but "inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). It is no
more your part to reform Catholicism than it is for the "leopard [to change]
his spots" (Jeremiah 13:23). Yours is to "flee from the wrath to come"
(Luke 3:7) by separating yourself from Roman Catholicism. Flee in faith to the person
of Jesus Christ, "as unto a faithful Creator" (1Peter 4:19), in Whom you
should abide. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto
the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1Peter 2:25). The beloved Apostle Peter
can only rejoice that you would refuse the Babylonish system of the Bishop of Rome.
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15)-- Rome OR
Christ!
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