TN9 Info

The subject of works is one which seems to cause some confusion among Christians. There are those who say that we are saved by faith, not by works. The Scriptures seem to affirm this, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) Then there are those who proclaim that even though we are saved by faith, works have a part to play as well. Again, the Scriptures seem to affirm this, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Do the Scriptures oppose themselves? How can this be that we are saved by faith only, yet have works play a part in it? Are both groups right? Do these Scriptures prove that it is all in how you look at it? Well, first the Scriptures do not oppose themselves. And also, this subject is not hard to understand. Let’s examine this subject of works, faith, and salvation and see how it all fits perfectly together.

During the time that the apostles were on earth teaching and establishing the churches throughout the world there begun to arise those who wanted to put additional qualifications on being saved. We know by studying the Scriptures that there is a simple plan which we are to follow in order to accept the free gift of salvation. That plan consist of (1) faith, (2) repentance, (3) confession, (4) baptism, and (5) faithful living. (See our monograph “What Must I Do To Be Saved?) This group began to teach that in order for one to be saved — to be a Christian — he/she must first obey the “works of the law.” In other words, one must first become a Jew, then become a Christian. Even the apostle Peter began to behave in a manner which indicated to the Gentiles, that one must obey the law of Moses first. In Galatians chapter 2 Paul writes of the time when Peter would associate with the Gentiles as long as no other Jewish Christians were around. Then when his fellow Jewish Christians were present, he behaved in a different manner, perhaps giving the message that in order to be a “real” Christian, one would first obey the Jewish laws. Paul then rebukes Peter for this behavior and states to him, “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” (Galatians 2:15,16)

In other words, man can only be justified (vindicated) by faith (and those things which faith produces) in Jesus Christ. The law of Moses can not vindicate us from our sins. The “law” can only make us aware of the fact that we are sinners. Therefore, when the Bible says that we are justified by faith, and not works, it means we are vindicated by faith (and those things which faith produces) and not by our striving to obey the law.

This concept that we are justified by faith is found in several passages in the Bible. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of Works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:27,28) See also Galatians 3:1-5, Romans 4:1-6, & Romans 5:1,2.

So what about those other Scriptures which indicate that works do have a part to play in man’s salvation. In order to better understand how this relationship exists, let’s look a James, chapter 2: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe; and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (James 2:18-24) You are probably saying, “How can this be? Now I’m more confused than ever.” Let’s try to sort this out.

First, the above passage is not discussing the issue of salvation, but rather the relationship between works (the way we conduct ourselves) and faith. Works, regardless of how we want to phrase it, can not and will not result in our salvation. We simply do not have the ability or opportunity to work our way to heaven. We could spend the rest of our days doing “good works” and it would not save our souls. Salvation is apart from works!

So, what relationship does works have to salvation and faith? How can we be justified by works? Let’s examine the few verses which precede the above passage. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to him, ‘Depart in pease, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give him the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17) Works — good deeds which help our fellow Christians, spreading the gospel, etc. — is what proves that our faith is alive and real. If we were to say, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,” we would call that faith which can lead to salvation. But the proof of that faith, is not that we say we believe, but that we do those things which further the kingdom. Works are the result of saving faith. We are justified by our works, in that our works prove our faith to be real, alive saving faith; not just intellectual assent that God and His Son exist.

It is sort of like the old saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” It is one thing to say that we believe something, and another to conduct ourselves in such a manner as to demonstrate our belief. I have a friend who is a pilot. I may say, “I believe that he is an excellent pilot.” But my refusal to fly with him indicates that I do not really believe that. My actions disprove my statement. In respect to salvation and saving faith, our actions after we have been saved proves or disproves our faith.

If we have the kind of faith which will save us (not just intellectual assent), that faith will produce repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living. So then we ask, “Are these (repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living) works?” The answer is, no they are not works. Now I would be the first to agree that these four items could be perverted into works. One might say, “I want to go to heaven (or maybe avoid hell) so I will do those things which he has taught that I need to do.” He might say “I’m sorry for the sins I’ve committed.”; he might confess that Jesus is the Christ; he may permit himself to be baptized; and he may go through all the “acts” of being a Christian (faithful living). He is then trying to work his way to heaven. Real salvation is different.

When one has real saving faith that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and gives his life to Him, a transformation takes place. He becomes truly remorseful of his sinful nature and strives to eradicate sin from his life. He is happy and please to proclaim Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He willingly submits himself to the watery grave of baptism so his sins can be washed away. And he strives to live a life which is pleasing to God by committing himself to daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. These then are not works, but the manifestation of saving faith in his life.

There are several other Scriptures in the Bible that discus the subject of works. Again, these seem to indicate that works are important to salvation. Here are some examples: “. . . each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15); “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58); and “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) See also: Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4; 5:12- 13, Titus 1:16; 3:8; 3:14, and James 1:25.

Do these Scriptures teach that we must “work” our way to heaven. Again, the answer is no. If we are truly saved, and have abiding faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, these works are a natural result of our desire to please Him. Because we are a child of God, saved by His grace through our faith in Him and His Son, we want to do the works mentioned here. And really it is more than just a “want to”, it is a deep burning desire which cannot be extinguished.

I hope that I have given my readers a better understanding of the subjects of faith, works, and salvation and how the three work perfectly together. We are saved by faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living; but these produce in us and through us good works for the kingdom of God. May God bless you as you continue in His good work.

All scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted

About the Author

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org

Permission to use is granted if attributed to author and his website.

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Sainthood…that title given by the Catholic Church that seems to
draw so much criticism from so many denominations. The mere
mention of it angers some people. It’s not so much the title
itself that draws attention but the dogma that prayer to those
saints is helpful to the living. And while opponents of such an
idea try to distance themselves from Catholic theology, they
miss out on a big benefit of this ‘disagreeable’ doctrine.

As they venture further from Catholicism (like the Church is an
embarrassing ancestor that people try to keep in the closet)
they stop any real honor of holy men in Church history. The mere
study of their devout becomes a sin, and the only ones mentioned
in their washed-out history books are the ones who’s only
accomplishment was extreme opposition to Catholicism. And
ignoring the lives of the saints only leaves them with a
terrible void…one that should’ve been filled by an incredible
gift from God.

That gift isn’t so much the greatness of men and women who have
dedicated their lives to the greater glory of God (and the
beneficial fruits that come from this) but the display of
diversity within the God’s Church. As we study the life of Jesus
(and try to imitate it) there’s always the alluring temptation
to give up, because he was God, and not being God, how could we
hope to replicate such holiness.

But in the study of saints, we don’t always focus on the
man…but on specific characteristics of a man. Pope John Paul
II, for example (who’ll no doubt receive the title some day),
brought us an attitude of peace and the promotion of a “culture
of life”. Yes, he was smart, prayerful, holy, and had all the
other markings of a saint. But history (while it might mention
these other things) will always point to his accomplishments in
the promotion of peace and unity. The Church will always see him
as a shining example of what a peaceful man should be. Someone
with a weakness for anger will always see his life as source of
inspiration.

A quick look through the lives of the saints reveals thousands
of such characteristics. St. Thomas Aquinas was the intellectual
giant. St. Francis of Assisi showed us how to live a life of
poverty. St. Catherine of Sienna reflects a deep love for
Christ. St. Bernadette’s simplicity (and obedience) gives us a
powerful example of what God can accomplish through unlikely
channels.

As each of these saints had prominent virtues in their lives,
each of these virtues have a contrasting weakness or tendency
that we’re forced to fight throughout our own existence. And
that’s why we contemplate on their lives. Not just for example
and inspiration, but because they signify that such perfections
in virtue are possible…even for someone without a divine nature.

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s/big/1413750575.jpg

Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall
is destined to become a national debate and an international
controversy because it dares to speak the plain truth in a world
of lies!

Beyond Babylon Introduction

Beyond Babylon Chapter One Sur
vival Guaranteed!

The DEVASTATION unleashed against America and her British allies
was without precedent. Destruction was everywhere and a body
count impossible. The catastrophe was beyond calculation.

Europe - gripped with a messianic furor - justified this mass
destruction of the body to “save the soul.” Besides, they had
the blessing of the pope. His white robes were stained with the
blood of many martyrs.

Beyond Babylon Chapter 2 Why
National Defeat?

Why are we in mortal danger? Why will the American, British and
Jewish people SUFFER national defeat? How could Europe ever turn
against us?

Beyond Babylon Chapter 3 Tru
th or Consequences

As global tensions increase, and threats of confrontation
escalate, we might very well wonder whether humanity will
survive. Unless there’s a GOD to intervene, we have a
bleak future indeed: a DEAD PLANET! Will earth become a nuclear
fireball? Will charred bones - aftermath of unleashed atomic
fires - and the smoldering ruins of a suicidal civilization be
all that’s left?

Beyond Babylon Chapter 4 Vic
tims of Tradition

Whenever our behavior gets out of control, God lets us loose
control! When we’re held hostage to bad habits, and refuse
to let them go, we go into captivity! A national lack of
discipline results in God sending corrective punishment!
Then we wake up and get with it, and beg God to save us. The
whole purpose is to bring us to our knees and senses.

Beyond Babylon Chapter 5 Eur
ope’s Fate

What’s going to happen to Europe? We know what’s going to happen
to the American and British peoples, as well as to our Jewish
brethren. The coming WORLD CRISIS is prophesied to fall
especially hard on them. Why?

Beyond Babylon Chapter 6 Jes
us and the Jews

Why don’t the Jews accept Jesus?” I’ve been asked that so many
times. My usual reply? “Why haven’t the Christians?” At least
the Jews are waiting for the proper imperial restoration. The
Messiah’s coming to sit on DAVID’S THRONE - not Caesar’s or “St.
Peter’s.” The Anointed One’s going to rule from JERUSALEM - not
Rome!

Beyond Babylon Chapter 7 Eli
jah’s Key Role

Israel’s about to host the greatest showdown on earth! A
spiritual conflict of interests will create such a scene in
Jerusalem that the whole world will watch! Zion will be an arena
of prophets and sorcerers, warriors and kings! The forces of
good and evil are set to duel: the sons of light will battle the
sons of darkness, and truth will confront error head-on!

Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall

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http://christians.what.cc

We grew up in various denominations or in atheistic surroundings
but we have all come to realise, that different paths do not
lead to one and the same destination. There are so many ways out
there to choose from, so many people offering answers;
Protestants, Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Adventists,
Methodists, Pentecostals, Buddhists, Moslems, atheists, … The
question is:

What is the right way, what is truth?

The answer you often hear is “Everybody has his own truth”, or
“No one can really know it”. In our opinion, such statements
contradict the fact that there is a reality. Either the earth is
round or it is flat. It cannot be both. The one reality remains
absolute and unchanged regardless of the way you look at it. It
is the same with religious questions. When it comes down to it,
it is not possible for two opposing and contradictory
alternatives to exist simultaneously, one for you and one for
me. If the reality is that there is a resurrection after death
then there cannot be reincarnation. You cannot have both eternal
life after death and annihilation of the soul. If matter was
created by God it cannot have existed from eternity. Or let us
consider some other questions to which contradictory answers
cannot both be right: Is Jesus God, or is he not? Does God
predestine people to condemnation, or does he not? Can a man
fall away from God, or can he not? Is man sinful by nature, or
is he not? Does hell exist, or does it not?

Do not such questions and others like them inspire everybody who
wants to get to know God’s nature to have a standpoint? Can we
remain indifferent to these questions if we are interested in
finding out how to live according to God’s will?

To find answers to these questions we think that we need neither
a new revelation nor a new special method of interpreting the
Bible. Nor do we think that we are the source of the truth - we
are far from being arrogant or from being perfect - but we
believe that truth is accessible, because Jesus revealed it to
the mankind.

The majority of people hold the opinion that there is no
absolute truth. In our society, the view that the truth is
relative is the predominating ideology. Many people have become
accustomed to this stream of thought and think that one’s idea
of truth is relative and has no validity for others, “What seems
good to me is what is right!” However, if everything has the
same validity, then in the end nothing matters; the standard
according to which good and bad, right and wrong are measured,
is completely missing. Everyone can find something to suit his
own personal taste and needs. People paint their own picture of
heaven, choosing the colours from a palette of their own desires
and wishes, creating their own religion, which seems to fit well
enough for the time being… In fact, religion is widely treated
as yet another branch of the arts, like the world of fashion in
which people shape trends and trends, in turn shape people.

However, God’s way is different:

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you
continue in My word, {then} you are truly disciples of Mine; and
you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
(John 8:31-32)

In God’s eyes, all people who do not seek the truth are
captives. He wants to set us free from selfish desires and
sexual sins, from vanity and envy, from the feeling of
inferiority and pride, from arrogance and the urge to win the
favour of other people. He wants to set us free from misleading
teachings, which lead people to concentrate on themselves even
more in the effort to save themselves. But he also wants to set
us free from wrong ideas which people call Christianity, where
people devote vast amounts of time and energy in striving for
social justice but neglect the spiritual fight against sin. He
wants to free us from teachings, which provide an assurance of
God’s forgiveness but forget that discipleship means to follow
Jesus. He wants to liberate us from doctrines, which promise
God’s grace, but renounce obedience as legalistic. For this
reason, we seek the truth, searching for God’s will in both our
lives and teaching.

This search for God’s will led us to the question:

How does God want me to use my life? What should Christian
community look like?

In the case of the first Christians in Jerusalem, it looked like
this:

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’
teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer… Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and
breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals
together with gladness and sincerity of heart,… (Acts 2:42 and
46)

For Christians in that time it was natural to meet and to deal
with the teaching every day. It was a testimony of their great
interest in, and love for God and their brothers and sisters. We
too have this great wish to share our lives with our sisters and
brothers in faith, to read the Bible together, and to take part
in the joys and sorrows and spiritual fights with each other. We
are very thankful that we can live in a time in which good
transport and convenient working hours make daily community
possible. Daily community is for us an expression of love and a
result of the wish to live out what we believe, to devote our
time to God and our brothers and sisters in faith. We use our
time for what is important for us.

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a
liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has
seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:21 And this
commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should
love his brother also. (1 John 4:20-21)

This intensive fellowship helps us much to be able to strengthen
one another in our struggles and practice the principle
expressed in the Bible:

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is
{still} called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by
the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13)

We do not want to build superficial relationships or put on a
good front for one another and by doing so avoid revealing the
reality about ourselves. Instead, we confess our sins and
weaknesses to one another in order to help one another in the
fight for holiness according to Jesus’ example.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even
as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John
13:34)

This is the kind of love we want to live - not just on Sundays
or at celebrations but every day alike; not only with particular
friends but with anyone who wants to live in the truth.

See our homepage: http://christians.what.cc

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CATHOLICS vs ROME

Vatican II declared it was no longer a sin for a Catholic to read a non-Catholic Bible or visit a non-Catholic church.

The average Catholic in the Western world loved that. Non-Catholics, too, where so many are prone to visiting each other’s churches with friends and family of various denominations. Strangely, they did nothing at Vatican II to remove the more than 100 anathemas, or curses, pronounced by the Council of Trent in 1545-63 on the Protestant churches and beliefs. More about that coming up. How good it is for all those who march under the banner of Christianity, to be able to worship our Lord and King together. But let’s be together TOGETHER. Question: Why didn’t Rome clean the slate while they were at it and lift those curses?

Is unity breaking out among denominations throughout the world? Not hardly. In some sections of the world, if a non-Catholic church begins a ministry, persecution, even death, is eminent. In other nations anything that’s not Catholic is considered a cult and is considered as unworthy of government tax exempt benefits. Strangely, in many so-called “Catholic” countries…
Italy, France, Spain, Mexico… the percentage of the population that attends church, reads the Bible, or has the slightest clue of what it means to be Catholic is staggeringly low. Fact is, sadly, the overwhelming majority of Catholics worldwide do not know what it is that God would say to them through His Word, the Bible, but are relying upon official interpretations, opinions, traditions and dogmas of the denomination, even mixing basic teachings with blatant occultic practices. Few have taken the time to study those dogmas themselves. The competency of Catholics,their sincerity, integrity, intelligence, or religious dedication, is not the concern here. Their strong convictions
are admirable, even enviable. Most would agree that, to make a quality decision, one requires quality facts. So, I encourage you, as I did, to compare the major teachings of the Catholic church with the obvious truths of God’s Word.

An analogy from my own life is this: since I was a boy, I have been a Chicago Bear football fan. Why? Because I lived in Chicago and my dad was a fan. I didn’t know the players, how well they played, the long history of the team, but it was a family tradition. As the years passed, I have remained true to the Bears, win or lose (mostl lose). Strangely, my younger son, here in the heart of Dallas Cowboy country, where we now reside, is ALSO a Bear fan. Now, I haven’t watched a pro football game on TV in many years at this writing. I know very little about
the Bears, who the coach is, who the players are, but I guarantee you, if they make it to the Super Bowl any time
soon, my world will stop to see them play on some big TV screen somewhere. (Incidentally, I am to be pitied above all men for I am also a Chicago Cub fan. Sigh).

If you will, please examine the following synopsis of details which caused me to question my Catholic affiliation and decide for yourself if there was any merit to my decision to leave the Catholic church I had been affiliated with for 21 years, attending a Catholic school, wearing my scapular, serving as an altar boy, was baptized, confirmed, etc.

THE BIBLE vs ROME

– The Bible was officially forbidden to the people, placed on the Index of Forbidden Books List by the Council of
Valencia, 1229 AD.

– Council of Trent (1545-63 AD) also prohibited its use and pronounced a curse (anathema) upon anyone who would oppose this decree.

– The Roman Catholic Church has burned Bibles and the people who translated it and promoted its study (EX: John Hus, 1415 AD; Wm. Tyndale, 1536 AD).

– Though external pressures have caused Rome to relax restrictions against Bible study in the U.S., its distribution
is still widely withheld in many countries heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism.

–Though the Roman Church claims the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, it openly exalts the authority of its own traditions, dogmas and decrees ABOVE the Bible.

– The church teaches the deity of Christ but places Mary and priests as mediators between God and believers so that free access to Jesus is possible only through them.

– The church teaches forgiveness of sins but only through confession to a priest and the absolution given by him.

– The church teaches salvation, but substitutes a system of grace plus works in which human deeds are important.

– The church teaches that Christ established the Church, but exalts the pope as its head and invests absolute, infallible
authority in him and his decrees.

Though the Roman Catholic Church claims to be “the one true church,” arguing that its roots can be traced to Christ, the historical facts do not substantiate this claim. Roman Catholic dogma has evolved over the centuries, however, none of its
major traditions and doctrine were ever taught, defended, practiced, or embraced by the early, apostolic church.

None.

Following are some elements of Catholic doctrine, rituals, decrees, and beliefs and the approximate year they were
instituted:

Sign of the cross…300AD

Veneration of angels, dead saints, use of images…375AD

Mass as a daily celebration…394AD

Exaltation of Mary and use of term “Mother of God”…432AD

Extreme Unction…526AD

Doctrine of Purgatory, instituted by Gregory I…539AD

Prayers to Mary, dead saints, angels…600AD

Holy Water…850AD

Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV…995AD

Fasting on Fridays and during Lent…998AD

Mass developed as a sacrifice, attendance mandatory…11th Century

Celibacy for priests, decreed by Gregory VII…1079AD

The inquisition, instituted by Council of Verona, suspects convicted of heresy, tortured and executed, estimated
15 million people died…1184AD

Sale of Indulgences…1190AD

Transubstantiation, proclaimed by Innocent III…1215AD

Confession to priests, instituted by Innocent III in Lateran Council…1215AD

Adoration of the host (Latin: means “victim”), decreed by Honorius III…1220AD

Bible forbidden, Council of Toulouse…1229AD

Cup forbidden to people at communion, Council of Constance…1414AD

Purgatory, pronounced as dogma by Council of Florence…1439AD

Tradition declared as equal authority with Bible, Council of Trent…1545AD

Apocryphal books added to Bible, Council of Trent, a reaction to the Protestant Reformation. By canonizing
these books it legitimized their use in doctrinal matters (1 Maccabecs 4:46, 9:27, 14:41 states the days of prophets
were gone; Jesus quoted all 39 OT books from Genesis to Malachi, never the Apocrypha; No other New Testament writer
quoted the Apocrypha. Jesus contradicted teachings from Apocrypha; Jerome, Origen and others denied its inspiration;
The Pesshitta, the Syriac Bible of 2AD, did not contain the Apocrypha)…1546AD

Infallibility of Pope, Vatican Council…1870AD

Public schools condemned, Pius XI…1930AD

Assumption of Mary, bodily ascension into Heaven after death, Pius XII…1950

Mary proclaimed “Mother of the church,” Paul VI…1965AD

Other areas of scriptural abuses and manmade doctrine include nuns, Ash Wednesday, All Saints day, medals, charms, relics, novenas, and more. This revealing list represents an overview of the many human inventions which have corrupted, distorted, and perverted the official positions presented as truth by the Roman Catholic Church to its people. The problem: worldwide, the majority of Roman Catholics have no idea!

PETER vs ROME

In his book Eaclesiam Suam, Pope Paul expressed his distress because of what some of the “Separated brethren” say about the papacy as being the stumbling block in the way of church unity. He said, “Do not some of them say that if it were not for the primacy of the pope, the reunion o the separated churches with the Catholic Church would be easy? We beg the separated brethren to consider the inconsistency of this position, not only in that, without the pope, the Catholic church would no longer be Catholic, but also because without the supreme decisive pastoral office of Peter, the unity of the Church of Christ would utterly collapse.”

Collapse? I doubt it. I do agree that if the Catholic Church were reformed according to Scripture, it would have to be abandoned. About Peter, claiming him as first pope is nothing short of doctrinal error. It’s based upon Matthew 16:13-19, where Jesus responds to Peter’s confession that He is the Christ declaring that upon this rock He will build His church and will give the keys to the kingdom to Peter to bind and loose on the earth. The papacy claims that Peter is the rock referred to here and the keys represent the pope’s absolute authority and infallibility over the church. Jesus DID say Peter was a rock, but a study of the Greek word for “rock” reveals Peter’s name (Petros) as referring to a mere stone in comparison to the massive rock (petra)… the Gibraltar, which is His Holy Name, the Name above all names… Jesus!

Jesus was not saying He would build His church upon simple Simon Peter. NO! But, He would build it upon that simple foundational confession of faith which Peter made that Jesus is the Christ! Not only Peter’s confession, but every similar confession for generations to come (Rom 10:9-11). Jesus is the Rock, not Peter! (See I Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20, 21).

The “keys” symbolize the authority to open the way of salvation through the preaching of the Gospel to all those who are shackled in darkness and sin. Peter was first entrusted with the keys because he was first to give this confession of faith in Jesus and was instrumental in initially opening the door of salvation to the Jews at Pentecost (Acts 2), as well as to the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house (Acts 10). However, ALL true disciples possess these same keys when proclaiming the way of salvation to unbelievers and offering them spiritual liberty through Christ (Matthew 18:18).

Furthermore, the Scriptures disprove Roman Catholic claims concerning Peter. Neither the Scriptures nor Peter ever claimed to be pope, head over the church, or in a superior position over the apostles. Apart from Catholic tradition, there is no biblical, historical, or credible archacological evidence that Peter ever went to Rome or presided as its leader. Read the following Scriptures. Decide for yourself:

1 Peter 5:1 (he is referred to as merely another elder among many)

1 Peter 5:3 (he actually warned AGAINST lording over the flock)

Acts 10:25-27 (he refused to receive homage from men - no ring kissing or special treatment or titles)

Matthew 16:23 (proved he wasn’t infallible when Jesus rebuked him sharply regarding the need for crucifixion)

Galatians 2:11-14 (Paul scolded him for vacillating, being inconsistent, and a hypocrite)

Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38; I Corinthians 9:5 (he was married)

Romans 16 (Paul wrote this epistle, greeted many believers but did not greet Peter. Why not? Because he wasn’t there).

MARY vs ROME

Catholic women seem to LOVE Mary! In this age of gender equality, I have found that there are many women who love being Catholic ONLY because there seems to be a woman in at least equal authority at the helm. These women forget that anything with two heads is a freak!

In spite of Rome’s great emphasis upon Mary, the Scriptures say very little about her. She’s never mentioned by Paul, Peter, James, or John. None of the New Testament epistles refer to her either. In fact, the most significant Catholic teachings concerning her are fairly recent in origin (Immaculate Conception, 1854; Assumption, 1950).

The Bible refers to Mary as “blessed…among women” (not ABOVE women, Luke 1:28). It does not teach us to deify, worship, or pray to her. Jesus did not. Neither did the early Christians. She is recognized for her many wonderful attributes, namely, her willingness to bring Christ into the world and non-Catholics would do well to study these attributes. By that example, we should each be as willing to be used as a vessel for bringing Christ into our own world. Unfortunately, Rome’s adoration of her is condemned by God’s Word as you will see.

In The Glories of Mary (p. 82, 83), Bishop deLiguori wrote that Mary acts as a Mediator between angry sinners and God. The scriptures refute that (I Tim 2:5 and Jn 14:6). He also states that the Holy Church commands a worship peculiar to Mary. It is blatant idolatry to kneel before her statues, recite Hail Mary’s or sing songs to her. This was forbidden by Christ (Matt 4:10), where He reminded Satan: “For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” Roman Catholicism teaches that Christ is a stern, wrathful judge who cannot be approached by sinners and that Mary is a tender, understanding, merciful intercessor who will plead our cause to her Son with the persuasion of a loving mother. The Bible refutes that (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25; 9:24).

The Bible rejects Rome’s claim that Mary is the Peacemaker between sinners and God, pg. 80 of Bishop DeLiguori’s book. Compare this belief to the Scriptures (Eph 2:13-18). Christ is our peacemaker. Not Mary, priests, popes, deceased saints, or even the church. On page 160, deLiguori says Mary is “…the gate of Heaven because no one can enter that blessed kingdom without passing through Her…” St. Joseph’s Daily Missal, pg. 1305 says, “the Way of Salvation is open to non otherwise than through Mary,” and that “our salvation is in the hands of Mary.” Compare that claim to the Word of God, Acts 4:12. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved,” and John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.”

The Bible gives no support to the many exalted titles the Roman Catholic Church bestows upon Mary: Queen of Angels, Door of Paradise, mother of Grace, Morningstar, Refuge of Sinners. These titles clearly represent Rome’s attempt to elevate Mary to a glorified status, not taught in the Scriptures.

Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary was born without sin. The Scriptures stress that we’ve ALL sinned (Romans 5:12) and that no one does not sin (1 Kings 8:46; Psalms 53:3, I John 1:8, 10). Mary herself acknowledges that she was a sinner in need of a Savior, (Luke 1:46, 47) by offering two turtledoves in the temple, like all poor Jewish mothers, atoning for their sin (Lev 12:6-8).

Rome’s emphasis on her perpetual virginity is clearly refuted in Matthew 13:54-56, Mark 6:3, John 7:5, 6. Though Rome claims these are Christ’s cousins, the original Greek wording clearly refers to brothers and sisters and not cousins. Read this for yourself! After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary lived a normal husband and wife relationship, bearing other children.

MASS and THE EUCHARIST

According to John A. O’Brien’s The Faith of Millions, page 382, Catholics claim that communion is the exact same sacrifice as Christ’s death on the cross, and view it as a literal re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion on Calvary in an un-bloody manner. Christ’s body is re-crucified and re-sacrificed for the atonement of the individual’s sins. Catholicism teaches that the physical presence of Christ is IN the sacrifice, and that the wine and the “host” are MIRACULOUSLY CHANGED into the actual blood and body of Jesus Christ. LITERALLY! Not figuratively or symbolically. This is referred to as “Transubstantiation,” the literal changing of a substance from one form into another. This is completely contrary to the Scriptures which repeatedly stresses the finality and completeness of Christ’s sacrifice. Read it! Hebrews 10:11, 12, 14, and 18. Also, Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, and 22:28. While you’re at it, read John 19:30 and I Peter 3:18.

In 1963, Pope John XXIII declared, “I do accept entirely all that has been decided and declared at the Council of Trent.” What did they decide at Trent, beginning in 1545? Canon I states: “If anyone shall deny that the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore entire Christ, are truly, really, and substantially contained in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist and shall say that He is only in it as a sign, or in a figure-let him be accursed!”

In other words, Rome teaches this: that little wafer is GOD! The bread is supposedly literally changed into Christ by the priest. You’d BETTER believe it…or you’re cursed, according to Canon I. Fact is, tens of millions of people have been tortured and killed through the age for challenging such Catholic dogmas. The problem with this particular decree is that the majority of today’s logical, thinking Catholics deny they can believe this is true. Especially in the Western world. According to TRADITIO: Traditional Roman Catholic Internet (www.traditio.com) “70% OF NOVUS ORDO CATHOLICS NOW HOLD AN HERETICAL BELIEF IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST.” According to their report, this staggering statistic reveals, “… Only 30% of Novus Ordo Catholics believe that they are really and truly receiving the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearance of Bread and Wine. This has always been the Church’s dogma regarding the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist… The poll results show a terrible confusion on the part of Catholics concerning one of the most fundamental dogmata of the Church, a confusion that has actually led them into (at least material) heresy. The poll results were presented to the U.S. Bishops at their annual conference of November 1992 at Washington, D.C. The bishops failed to take any action, but preferred to let 7 out of 10 Catholics remain in (at least material) heresy.” Ouch!

Since it wasn’t a practice till the early 1200’s, where did this belief originate? The mystic religions and worshipers of Osiris of the Middle East were a great influence on the West, particularly the cultured Italians. Also, the religion of Mithra had its impact. The idea of eating the flesh of deity was popular in Mexico and Central America long before missionaries landed there. Prescott’s Mexico, Vol. 3, quotes, “…their surprise was heightened, when they witnessed a religious rite which reminded them of communion…an image made of flour…and after consecration by priests, was distributed among the people…declaring it was flesh of deity.” A primitive practice indeed. Why do Catholic catechisms and doctrinal instruction books want people to think they must eat Jesus? The answer’s worth seeking.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pastor Michael is founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). His eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” (SEARCH it!) are reaching tens of thousands WEEKLY. He ministers by way of email and Instant Message, too. Write him at team1min@aol.com if you’d like to SUBSCRIBE to receive his messages directly.

Michael’s mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Michael is the author of numerous booklets on a variey of subjects that will interest the thinking Christian. Since 1999, he has written and broadcast hundreds of inspirational articles and a dozen booklets, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God’s people.

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