FORMER ROMAN CATHOLIC "BRIDE OF CHRIST" NUN TESTIFIES OF ABNORMAL LIFE IN THE CONVENT
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- A free written transcript of this message is available at media-cloud.se... . Free written transcripts of this message are available in 20 languages at www.sermonaudi... . See the book "The Truth Set Us Free: Twenty Former Nuns Tell Their Stories of God’s Amazing Grace" & is available on Richard Bennett's website www.BereanBeacon.org at www.bereanbeaco.... See our playlist at • Dealing With Roman Cat... with over 195 videos on Roman Catholicism & counting. Larry Wessels, director of Christian Answers of Austin, Texas / Christian Debater (UA-cam channel CANSWERSTV at / canswerstv; website: www.BIBLEQUERY.ORG & presents this video on Romanism.
This presentation features Richard Bennett, a former Roman Catholic Dominican priest for 22 years & a Roman Catholic for 48 years interviewing former Benedictine nun Mary Ann Pakiz who, according to Roman Catholic theology, was a "Bride of Christ" following the "Rule of Saint Benedict" (The Rule of Saint Benedict (Regula Benedicti) is a book of precepts written by St. Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. Since about the 7th century it has also been adopted by communities of women. During the 1500 years of its existence, it has become the leading guide in Western Christianity for monastic living in community. The spirit of St Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax ("peace") and the traditional ora et labora ("pray and work").).
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are a congregation of nuns within the Benedictine Confederation. The original monastery was founded in 1874 by a group of five nuns, led by Sister Mary Anselma Felber, O.S.B., who came from the young monastery of Maria-Rickenbach (founded 1857) in Switzerland. Arriving in Clyde, Missouri, they founded the Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration. This remains the motherhouse and largest community of the congregation. It houses 550 documented relics of the saints-the biggest such collection in the United States. The decision to come was sparked by the departure of a group of monks from the nearby Engelberg Abbey, at a time when monastic communities felt threatened by political changes taking place throughout Europe. As with many other monastic groups, they looked to the New World for a place of refuge.The monks went on to found Conception Abbey in nearby Conception, Missouri, and began to minister to German and Irish immigrants of the region. The nuns follow a simple, contemplative way of life, formed by the Rule of St. Benedict. To this end, they supported themselves by such farming as could be done on their land. They also provide the printing of spiritual cards, as well as making vestments for churches around the country, and the baking of Altar Breads. To the usual monastic routine, they have added the practice of Perpetual Adoration in their chapels.
Roman Catholic nuns, similar in tradition to ancient Rome's "vestal virgins" (the Vestals or Vestal Virgins (Vestales, singular Vestalis), were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children, and took a vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals) or Buddhist nuns, think their ascetic lifestyle will earn them eternal salvation. Even Mother Teresa felt the emptiness of this type of "works to earn salvation" writing, "How cold-how empty-how painful is my heart.-Holy communion-Holy Mass-all the holy things of spiritual life-of the life of Christ in me-are all so empty-so cold-so un-wanted. The physical situation of my poor, left in the streets unwanted, unloved, un-claimed-are the true picture of my own spiritual life, of my love for Jesus...." (Letter to Fr. Neuner, May 12, 1962, Mother Teresa, p. 232).
True Christian believers have the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17) and through that Spirit, a vital bond of union with Jesus Christ. If anyone has Christ as Savior, he or she has the Holy Spirit as Indweller (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Anyone who claims to belong to Jesus Christ but gives no evidence of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit lacks the indisputable proof to establish his or her claim. No test could be more easily applied and none is more decisive, as Scripture explains; "now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His" (Romans 8:9). The consolation of the Holy Spirit is so basic to Christian life that the Apostle Paul calls it "everlasting consolation;" (2 Thess 2:16). Eternal redemption, and the everlasting life is found in the Gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Thus living in a monastery or convent is unnecessary & using relics, praying to Mary, or following ascetic rules & rituals believing it will lead to salvation is worthless (Galatians 1:6-9).
A free written transcript of this message is available at media-cloud.sermonaudio.com/text/79161716583.pdf . Free written transcripts of this message are available in 20 languages at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=79161716583 . See the book "The Truth Set Us Free: Twenty Former Nuns Tell Their Stories of God’s Amazing Grace" & is available on Richard Bennett's website www.BereanBeacon.org at www.bereanbeacon.org/#/books/. See our playlist at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html with over 195 videos on Roman Catholicism & counting. Larry Wessels, director of Christian Answers of Austin, Texas / Christian Debater (UA-cam channel CANSWERSTV at ua-cam.com/users/CAnswersTV; website: www.BIBLEQUERY.ORG & presents this video on Romanism.
This presentation features Richard Bennett, a former Roman Catholic Dominican priest for 22 years & a Roman Catholic for 48 years interviewing former Benedictine nun Mary Ann Pakiz who, according to Roman Catholic theology, was a "Bride of Christ" following the "Rule of Saint Benedict" (The Rule of Saint Benedict (Regula Benedicti) is a book of precepts written by St. Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. Since about the 7th century it has also been adopted by communities of women. During the 1500 years of its existence, it has become the leading guide in Western Christianity for monastic living in community. The spirit of St Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax ("peace") and the traditional ora et labora ("pray and work").).
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are a congregation of nuns within the Benedictine Confederation. The original monastery was founded in 1874 by a group of five nuns, led by Sister Mary Anselma Felber, O.S.B., who came from the young monastery of Maria-Rickenbach (founded 1857) in Switzerland. Arriving in Clyde, Missouri, they founded the Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration. This remains the motherhouse and largest community of the congregation. It houses 550 documented relics of the saints-the biggest such collection in the United States. The decision to come was sparked by the departure of a group of monks from the nearby Engelberg Abbey, at a time when monastic communities felt threatened by political changes taking place throughout Europe. As with many other monastic groups, they looked to the New World for a place of refuge.The monks went on to found Conception Abbey in nearby Conception, Missouri, and began to minister to German and Irish immigrants of the region. The nuns follow a simple, contemplative way of life, formed by the Rule of St. Benedict. To this end, they supported themselves by such farming as could be done on their land. They also provide the printing of spiritual cards, as well as making vestments for churches around the country, and the baking of Altar Breads. To the usual monastic routine, they have added the practice of Perpetual Adoration in their chapels.
Roman Catholic nuns, similar in tradition to ancient Rome's "vestal virgins" (the Vestals or Vestal Virgins (Vestales, singular Vestalis), were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children, and took a vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals) or Buddhist nuns, think their ascetic lifestyle will earn them eternal salvation. Even Mother Teresa felt the emptiness of this type of "works to earn salvation" writing, "How cold-how empty-how painful is my heart.-Holy communion-Holy Mass-all the holy things of spiritual life-of the life of Christ in me-are all so empty-so cold-so un-wanted. The physical situation of my poor, left in the streets unwanted, unloved, un-claimed-are the true picture of my own spiritual life, of my love for Jesus...." (Letter to Fr. Neuner, May 12, 1962, Mother Teresa, p. 232).
True Christian believers have the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17) and through that Spirit, a vital bond of union with Jesus Christ. If anyone has Christ as Savior, he or she has the Holy Spirit as Indweller (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Anyone who claims to belong to Jesus Christ but gives no evidence of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit lacks the indisputable proof to establish his or her claim. No test could be more easily applied and none is more decisive, as Scripture explains; "now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His" (Romans 8:9). The consolation of the Holy Spirit is so basic to Christian life that the Apostle Paul calls it "everlasting consolation;" (2 Thess 2:16). Eternal redemption, and the everlasting life is found in the Gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Thus living in a monastery or convent is unnecessary & using relics, praying to Mary, or following ascetic rules & rituals believing it will lead to salvation is worthless (Galatians 1:6-9).
I thank God I was delivered after 39 years out of Roman Catholicism! To be set free from the bondage or meriting salvation to receiving the free gift by faith in Christ alone! Now I am a saint and pastor serving my Lord Jesus Christ in a relationship with Him! No man made institution like Catholicism required! Praise the Lord Jesus my Savior alone!
I am so grateful that the Lord kept me from be coming a nun, I was so close! But now I am born again and living happy and free in the Lord!This former sister does speak the truth!
Suzy, bless your heart...Jesus loves you so much. Over a 3 year process, the Lord pulled me out of the Catholic church about 13 years ago now, and He taught me I simply had to love Him, walk with Him, and live my life for Him. He helped me begin to read the Word of God everyday - and He send a wonderful minister and his wife to disciple my husband and I for about 6 months. He helped me sift out all the things I didnt need in Catholocism...did a TON of renouncing...
Joe
How do we break the bondage of generational curses if you believe in them?
Thank you.
Boy I am So Happy to see so many of these Former nuns and priests coming to God and knowing the Truth and leaving False Religion Behind.Amen!!!
I grew up Catholic...12 yrs of Catholic school. The positive thing was that I did learn the bible from them....but of course the more I read it...the more obvious it was that they were violating Jesus' teachings. So I'm a Christian thanks to them but no longer a Catholic.
I'm a former Catholic & have been saved by faith through grace. I steer clear of all religion-religion is man's way of trying to work his way to God-God sending His only begotten Son to shed His blood for us-is God reaching down to man. We are made Holy, pure, guiltless, reconciled with the Father by only & through only one way-The LORD Jesus Christ. Humbly pray, read the Bible, believe what it says, be Baptized as a believer (if you are) to honor the LORD in a Bible believing congregation.
As I came to US from Brazil, a very Catholic country, and my mother was mistreated in a Catholic school and also my father, later they accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior by Grace and today (I'm 71 now) I can say like Joshua As for me and my house we serve the Lord. Thank you for your testimonies, (I already forgave) God bless you.
I know how you feel. I was baptized "Catholic" but no longer practice. Keep your faith in God and know that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. Don't put your trust in a Church. I found a small bible based church about the size of a 1 bedroom apartment and they seem like good people and I felt like the pastor spoke of things that meant something to me in my current trials and tribulations. I'm a very shy person at first so it is a little hard getting past the small group but I feel good.
Forget the church, follow Jesus..Simple..& Just make GOD Happy everyday & the world will be a better place for all....
Look for a Bible believing and Bible teaching church. But above all else read your Bible. May God bless you.
The interview itself with ex-nun starts at 10:30
Thanks.
Thank you for your amazing testimonies. The truth shall set us free: Jn.8:32 God always answers the hungry heart. He that seeks will find.
I don’t think an abused woman should be compared to a damaged merchandise 😳😔. Even though I understand what she’s trying to say.
I left this past Christmas after being a professional canter for the RCC. Saved and in a small Bible church. Love it!
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Shame on any organization or person that does not protect women and children.
Thank you Maryann for your statements it has help me a lot. Altho I was never a Catholic you have help me to reinforce my faith!
Excellent....thank you for trvraling the truth. I live in Rome, left the catholic faith and am now know the truth through God's word. Italy needs people to help convert a primarily catholic country..
Amen, amen amen, thanks God for your truth and for rich this brothers and sisters in Christ, read your bible people there are all the answers for you.
Thank you for this message. It is through faith and grace alone through Jesus Christ and God's word we are all saved from our sins. Please take the time to study your Bibles my brothers and sisters and pray to God alone His truth to set you free. May God be with you all.
It’s all about what Jesus did for us ✝️ awe are unworthy but worth so much to Our Creator ..he gave His only son as the sacrifice for our sins
The most terrifying words a professing Christian could ever hear would be Jesus saying, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matt. 7:21-23). The Lord Jesus will declare those horrifying words to many, not a few, who will boast in the many works they did in His Name. They called Him Lord but did not obey His first command to "Repent and believe the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). Who are the "many" who will be turned away on Judgment Day? They are those who thought they could merit eternal life by the works they were doing instead of trusting in the work Christ had done. They also never turned from their sin to follow Jesus Christ in faith. Since they never obeyed the Gospel of Christ, they will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Tragically, when Jesus declares to them, "Depart from Me," there will be no second chance, no excuses, and no blaming the false teachers who deceived them.
The Lord Jesus also referred to the "many" when He spoke of the two paths to eternity. Many will travel the broad road to destruction instead of the narrow road to eternal life (Matt. 7:13-14). Rather than striving to enter the narrow gate by testing every man's teaching, they foolishly follow false teachers, who are wolves disguised in sheep's clothing (Luke 13:24; Matt. 7:15).
It is a sobering thought to realize that 83% of Americans (click on abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90356&page=1) profess faith in Christ, but only a few of them show evidence of being born again as new creatures in Christ. According to the research, many of them cannot even communicate the Gospel that has the power to save souls. Part of the blame must be placed on man-centered methods of evangelism such as making a decision to "accept" Christ, or repeating a sinner's prayer, or asking Jesus into your heart, or coming forward for salvation. None of these methods are found in the Bible. The only saving response to the Gospel of Grace is to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31). Part of the blame can also be placed on those who compromise the Gospel to make it more inclusive and less offensive (Gal. 1:6-10).
With so many false converts, the church has become a mission field. Many professors of Christ are not really possessors of Christ! They are strangers to the new birth. They have never passed from death unto life. They remain condemned because they have not been justified. They remain enemies of God even though they profess to be His friends! They remain enslaved to sin because they have never been set free. They profess the Savior with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. They deceive other people with their external righteousness, but they cannot deceive God! They are unaware of their pending peril, because they have never examined themselves to see if their faith is genuine (2 Cor. 13:5).
The best way we can prove our faith is genuine is to examine it through the lens of Scripture. The apostle John wrote his first epistle so that those who believe in the Lord Jesus may know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). We also see many characteristics of false converts in God's Word. Some of them are listed below:
You think you are a good person (Romans 3:12).
You have a zeal for God without knowledge (Rom. 10:1-4).
You have knowledge of God without obedience (Titus 1:16).
You do not pursue sanctification (Heb. 12:14; 1 Thess. 4:3).
You are self-righteous without repentance (Luke 18:9-14).
You seek to establish your own righteousness (Rom. 10:3).
You think you can merit or earn eternal life (Titus 3:5).
You are unwilling to forgive others (Mat. 6:15).
You have no desire to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
You call Jesus 'Lord' but do not do what He says (Luke 6:46).
You do not love other Christians (1 John 4:20-21).
You love your sin (John 3:19).
You have not departed from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).
You condone or promote things God hates (Prov. 6:16-19).
You are a mere hearer of the Word, not a doer (James 1:22).
You are full of pride with no humility (James 4:6).
You walk in darkness (1 John 1:6).
You live according to your sinful nature (Romans 8:5).
You do not love the truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
You take Jesus as Savior but not as Lord (Romans 10:9).
You desire Jesus as a priest to pardon sin, but not as a prophet to instruct you or a king to rule over you.
Please know the assurance that we are truly saved is not based on a past decision but on a present reality. So what if we are unsure about our faith and our salvation? We find the answer in God's Word:
Abide in God's Word - then you will know the truth that will set you free from religious deception (John 8:31-32).
Repent - with godly sorrow for your sins and cry out to God for mercy (Luke 18:13; 2 Cor. 7:10).
Believe the Gospel - follow the Lord Jesus Christ in faith (Rom. 10:9-10).
Love God - with all you heart, soul and mind (Mat. 22:37; 1 Cor. 16:22).
What should we do if we know someone who may be a false convert? Ask them to share the events surrounding their conversion. If their conversion testimony does not line up with Scripture, ask them more questions. Speak the truth in love. Give them Gospel tracts to encourage them (contact our ministry for free tracts & literature at cdebater@aol.com). Give them links to Biblical messages such as countrysidebible.org/cbcmedia?return=single&mediacode=si180711p or "TRUE BELIEVERS & NON BELIEVERS ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF THE REFORMATION: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?" at ua-cam.com/video/3_dN0oC57Rk/v-deo.html. Link them to our UA-cam channel CAnswersTV (which stands for "Christian Answers Television") at ua-cam.com/users/CAnswersTV or our website www.BibleQuery.org. Let them know eternity is forever! We can be wrong about a lot of things in this life and still survive, but if we are wrong about our faith, we will pay for that mistake forever and ever (see our playlist "Dealing with Hell, Lake of Fire, Unpopular Bible Doctrines" with 43 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLE04A1D0DFE95B95E.html. Luke 13:3, ""I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
As a Catholic brought up person, i have in the past few years let go , of going to Mass on Sunday as i am sick and tired of doctrine which i know mostly i do not believe in now of men , and is not from God our creator. Who always tells the truth if a person is open to listen and hear. I still know that many in the religious field are there with true intent and Light and Love along their way. As for me as a truth seeker i am learning of an under belly in the Catholic Church which though may be few sickens me to the stomach as they have power over many. In Gods name not power over me.
+Justin Motes Roman Catholicism is the most powerful, widespread and subtle of all un-Biblical religious movements. It claims to be the only "true" church, and everything outside of it is labelled false and branded as heresy. All Protestants are "heretics" according to Romanism (see our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 132 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html; particularly see "The Pope in Rome Denounces True Christians & True Christian Churches to Justify His Own Religion" at ua-cam.com/video/oMs1j3TsInI/v-deo.html & "EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY PROVES ROMAN CATHOLICISM FALSE" at ua-cam.com/video/WP9jg2h3xjQ/v-deo.html; see too: www.christiantruth.com/ (particularly on historical matters concerning Roman Catholicism), www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWRC-RZ.org). In reality the Roman Catholic hierarchy is not a church at all, but a gigantic religious, political organization. Because the average Protestant and multitudes of true believers are almost completely ignorant of the facts about Roman Catholicism, it is necessary to expose at the outset some of the most blatant of these. First it must be recognized that the Church of Rome has unscripturally appropriated the name "Catholic" (signifying 'worldwide') to mean only its own church. The true name for the miscalled Catholic Church should be the Roman Church. In the past it was called the Roman Catholic Church. Today, however, particularly in the USA, but also in some other non-Roman-Catholic lands, the name "Roman" has been cunningly dropped and it wishes to be known only as the Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the one true Church, dating back to the beginning, organized by Jesus Christ Himself, with the disciple Peter as the first Pope and Vicar of Christ of earth (see our video "The Pope: False Gospel of Roman Catholicism (Part #2 in Romanist Apostasy Series)" at ua-cam.com/video/2RBTQcQDqjA/v-deo.html). However, while the true "Catholic" Church (the Body of Christ scattered across the earth) was born in eternity in the Mind of God (Ephesians 1:1-11), the Roman Catholic Church was not organized until about 313 AD with the advent of the Roman emperor Constantine. There was a local fellowship of true Christians located in and around Rome at the time but they had no more power than any other local congregation of believers found anywhere else in the world (think of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 1-3).This was the beginning of the union of Church and State. Constantine, however, did not oppose the old pagan worship of Rome; rather, he superimposed Christianity upon these pagan religions, adopting elements in both; and thus, by allowing the pagans to continue their heathen customs, he made it easy for them to adopt Christianity. The result was the Roman Catholic Church, which is a mixture of about one-third Christianity, one-third Judaism, and one-third paganism. The Roman Catholic Church thus pretends to accept most of the cardinal doctrines of Christendom, plus the holy days and priesthood copied from Judaism, and the superstitions and fetishes of paganism with its charms such as holy water, candles, and images. This only makes sense because Constantine was more of a politician than a real Christian. In fact Constantine did not even bother to get baptized until he was on his deathbed and that by the Arian heretic Eusebius of Nicomedia. Eusebius was a bishop of Berytus (modern-day Beirut) in Phoenicia, then of the See of Nicomedia, where the imperial court resided, and finally of Constantinople from 338 up to his death in 441. If Constantine would have really understood Biblical Christianity he would not have allowed heretics like Eusebius and others to flourish throughout his empire.Question: "What is Arianism?" Answer: Arianism is named for Arius, a teacher in the early 4th century A.D. One of the earliest and probably the most important item of debate among early Christians was the subject of Christ’s deity. Was Jesus truly God in the flesh or was Jesus a created being? Was Jesus God or just like God? Arius held that Jesus was created by God as the first act of creation, that Jesus was the crowning glory of all creation. Arianism, then, is the view that Jesus was a created being with divine attributes, but was not divine in and of Himself. Arianism misunderstands references to Jesus’ being tired (John 4:6) and not knowing the date of His return (Matthew 24:36). Yes, it is difficult to understand how God could be tired and/or not know something, but relegating Jesus to a created being is not the answer. Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully human. Jesus did not become a human being until the incarnation. Therefore, Jesus’ limitations as a human being have no impact on His divine nature or eternality. A second major misinterpretation in Arianism is the meaning of “firstborn” (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15-20). Arians understand “firstborn” in these verses to mean that Jesus was “born” or “created” as the first act of creation. This is not the case. Jesus Himself proclaimed His self-existence and eternality (John 8:58; 10:30). John 1:1-2 tells us that Jesus was “in the beginning with God.” In Bible times, the firstborn son of a family was held in great honor (Genesis 49:3; Exodus 11:5; 34:19; Numbers 3:40; Psalm 89:27; Jeremiah 31:9). It is in this sense that Jesus is God’s firstborn. Jesus is the preeminent member of God’s family. Jesus is the anointed one, the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). After nearly a century of debate at various early church councils, the Christian church officially denounced Arianism as a false doctrine. Since that time, Arianism has never been accepted as a viable doctrine of the Christian faith. Arianism has not died, however. Arianism has continued throughout the centuries in varying forms. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons of today hold a very Arian-like position on Christ’s nature. Just as the early church did, we must denounce any and all attacks on the deity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (see our playlist "Dealing with Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower Society" with 22 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLCF0ADB29C0EB8C40.html).While the pretended adoption of Christianity was hailed as a great victory for the Church, it was also, ironically, the beginning of her ruin. From this date we can trace all the innumerable errors of the Roman Church - Mariolatry, the mass, purgatory, limbo, the celibacy of priesthood, adoration and worship of images, indulgences, the infallibility of the Pope, the immaculate conception of Mary, and all the other unscriptural errors. Instead of a blessing it became the downfall of the organized church. Yet all the time during those dark ages which followed there was as always the body of true believers, members of the true Church, within the framework of the rapidly corrupting hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. Before Constantine the true Church was persecuted and threatened with extermination; after Constantine there emerged the Roman Church, patronized by the State and subsequently seeking temporal powers to rule and govern the State. This was the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church which has lasted until today.From the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 and throughout the next three centuries, the Church remained comparatively free from the serious errors which have characterized it since the beginning of the fourth century. Error was present even in the days of the Apostles, but the Church, suffering indescribable persecution, remained relatively pure in doctrine. After the wedding of Church and State by Constantine, however, the 'coming out' of the true believers from the apostate system became necessary. During the centuries from Constantine until the days of Luther there were groups which either separated themselves from the political and religious system, or else remained as a violent reaction against the increasing corruption. All of these were persecuted and many were martyred for their faith (see our video, "MARTYRS FOR CHRIST: THE MURDEROUS ROMAN CATHOLIC INQUISITION" at ua-cam.com/video/iy95g5VhQ7w/v-deo.html). The Roman Catholic Church at that time was not only recognized by the Roman Empire, but the State was ultimately compelled to bow to the edicts of the Church.For much more on the first three centuries of Christianity before Constantine listen to the excellent church history review of "Historical Theology" by church historian and scholar William Cunningham at www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=William_Cunningham; particularly note the first 9 lectures in "Historical Theology Volume #1".2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
I was Saved from Roman Catholicism in 1996 n Thank GOD i have been reaching out to Roman Catholics with The Gospel Good News of JESUS CHRIST, winning many many many into Protestant Bible based churches!!!
I was crowned by two catholic priest and before that an Anglican priest so I know that this does go on and it’s horrifying
Thank you for making us the public more aware of what is going on in the Catholic Church. God bless your ministry.
Everyone should listen to, sister charlotte a nun’s story. It’s breathtaking true story.
I sure hope these two spread their testimony far and wide.
Hopefully you will help? I do, anytime i see something that people need to know, i post it in as many places as i can! In the last 6 months, i have been really seeing people waking up, especially to how evil the Roman Catholic religion is!
God IS LOVE...we have the ability to Love because we were created in HIS IMAGE...but our creator isLOVE...so powerful
These are perilous times. Many of the protestant churches are just as corrupt & unbelieving as the Roman Catholic church. The TV stations are covered with false prophets from the Word-Faith movement like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer & many others. Just because a church sign says Baptist or Presbyterian doesn't necessarily mean they truly believe the Bible. The real Jesus is only followed by real Bible believers who are generally few in number (Matthew 7:13-29). See BIBLEQUERY ORG.
Amen! Agreed!
Thanks to you both for revealing the truth about this vile organisation run by the devil. Jesus is all we need.
WONDERFUL VIDEO! Thank you for posting this!
The Jehovah's Witnesses are a false prophet organization founded by a guy named Charles Russell who thought the Bible talked about him (much like Joe Smith, Jr of the Mormons thought the Bible talked about him - especially after he wrote himself into it with his "inspired" version of the Bible) back in the 1870s & on. For more on this please see our main UA-cam channel CANSWERSTV where one of our 19 playlists is entitled "Dealing with Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower Society" with 19 videos.
Check out sister Charlotte testimony also
I do admire the sister to come out and speak the truth on these demons that call themselves Gods workers. She could have, if not been subdued to all kinds of nasty backlashes from the Catholic religion. As they have followers in very high places in Government. God bless you Sister..
She said she realised she had been married to Satan. This is deeeeep. Is the Roman Catholic church a medium for Lucifer to be worshipped instead of God? Sin has made the human race delusional and careless for many would rather die than serve God, who did them nothing.
Thanks to her testimony, and that of others of like experiences, many will come out of Babylon.
It's up to a person,if you are ready to give your self to God, psychologically, physically, mentality.
God will not force you,it's your own free will if you want to be in a religious church.
Temptation of the flesh is the biggest test for humankind's, especially to priest.
jennifer - What is Free Will? “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Rom. 7:19). Any time we broach this subject of divine election, the question inevitably arises: “What about my free will?” If God chooses those who will be saved, am I free to make my own decisions?
Certain assumptions about the nature of our freedom usually lurk behind this question. Most people in the West, including Christians, unconsciously accept what is usually called the “libertarian view” of free will. This understanding of human freedom says that we have the ability to make spontaneous choices contrary to our dispositions and inclinations. Nothing determines our choices. We are always able to choose good or evil. Our wills are wholly neutral.
Yet there are two problems with this definition of free will. First, if we make decisions spontaneously, there can be no reason or motivation for our choice. But since we know God takes our motivations into account (Num. 15:22-31), how can He judge us guilty or innocent if no motivation, good or evil, prompts our choice? Second, if our wills are neutral, why do we make decisions at all? For example, consider what would happen if I were presented with an apple and an orange and must decide which one to eat. If I am neutral I will have no preference for either fruit and no reason to choose one or the other. Nothing will move me to pick one, and I will starve to death.
In "The Freedom of the Will," Jonathan Edwards, the famous Christian theologian, defines biblical freedom. Man is free, he says, to choose according to his disposition. Human beings always choose according to their strongest desire, and so we make free choices. We do what we want to do. Some may object that people often choose the undesirable, such as handing a wallet over to a mugger. But even if I do this, my strongest inclination has prompted my choice. All things being equal, I do not desire to give my wallet away. But if my choice is my wallet or my life, and I hand over my wallet, I prove that I want to live more than I want money.
Apart from Christ, we are dead in sin (Eph. 2:1) and wholly disposed to hate God. We only want darkness, and so we freely choose to reject Him. We freely choose to love and to serve Jesus only if the Spirit changes our hearts (John 3:1-8). Otherwise we remain lost.
Paul describes in Romans 7:19 that even those regenerated by the Spirit face a conflict of desires. If we believe in God’s promises, we have a new disposition, but sometimes our old sinful nature raises its ugly head. Sometimes we do not rely on God’s grace but let evil desires become stronger than our desire to love Jesus; thus, we sin. Yet by the Spirit we may strengthen our desire for the Lord and so choose righteousness. Pray that you would long to serve Him above all else.
Passages for Further Study:
Exodus chapter 8
1 Chron. 29:19
John 8:12-59
Rom. 1:18-32
"damaged merchandise" ??? i guess so. the Lord is showing us something with these priests, there are far too many "happenings" for the catholic church and its followers to not use discernment on what it is they are actually doing... turn to Jesus Christ, He is the only Way. for my family in Christ out there,we must pray for these ppl, they are being greatly deceived in this crucial hour.
salvaged wretch Q
They are not "merchandise"!! They're Humans.
@@sissyrayself7508 amen!
@glizag This was posted/removed: "I no longer attend Mass due to the actions of one of Sisters in the order mentioned. Christmas day, no church for me. I do believe in God but I have trust issues stemming from the physical violation. Yes, silence is encouraged, but what these nuns don't realize is that the actions of one of their own not only damaged me spiritually (and emotionally from the physical incident) but also has had its repercussions in my own family, especially my kids and husband."
True Christianity is that Jesus (the Son of God who was completely righteous) has died for you sins (broken commandments), so that if you repent and put your faith in Him to save you, you will be spared from hell.
There is no "working off" your sins because you cannot save yourself. I know it's a bit overused John 3:16 states it clearly.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
No working for salvation.
the book i think its called maria monk or something it was banned for years and as a protestant i have not read it but my mum said she read it in one night about nuns who got pregnant by priests they had to lie between mastress's and the other nuns jumped on them until they died and the babies killed when they were born so glad we protested against such sins just as bad as the nazi in ww2
Excellent video ! Also very true!
only saved through Grace the true power of God and the light of Christ which leads us into heaven thanks for sharing this
Praise Jesus so many people are waking and exposing the lies of satan and his catholic system. Continue to pray for the many people who are still blinded in that false system that they may come to truly know Jesus Christ and get saved (born again). God Bless. Thanks for posting this information and for your bravery and testimony.
Her Testimony of Christ is at 50 minute mark. Praise to Jesus!
Bless you all! May Christ continued to be glorified in you!
Let’s also remember that Jesus called the religious leaders, the synagogue of satan...His sheep hear HIS VOICE. Follow no man ! False Prophets were warned about in the letters preserved for us in the Ancient Scriptures
My question: where in the Bible does it say "only use the Bible, because any Tradition is moot"? What were the early Christians doing before the New Testament was written?!?
+ndirish4569 Someone asked about "Sola Scriptura" (Scripture Alone) or "the Bible Alone." See our videos "SOLA SCRIPTURA DEBATE: THE BIBLE ONLY OR MUST WE NOW ALSO HAVE ROMAN CATHOLIC TRADITIONS & RITUALS?" at ua-cam.com/video/oKs0QUfJ_b8/v-deo.html & "WITHOUT "SOLA SCRIPTURA" (THE BIBLE ALONE), WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH?" at ua-cam.com/video/dcMnF6tgya0/v-deo.html. Those interested in the current events going on within the Roman Catholic Church can see our video "The Homosexual Pope, Priests, Universalists, Evolutionists & Disunited Roman Catholic Apologists" at ua-cam.com/video/hThonwrX6QU/v-deo.html. To hear a former Roman Catholic priest for 22 years discuss the Roman view of the Bible & what it teaches see "Ex-Roman Catholic Priest for 22 Years Says Roman Catholicism Opposes Absolute Biblical Truth" at ua-cam.com/video/_0OdEg8nUvw/v-deo.html. To hear former nuns give their testimony see "A Nun's Story: From Convent Bondage (Sexual Desire, Dating Priests, Rituals, No Bible) to Jesus" at ua-cam.com/video/Ph8tpLveaE4/v-deo.html & "FORMER ROMAN CATHOLIC "BRIDE OF CHRIST" NUN TESTIFIES OF ABNORMAL LIFE IN THE CONVENT" at ua-cam.com/video/ZDAT_BgtnBc/v-deo.html. For those interested in early church history see our videos "EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY PROVES ROMAN CATHOLICISM FALSE" at ua-cam.com/video/WP9jg2h3xjQ/v-deo.html, "EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY #14: PRE-NICENE (325 A.D.) CHURCH WAS NOT A ROMAN CATHOLIC SYSTEM" at ua-cam.com/video/4Y2dDQmstZg/v-deo.html & "HISTORICAL SPLIT BETWEEN ROMAN CATHOLICISM & THE CHRIST OF THE SCRIPTURE: MAN'S WORD OR GOD'S WORD?" at ua-cam.com/video/iUt7rC6a_3s/v-deo.html. To see all our videos on the Roman Catholic religion click on our playlist called, "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. Websites of interest are: www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWCR-RZ.ORG. When it comes to Roman Catholic traditions remember Jeremiah 7:31 where God said, "which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart" & the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:1-14, "Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
Is the Bible Alone Sufficient for Spiritual Truth? According to Roman Catholicism, Sacred Tradition and the Bible together provide the foundation of spiritual truth. From this combination the Catholic church has produced many doctrines which it says are true and biblical but which Protestants reject: veneration of Mary, penance, indulgence, purgatory, prayer to saints, et. al. Protestantism, however, rejects these doctrines and Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition and holds fast to the call "Sola Scriptura" or "Scripture Alone." Catholics then challenge, "Is Sola Scriptura Biblical?" The Bible does not say "Do not use tradition" or "Scripture alone is sufficient." But the Bible does not say "The Trinity is three persons in one God" either, yet it is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. 2 Tim. 3:16 says that Scripture is inspired and profitable for correction and teaching. Scripture states that Scripture is what is good for correction and teaching--not tradition. However, in its comments on tradition, the Bible says to listen to tradition but also warns about tradition nullifying the Gospel--which we will look at below. In discussing the issue of the Bible alone being sufficient, several points should be made: 1) The method of the New Testament authors (and Jesus as well) when dealing with spiritual truth was to appeal to the Scriptures as the final rule of authority. Take the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4 as an example. The Devil tempted Jesus, yet Jesus used the authority of Scripture--not tradition and not even His own divine power as the source of authority and refutation. To Jesus, the Scriptures were enough and sufficient. If there is any place in the New Testament where the idea of extra-biblical revelation or tradition could have been used, Jesus' temptation would have been a great place to present it. But Jesus does no such thing. His practice was to appeal to Scripture. Should we do any less having seen his inspired and perfect example? The New Testament writers constantly appealed to the Scriptures as their base of authority in declaring what was and was not true Biblical teaching: Matt. 21:42; John 2:22; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2:2; 2 Peter 1:17-19, etc. Of course, Acts 17:11 says, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." Paul commends those who examined God's Word for the test of truth. He did not commend them for appealing to tradition. Therefore, we can see that the method used by Jesus and the apostles for determining spiritual truth was to appeal to Scripture--not tradition. In fact, it is the Scriptures that refute the traditions of men in many instances. 2) It is not required of Scripture to have a statement to the effect, "The Bible alone is to be used for all spiritual truth," in order for Sola Scriptura to be true. Many doctrines in the Bible are not clearly stated, yet they are believed and taught by the church. For example, there is no statement in the Bible that says there is a Trinity or that Jesus has two natures (God and man) or that the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead. Yet, each of the statements is considered true doctrine within Christianity--being derived from Biblical references. So, for the Catholic to require the Protestant to supply chapter and verse to prove Sola Scriptura is valid is not necessarily consistent with Biblical exegetical principles of which they themselves approve when examining such doctrines as the Trinity, the hypostatic union, etc. 3) In appealing to the Bible for authentication of Sacred Tradition, the Catholics have shown that the Bible is superior to Sacred Tradition--for the lesser is blessed by the greater (Heb. 7:7). You see, if the Bible said do not trust Sacred Tradition, then Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition would be instantly and obviously invalidated. If the Bible said to trust Sacred Tradition, then the Bible is authenticating it; and the Roman Catholic Church would cite the Scriptures to that effect. In either case, the Scriptures hold the place of final authority and by that position are shown to be superior to Sacred Tradition. This means that Sacred Tradition is not equal in authority to the Word of God. If Sacred Tradition were really inerrant as it is said to be, then it would be equal with the Bible. But, God's word does not say that Sacred Tradition is inerrant or inspired as it does say about itself (2 Tim. 3:16). Merely to claim that Sacred Tradition is equal and in agreement with the Bible does not make it so. Furthermore, to assert that Sacred Tradition is equal to Scripture effectively leaves the canon wide open to doctrinal addition. Since the traditions of men change, then to use tradition as a determiner of spiritual truth would mean that over time new doctrines that are not in the Bible would be added and that is exactly what has happened in Catholicism with doctrines such as purgatory, praying to Mary, indulgences, etc. Furthermore, if they can use Sacred Tradition as a source for doctrines not explicit in the Bible, then why would the Mormons then be wrong for having additional revelation as well? 4) If the Bible is not used to verify and test Sacred Tradition, then Sacred Tradition is functionally independent of the Word of God. If it is independent of Scripture, then by what right does it have to exist as an authoritative spiritual source equivalent to the Bible? How do we know what is and is not true in Sacred Tradition if there is no inspired guide by which to judge it? If the Roman Catholic says that the inspired guide is the Roman Catholic Church, then it is committing the fallacy of circular reasoning. In other words, it is saying that the Roman Catholic Church is inspired because the Roman Catholic Church is inspired. 5) Sacred Tradition is invalidated automatically if it contradicts the Bible, and it does. Of course, the Catholic will say that it does not. But, Catholic teachings such as purgatory, penance, indulgences, praying to Mary, etc., are not in the Bible. A natural reading of God's Word does not lend itself to such beliefs and practices. Instead, the Catholic Church has used Sacred Tradition to add to God's revealed word and then extracted out of the Bible whatever verses that might be construed to support their doctrines of Sacred Tradition. Nevertheless, the Catholic apologist will state that both the Bible and Sacred tradition are equal in authority and inspiration and to put one above another is a false comparison. But, by what authority does the Catholic church say this? Is it because it claims to be the true church--descended from the original apostles? So? Making such claims doesn't mean they are true. Besides, even if it were true and we do not grant that it is, there is no guarantee that the succession of church leaders is immune to error. We saw it creep in with Peter, and Paul rebuked him for it in Gal. 2. Are the Catholic church leaders better than Peter? To continue, is it from tradition that the Catholic Church authenticates its Sacred Tradition? If so, then there is no check upon it. Is it from quotes of some of the church Fathers who say to follow Tradition? If so, then the church fathers are given the place of authority comparable to Scripture. Is it from the Bible? If so, then Sacred Tradition holds a lesser position than the Bible because the Bible is used as the authority in validating Tradition. Is it because the Catholic Church claims to be the means by which God communicates His truth? Then, the Catholic Church has placed itself above the Scriptures. 6) One of the mistakes made by the Catholics is to assume that the Bible is derived from Sacred Tradition. This is false. The Church simply recognized the inspired writings of the Bible. They were in and of themselves authoritative. Various "traditions" in the Church served only to recognize what was from God. Also, to say the Bible is derived from Sacred Tradition is to make the Bible lesser than the Tradition as is stated in Heb. 7:7 that the lesser is blessed by the greater; but this cannot be since Catholicism appeals to the Bible to authenticate its tradition. Conclusion Since the Bible is the final authority, we should look to it as the final authenticating and inerrant source of all spiritual truth. If it says Sacred Tradition is valid--fine. But if it doesn't, then I will trust the Bible alone. Since the Bible does not approve of the Catholic Church's Sacred Tradition, along with its inventions of prayer to Mary, prayer to the saints, indulgences, penance, purgatory, etc., then neither should Christians. Objections Answered The Bible comes from Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition. The problem is twofold. First, tradition is generally anything the Christian church passed down and doesn't require inspiration of any sort. But Roman Catholicism claims such generic tradition under its umbrella of Sacred Tradition. This is the fallacy of equivocation. In other words, the meaning of the word "tradition" is changed between the first and second reference. There is no proof that the RCC sacred tradition is inspired. But there is evidence that it is flawed--particularly when we compare what it has revealed (purgatory, Mary-worship, penance, indulgences, etc.,) with Scripture and such doctrines are not only absent from Scripture but contradict Scripture. Second, it assumes that the Roman Catholic church produced the Bible. The RCC did not produce the Bible. God produced the Bible, and the Christian Church recognized the Word of God (John 10:27) and endorsed what God had already authored. To say that the RCC gave us the Bible is to imply that the RCC has the right to tell you what it means. This is problematic because how then do we check what the RCC says? Sacred Tradition is divine revelation and equal to Scripture. At best, this is only a claim that cannot be proven to be false by comparing the revelations supposedly given through Sacred Tradition with the Word of God. As mentioned above, there are many such doctrines devised by people that are not found in the Word of God and even contradict it. The Bible clearly tells us that God's Scripture is divinely breathed forth and that it is inspired. There is no such claim for tradition. In fact, though the Bible tells us to follow tradition, it also tells us to be wary of it. Therefore, tradition cannot be inspired if God's Word warns us against following it. The Bible is for tradition where it supports the teachings of the apostles (2 Thess. 2:15) and is consistent with Biblical revelation. Yet, it is against tradition when it "transgresses the commands of God" (Matt. 15:3). By Jesus' own words, tradition is not to transgress or contradict the commands of God. In other words, it should be in harmony with Biblical teaching and not oppose it in any way. The Bible clearly tells us that it is the standard of truth. We are not to exceed what the Scriptures say. "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other." (1 Cor. 4:6). Heb. 7:7 is not about scripture but about people and cannot be used to subject Sacred Tradition to the Bible It is true that Heb. 7:7 is about people and not about Scripture. But there is more in the text than just people. Heb. 7:4-10, "Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priests office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham, and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him." The writer of Hebrews is mentioning different concepts as well as historical facts. He mentions tithing, descendants of Abraham, the lesser is blessed by the greater, authority, and Federal Headship.1 It is the concept of the greater in authority blessing the lesser in authority that is being examined here in this article. We know that there is a principle of the greater in authority blessing the lesser. Can we not also apply this same principle of authority to the issue of the Roman Catholic Church's claim on Sacred Tradition as being authoritative as compared to the authority of Scripture? I do not see why not. After all, the Roman Catholic Church appeals to Scripture to support its Sacred Tradition. In so doing, it is submitting itself to the authority of Scripture for validation of its principle.
Early Church Fathers Quotes on Scripture Alone is final Authority Scripture Alone is final Authority Irenaeus, (130-202), “We have known the method of our salvation by no other means than those by whom the gospel came to us; which gospel they truly preached; but afterward, by the will of God, they delivered to us in the Scriptures, to be for the future the foundation and pillar of our faith,” (Adv. H. 3:1). Clement of Alexandria (150?-213?), “They that are ready to spend their time in the best things will not give over seeking for truth until they have found the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves,” (Stromata 7:16:3). Origen (185?-252), “No man ought, for the confirmation of doctrines, to use books which are not canonized Scriptures,” (Tract. 26 in Matt.). St. Cyprian of Carthage (200?-258), “Whence comes this tradition? Does it descend from the Lord’s authority, or from the commands and epistles of the apostles? For those things are to be done which are there written . . . If it be commanded in the gospels or the epistles and Acts of the Apostles, then let this holy tradition be observed,” (Cyprian of Carthage, Ep. 74 ad Pompeium). Athanasius (300?-375), “The Holy Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are of themselves sufficient toward the discovery of truth. (Orat. adv. Gent., ad cap.) The Catholic Christians will neither speak nor endure to hear anything in religion that is a stranger to Scripture; it being an evil heart of immodesty to speak those things which are not written,” (Athanasius, Exhort. ad Monachas). "5. Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven, viz., of James, one; of Peter, two; of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen Epistles of Paul, written in this order. The first, to the Romans; then two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians; then to the Philippians; then to the Colossians; after these, two to the Thessalonians, and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John. 6 These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, 'Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.' And He reproved the Jews, saying, 'Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.' " (Athanasius, Festal Letter 39:5-6). "Vainly then do they run about with the pretext that they have demanded Councils for the faith's sake; for divine Scripture is sufficient above all things; but if a Council be needed on the point, there are the proceedings of the Fathers, for the Nicene Bishops did not neglect this matter, but stated the doctrine so exactly, that persons reading their words honestly, cannot but be reminded by them of the religion towards Christ announced in divine Scripture." (Athanasius, De Synodis, 6). Ambrose (340?-396), “How can we use those things which we do not find in the Holy Scriptures?” (Ambr. Offic., 1:23). Cyril of Jerusalem (315?-386), “Not even the least of the divine and holy mysteries of the faith ought to be handed down without the divine Scriptures. Do not simply give faith to me speaking these things to you except you have the proof of what I say from the divine Scriptures. For the security and preservation of our faith are not supported by ingenuity of speech, but by the proofs of the divine Scriptures,” (Cat. 4). Jerome (342?-420), “Those things which they make and find, as it were, by apostolical tradition, without the authority and testimony of Scripture, the word of God smites. (ad Aggai 1) As we deny not those things that are written, so we refuse those things that are not written. That God was born of a virgin we believe, because we read it; that Mary did marry after she was delivered we believe not, because we do not read it,” (Adv. Helvidium).
2. Scripture Alone is not final Authority Athanasius (300?-375), “But beyond these [Scriptural] sayings, let us look at the very tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church from the beginning, which the Lord gave, the Apostles preached, and the Fathers kept." (Athanasius, Four Letters to Serapion of Thmuis, 1:28). Basil (330-379), "Now I accept no newer creed written for me by other men, nor do I venture to propound the outcome of my own intelligence, lest I make the words of true religion merely human words; but what I have been taught by the holy Fathers, that I announce to all who question me. In my Church the creed written by the holy Fathers in synod at Nicea is in use." (To the Church of Antioch, Epistle 140:2). Ambrose (340?-396), "Wherefore all other generations are strangers to truth; all the generations of heretics hold not the truth: the church alone, with pious affection, is in possession of the truth," (Commentary of Psalm 118,19). Cyril of Jerusalem (315?-386), "But in learning the Faith and in professing it, acquire and keep that only, which is now delivered to thee by the Church, and which has been built up strongly out of all the Scriptures . . . Take heed then, brethren, and hold fast the traditions which ye now receive, and write them and the table of your heart." Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, 5:12 (A.D. 350). Gregory of Nyssa (330-394), “And let no one interrupt me, by saying that what we confess should also be confirmed by constructive reasoning: for it is enough for proof of our statement, that the tradition has come down to us from our Fathers, handled on, like some inheritance, by succession from the apostles and the saints who came after them," (Against Eunomius, 4:6). It is evident from the previous early church citations that anyone can quote one early writer against another early writer & in some cases quote the same early writer contradicting himself. Based on the fact that early writers have a tendency to be inconsistent in various matters this is clear proof that they are no where near as reliable as the scriptures themselves. Thus, based on this obvious fact, it is extremely dangerous to elevate church "tradition" (where is the Roman Catholic "Inspired Book of Holy Traditions" to be found?) & early writers to the same level as God's inspired Word found in the scriptures. To do this is to place oneself in extreme jeopardy as the following scriptures testify: Matthew 15:1-14, Jeremiah 7:23-31, Jeremiah 19:4, Isaiah 29:13 cf. Isaiah 28:9-17 & John 10:35, "the scripture cannot be broken." Anyone that makes the mistake of replacing clear scripture with "traditions" is described by Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Does 1 Timothy 3:15 refute Sola Scriptura, Scripture Alone? 1 Timothy 3:15 does not refute Sola Scriptura. In fact, it supports it. Sola Scriptura is the position that the Old and New Testaments are the final authority in all the topics they address, and that councils and tradition (even the so-called Sacred Tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches) are subordinate to Scripture. Let's take a look at the verse. 1 Timothy 3:15, "but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." Paul says he is writing, so that we might know how to conduct ourselves in the church. Catholics and Orthodox will say that the church (their church) is the pillar and support of the truth. However, there is a very important truth right there in the text. Notice that Paul is appealing to his own writing as the authority. He is writing to them (Scripture), so that they would know how to behave in the household of God. In other words, his writing (which is Scripture) is the thing that is preeminent and to which the church is to subject itself. He says, " . . . I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God . . . " If a Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church member wants to appeal to this verse to refute Sola Scriptura, then he is shooting himself in the foot because Paul himself says that his writing, which is Scripture, is what the church is to submit to. Furthermore, he is behaving as a Protestant who holds to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura by appealing to the authority of Scripture. In addition, he is using the authority of Scripture, in a sense, to refute the idea that Scripture has authority over the church. But, we see from Paul's statement in the verse that his letter is there to tell the church how to behave. In other words, the church is to submit to Scripture--not Scripture to the church. It is not the tradition that informs the word of God but the word of God that informs tradition in the church. For more information see www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWRC-RZ.org. See our playlist "Dealing with Anti Trinitarians (UPC) & Early Church History" with 45 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PL9931642C7C8FFEAB.html. Titus 1:9-16
ndirish4569 read it if you want to know
ndirish5679: Mark 7:8. Jesus was talking to the Pharisees who wrote their own book of how to interpret God's word (as if it wasn't pretty straightforward to begin with) in order to divert control from God's hands into their own. The Pharisees called (still call) their tradition the "Oral Law," supposedly given to Moses along with the commandments/Pentateuch, and interpreted by rabbis. When you compare it with the original Scripture, contradictions abound, and Jesus is diminished. Sound familiar, RC, LDS, Islam, etc...?
They were reading the books we call the Old Testament which also testifies to Jesus
Indirish,
There were no Christians before Jesus Christ.
There was the Old Testament.
Luke 12:1-3
when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops
Great video! Thanks!
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5. "Dealing with Darwin's Metaphysical Evolution Religion" with 21 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL0703E78058346A52.html.
6. "Dealing with Seventh-day Adventism & Their "Prophetess" with 26 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL5316CC6F66F24283.html.
7. "Dealing with Anti Trinitarians (UPC) & Early Church History" with 53 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL9931642C7C8FFEAB.html.
8. "Dealing with "God Hating" Atheists, Agnostics, Know-It-Alls" with 21 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL640E505B96CD6B39.html.
9. "Dealing with Phony TV Preachers (TBN) & King James Onlyites" with 30 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL2CDA855486B09128.html.
10. "Dealing with UFOs, Ghosts, Magic, Spiritual Warfare, Satan" with 19 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL2CF1129D311BF9A6.html.
11. "Radio Shows with National Christian Authors & Music Vids" with 52 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLF01B4264276D2990.html.
12. "Dealing with Black Muslims, Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam" with 25 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLD3B79AA00CCF21B7.html.
13. "Dealing with Mormonism, The Con Man Religion of Joseph Smith, Jr." with 23 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL11CD0EE613306BB5.html.
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18. "End Times, Supernatural Prophecies, Tough Bible Questions" with 49 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL141F261EEFCFD536.html.
19. "Dealing with Predestination, Arminianism & Calvinism" with 82 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLA932903698A56780.html.
We also have channels on Sermon Audio at www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=christiananswers & www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Larry_Wessels. Although the 30 plus videos we have posted on www.SermonAudio.com are also on UA-cam the thing that makes these particular videos of interest is that we have produced written transcripts of many of them which has helped quite a few people. Once you click on one of the transcribed videos scroll down to "Sermon Transcription" & choose your options: "View Transcript!," "Download PDF," or "Send to Kindle." Viewers also have the option of over 20 different languages to get the transcription in by going to the "Google Translation" option. Everything is free with nothing to buy. Here are just a few examples of some of our videos that have free transcriptions available:
"Early Christian Church History Proves Roman Catholicism False" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=113161415591,
"Divine Curse of the Hebrew Roots Movement - Replacing Jesus with the Old Testament" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=108151527437,
"Debate: Larry Wessels Versus Two Jehovah's Witnesses at a University Study Center" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=108141526191,
"Spiritual Counterfeit: ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM DENIES THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF TRINITY" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=52015115043,
"Unpopular Bible Doctrines #1: The God No One Wants To Know" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=311141259524,
"Islam's 1400 Year History of Violent Jihad For Sex Slaves, Money & Jew Hatred" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=324161224286,
"The Sovereignty of God Versus Man-Made Religions, Petty Emotionalism" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=52015125752,
"The Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity- Part 3 (Answering Common Attacks Against the Trinity)" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=32416129330.
There are many more but this is just a small sampling of what is available at no charge.
Blessings to all. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Thank you for telling the truth!
Thanks for you testimony Mary Ann
This comment is to "Brother Sean Bradley": Thank you for verifying similar experiences to what was presented in this video. However, at the same time you have shown that you are no better off spiritually than you were before since you have embraced an anti Christ philosophy & anti Biblical theology with your universalistic & "New Age" alien "Cosmic Christ" which is a false Christ, not the true one presented in scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17). For more on this go to our main UA-cam channel CANSWERSTV & scroll down to our playlist called "Our Multiple Playlists" & arrow over to our playlist called, " Dealing with Anti Christ Cults, "New Age" & World Religions" with 39 videos. Repent of this wickedness. Matthew 7:15
I hope love the greatest of all virtues will fill all of our hearts. May the Holy spirit guide us to see truth within our fallen sinful world.
@glizag We need to pray for the person who posted the comment then removed it a day later. False religion is harmful but the true & living Jesus Christ is the great healer.
They should be publicly exposed and shamed. They should also be prosecuted for their actions. This behavior is appalling and should never have been tolerated. The men and woman in the Catholic church have demoralized and abused children and woman and it is disgusting how they protect one another.
Amen Let truth prevail ✝️
This video wasn't set up to go into a detailed analysis of the "different gospel" of Romanism. We can easily help you understand the difference between Rome & Biblical Christianity. Start by going to our UA-cam channel CANSWERSTV & once there scroll down the page & click on our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" & work your way through the 93 videos we have posted there including many debates with Romanists. See also Richard Bennett's website BEREANBEACON ORG.
Jesus says in Revelation: Come out of her my people lest you share in her sins.
I'm happy you chose the real Jesus and overcame their lies.Jesus Bless you
Question: "Is the perpetual virginity of Mary biblical?" Answer: It is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church that Jesus' mother Mary remained a virgin for her entire life. Is this concept biblical? Before we look at specific Scriptures, it is important to understand why the Roman Catholic Church believes in the perpetual virginity of Mary. The Roman Catholic Church views Mary as "the Mother of God" and "Queen of Heaven." Catholics believe Mary to have an exalted place in Heaven, with the closest access to Jesus and God the Father. Such a concept is nowhere taught in Scripture. Further, even if Mary did occupy such an exalted position, her having sexual intercourse would not have prevented her from gaining such a position. Sex in marriage is not sinful. Mary would have in no way defiled herself by having sexual relations with Joseph her husband. The entire concept of the perpetual virginity of Mary is based on an unbiblical teaching, Mary as Queen of Heaven, and on an unbiblical understanding of sex.
So, what does the Bible say about the perpetual virginity of Mary? Using the New American Bible, which is a Catholic translation, we can see that the perpetual virginity of Mary is not taught in the Bible. Matthew 1:25 NAB tells us, "He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus." He, Joseph, did not have sexual relations with her, Mary, UNTIL after she bore a son, Jesus." The meaning of this Scripture is abundantly clear. Joseph and Mary did not have sexual relations until after Jesus was born. Matthew 13:55-56 NAB declares, "Is He not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not His sisters all with us?" Catholics claim, correctly, that the Greek terms for "brothers" and "sisters" in these verses could also refer to male and female relatives, not necessarily literal brothers and sisters. However, the intended meaning is clear, they thought Jesus to be Joseph's son, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, and the brother of the unnamed and unnumbered sisters. Father, mother, brother, sister. It is straining the meaning of the text to interpret “brothers” and “sisters” as "cousins" or "relatives" with the mentioning of Jesus' mother and father.
Matthew 12:46 NAB tells us, "While He was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and His brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with Him." See also Mark 3:31-34; Luke 8:19-21; John 2:12; and Acts 1:14. All mention Jesus' mother with His brothers. If they were His cousins, or the sons of Joseph from a previous marriage, why were they mentioned with Mary so often? The idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary cannot be drawn from Scripture. It must be forced on Scripture, in contradiction to what the Scriptures clearly state.
Question: "What is Mariology?"
Answer: Mariology is the theological study of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Within the Roman Catholic Church, Mary is venerated over all other saints. Anglicans share some of the beliefs of Roman Catholic Mariology, but not all. The Eastern Orthodox Church calls Mary the “God-bearer,” emphasizing Mary’s status as the mother of God Incarnate, gives her the title “Ever Virgin,” and emphasizes her sublime holiness, her share in redemption, and her role as a mediator of grace.
Most Protestants endorse the Apostles’ Creed, which acknowledges the virgin birth of Christ, do they not believe in most of the other tenets of Mariology. Protestants denounce the veneration of Mary as practiced by Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
The four dogmas of Roman Catholic Mariology are: 1) the title “Mother of God”; 2) the Immaculate Conception; 3) the Perpetual Virginity of Mary; and 4) the Assumption of Mary.
Mother of God: In AD 431, the Council of Ephesus countered the Nestorian heresy by declaring that Mary was truly the Mother of God: “Not that the nature of the Word or his divinity received the beginning of its existence from Mary, but the holy body, animated by a rational soul, which the Word of God united to himself, was born from Mary.” One problem with this wording is that it awakened the old Arian heresy that the Logos (Jesus) was a created being. In AD 451, at the Council of Chalcedon, Leo, Bishop of Rome, ratified the decision that Mary was theotokos (“God-bearer”) only as to the humanity of Jesus. The title had nothing to do with Jesus’ divinity as the eternal Word of God. The Chalcedonian definition added the words “as to the manhood” immediately after theotokos, which should have ended erroneous thinking. But the populace took this word theotokos as an uplifting of Mary’s status and started to venerate her. The term theotokos was not incorporated into the Nicene Creed of 321 or the Constantinopolitan Creed of 381. Neither is that expression used in the Anglican Articles or in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Immaculate Conception: This tenet of Mariology holds that Mary, at her conception, was sinless (immaculate), preserved from original sin. According to the Roman Catholic Encyclopedia of Theology, no statement of Mary’s being free from original sin is found in the West before AD 1000. It was not until 1854 that faith in Mary’s Immaculate Conception was taught as an official church dogma.
Perpetual Virginity: According to Roman Catholic Mariology, Mary was always a virgin before, during, and after giving birth to Jesus. The Roman Catholic Encyclopedia of Theology admits that the formula of “virginity before, in and after giving birth” did not come into use till after the 7th century.
Assumption: The Assumption of Mary teaches that Mary, when she died, was taken up (assumed) body and soul into heavenly glory. It was not until 1950 that Pope Pius XII defined the doctrine of “Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven.”
Mary’s role in salvation: Another element of Roman Catholic Mariology is the belief that, at the conception of Jesus, Mary entered into a spiritual union with Him. Pope John Paul II discussed Mary’s place in the plan of salvation in the encyclical Redemptoris Mater, emphasizing “the special presence of the Mother of God in the mystery of Christ and his Church. For this is a fundamental dimension emerging from the Mariology of the Council.” Pope Benedict XVI stated that “Christology and Mariology are inseparably interwoven.”
The Catholic Encyclopedia states, “In [Mary’s] Fiat of faith, she received salvation for all. . . . Mary’s mediatorship is to be understood on the level of the solidarity of all mankind which is in need of redemption. . . .The function of Mary in salvation determines her relation to the Church. . . . Mary is mother of the Church under this more individualistic aspect, since she is effectively concerned for the salvation of each individual” (pages 898-901).
Within Catholicism, there is a drive to define a new Marian dogma in which Catholics, as a matter of faith, would be obliged to accept these three doctrines: 1) Mary participates in redemption with Jesus Christ; 2) grace is granted by Jesus only through the intercession of Mary; and 3) all prayers from the faithful must flow through Mary, who brings them to the attention of her Son. This movement would, in practice, redefine the Trinity as a kind of Quartet. The idea that Mary is a co-redemptrix or mediatrix contradicts 1 Timothy 2:5, which says, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus is the Mediator. There is no mediator between man and Jesus. Jesus Himself dwells in believers; thus, no other mediator is required (Colossians 1:27).
Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus or anyone else direct any praise, glory, or adoration toward Mary. Mary was present at the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25). Mary was also with the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14). However, Mary is never mentioned again after Acts 1. The apostles did not give Mary a prominent role. Mary’s death is not recorded in the Bible. Nothing is said about Mary ascending to heaven or having an exalted role there. As the earthly mother of Jesus, Mary should be respected, but she is not worthy of worship or adoration. The Bible nowhere indicates that Mary can hear our prayers or that she can mediate for us with God. Mary herself sets the example for us in directing her worship, adoration, and praise to God alone: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).
For more see our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 131 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. Titus 1:9-16
+George Pierson I'm not interested in what Luther or others may or may not have said about Mary. I'm interested in what the scriptures themselves say. See our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html with 132 videos & counting. Concerning Mary & Roman Catholic idolatry see our videos at ua-cam.com/video/nUhAFrkSOiE/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/jdV0WYrtNKI/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/jKCY4Bl_fFo/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/qXMssWfPFmI/v-deo.html & ua-cam.com/video/-u9hj27lDrE/v-deo.html (in relation to the Romanist Mary versus the Biblical Mary & the Roman Mass as pure idolatry in the highest order). Also see the website of former Roman Catholic priest for 22 years Richard Bennett at www.bereanbeacon.org/ & the website of former Romanist Rob Zins, Th.M of Dallas Theological Seminary at www.CWRC-RZ.org. Don't forget our video at ua-cam.com/video/WP9jg2h3xjQ/v-deo.html. Roman Catholicism, Mary, and Idolatry Roman Catholics have an extremely high view of Mary and have attributed some astounding characteristics and abilities to her, such as her interceding for us, atoning for us, and delivering our souls from damnation (documented below). Protestants consider this elevation to be not only extreme but also idolatrous since they attribute to Mary what should only be said of God. Roman Catholicism responds by saying it venerates Mary and gets its doctrines on her from Sacred Tradition, which is an "inanimate thing passed from hand to hand,"1. Alright, so which is it, the sin of idolatry or the blessing of veneration? The Roman Catholic church teaches there is a difference between idolatry and veneration. It says, "Idolatry etymologically denotes Divine worship given to an image, but its signification has been extended to all Divine worship given to anyone or anything but the true God . . . An essential difference exists between idolatry and the veneration of images practised [sic] in the Catholic Church, viz., that while the idolater credits the image he reverences with Divinity or Divine powers, the Catholic knows "that in images there is no divinity or virtue on account of which they are to be worshipped, that no petitions can be addressed to them, and that no trust is to be placed in them." 2 The Roman Catholic Church has defined idolatry far too narrowly in its favor. Let's consider two things. Divine Worship First, notice that it says "divine worship" should be given only to God. This works out to mean that other forms of worship to Mary are okay as long as it isn't "divine worship." But what is "divine worship?" After searching through the Vatican Website3, the Catholic Encyclopedia4, the entire Council of Trent5, Vatican II6 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church,7, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma,8 and the Catholic Dictionary9 the best I could find was, "Now the divine worship is directed to the glorification of God."10 That is a nice and brief comment, but it isn't descriptive enough. Why is it that in all these sources Divine Worship is not defined? Perhaps it is because offering a strict definition might make them vulnerable to criticism concerning their worship of Mary. Catholicism says that divine worship is for God only, yet it also says it is okay to bow down before a statue of Mary, pray to Mary, believe that Mary delivers us from death, believe Mary atoned for us, etc., as long as you don't give her "divine worship." In other words, you can do almost anything worship-wise to Mary as you would to God--just don't call it "divine worship." Exodus 20:5 and "worship" The Hebrew word for "worship" in Exodus 20:5 (the Ten Commandments) is "shachah" שָׁחָה. Take a look at what the Strong's Enhanced Lexicon says about the word. "172 occurrences; AV translates as “worship” 99 times, “bow” 31 times, “bow down” 18 times, “obeisance” nine times, “reverence” five times, “fall down” three times, “themselves” twice, “stoop” once, “crouch” once, and translated miscellaneously three times. 1 to bow down. 1a (Qal) to bow down. 1b (Hiphil) to depress (fig). 1c (Hithpael). 1c1 to bow down, prostrate oneself. 1c1a before superior in homage. 1c1b before God in worship. 1c1c before false gods. 1c1d before angel."11 Bowing down is part of the act of worship--as you can see above. Clearly, Roman Catholics who bow down before statues of Mary (and others) are risking breaking the commandment not to worship other gods and not to bow down before idols. The Catholic Church responds by saying that as long as it isn't divine worship given to Mary, it is okay. But this is nothing more than a word game. They do the same thing to Mary that they would to God and excuse it by saying that it isn't divine worship. The funny thing is that God doesn't make the same distinction as the Catholics do. God says don't do it. Don't bow down before images (Lev. 26:1). Idolatry Second, the Roman Catholic definition of idolatry used above says "the idolater credits the image he reverences with Divinity or Divine powers." Again after searching all the sources listed above, divine powers is not defined. The best I found was "divine power preserved Christ's body from corruption." (CCC 627) and "Divine power is inexhaustible" (Catholic Enyclopedia, Omnipotentce). Roman Catholicism does not attribute divinity to Mary (at least, not yet), but it does attribute divine powers to her: atonement of sin12; divine access to God13, delivering our souls from death14; her intercession brings us salvation15, etc. Such magnificent attributes of Mary are found nowhere in Scripture. Let me say this again, none of these things are found in God's inspired word. They are, however, said to be found in the Roman Catholic Church's Sacred Tradition. I cannot help considering what God said through the Apostle Paul about not exceeding what is written in the word of God. "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other." (1 Cor. 4:6).16 So, the Roman Catholic Church is commanded by Scripture to not exceed what is written in God's word. Has it done that? Has it exceeded the limits of Scripture? Yes, it has. In the Bible, NASB, the word idol (and its cognates idols and idolatry) occurs 175 times in 162 verses. I read every one of the 175 verses, and not once did I find a reference to the idolators actually considering the idols in their hands and/or to which they bowed as actually being alive because that is what it would mean to claim that they were divine. Remember, Catholicism says, "the idolater credits the image he reverences with Divinity or Divine powers."17. But this is wrong. You see, the Catholic Church is stacking the definitional deck in its favor so as to separate itself from the biblical teaching of idolatry and maintain its practice of bowing down before various statues and praying to saints. But saying the Roman Catholic Church is practicing idolatry doesn't prove anything. So, let's turn to God's word and take a look at the examples of idolatry and then see if the Roman Catholic Church practices the same thing concerning Mary. I D O L A T R Y Idolatry of in the Bible Examples of with Mary Altars to Idols 2 Chron. 33:15, "He also removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, as well as all the altars which he had built on the mountain of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside the city." "From the beginning of Christianity special veneration was paid to the Mother of God, which in the language of theology is called hyperdulia, to distinguish the honour rendered to her from that given to the other saints. It is not strange, therefore, that after the main or principal altar, the most prominent is that dedicated in a special manner to the Mother of God; and to indicate this specific preference, this altar is usually placed in the most prominent position in the church, i.e. at the right (gospel) side of the main altar. In general it signifies any altar of which the Blessed Virgin is the titular."18 Bowing Down to Images Lev. 26:1, "You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God." See Joshua 23:7 All across the world, images of Mary are elevated in Feasts and Churches. In those churches, people very often bow down to statues of Mary. This is a violation of scripture. Images in the House of God 2 Chron. 33:6-7, He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him to anger. 7 Then he put the carved image of the idol which he had made in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever; Roman Catholic Churches are full of images of all sorts in, what we could call, the houses of God, the Roman Catholic Churches. The most prominent are those of Mary. Idols in the hearts Ezek. 14:3, "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity. Should I be consulted by them at all?" Veneration of Mary is accomplished in the heart. "The Blessed Virgin, as manifesting in a sublimer manner than any other creature the goodness of God, deserves from us a higher recognition and deeper veneration than any other of the saints; and this peculiar cultus due to her because of her unique position in the Divine economy, is designated in theology hyperdulia, that is dulia in an eminent degree."19 Kissing statues Hosea 13:2, "And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves molten images, Idols skillfully made from their silver, All of them the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!" All over the world, Catholics not only bow to statues of Mary but also will ceremoniously kiss the statue's feet. There is no record found from the Vatican that denounces such a practice. Making Graven Images Exo. 20:4-5, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, It should go without saying that statues and images of Mary are too countless to number within the Roman Catholic Churches around the world. If Mary is in heaven and they make images of her, then they violate the Scripture. Making Male and Female Images Deut. 4:15, "So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire, 16 lest you act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female," The Roman Catholic Church is full of male and female statues representing Jesus, Joseph, Mary, and others. They are often used in worship services, and many people bow down before them. Prays to Isaiah 44:17, But the rest of it he makes into a god, his graven image. He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god." See also Isaiah 45:20, “Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol, and pray to a god who cannot save. CCC par. 2675, "Beginning with Mary's unique cooperation with the working of the Holy Spirit, the Churches developed their prayer to the holy Mother of God, centering it on the person of Christ manifested in his mysteries . . . " Request for Deliverance Isaiah 44:17, But the rest of it he makes into a god, his graven image. He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god." Par. 966, " . . . You [Mary] conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death." Worshipping Images Deut. 4:19, "And beware, lest you lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven." Ex. 20:4-5, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God . . . " " . . . when she [Mary] is the subject of preaching and worship she prompts the faithful to come to her Son . . . " (Vatican Council II, p. 420). Statues of Mary often have her depicted with Stars in her crown, an allusion, says Catholicism to Revelation 12:1-2, " And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth." 20 Worship of false gods Acts 10:24-26, "And on the following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man." Rev. 22:8-9, "And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 And he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book; worship God." " . . . when she [Mary] is the subject of preaching and worship she prompts the faithful to come to her Son . . . " (Vatican Council II, p. 420). Does the Roman Catholic Church promote idolatry? According to the scripture and its own practices, yes it does. "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." (1 Cor. 10:14). 1. Catholic Encyclopedia, Tradition and the Living Magisterium 2. Catholic Encyclopedia, Idolatry 3. vatican.va 4. newadvent.org 5. history.hanover.edu/texts/trent.html 6. cin.org/vatiidoc.html 7. scborromeo.org/ccc.htm 8. Dr. Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, Tan Books and Publishers Inc, Rockford Ill. 1974 9. Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, Phd., S.T.D., Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Huntington IN, 2002 10. Summa Theologica, 2nd Part of the 2nd Part, Questions 93, newadvent.org/summa/3093.htm 11. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (H7812). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship. 12. Fundamentals of Catholic dogma, Ott, page 213 13. Vatican Website: Encyclical of Pope Leo 13th on the Rosary, Octobri Mense, Pope Leo 13th, 1903-1914 14. CCC 966 15. CCC par. 969 16. The Vatican Website translates this verse as, "I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. 17. Catholic Encyclopedia, Idolatry 18. Catholyc Encyclopedia, Altar of Our Lady 19. Catholic Encyclopedia, Adoration 20. Labor Pain is part of the curse and Mary is not supposed to be under the curse. Therefore she would not have felt labor pains and this could not refer to her. Titus 1:9-16
+George Pierson they were loyal to a church, not truth.. seems pretty clear and simple..
George Pierson not sure what your point is.. and if you have been fooled, or misinformed and make some kind of "oath", then find out the truth, I think, no, I know, God wants you to leave the error and go towards truth.. your comment on that is really dumb
Mary was married to Joseph. After she gave birth to Jesus....she and Joseph went on to have brothers and sisters for Jesus. Joseph did not have sex with Mary while carring Jesus....only after he was born. She was a virgin right up to Jesus birth. Mary was a vessel....that's all. She loved Jesus her son....she went on as any other human being does. She is not to be praise to or to be worshipped.
The catholic clergy and nuns are a continuation of pagan idol worship. Nuns are merely Vestal virgins who who were priestesses to the Goddess Vesta. The man who ran the Temple of Vesta and the virgins was called the Pontifex Maximus, just as they are still called today in the catholic church.
We have a two hour mini series called "COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS OVERVIEW #1: JUDAISM, BUDDHISM, ISLAM, BAHA'I, ROMANISM, NEW AGE, SCIENTOLOGY" (please copy & paste the title into the UA-cam search box) which will contrast these many man-made religions with the teachings of the Bible. Our main UA-cam channel page CANSWERSTV features 19 playlists on numerous topics including exposing many false religions based on the Biblical worldview (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Currently we have 546 videos posted there.
Hi, I used to be a Carthusian Monk, before that a Redemptorist Brother. But I got better :).Now I serve and love the Lord in the Evangelical Church in the Truth of His word found in the Holy Bible. I would not go so far as to say I was united to Satan, because during this I has come to know and Love the Lord. Gen 50:20, but at the same time I knew that God's word was being misconstrued.
Good insight!
Excellent exposure of false Christ’s in the religious world / thanks for sharing the truth with wisdom and love!
A man in Switzerland was planning to join the pope's Swiss guard at the Vatican but he was converted to Christ instead. To learn more about this please click on the "view reply" to this comment below.
+CAnswersTV As many of you already know last year in 2014 we learned of a young French woman Camille Jolly who came to Christ after watching our videos on UA-cam dealing with Roman Catholicism while living outside of Paris, France & was so excited about it she took a three week cargo boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean to visit us here in Austin, Texas. We have several videos about this fascinating situation, just type "Camille Jolly CAnswersTV" in the UA-cam search box to hear her tell her story. This year in 2015 we've come to find out about another exciting conversion to Christ & away from apostate Romanism via our videos posted on UA-cam against Roman Catholicism. This time it was our series of debates between James White & Dr. Robert Fastiggi that we had posted on UA-cam that led a man in Switzerland to come to the true & living Lord Jesus Christ by the sovereign grace of God. What's fascinating about this story is the young Swiss man was preparing to serve in the Swiss Guard for the pope at the Vatican. Someone called into James White's podcast "The Dividing Line" on September 25, 2015 and asked James White about a person who was planning to join the pope's Swiss Guard at the Vatican but was instead recently converted to Christ after watching James White's 4 part 4 hour televised series of debates with Dr. Robert Fastiggi. This debate took place in Austin, Texas back in 1994 although the "almost" Swiss Guard recently viewed it on UA-cam. To hear more about this please see James White's video called "Just a Little Conversation on the Pope, Lindy West’s Hatred of Life, and a Call from Chris Arnzen" at ua-cam.com/video/1fHja4AHHSI/v-deo.html. The four part debate series between James White & Robert Fastiggi can be found at the following: "IS THE ROMAN POPE WITHOUT ERROR? - PAPAL INFALLIBILITY DEBATE: JAMES WHITE VS. ROBERT FASTIGGI" at ua-cam.com/video/lHEGCpTjulM/v-deo.html; "DO ROMAN CATHOLIC INDULGENCES REALLY FORGIVE SINS? DEBATE - JAMES WHITE VS. ROBERT FASTIGGI" at ua-cam.com/video/D91y5sxUv5o/v-deo.html; "Is the Roman Catholic Doctrine of the Virgin Mary Biblical? Debate - James White vs. Robert Fastiggi" at ua-cam.com/video/mYdYaeYdJW4/v-deo.html & "HIGHLIGHTS & FULL DEBATE: JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD - DR JAMES WHITE VS. DR ROBERT FASTIGGI (#1 OF 4)" at ua-cam.com/video/yPPXCRKMLuI/v-deo.html. Larry Wessels, director of Christian Answers of Austin, Texas had previously debated Dr. Robert Fastiggi in 1992 in the same Austin TV studio & that 2 hour debate can be found at: "DOES ROMAN CATHOLICISM PREACH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL? DEBATE #1: LARRY WESSELS VS. ROBERT FASTIGGI" at ua-cam.com/video/cvpsdh5S9jg/v-deo.html & "DOES ROMAN CATHOLICISM PREACH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL? DEBATE #2: LARRY WESSELS VS. ROBERT FASTIGGI" at ua-cam.com/video/TZmvTHwRW7c/v-deo.html. Jude 21-25
Amen, Brother
The Romanist church itself says that half of its priests are homosexuals (for documentation see the following books by Romanist authors: "The Rite of Sodomy, Homosexuality & the Roman Catholic Church" by Randy Engel, "The Homosexual Network" by Romanist priest Enrique T. Rueda, & "Goodbye, Good Men" by Michael S. Rose) who have been abusing themselves & altar boys (see "Time" magazine). That leaves the other half for possible advances on nuns. Ask about years at BEREANBEACON ORG for more info.
I was educated in a convent school as was my mother and grandmother before me. Girls only, those days, but today that has changed. I was a Cruzade, " a Christian soldier under the Pope's order" was the definition that we learned about being a Cruzade. But, I always had questions that I was not allowed to voice. Oho! no, my mother would say in horror... don't say such things, it's blasfemy. My first question was, weren't the life size statues of saints in the chapell a form of idolatry? I think mum herself might be confused, but she never admited. She said that they represent the saints and they were needed to help our belief because we were only mortals and of weak faith, so we need a little help like the images, to be better believers. Curious and thirst for truth I went to many places. I had my first serious Bible studies on my early teens when I changed from the convent school to a Adventist School. It was nothing to do with faith, or even my own choice, but a question o logistic. I quite enjoyed reading the Bible on the Bible lessons, and it was from that time that I got a notion that I needed to be baptized the way Jesus was. I figured that if was necessary for Him... how on earth could I go on not having the same? But, this baptism only happen quite a number of years later as a joined a Pentecostal group. At this point and time, I do not have a label attached to myself, but I'm secure in the knowledge that Jesus is my Lord and saviour and that He loves eventhough I'm far from perfect. Only recently I've started watching testemonies like the one on this video, and I have to admit that they did shock me. I hear all the criticism, and all the awful scandals of abuse in the Catholic Church and I'm sure just like me a lot of people wonder how much of it really is true. Though wonder off the Catholic church, I often say that I couldn't knock it. It was them and a very kind granny that thaught me about the God and how made me and this whole world around me. I believe that if you don't grow up with some form of believe, it is very hard to acquire after you turn into an adult.. They got me started. My wonderful, kind, charitable and devoted granny, three rosaries a day... I mean...3 Rosaries....as in 150 Hail Mary...I find very hard to think there wouldn't be a little place for her in heaven. It was not her fault she was mislead. She also bought indulgences and that, added to the fees of my Convent school education, bankrupted her. Indulgences.... less purgatory time... that was another one of my suspicions... what about the very poor? Why did an all powerful God need to charge indulgences? I remember some important hot shot Vatican dude visit out city, and granny contributed financially for his welcome specially because that contribution were transformed and yet more indulgences. But she also had to go to this procession he would be in the middle of, so she had the chance to kiss his ring. ... and I could on indefenitelly here with stories of my own and others.
Interesting! 39mins in, at her initiation the preist says she must bring her KJ bible and it must be burned as it is nit a proper Catholic bible!!!!!
Those interested in the current events going on within the Roman Catholic Church can see our video at The Homosexual Pope, Priests, Universalists, Evolutionists & Disunited Roman Catholic Apologists. To hear a former Roman Catholic priest for 22 years discuss the Roman view of the Bible & what it teaches see Ex-Roman Catholic Priest for 22 Years Says Roman Catholicism Opposes Absolute Biblical Truth. To hear former nuns give their testimony see A Nun's Story: From Convent Bondage (Sexual Desire, Dating Priests, Rituals, No Bible) to Jesus & FORMER ROMAN CATHOLIC "BRIDE OF CHRIST" NUN TESTIFIES OF ABNORMAL LIFE IN THE CONVENT. For those interested in early church history see our videos at EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY PROVES ROMAN CATHOLICISM FALSE, EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY #14: PRE-NICENE (325 A.D.) CHURCH WAS NOT A ROMAN CATHOLIC SYSTEM & HISTORICAL SPLIT BETWEEN ROMAN CATHOLICISM & THE CHRIST OF THE SCRIPTURE: MAN'S WORD OR GOD'S WORD?. To see all our videos on the Roman Catholic religion click on our playlist called, "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. Websites of interest are: www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWCR-RZ.ORG. When it comes to Roman Catholic traditions remember Jeremiah 7:31 where God said, "which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart" & the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:1-14, "Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
CAnswers you are the best.. you opened the door for the truth for so many people.
With all due respect, I must inform you all that Richard Bennett's description of Buddhist nuns keeping virginity in order to attain union with God is completely false and completely mistaken. I was a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Geluk tradition and also in the Theravadan Sri Lankan tradition for twelve years before I returned my vows and began teaching school in the states. I am a lifelong 47 year student of academic Buddhism. There is no requirement for Buddhist nuns to be virgins. Many married, widowed, and mothered women become Buddhist nuns in Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen traditions, and they may be nuns while they continue to live at home, keeping their vows, taking care of their kids until they are grown. Buddhist nuns keep chastity after ordination by their own free will and because the vows of the sangha life require it. There is no belief in God in the Buddhist tradition, instead, there is a wish to attain Enlightenment and methods for the attainment of deep states of virtue and meditative states, some of which concentrate on a form of a virtue, much as Christians have a saint who excels in some virtue or field of ministry. Virginity has nothing to do with any of these meditative practices, altho lack of chastity, rather than lack of virginity, makes it difficult to attain deeper states of meditation. That is simply because the energy of sexuality and sexual actions agitate the nervous system and change the mental energy level. So we let it calm down and avoid it if we have serious intention to practice meditation. I hope this helps you to understand the situation with Virginity and Buddhism. I will say that in the Chinese tradition, virginity in nuns is more highly respected than not. But their virginity or lack of it has nothing to do with Buddhism. The respect given those nuns is a cultural thing, not a religious requirement. At the time of the historical Buddha, all the women who began the first order of Buddhist nuns were all married women, widowed women and mothered women. There are very strict vows about the social interactions of monks with women, whether ordained or lay: they may not be alone with a woman or sit alone with a woman or talk alone with a woman, nor accept any gift or service from any woman, even a mother or sister, such as having their laundry washed or mended or receiving a box of cookies personally, in order to prevent local gossip and destroy the reputation of the pure sangha. Do monks and nuns fall in love, return their vows and marry? Yes. There is no feeling against it. Simply put, if you want an ordained life and to stay within the monastery, sexual activity of any kind is avoided. If you feel that you want sexuality in your life, you return your vows. You can ordain up to three times in one life in the Theravadan tradition, but only once in the Mahayana. This easy-going attitude to sexuality makes life easier for all and reduces intrigue in monasteries. All these things are common and there is no social stigma attached. On the contrary, monastics who re-enter society are respected and looked up to. Are there instances of homosexuality? Yes, of course, but they are frowned on and those monks' vows are removed, their robes are taken away, and they must leave the monastery by the order of the council of all the monks in the monastery. The same goes for women. Our human condition is shared worldwide, altho our cultures deal with these issues differently and we think about them differently. The Buddhist attitude toward sexuality is that it is pleasurable, healthy, normal, varied in its expressions and okay for lay people up to five times a night, and more than that is extreme and not healthy and may shorten your life energy. For monastics, it is like jumping up and down on a bag of skin filled with disgusting impurities that will be a corpse any minute. I hope this helps to increase understanding. I offer it with respect. May all benefit. _/\_
Super video
I was a postulant which was a beginning nun not yet a novice and was told to leave the convent because because I had heath conditions and they no longer wanted me.
my one comment,
her references to women being merchandise???
poor woman, does she have a long journey ahead.
She's from a different culture from you.
Moe Harrison well you are damaged merchandise after you lose your virginity by someone who isn’t your husband....
Ask God in Jesus name to lead you to the Truth.. Read your Bible... Spend time in prayer... you will be alright.
damaged merchandise, sad perspective. . that whole virginity ploy is so damaging on multi layers
Yes, God bless this lady, but that was so super offensive and sad! Innocent young women were raped, and she sees the biggest problem with this is that the woman, a thing, a piece of property, is worth less to the man she married!
Makes me sad.
Sexual abuse by RC priests is well publicized & what you're saying is equally true. Paul got to the bottom of this in Galatians 5:19-21, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, & such like: ...I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Look into the "gospel Hall" They follow the Bible and NOTHING else. No human made doctrines or crazy rules. Only what's in the bible. It's what I turned to after realilzing where the Catholic church came from.
The Roman Catholic understanding of the Eucharist says that after the words of consecration given by the priest or bishop, the bread and wine are changed in substance to the literal body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus and only remain bread in wine in appearance and taste (Decree Concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, Thirteenth Session, Ch. 4, The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, trans. H. J. Schroeder, [TAN Books and Publishers, 1978], p. 75; Decree Concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, Canons on the Most Holy Sacramental of the Eucharist, Canon 1, The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, trans. H. J. Schroeder, [TAN Books and Publishers, 1978], p. 79).
Rome also claims that the Eucharist is a propitious sacrifice and “that the principle fruit of the most Holy Eucharist is the remission of sins” (Decree Concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, Canons on the Most Holy Sacramental of the Eucharist, Canon 5, The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, trans. H. J. Schroeder, [TAN Books and Publishers, 1978], p. 79). The 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, because it is a memorial and because it applies its fruit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, [DoubleDay, 1994], par. 1366, p. 380). It also says,
“The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice . . . only the manner of offering is different. And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the alter of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner . . . this sacrifice is truly propitiatory” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, [DoubleDay, 1994], par. 1367, p. 381).
When Rome says the sacrifice of the Mass is propitiatory, this means that when the Catholic takes it, God’s attitude towards them allegedly changes from being angry to favourable. Catholic writer John Anthony O’Brien sums up the Catholic mindset on the mass in his book The Faith of Millions which received the Nihil Obstat and imprimatur, showing the Roman church approves of it: “When the priest pronounces the tremendous words of consecration, he reaches up into heaven, brings Christ down from His throne, and places Him upon our alter to be offered up again as the Victim for the sins of man. . . . The priest then speaks and lo! Christ, the eternal and omnipotent God, bows his head in humble obedience to the priest’s command. . . . No wonder that the name which spiritual writers are especially fond of applying to the priest is that of ‘alter Christus.’ For the priest is and should be another Christ” (John Anthony O'Brien, The Faith of Millions: The Credentials of the Catholic Religion, [Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, 1974], pp. 255-256).
Finally, papalism states that the bread and wine are to be worshiped and venerated as God. The Council of Trent stated Catholics should “give to this most holy sacrament in veneration the worship of latria, which is due to the true God” (Decree Concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, Thirteenth Session, Ch. 5, The Worship and Veneration to be Shown to this Most Holy Sacrament, The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, trans. H. J. Schroeder, [TAN Books and Publishers, 1978], p. 76).
Rome says that “the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, [DoubleDay, 1994], par. 1372, p. 369). Therefore, if her teaching on the Eucharist is clearly refuted biblically and by primitive extrabiblical sources, then Roman Catholicism itself is refuted as a false faith.
Biblical Response to Transubstantiation
New Testament doesn’t teach priests existed or presided over Eucharist. In the twenty-third session of the Council of Trent in Canon 1, Rome claims the New Testament priesthood has the power to consecrate and offer the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins (Canons on the Sacrament of Order, Session 23, Canon 1, The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, trans. H. J. Schroeder, [TAN Books and Publishers, 1978], pp. 162-163). So in a sense Rome’s doctrine of the Mass depends upon the validity of her idea that God ordained a New Testament priesthood and their ability to consecrate and offer the bread and wine. However, as we have shown in our other material, there is no New Testament priesthood. Presbyters, contra Rome, as we proved, were not priests but identical to elders or bishops. Moreover, there is no evidence the presbyters, who Rome erroneously claims were priests, were in charge of presiding over the Eucharist in the primitive church. As Catholic scholar Richard P. McBrian notes, “It is not clear, however, that anyone in particular was commissioned to preside over the Eucharist in the beginning. . . . Indeed, there is no compelling evidence that they [apostles] presided when they were present, or that a chain of ordination from Apostle to bishop to priest was required for presiding” (Richard P. McBrien, Catholicism: New Edition, [HarperOne, 1994], pp. 866-867). Since the priesthood as well as the idea that they presided over the Eucharist in primitive God-ordained Christianity is false, then Rome’s doctrine of the Mass, which depends on those ideas, is also refuted.
Elements still called “bread and wine” even after alleged transubstantiation in New Testament. In Matthew 26:26-28 Jesus says the bread and wine were His body and blood (what Rome calls consecrating the elements). However, if transubstantiation is true and this was literal, why does Jesus then continue to identify the wine as “fruit of the vine,” i.e., mere wine, in v. 29? Similarly, after mentioning consecration in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, why does Paul continue to refer to the elements simply “bread” and “the cup” in vv. 26-27. This is inconsistent with the Roman view that a literal change in substance has taken place.
Drinking Jesus’ literal blood violates biblical prohibitions on drinking blood. In both the Old and New Testaments we see prohibition of drinking blood. If one adopts Rome’s literalistic view of transubstantiation, they have to believe they are violating these commands. In Leviticus 17:14 for example we read: “For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life. Therefore I said to the sons of Israel, You are not to eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it shall be cut off” (Leviticus 17:14). Leviticus 17:10 also forbids the eating of “any blood.” This is significant because part of Jesus’ mission was to obey the Law perfectly as the spotless Lamb (see Galatians 4:4; Luke 3:22; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; 3:18). For Catholics to claim Jesus engaged in and allowed His disciples to drink literal blood would be to say before the institution of the New Covenant Jesus engaged in the breaking of the Mosaic Law and was hence not a spotless lamb who perfectly obeyed the Law. The New Covenant was not instituted until Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross (see Luke 22:10; Hebrews 9:15-16). Therefore, Rome’s idea forces one to believe prior to the doing away with the Old Covenant and Mosaic Law, Jesus engaged in and allowed the violation of it. What is more, even according to Jesus’ New Covenant rules, drinking blood is forbidden. Hence, the case is settled clearly on this issue. The conclusion of the Acts 15 council was that Gentiles, like Jews, were not to drink blood (Acts 15:20). Acts 21:25 confirms the same thing. If Jesus was speaking symbolically about His blood being wine we are to drink then the biblical mandate is not violated. But if one agrees with the literalistic Roman view then it definitely is.
Rome’s view is cannibalism. If Rome is right about the bread being the literal body of Christ, and that Catholics actually eat it, then this is cannibalism. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Eleventh Edition defines a cannibal as “one that eats the flesh of its own kind” (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Eleventh Edition, [Merriam-Webster, 2004], p. 180). Since as a result of the incarnation it is a fact that Jesus is fully man (hypostatic union), this means if Catholics are correct then by eating his literal flesh they are engaging in cannibalism. The problem is when Scripture mentions cannibalism, it is seen to be evil and a judgement from God (see Leviticus 26:27-29; Deuteronomy 28:49, 53-57; Jeremiah 19:8-9; Lamentations 2:20; 4:10; Ezekiel 5:10). In one of the examples we read, “27But if in spite of this you will not listen to me, but walk contrary to me, 28then I will walk contrary to you in fury, and I myself will discipline you sevenfold for your sins. 29You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters” (Leviticus 26:27-29). This is not something positive according to Holy Scripture. Instead if people engage in it, it usually means they are under God’s wrath.
For more see "Proof the Roman Catholic Mass is unbiblical and anti-Christian" at www.reformedapologeticsministries.com/2014/03/proof-roman-catholic-mass-is-unbiblical.html & see our playlist "
Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 142 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html.
Titus 1:9-16
canibalism; symbolic, OK, but a CANIBAL symbol
You ought to write a book.
@@florin1123 CANNIBALISM is eating people!
i really wish the interviewer guy would let her tell her story. he seems to be talking more than she is.
To see our entire series entitled "The Counterfeit Christianity of Roman Catholicism" (12 videos) click on: Part 1 - "Exclusive Interview: "Grace to You" John MacArthur Answers Common Questions About Roman Catholicism" at ua-cam.com/video/6bDLrEUcFX8/v-deo.html, Part 2 - "Exclusive Interview with John Ankerberg of the "John Ankerberg Show" Concerning Roman Catholicism" at ua-cam.com/video/xL37dTnpWOw/v-deo.html, Part 3 - "Former Roman Catholic Priest for 22 Years Richard Bennett Answers Questions About Roman Catholicism" at ua-cam.com/video/7k-jvWchaXE/v-deo.html, Part 4 - "Exclusive Interview with Dave Hunt about the Gospel-less Mother Teresa & Compromiser Billy Graham" at ua-cam.com/video/8YtX1DirDI4/v-deo.html, Part 5 - "Is Roman Catholicism Cultic or Christian? by Cecil Andrews of Take Heed Ministries - #5 of Series" at ua-cam.com/video/lXe3ugzfILY/v-deo.html, Part 6 - "Former Catholic Mike Gendron Explains How to Help Roman Catholics Escape the False Gospel of Rome" at ua-cam.com/video/AQlrQ9zcny0/v-deo.html, Part 7 - "Former Roman Catholic James G. McCarthy Answers Questions about Roman Catholicism & Why it is False" at ua-cam.com/video/2WjE5M-Sk9k/v-deo.html, Part 8 - "Counterfeit Christianity of Roman Catholicism #8: Philip De Courey from Northern Ireland Speaks" at ua-cam.com/video/nHehxZSYYvs/v-deo.html, Part 9 - "Counterfeit Christianity of Roman Catholicism #9: Former Catholic Ed Lacy Exposes False Roman Gospel" at ua-cam.com/video/GI2ycIz4g0A/v-deo.html, Part 10 - "Counterfeit Christianity of Roman Catholicism #10: Former Catholic Neil Curran Answers Questions" at ua-cam.com/video/Q_QckWTIxh0/v-deo.html, Part 11 - "Counterfeit Christianity of Roman Catholicism #11: Dave Hunt Proves Romanism to be Damnable Lies" at ua-cam.com/video/-zFWfX3kVKw/v-deo.html, Part 12 - "Irish Ex Priest Richard Bennett On Fake Catholic Religion: Mass, Praying to Dead, Mary, Baptisms" at ua-cam.com/video/OvIxxyyPZsU/v-deo.html. To see all our videos on Roman Catholicism from a Biblical perspective see our playlist called "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 168 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. "The Bible tells us to expose error (Ephesians 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."). And to expose error we must make righteous judgments. Christians must judge in order to: 1. Try the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets are in the world. (1 John 4:1). 2. Mark & avoid false teachers, slaves of their own bellies, deceiving many with their smooth & flattering speech (Romans 16:17-18). 3. Rebuke false teachers, rebellious men, & deceivers who subvert whole families with their false doctrine. (Titus 1:9-16) 4. Have no fellowship with immoral, impure, or covetous men. (Ephesians 5:5-7) 5. Receive not deceivers who do not abide in the teaching of Christ into our homes, nor giving them any greeting. (2 John 7-11) 6. Be wary of those who preach another gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6-9).
This video needs to be re-released because the Catholic Church has millions of people decieved and these are good people born into these families who just dont know the truth. Pray for them to see the truth and come to Jesus.
Praise God, Jesus is my high priest!
When I was a Catolic , I had a dream that priest and 3 nun's are telling me to merry the Devil , and they were persistent and the Devil was write there in the church too. Now this dream makes sense to me, I was lost but now I am found. Hallelujah
I am a faithful, practicing Roman Catholic, and I love my Faith. I am very sad and sorry that people pretending to be Roman Catholics have brought harm to others. God bless you. Please pray without ceasing --- as we all must do.
Huntgoddessfishery
Come out of her, O my people.
A false gospel of works will damn your soul. ONLY the merits of Christ can save. I hope by now you left.
To those who wish to discuss issues brought up in our video posted here to a greater extent please know that you can email one of our ministry volunteers at certainandsecure@gmail.com. Also realize that we may have an entire playlist of videos on this subject on our UA-cam channel at ua-cam.com/users/CAnswersTV. Besides that know that we have three websites to answer additional questions at www.BibleQuery.org (answers over 8500 questions on the Bible & refutes critics of the Bible), www.HistoryCart.com (this website deals with an in depth analysis of early Christian church history) and www.MuslimHope.com (this website is a documented refutation of Islam, a false religious & political ideology of warlike jihad against all unbelievers invented by Muhammad while he was in Medina for the last 9 years of his life where he averaged one offensive military jihad of pillage, rape & slavery every month to six weeks against his neighbors which eventually led to conquering all of Saudi Arabia- see also www.politicalislam.com/, www.answeringmuslims.com/, answering-islam.org/, www.jihadwatch.org/ & our playlist "Dealing with Islam, Muslims: Sunni, Shi'ite, Alawites, Sufis" with 71 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PL1C7F68B548009FDD.html). 1 Peter 3:15
I came from a small country town where we would often see pregnant nuns walking in the late afternoons, There was WHISPERED talk amongst my mother and friends about the activities happening behind the Catholic facade...my mother left the RC religion, her friends left the church in their own time. (1963) Ngaruawahia N.Z.
Wow.
Someone asked about "Sola Scriptura" (Scripture Alone) or "the Bible Alone." See our videos "SOLA SCRIPTURA DEBATE: THE BIBLE ONLY OR MUST WE NOW ALSO HAVE ROMAN CATHOLIC TRADITIONS & RITUALS?" at ua-cam.com/video/oKs0QUfJ_b8/v-deo.html & "WITHOUT "SOLA SCRIPTURA" (THE BIBLE ALONE), WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH?" at ua-cam.com/video/dcMnF6tgya0/v-deo.html. Those interested in the current events going on within the Roman Catholic Church can see our video "The Homosexual Pope, Priests, Universalists, Evolutionists & Disunited Roman Catholic Apologists" at ua-cam.com/video/hThonwrX6QU/v-deo.html. To hear a former Roman Catholic priest for 22 years discuss the Roman view of the Bible & what it teaches see "Ex-Roman Catholic Priest for 22 Years Says Roman Catholicism Opposes Absolute Biblical Truth" at ua-cam.com/video/_0OdEg8nUvw/v-deo.html. To hear former nuns give their testimony see "A Nun's Story: From Convent Bondage (Sexual Desire, Dating Priests, Rituals, No Bible) to Jesus" at ua-cam.com/video/Ph8tpLveaE4/v-deo.html & "FORMER ROMAN CATHOLIC "BRIDE OF CHRIST" NUN TESTIFIES OF ABNORMAL LIFE IN THE CONVENT" at ua-cam.com/video/ZDAT_BgtnBc/v-deo.html. For those interested in early church history see our videos "EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY PROVES ROMAN CATHOLICISM FALSE" at ua-cam.com/video/WP9jg2h3xjQ/v-deo.html, "EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY #14: PRE-NICENE (325 A.D.) CHURCH WAS NOT A ROMAN CATHOLIC SYSTEM" at ua-cam.com/video/4Y2dDQmstZg/v-deo.html & "HISTORICAL SPLIT BETWEEN ROMAN CATHOLICISM & THE CHRIST OF THE SCRIPTURE: MAN'S WORD OR GOD'S WORD?" at ua-cam.com/video/iUt7rC6a_3s/v-deo.html. To see all our videos on the Roman Catholic religion click on our playlist called, "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. Websites of interest are: www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWCR-RZ.ORG. When it comes to Roman Catholic traditions remember Jeremiah 7:31 where God said, "which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart" & the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:1-14, "Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Is the Bible Alone Sufficient for Spiritual Truth? According to Roman Catholicism, Sacred Tradition and the Bible together provide the foundation of spiritual truth. From this combination the Catholic church has produced many doctrines which it says are true and biblical but which Protestants reject: veneration of Mary, penance, indulgence, purgatory, prayer to saints, et. al. Protestantism, however, rejects these doctrines and Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition and holds fast to the call "Sola Scriptura" or "Scripture Alone." Catholics then challenge, "Is Sola Scriptura Biblical?" The Bible does not say "Do not use tradition" or "Scripture alone is sufficient." But the Bible does not say "The Trinity is three persons in one God" either, yet it is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. 2 Tim. 3:16 says that Scripture is inspired and profitable for correction and teaching. Scripture states that Scripture is what is good for correction and teaching--not tradition. However, in its comments on tradition, the Bible says to listen to tradition but also warns about tradition nullifying the Gospel--which we will look at below. In discussing the issue of the Bible alone being sufficient, several points should be made: 1) The method of the New Testament authors (and Jesus as well) when dealing with spiritual truth was to appeal to the Scriptures as the final rule of authority. Take the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4 as an example. The Devil tempted Jesus, yet Jesus used the authority of Scripture--not tradition and not even His own divine power as the source of authority and refutation. To Jesus, the Scriptures were enough and sufficient. If there is any place in the New Testament where the idea of extra-biblical revelation or tradition could have been used, Jesus' temptation would have been a great place to present it. But Jesus does no such thing. His practice was to appeal to Scripture. Should we do any less having seen his inspired and perfect example? The New Testament writers constantly appealed to the Scriptures as their base of authority in declaring what was and was not true Biblical teaching: Matt. 21:42; John 2:22; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2:2; 2 Peter 1:17-19, etc. Of course, Acts 17:11 says, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." Paul commends those who examined God's Word for the test of truth. He did not commend them for appealing to tradition. Therefore, we can see that the method used by Jesus and the apostles for determining spiritual truth was to appeal to Scripture--not tradition. In fact, it is the Scriptures that refute the traditions of men in many instances. 2) It is not required of Scripture to have a statement to the effect, "The Bible alone is to be used for all spiritual truth," in order for Sola Scriptura to be true. Many doctrines in the Bible are not clearly stated, yet they are believed and taught by the church. For example, there is no statement in the Bible that says there is a Trinity or that Jesus has two natures (God and man) or that the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead. Yet, each of the statements is considered true doctrine within Christianity--being derived from Biblical references. So, for the Catholic to require the Protestant to supply chapter and verse to prove Sola Scriptura is valid is not necessarily consistent with Biblical exegetical principles of which they themselves approve when examining such doctrines as the Trinity, the hypostatic union, etc. 3) In appealing to the Bible for authentication of Sacred Tradition, the Catholics have shown that the Bible is superior to Sacred Tradition--for the lesser is blessed by the greater (Heb. 7:7). You see, if the Bible said do not trust Sacred Tradition, then Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition would be instantly and obviously invalidated. If the Bible said to trust Sacred Tradition, then the Bible is authenticating it; and the Roman Catholic Church would cite the Scriptures to that effect. In either case, the Scriptures hold the place of final authority and by that position are shown to be superior to Sacred Tradition. This means that Sacred Tradition is not equal in authority to the Word of God. If Sacred Tradition were really inerrant as it is said to be, then it would be equal with the Bible. But, God's word does not say that Sacred Tradition is inerrant or inspired as it does say about itself (2 Tim. 3:16). Merely to claim that Sacred Tradition is equal and in agreement with the Bible does not make it so. Furthermore, to assert that Sacred Tradition is equal to Scripture effectively leaves the canon wide open to doctrinal addition. Since the traditions of men change, then to use tradition as a determiner of spiritual truth would mean that over time new doctrines that are not in the Bible would be added and that is exactly what has happened in Catholicism with doctrines such as purgatory, praying to Mary, indulgences, etc. Furthermore, if they can use Sacred Tradition as a source for doctrines not explicit in the Bible, then why would the Mormons then be wrong for having additional revelation as well? 4) If the Bible is not used to verify and test Sacred Tradition, then Sacred Tradition is functionally independent of the Word of God. If it is independent of Scripture, then by what right does it have to exist as an authoritative spiritual source equivalent to the Bible? How do we know what is and is not true in Sacred Tradition if there is no inspired guide by which to judge it? If the Roman Catholic says that the inspired guide is the Roman Catholic Church, then it is committing the fallacy of circular reasoning. In other words, it is saying that the Roman Catholic Church is inspired because the Roman Catholic Church is inspired. 5) Sacred Tradition is invalidated automatically if it contradicts the Bible, and it does. Of course, the Catholic will say that it does not. But, Catholic teachings such as purgatory, penance, indulgences, praying to Mary, etc., are not in the Bible. A natural reading of God's Word does not lend itself to such beliefs and practices. Instead, the Catholic Church has used Sacred Tradition to add to God's revealed word and then extracted out of the Bible whatever verses that might be construed to support their doctrines of Sacred Tradition. Nevertheless, the Catholic apologist will state that both the Bible and Sacred tradition are equal in authority and inspiration and to put one above another is a false comparison. But, by what authority does the Catholic church say this? Is it because it claims to be the true church--descended from the original apostles? So? Making such claims doesn't mean they are true. Besides, even if it were true and we do not grant that it is, there is no guarantee that the succession of church leaders is immune to error. We saw it creep in with Peter, and Paul rebuked him for it in Gal. 2. Are the Catholic church leaders better than Peter? To continue, is it from tradition that the Catholic Church authenticates its Sacred Tradition? If so, then there is no check upon it. Is it from quotes of some of the church Fathers who say to follow Tradition? If so, then the church fathers are given the place of authority comparable to Scripture. Is it from the Bible? If so, then Sacred Tradition holds a lesser position than the Bible because the Bible is used as the authority in validating Tradition. Is it because the Catholic Church claims to be the means by which God communicates His truth? Then, the Catholic Church has placed itself above the Scriptures. 6) One of the mistakes made by the Catholics is to assume that the Bible is derived from Sacred Tradition. This is false. The Church simply recognized the inspired writings of the Bible. They were in and of themselves authoritative. Various "traditions" in the Church served only to recognize what was from God. Also, to say the Bible is derived from Sacred Tradition is to make the Bible lesser than the Tradition as is stated in Heb. 7:7 that the lesser is blessed by the greater; but this cannot be since Catholicism appeals to the Bible to authenticate its tradition. Conclusion Since the Bible is the final authority, we should look to it as the final authenticating and inerrant source of all spiritual truth. If it says Sacred Tradition is valid--fine. But if it doesn't, then I will trust the Bible alone. Since the Bible does not approve of the Catholic Church's Sacred Tradition, along with its inventions of prayer to Mary, prayer to the saints, indulgences, penance, purgatory, etc., then neither should Christians. Objections Answered The Bible comes from Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition. The problem is twofold. First, tradition is generally anything the Christian church passed down and doesn't require inspiration of any sort. But Roman Catholicism claims such generic tradition under its umbrella of Sacred Tradition. This is the fallacy of equivocation. In other words, the meaning of the word "tradition" is changed between the first and second reference. There is no proof that the RCC sacred tradition is inspired. But there is evidence that it is flawed--particularly when we compare what it has revealed (purgatory, Mary-worship, penance, indulgences, etc.,) with Scripture and such doctrines are not only absent from Scripture but contradict Scripture. Second, it assumes that the Roman Catholic church produced the Bible. The RCC did not produce the Bible. God produced the Bible, and the Christian Church recognized the Word of God (John 10:27) and endorsed what God had already authored. To say that the RCC gave us the Bible is to imply that the RCC has the right to tell you what it means. This is problematic because how then do we check what the RCC says? Sacred Tradition is divine revelation and equal to Scripture. At best, this is only a claim that cannot be proven to be false by comparing the revelations supposedly given through Sacred Tradition with the Word of God. As mentioned above, there are many such doctrines devised by people that are not found in the Word of God and even contradict it. The Bible clearly tells us that God's Scripture is divinely breathed forth and that it is inspired. There is no such claim for tradition. In fact, though the Bible tells us to follow tradition, it also tells us to be wary of it. Therefore, tradition cannot be inspired if God's Word warns us against following it. The Bible is for tradition where it supports the teachings of the apostles (2 Thess. 2:15) and is consistent with Biblical revelation. Yet, it is against tradition when it "transgresses the commands of God" (Matt. 15:3). By Jesus' own words, tradition is not to transgress or contradict the commands of God. In other words, it should be in harmony with Biblical teaching and not oppose it in any way. The Bible clearly tells us that it is the standard of truth. We are not to exceed what the Scriptures say. "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other." (1 Cor. 4:6). Heb. 7:7 is not about scripture but about people and cannot be used to subject Sacred Tradition to the Bible It is true that Heb. 7:7 is about people and not about Scripture. But there is more in the text than just people. Heb. 7:4-10, "Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priests office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham, and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him." The writer of Hebrews is mentioning different concepts as well as historical facts. He mentions tithing, descendants of Abraham, the lesser is blessed by the greater, authority, and Federal Headship.1 It is the concept of the greater in authority blessing the lesser in authority that is being examined here in this article. We know that there is a principle of the greater in authority blessing the lesser. Can we not also apply this same principle of authority to the issue of the Roman Catholic Church's claim on Sacred Tradition as being authoritative as compared to the authority of Scripture? I do not see why not. After all, the Roman Catholic Church appeals to Scripture to support its Sacred Tradition. In so doing, it is submitting itself to the authority of Scripture for validation of its principle. Early Church Fathers Quotes on Scripture Alone is final Authority Scripture Alone is final Authority Irenaeus, (130-202), “We have known the method of our salvation by no other means than those by whom the gospel came to us; which gospel they truly preached; but afterward, by the will of God, they delivered to us in the Scriptures, to be for the future the foundation and pillar of our faith,” (Adv. H. 3:1). Clement of Alexandria (150?-213?), “They that are ready to spend their time in the best things will not give over seeking for truth until they have found the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves,” (Stromata 7:16:3). Origen (185?-252), “No man ought, for the confirmation of doctrines, to use books which are not canonized Scriptures,” (Tract. 26 in Matt.). St. Cyprian of Carthage (200?-258), “Whence comes this tradition? Does it descend from the Lord’s authority, or from the commands and epistles of the apostles? For those things are to be done which are there written . . . If it be commanded in the gospels or the epistles and Acts of the Apostles, then let this holy tradition be observed,” (Cyprian of Carthage, Ep. 74 ad Pompeium). Athanasius (300?-375), “The Holy Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are of themselves sufficient toward the discovery of truth. (Orat. adv. Gent., ad cap.) The Catholic Christians will neither speak nor endure to hear anything in religion that is a stranger to Scripture; it being an evil heart of immodesty to speak those things which are not written,” (Athanasius, Exhort. ad Monachas). "5. Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven, viz., of James, one; of Peter, two; of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen Epistles of Paul, written in this order. The first, to the Romans; then two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians; then to the Philippians; then to the Colossians; after these, two to the Thessalonians, and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John. 6 These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, 'Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.' And He reproved the Jews, saying, 'Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.' " (Athanasius, Festal Letter 39:5-6). "Vainly then do they run about with the pretext that they have demanded Councils for the faith's sake; for divine Scripture is sufficient above all things; but if a Council be needed on the point, there are the proceedings of the Fathers, for the Nicene Bishops did not neglect this matter, but stated the doctrine so exactly, that persons reading their words honestly, cannot but be reminded by them of the religion towards Christ announced in divine Scripture." (Athanasius, De Synodis, 6). Ambrose (340?-396), “How can we use those things which we do not find in the Holy Scriptures?” (Ambr. Offic., 1:23). Cyril of Jerusalem (315?-386), “Not even the least of the divine and holy mysteries of the faith ought to be handed down without the divine Scriptures. Do not simply give faith to me speaking these things to you except you have the proof of what I say from the divine Scriptures. For the security and preservation of our faith are not supported by ingenuity of speech, but by the proofs of the divine Scriptures,” (Cat. 4). Jerome (342?-420), “Those things which they make and find, as it were, by apostolical tradition, without the authority and testimony of Scripture, the word of God smites. (ad Aggai 1) As we deny not those things that are written, so we refuse those things that are not written. That God was born of a virgin we believe, because we read it; that Mary did marry after she was delivered we believe not, because we do not read it,” (Adv. Helvidium). 2. Scripture Alone is not final Authority Athanasius (300?-375), “But beyond these [Scriptural] sayings, let us look at the very tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church from the beginning, which the Lord gave, the Apostles preached, and the Fathers kept." (Athanasius, Four Letters to Serapion of Thmuis, 1:28). Basil (330-379), "Now I accept no newer creed written for me by other men, nor do I venture to propound the outcome of my own intelligence, lest I make the words of true religion merely human words; but what I have been taught by the holy Fathers, that I announce to all who question me. In my Church the creed written by the holy Fathers in synod at Nicea is in use." (To the Church of Antioch, Epistle 140:2). Ambrose (340?-396), "Wherefore all other generations are strangers to truth; all the generations of heretics hold not the truth: the church alone, with pious affection, is in possession of the truth," (Commentary of Psalm 118,19). Cyril of Jerusalem (315?-386), "But in learning the Faith and in professing it, acquire and keep that only, which is now delivered to thee by the Church, and which has been built up strongly out of all the Scriptures . . . Take heed then, brethren, and hold fast the traditions which ye now receive, and write them and the table of your heart." Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, 5:12 (A.D. 350). Gregory of Nyssa (330-394), “And let no one interrupt me, by saying that what we confess should also be confirmed by constructive reasoning: for it is enough for proof of our statement, that the tradition has come down to us from our Fathers, handled on, like some inheritance, by succession from the apostles and the saints who came after them," (Against Eunomius, 4:6). It is evident from the previous early church citations that anyone can quote one early writer against another early writer & in some cases quote the same early writer contradicting himself. Based on the fact that early writers have a tendency to be inconsistent in various matters this is clear proof that they are no where near as reliable as the scriptures themselves. Thus, based on this obvious fact, it is extremely dangerous to elevate church "tradition" (where is the Roman Catholic "Inspired Book of Holy Traditions" to be found?) & early writers to the same level as God's inspired Word found in the scriptures. To do this is to place oneself in extreme jeopardy as the following scriptures testify: Matthew 15:1-14, Jeremiah 7:23-31, Jeremiah 19:4, Isaiah 29:13 cf. Isaiah 28:9-17 & John 10:35, "the scripture cannot be broken." Anyone that makes the mistake of replacing clear scripture with "traditions" is described by Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Does 1 Timothy 3:15 refute Sola Scriptura, Scripture Alone? 1 Timothy 3:15 does not refute Sola Scriptura. In fact, it supports it. Sola Scriptura is the position that the Old and New Testaments are the final authority in all the topics they address, and that councils and tradition (even the so-called Sacred Tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches) are subordinate to Scripture. Let's take a look at the verse. 1 Timothy 3:15, "but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." Paul says he is writing, so that we might know how to conduct ourselves in the church. Catholics and Orthodox will say that the church (their church) is the pillar and support of the truth. However, there is a very important truth right there in the text. Notice that Paul is appealing to his own writing as the authority. He is writing to them (Scripture), so that they would know how to behave in the household of God. In other words, his writing (which is Scripture) is the thing that is preeminent and to which the church is to subject itself. He says, " . . . I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God . . . " If a Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church member wants to appeal to this verse to refute Sola Scriptura, then he is shooting himself in the foot because Paul himself says that his writing, which is Scripture, is what the church is to submit to. Furthermore, he is behaving as a Protestant who holds to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura by appealing to the authority of Scripture. In addition, he is using the authority of Scripture, in a sense, to refute the idea that Scripture has authority over the church. But, we see from Paul's statement in the verse that his letter is there to tell the church how to behave. In other words, the church is to submit to Scripture--not Scripture to the church. It is not the tradition that informs the word of God but the word of God that informs tradition in the church. For more information see www.BereanBeacon.org & www.CWRC-RZ.org. See our playlist "Dealing with Anti Trinitarians (UPC) & Early Church History" with 45 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PL9931642C7C8FFEAB.html. Titus 1:9-16
THIS IS SO TRUE!
THIS IS SO RIGHTEOUS, PROPER, IMPORTANT THAT THIS EX-NUN IS SPEAKING OUT!
ME, TOO!
THE WHOLE TIME I WAS IN THE MONASTERY,
THERE WAS THAT THIN, STILL VOICE TELLING ME: "ONE DAY, YOU REALLY NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
THEY ARE NOT GODLY,
NOT VIRTUOUS,
KNOW NOT CHRIST!
THEY ARE WASTING THEIR LIVES AWAY,
& CERTAINLY NOT PLEASING GOD!
THAT IS A FACT!
And HONESTLY, I MUST SAY: I DON'T KNOW ANYONE THAT STRONG, COURAGEOUS & WITH THE INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY TO FIGHT THEM AS I DID!
+++
Bride of christ? Christ was never married
The church, believers and followers of Jesus, are His bride. Read the Bible.
To see all our videos which come with free written transcripts please click on www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?currpage=1&keyword=christiananswers&SourceOnly=true&mediatype=PDF&AudioOnly=false&sortby= which add up to 80 videos & counting at this time. Keep in mind that these free written transcripts are also available in 20 different languages by going to any of the individual videos and locating the "View Transcript" area. For example, say you want a foreign language transcript from our video "Biblical Canon of Scripture is the Basis for Authentic Christian Belief & Doctrine" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=21519512147884 & you want the transcript in Chinese just follow these basic steps: 1. Click on "select translation" next to the "Google Translate" indicator 2. Click on the type of Chinese you want to use, you have two choices either "Simplified" Chinese or "Traditional" Chinese 3. Let's say you click on "Traditional Chinese" 4.Then you click on "Translate"
which brings up another screen which has the entire video translated into traditional Chinese 5. From there you have additional options to
share this Chinese translation with others as indicated 6. This is very cool & is an just another opportunity for evangelism around the world in this digital age! Jude 3, "Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints."
See our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 119 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. "Are Catholics Christians?" By Richard Bennett (former RC priest for 22 years, www.BereanBeacon.org) The Catholic Church presupposes itself to be Christian. Nothing could be farther from the truth; yet, the Catholic Church has presented and promoted herself in that guise particularly since the close of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. A primary, non-negotiable goal of Vatican Council II was to lay the groundwork and to establish the rules and parameters for a multifaceted, ecumenical outreach. Evangelical Christians, now called "separated brethren", rather than "heretics",1 are the primary target of Catholic ecumenism. The goal is to draw them into the Roman Catholic fold.2 Thus, in the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church, the word "Christian" occurs more than 100 times in these official teachings. Buzzwords such as "dialogue", "ecumenism", and "social justice" are being used under the guise of promoting true Christianity while advancing the Roman Catholic agenda.
Assurances to Evangelicals Negated
Evangelicals are assured that Catholics who believe in the incarnation, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are true Christians, even though they misunderstand some of the "technicalities" regarding salvation. Such reasoning is negated by the fact that Catholicism differs from biblical faith-not only on minor details, but more importantly on what is essential for one’s salvation.
The most dangerous aspect of Catholic Church doctrine is that it appears to be based on the great, indispensable truths of God’s revelation.3 In reality, however, the telling fact is that Catholic doctrine denies essential, biblical doctrines by that which it adds on to biblical truths. For example, while Catholic doctrine affirms the worship of the three distinct Persons of the Trinity, it adds divine adoration for the Virgin Mary by addressing her in prayer as "the All Holy One". The exact words of the official statement are, "By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All Holy One".4 The Catholic Church also demands that worship, which according to Scripture is due exclusively to the one true God in three persons, is also to be given to the
1 The anathemas or curses against Evangelicals as heretics still remain in Roman Catholic law because the Council of Trent (1545 - 1563) has never been revoked. Since the demise of the Holy Roman Empire, the Papacy has had no military and civil power by which to enforce these anathemas as it had during the 605 years of the Inquisition. Thus the Papacy has recently adopted "ecumenism, "dialogue," and promoting "social justice" as ways and means of drawing Evangelical Christians into its fold.
2 Vatican Council II Documents, "Reflections and Suggestions Concerning Ecumenical Dialogue," Vol. I, Sect. II.
This crucial Vatican document states, "…ecumenical dialogue is not limited to an academic or purely conceptual level, but striving for a more complete communion between the Christian communities…it serves to transform modes of thought and behavior and the daily life of those communities. [non-Catholic churches] In this way, it aims at preparing the way for their unity of faith in the bosom of a Church one and visible: thus ‘little by little’, as the obstacles to perfect ecclesial communion are overcome, all Christians will be gathered, in a common celebration of the Eucharist, into that unity of the one and only Church which Christ bestowed on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, dwells in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose…"
3 For example she holds to the existence of a self-existent and eternal God, the Creator of the universe, of man, and of all things. She teaches the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. She teaches Adam’s sin resulting in the shared guilt and consequences of his sin. She accepts the doctrine of man’s redemption by Jesus Christ, teaching that He became incarnate and endured the death of the cross; that He arose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return again.
4 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Liguori Publications, 1994 Paragraph 2677 Hereafter referred to as Catechism.
"Sacrament" or "Eucharist", the Communion element. Thus, the Church of Rome officially declares,
5 Vatican Council II Documents, Eucharisticum Mysterium," Vol. I, Para 3 (Emphasis not in original.)
6 Ephesians 2:8, 9
7 Catechism Paragraph 1129
8 John 10:35
9 John 17:17
10 Proverbs 30:6
11 II Timothy 3:16-17
"There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind ‘that all the faithful ought to show to this most holy sacrament the worship which is due to the true God, as has always been the custom of the Catholic Church. Nor is it to be adored any the less because it was instituted by Christ to be eaten’".5
These two official teachings of the Church of Rome show that the divine worship due to God alone is being given to Mary and to their communion element. In addition, the essential doctrine of man’s redemption by Jesus Christ is totally different in Papal Rome from that of the Bible. The Scripture declares that sinners, dead in trespasses and sins, are "by grace" "saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast".6 This Scripture shows that God directly saves sinners by His grace through faith. However, the Catholic Church insists on the necessity of her sacraments and consequently states,
"The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ‘Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament".7
The sacraments, which are declared by the Catholic Church to be indispensable, nullify the biblical doctrine of man’s redemption. With these explicit examples of the Catholic Church’s negation of essential biblical truths, the Papacy’s official doctrine and teaching on all the major topics of biblical truth need to be carefully examined.
The Basis of Truth
The first topic to address is, "What is the basis of truth?" In other words, what is the norm by which we can know truth? The absolute standard set by the Lord Jesus Christ rests in the fact that "the scripture cannot be broken".8 He who identified Himself to His disciples, "I am the way, the truth and the life", also declared the truth of God’s Word by praying for them, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth".9 From these Scriptures we understand that God’s Word not only contains the truth, but is truth itself. The Holy Scripture is the source of the believer’s standard of truth. Since Scripture alone is inspired, it alone is the ultimate authority, and it alone is the final judge of all human tradition and reasoning. Accordingly, the commandment of the Lord states, "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar".10 Thus, in His written Word, the absolute authority of the Lord God is totally sufficient for all the believer’s needs. The Apostle Paul confirmed this when he wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works".11 The Lord Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they placed their human tradition on the same level as the written Word of God. Thus, the Pharisees corrupted the people’s understanding by confusing them in regards to God’s Word as the very
2
12 Mark 7:13
13 Catechism Paragraphs 80, 81
14 II Peter 1:20, 21
15 John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth".
16 John 16:15
17 Catechism Paragraph 82
18 Catechism Paragraph 891
basis of truth. Jesus declared to them, "[You are] making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered".12
In spite of this unmistakably clear standard of truth, the Catholic Church declares her own standard of truth. She begins her reasoning with the following words,
"Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other" "And [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God, which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit".13
The fact is that no "tradition" transmits in its entirety the Word of God. This task is solely that of the Holy Spirit. First, in an exclusive sense, the Scriptures are the composition of the Holy Spirit; as stated by the Apostle Peter, "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost".14 The Holy Spirit is fully fitted for this work because He is "the Spirit of truth".15 He has perfect knowledge of the truth because He is God, one with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the written Word to believers. For this reason the Lord Christ Jesus said, "He shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you".16 Thus, the Holy Spirit perfectly transmits the Word of God in its proper fullness.
Having equated her "Sacred Tradition" with Sacred Scripture, and having stated that her tradition transmits the Word of God in its entirety, the Catholic Church reaches its conclusion with the following words,
"As a result the [Catholic] Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, ‘does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence".17
This statement is a formal denial of the sufficiency of Scripture and a repudiation of its unique authority. For a church, claiming to be Christian, to attach as much importance to tradition as she does to Scripture is to totally devalue Scripture. It is like a husband who declares that he loves his wife and at the same time states that he also loves equally the woman across the street. Such love would be adulterous; so also are Papal Rome’s "equal sentiments of devotion and reverence". Such a declaration is tantamount to a rejection of Scripture and unfaithfulness to the God of Scripture.
Catholicism, however, does have a standard for truth that is taken to be absolute. It is not the unqualified authority of God in His written Word; rather, it is the authority of a man, the Pope of Rome. For Catholics, the ultimate authority lies in the decisions and decrees of the reigning Pope. This is seen in their official teaching which states,
"The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful...he proclaims with a definitive act that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held as such".18
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19 For example, Pope Honorius I (625-38) was posthumously condemned as a heretic and excommunicated from the
Church by the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681 A.D.) He was also condemned as a heretic by Pope Leo II, as
well as by every other pope until the eleventh century. It was not until 1870 at Vatican Council I that the Catholic
Church for the first time declared that the Pope is infallible.
20 Ephesians 2:1, "and you… who were dead in trespasses and sins."
21 Ephesians 2:9
22 Catechism, Paragraph 2021
23 Romans 11:6
24 Catechism Paragraph 1129
25 Vatican Council II Documents, No. 64, "Gaudium et Spes," 1965, Vol. I, Sect. 14
Thus, in practice, the Catholic Church’s basis for doctrine is her pope and what he states to be truth. In other words, this is truth claimed by decree. The absurdity of this claim is evident when we remember that several popes were declared to be heretics and thus condemned by Church councils.19
Salvation by Grace Alone Denied by Catholic Sacramental System
That salvation is by God’s grace alone must be clearly understood. Unredeemed sinners, all of whom are "dead in trespasses and sins",20 can only be saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone because salvation is "the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast".21 It is God who graciously saves by His unmerited free gift. In total contrast to this, salvation in the Catholic Church is said to come about by "grace" that is merely a "help" with the intention that people will respond. Thus, the Catholic Church officially states, "Grace is the help God gives us to respond to our vocation of becoming his adopted sons. It introduces us into the intimacy of the Trinitarian life".22 In this view, human beings are presumed to be good enough to respond to the help that God gives to them. According to the Catholic Church, grace is not a manifestation of God’s sovereign action in salvation but merely a "help" given to humans that they may respond, should they decide to believe. The Catholic teaching contradicts the very concept of grace. As the Scripture states, "and if by grace, then is it [salvation] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace".23 God’s sovereign action is what is at stake and not uncertain, human response.
The Catholic concept of "grace" denies God’s sovereign grace. Therefore, the Papacy needed to construct a mechanism by which Catholics can profess that they have received grace. The primary tools of their invention are called the "Sacraments". Accordingly, the Catholic Church states,
"The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ‘Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament".24
This teaching is appalling. In the Bible, salvation is given to an individual by the absolute power of God’s grace alone - because in God alone is the power to deliver a man from being spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" to being spiritually alive in Christ. However, the Catholic Church adamantly disagrees with the Bible on this primary issue, for it officially claims, "man has only been wounded by sin".25 Thus, her Catechism describes God’s grace as a "help" accessible through her sacraments. These sacraments are in turn totally under the control of the Catholic priesthood.
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26 Ephesians 1:6
27 Acts 16:31
28 II Peter 1:1
29 Romans 10:17
30 Catechism Paragraph 168
31 Catechism Paragraph 169
32 Catechism Paragraph 181
33 The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, 7th Session, March, 1547 (Rockford, IL: Tan Publishers, Inc., 1978) This curse against those who believe that Christ alone is the object of their saving faith has never been lifted. For centuries, the horrendous tortures of the Papacy’s Inquisition were used throughout Europe and Britain to wipe out all believers whose faith was in Christ alone. By the end of the eighteenth century, the Papacy no longer had the
We absolutely praise the Lord God that from Scripture we can be sure that His grace is totally His free gift, "wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved".26 In salvation, we are accepted not in any institution, or by partaking of any sacrament, but in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Papal Substitute for Christ Alone as Object of Faith
The object of faith is clearly seen in Scripture as the person of Christ Jesus Himself. Consequently, it is stated, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house".27 This faith is God-given faith, as declared by the Apostle Peter, "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ".28 This God-given faith comes by hearing the Word of God as is stated, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God".29 The topic of faith is so clear in Scripture that one would doubt that it could be twisted by any church. Nonetheless, the Catholic Church does manage to completely change the concept of faith. Regarding faith, she doesn’t deal directly with the individual, but focuses attention on herself, "the Church", as the object of faith and commitment, and as the one that first believes. Thus she teaches, "It is the Church that believes first, and so bears, nourishes and sustains my faith".30 Then, very audaciously and misleadingly, she declares, "faith comes through the Church because the Church is our Mother". As a result she officially teaches, "Salvation comes from God alone; but because we receive the life of faith through the Church, she is our mother…"31 In the Catholic Church the result is that a person believes in "Mother Church" and not on the Lord Jesus Christ. Her official words stating this are the
"‘Believing’ is an ecclesial act. The Church’s faith precedes, engenders, supports and nourishes our faith. The Church is the mother of all believers. ‘No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother’".32
Therefore, Roman Catholics are compelled to submit to "holy Mother Church" and accept her teaching. Without biblical warrant, the Catholic Church seeks to replace Jesus Christ as the object of saving faith with a substitute; namely, faith in "Mother Church".
The effect of this change is the enslaving of individuals to the Roman Catholic Church rather than the freedom obtained by faith in Jesus Christ alone. To maintain the Catholic Church as the object of faith, the Papacy curses all who believe on Christ by faith alone. The official words of "Mother Church" are,
"If anyone says that by the sacraments of the New Law grace is not conferred ex opere operato [from the work worked], but that faith alone in the divine promise is sufficient to obtain grace, let him be anathema [cursed]".33
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military and civil power to enforce her sinister doctrine. But by the mid-twentieth century, the Papacy’s new tools had been formed against those whose faith is in Christ alone: Ecumenism, dialogue, and "social justice" were formally unveiled at Vatican Council II. The method has changed; but the goal has not.
34 Romans 6:10
35 I Peter 3:18
36 Hebrews 9:28
37 John 19:30
38 Catechism Paragraph 1367 (Emphasis not in original)
39 Hebrews 9:22
40 Catechism Paragraph 1368
41 Hebrews 1:3
42 Romans 3:28
43 Titus 3:5
Christ’s Sufficient Once and For All Sacrifice
The unique oneness of Christ’s sacrifice is the fact that it was one offering-once made. The concept "once" is deemed so important that it is asserted seven times by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. The perfection of Christ’s sacrifice is contrasted with the repeated daily sacrifices of the Old Testament. The truth of the excellence of Christ’s sacrifice is highlighted by the word "once". For example, the Apostle Paul teaches, "for in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God".34 The Apostle Peter likewise declares, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God".35 The same truth is taught five times in the book of Hebrews with the conclusion, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation".36 The majestic truth is found in the Lord’s declaration from the cross, "It is finished".37
In total contrast, the Catholic Church declares that Christ’s sacrifice, which was offered on the cross, is contained and offered in her Mass. Her official words, which are in defiance of Scripture, are the following,
"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 is offered in an unbloody manner".38 However, the Bible teaches that "without shedding of blood is no remission".39
Quite unbelievably she reaches an even more outlandish conclusion. She declares that the sacrifice of Christ is also a sacrifice of the Church offering herself with Him. The official words are, "The Church, which is the Body of Christ, participates in the offering of her Head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire".40 It is utterly blasphemous for a church to teach its members to offer themselves with Christ’s sacrifice. The doctrine of participating in Christ’s sacrifice is entirely perverse and immoral. This proposition is totally false as it denies the repeated statements of God’s truth in Scripture. The work of redemption is "by Himself",41 "without the deeds of the law",42 "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us".43 To teach people such a proposition is a dreadful abomination before the Lord God!
The Nature of God as The Only All Holy One
The Bible clearly teaches that God alone is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His Being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Most important is the fact that He is the All Holy One. His holiness is the divine attribute that covers all attributes so that His
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44 I Samuel 2:2
45 Revelation 15:4
46 Isaiah 6:3
47 Catechism Paragraph 2677
48 Catechism Paragraph 2030
49 Isaiah 42:8
50 Exodus 20:4-5
51 Deuteronomy 4:13, 15-16
52 Exodus 32:4-9
righteousness is holy, His truth is holy, and His justice is holy. He is each of His attributes, and the overall attribute of holiness is that which separates Him from all beings. His holiness is distinctive and matchless. This is the reason why we need to be saved by Him, the All Holy God. Thus, we read in Scripture, "there is none holy as the Lord".44 Again, the Word of the Lord proclaims, "who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorify Thy name for thou only art holy and all nations shall come and worship before thee".45 The Lord God is utterly holy in the words of Scripture, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory".46 In addition to declaring the holiness of God, the official teaching of the Catholic Church declares Mary to be "the All Holy One". The capital letters are there in print, and there is no disclaimer or footnote to explain differently what is said. The following is stated, "By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All Holy One".47 Furthermore, Catholic teaching also officially states, "From the Church he [the Catholic] learns the example of holiness and recognizes its model and source in the all-holy Virgin Mary…"48 This blasphemous teaching is an attempted theft of the very essence of the divine glory reserved unto God alone. It comes as a shock to many to see that in this very doctrine the Papacy displays its total disregard for the Godhead. We know that the Sovereign Lord God alone is the All Holy One and that He is protective of His glory, opposing all that are hostile to it, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another".49
Idolatry
The Scriptures are absolutely clear in declaring that we are neither to make a graven image nor show any veneration to such images, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything...Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them".50 Then Scripture explains how this is to be understood, "and he [God] declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake...Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure...".51 Hence, there is to be no similitude (or likeness) of God made by mankind. That which is forbidden in Scripture is the making of any likeness of Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. The Catholic Church, however, rationalizes that one can indeed practice idolatry. Paragraph 2132 of the 1994 Catechism states,
"The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, ‘the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype,’ and ‘whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.’"
The reason given is that one venerates the person portrayed by the image and not the image itself. Yet, this is exactly what the Bible forbids and why God’s second commandment had forbidden Aaron from making the golden calf.52
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53 Catechism Paragraph 2131
The second reason given by Papal Rome to justify the practice of idolatry, cites the ruling of an 8th century council, which states the following,
"Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word, the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts the veneration of icons - of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints. By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new ‘economy’ of images."53
When the Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea decided that the incarnation of Jesus Christ introduced a new "economy" of images, the unstated logic of their decision required them to maintain that God changed His mind regarding the Second Commandment. Such reasoning is blasphemy. God does not change His mind. Jesus Christ and the Apostles were equally forthright in condemning idolatry, just as were the commandments of the Old Testament. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church claims that a "tradition comes from the Holy Spirit" which justifies the making of graven images and these are to be publicly displayed. Thus in its Catechism, Paragraph 1161 states,
"Following the divinely inspired teaching of our holy Fathers" and the tradition of the Catholic Church (for we know that this tradition comes from the Holy Spirit who dwells in her) we rightly define with full certainty and correctness that, like the figure of the precious and life-giving cross, venerable and holy images of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, our inviolate Lady, the holy Mother of God, and the venerated angels, all the saints and the just, whether painted or made of mosaic or another suitable material, are to be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on sacred vessels and vestments, walls and panels, in houses and on streets".
This is the "Mother Church’s full license for idolatry⎯plain, simple, and condemned by the Lord God.
The Holy Spirit is also forthrightly blasphemed in the claim that He established tradition to justify the use of images. Rather, the Bible makes abundantly clear that God hates idolatry and forbids a representation in art of what is divine (Exodus. 20:4-6). Making images to represent God corrupts those who use them (Deuteronomy 4:13, 15-16). Images teach lies about God (Habakkuk. 2:18-20). God cannot be represented in art and all who practice such idolatry are commanded to repent (Acts 17:29-30). The Holy Spirit issues His warning in the New Testament as He did in the Old, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen" (I John. 5:21). Among the evil fruits of bringing idolatry that God hates into worship are the many pagan superstitions and traditions of Roman Catholicism. But the worst fruit of the idolatry that is rife in Roman Catholic worship under the guise of being Christian is its false gospel.
The topic of idolatry is of utmost importance as many present day Bible-believing churches attempt to justify pictures and videos of Christ. They argue that both we, and those who cannot read, can come to a fuller understanding of the person of Christ from these images. Yet, the Bible clearly states that such images lie. Jesus Christ is the only one with two distinct natures - both divine and human - in one body. Therefore, to attempt to make any kind of an image of Jesus Christ, graven or two dimensional or moving, still falls under the Second Commandment.
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54 Hebrews 1:3
55 Colossians 2:9
56 Exodus 20:4-6; Deuteronomy 4:13, 15-16; Habakkuk 2:18-20; Acts 17:29-30 Thus, the Holy Spirit commands in both Old and New Testaments, "little children, keep yourselves from idols" I John 5:21.
57 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, Para 1367
58 Hebrews 9:25-26
59 Hebrews 7:26
60 Hebrews 9:22
No image can portray Christ’s divinity, for He "is the brightness of his [God’s] glory and the express image of his person",54 "in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily".55
If we are to be biblical, we must avoid or reject any pictorial representation or video showing the persons of Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. The punishment for idolatry is severe, as both Old and New Testament make clear.56 For any temptation to visualize Christ, the Father, or the Holy Spirit, there must be repentance; for God is Holy, and the truth of the Bible is sufficient to provide for all our knowledge of things divine.
Idolatry of the Mass
At the heart of Roman Catholicism is the Mass or Eucharist, described by the Second Vatican Council as "the fount and apex of the whole Christian life". Papal Rome claims that the Mass is a sacrifice and that the sacrifice of Calvary and the Mass are the same, "one single sacrifice". Thus she teaches,
"The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: ‘The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.’ ‘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 is offered in an unbloody manner.’"57
The Holy Spirit’s teaching, however, is that Christ’s sacrifice was once offered, in contrast to the daily offering of sacrifices of the Old Testament, "nor yet that he should offer himself often...for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself".58 Divine perfection is seen in the fact that it was one sacrifice, once offered.
We list several grievous departures of "the Eucharistic Sacrifice" from the divine perfection of the Atonement as revealed in Scripture: Firstly, to provide a re-enactment of the one offering, once offered, is to set out to undermine the will and purpose of God. Secondly, for anyone to deem himself fit to offer the Lord Jesus Christ in His perfect sacrifice is simply arrogance of the highest order. Christ Jesus alone was qualified to offer Himself. He alone had the unique qualifications as the Holy Spirit teaches, "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens".59 Thirdly, the Catholic Church’s claim is that Christ "is offered in an unbloody manner". However Scripture equates offering and suffering. In a propitiatory sacrifice, to offer and to suffer are the same thing. This truth is so important that it is given as an absolute principle, "without shedding of blood is no remission".60 Hence, in this context, to propose a bloodless sacrifice is a contradiction in terms. A bloodless sacrifice is a senseless inconsistency that can have no purpose other than to deceive.
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61 Exodus 20:5-6
62 Luke 22:19
63 This is the dogma in the Catholic Church that is called "transubstantiation." Thus, the official teaching is in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Para 1376 states, "The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: "Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that 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."
64 Ephesians 2:1
65 Ephesians 2:8, 9
Fourthly, the Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice; it is a memorial. The bread and wine are tokens symbolizing the body and blood of the once and for all sacrifice of Calvary. We are to eat and drink them to remember Him and His atonement with thanksgiving and praise until He returns.
Today there are in the Catholic Church convents of nuns devoted to worshipping the Eucharist on a rotational system day and night. There are devout Catholics who spend hours kneeling before the "blessed sacrament" worshipping and praying to it and obtaining solace, they say, from being in the "real presence" of Christ Jesus. The horrifying fact is that such people, professing that they are worshipping Christ in a religious and holy way, are literally practising gross idolatry. Worship of the sacrament brings about the wrath of God as promised in His Word. Idolatry is spiritual adultery. The Lord God looks upon those who practice idolatry as haters of Himself, though they pretend to love Him. The Scripture plainly states that He will visit the iniquity "of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments".61
In the sixteenth century, during the reign of Mary I, or "bloody Mary", many of the martyrs who died in the fire in England chose to do so because of just four words of Scripture, "in remembrance of me".62 Had they been willing to set aside these words, or at least given them a "liberal interpretation", they could have saved themselves. Because they trusted Christ and upheld His Word they refused to do so. For them, the Word of God was truth and life. In affirming these words, the martyrs were denying the Roman Catholic Church doctrine that the communion elements of bread and wine contain the actual physical body and blood of Christ, together with His soul and divinity.63
Conclusion
As we have sought to demonstrate, the Roman Catholic Church most certainly is not Christian. Rather, it is an apostate church. The Bible, God’s written word is the inerrant and infallible authority against the apostasy of the Catholic Church and against her false gospel. The Scriptures make clear that by nature, we are all born "dead in trespasses and sins",64 and in practice, we rebel against the All Holy God. Therefore, we justly fall under the curse of the Law. Yet, the love of the heavenly Father, through the Gospel of grace, rescues His own from His fiery wrath. By means of the conviction of sin, placed on the human heart by the Holy Spirit, He by His grace alone turns us to Himself in faith alone for the salvation that He alone gives. This salvation is based on Christ’s death and resurrection for His own. As a result we believe on Jesus Christ the Lord alone, "for by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast".65 Thus by the
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66 Psalm
abundant grace given by Jesus Christ we are not only redeemed from the empire of death, but we can live and reign with Him as we are sanctified daily through His Word by the Holy Spirit and by constant fellowship with Him. With Him also we shall forever live and reign, world without end. Through Christ Jesus, grace reigns with sovereign freedom, power, and bounty! "Blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen."66 ♦
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@glizag I'm Roman Catholic and I'm happy. Writings of some Catholic saints such as Terese de Lisieux taught me tht love is what is central to all things. I was taught to pray every night to thank god for the blessings he has given me. Something distinguishably Catholic is the image of the Virgin mother and Child i learnt to value is meaning tht god is so close to us. I went to catholic school and they helped me grow in faith with different denominations.
Those wishing to see other testimonies of ex nuns & ex priests can see our videos at ua-cam.com/video/Ph8tpLveaE4/v-deo.html & ua-cam.com/video/RIt43tFTmLc/v-deo.html along with our main playlist called, "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 116 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html. 2 Timothy 2:15
Edgar Lujano You didn't even bother to click on our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 116 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html before asking that silly question. That shows how interested you are in hearing what the other side has to say about these issues. Does your eternal soul mean that little to you? If you would have simply clicked on the link you would have seen debates with Romanist apologists throughout the list such as "DOES ROMAN CATHOLICISM PREACH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL? DEBATE #1: LARRY WESSELS VS. ROBERT FASTIGGI" at ua-cam.com/video/cvpsdh5S9jg/v-deo.html & "BOSTON COLLEGE DEBATE #1 - WAS PETER THE FIRST POPE? WHITE & ZINS VS. SUNGENIS & BUTLER" at ua-cam.com/video/K7kehrfDMI8/v-deo.html & many others.
Titus 1:9-16
“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” -Luke 13:23-24 Do you understand the question in the above Scripture? “Lord, are there few that be saved?” Someone came to Jesus and wanted to know if “few” people were saved. It's interesting that the person didn't ask if “many” people were saved. Evidently the person had been listening to Jesus' preaching and became convinced that few people were really saved. When the Bible speaks of being “saved,” it means saved from God's wrath upon Christ-rejecting sinners in Hell (for more on hell see our playlist "Dealing with Hell, Lake of Fire, Unpopular Bible Doctrines" with 30 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLE04A1D0DFE95B95E.html & "Eternal Punishment, Part 1" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607145320 & "Eternal Punishment, Part 2" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607143539). Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” All Christ-rejecters go to Hell if they die in their sins. If a person is “saved,” then they are going to Heaven when they die. Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We are saved from the eternal consequences of sin, which is punishment in hellfire. To be saved is synonymous with being “born again.” When a person becomes a born-again child of God, they are saved eternally. EVERY human being MUST to be saved (i.e., born again) to enter into Heaven. John 3:3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If a person dies in their sins without believing on Jesus as the Savior, the Son of God, they will burn in Hell forever (Revelation 20:11-15).Just as the disciple who asked Jesus the question in Luke 13:23, I myself often wonder how few are truly born again believers. I dare say not many. Let's consider the question again...“Lord, are there few that be saved?” There are over one billion Catholics in the world who errantly believe that the Catholic Church is going to save them. Roman Catholics do not trust Jesus Christ alone; but rather, rely upon manmade traditions and self-righteous works to save them. According to the Word of God, genuine Catholics are hellbound in their sins because they are trusting in self-righteousness (Romans 3:20; 10:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5, see our playlist "Dealing with Roman Catholicism, Idolatry & the Virgin Mary" with 129 videos & counting at ua-cam.com/play/PLFFA8D69D1B914715.html). There are over one billion Islamic Muslims in the world who deny that Jesus Christ ever died upon a cross for our sins (see our playlist "Dealing with Islam, Muslims: Sunni, Shi'ite, Alawites, Sufis" with 67 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL1C7F68B548009FDD.html). According to the Bible, they are antichrists and liars on their way to Hell (1st John 2:22-23). There are over 183,000 cults in Japan alone that deny Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world. Other false religions include Scientology, Hinduism, Wicca, Buddhism, Seventh Day Adventism, Zoroastrianism, Greek Orthodox, Judaism, Jehovah Witness, Mormonism, Freemasonry, and many more (see our UA-cam channel CAnswersTV at ua-cam.com/users/CAnswersTV with over 615 videos covering most of these anti Christian religions in detail). Why do I call them “false religions”? It's simply because they all corrupt the Biblical teaching of salvation, i.e., the gospel (see our playlist "Dealing with Anti Trinitarians (UPC) & Early Church History" with 48 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL9931642C7C8FFEAB.html). Most false religions ADD works to faith. Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses DENY the deity of Jesus Christ (i.e., that He is Almighty God) - see our playlists "Dealing with Mormonism, the Religion of Mitt Romney & Utah" with 20 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL11CD0EE613306BB5.html & "Dealing with Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower Society" with 22 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLCF0ADB29C0EB8C40.html. Seventh Day Adventists falsely and deceitfully redefine faith to mean works (see our playlist, "Dealing with Seventh-day Adventism & Their "Prophetess" with 23 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL5316CC6F66F24283.html). There are hundreds of millions of followers of Hinduism who deny Jesus as the Savior, the Son of God (see our playlist "Dealing with Anti Christ Cults, "New Age" & World Religions" with 42 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL69A3047B3497590A.html). Judaism denies that Jesus is the Messiah. The same Pharisaical Jews who crucified Jesus 2,000 years ago are crucifying Him today. The Campbellite Church of Christ deceitfully speaks of faith in Christ, but also requires water baptism and living the Christian life to be saved. That is works salvation, which is a lie of the Devil (Romans 3:20; Romans 4:5-6, see our playlist "Dealing with "Saved by Works & Baptism", "Church of Christ" with 72 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PLBD55090718DA6D3D.html). Every Catholic claims not to worship Mary, but the second commandment (Exodus 20:3-5) forbids even bowing to Mary (which every Catholic does, for more on the Roman Catholic installation of the worship of saints, images, & polytheism in church history hear "Perseverance of the Saints & the Worship of Saints (Historical Theology Vol. 1, #17)" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=14101149112 & "The Worship of Images & Civil Authorities (Historical Theology Vol. 1, #18)" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=15101057200). There are hundreds of millions of so-called Charismatic & Pentecostal "Christians" who trade the Word of God for their own wild emotional experiences & replace the Biblical gospel for a gospel of "heath & wealth" despite 1 Timothy 6:10 saying, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" - see our two video series on this: "Blasphemous Charismatic & Pentecostal Mayhem #1: Mad Delusional Experiences Replace Scripture Alone" at ua-cam.com/video/Kbv7YsyMf0I/v-deo.html begins one series while "AGONY OF THE PHONY WORD-FAITH TV PREACHERS #1: MIND SCIENCE ORIGINS OF KENNETH HAGIN & HIS DISCIPLES" at ua-cam.com/video/VwQ5BLrYD_U/v-deo.html begins another series. Even secular humanism, atheism & agnosticism can be considered faith based religions due to the fact that atheists & humanists have a faith that God does not exist while agnostics are willingly ignorant concerning God (see our playlist "Dealing with "God Hating" Atheists, Agnostics, Know-It-Alls" with 20 videos at ua-cam.com/play/PL640E505B96CD6B39.html). Many animistic religions exist throughout the world as well which are described in Romans 1:18-32, see our video "FOREIGN MISSIONS FOR CHRIST: PREACHING TO CANNIBALS, WITCH DOCTORS & TRIBAL NATIVES" at ua-cam.com/video/ACnDLyXa9H0/v-deo.html. All of the religions I have just mentioned account for well over seven eighths of the earth's population or more. Keep in mind, besides all of this, Jesus said, "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). Who are considered "rich people"? It's not just millionaires & world leaders but many lesser wealthy persons who exceed the vast majority of mankind in money & possessions (Luke16:19-31 is a good example of this in the parable of the rich man & Lazarus). See the video "It is Difficult for Americans to Enter Heaven - Tim Conway" at ua-cam.com/video/bDwNGXciNCQ/v-deo.html. Statistics provided in this video show that even the poorest Americans living in the United States have a better net income than most of the world. For instance, according to Forbes magazine, June 1, 2013, the bottom 5% of United States citizens are richer than 68% of people living throughout the rest of the world; U.S. citizens who make $50,000 a year are richer than 99.69% of the people in the rest of the world; U.S. citizens who make $20,000 a year are richer than 96% of the people in the rest of the world, U.S. citizens who make $10,000 a year are richer than 84% of the people in the rest of the world; U.S. citizens who make $100,000 a year are in a category that only 8 out of every 10,000 people achieve in the entire world. Will it be difficult for rich Americans who don't think they're rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven? Jesus already gave the answer. For more on this hear "Those Whom God Hates He Is Often Pleased To Give Plenty Of Earthly Things To, Edwards" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=427121150346 by the well known theologian Jonathan Edwards who also preached the most famous sermon on North American soil called, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=770213541. If you don't like what I am telling you then get mad at God because He wrote the Bible. If you take the Bible at FACE VALUE, you can only interpret it one way. The best way to interpret the Bible is with the Bible. God said what He meant and meant what He said. Let the Bible speak for itself. Jesus answered the question in Luke 13:24 with the following words...“...for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Most of the people in this world are going straight to Hell when they die because they have not been born again (hear "Few Saved From A Burning Hell" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3514145121). Lies and deception are everywhere! Catholics and Jehovah Witnesses claim to be born-again but they are NOT. You can't get born-again by doing good works, confessing your sins to a priest, getting water baptized, joining a church or keeping the Sabbath Day. Salvation is NOT found in any religion; but rather, in a Person-The Lord Jesus Christ! Most people today have churchianity without Christianity, and they are all going to Hell if they don't repent toward God of their unbelief (for more on this see our video "TRUE BELIEVERS & NON BELIEVERS ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF THE REFORMATION: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?" at ua-cam.com/video/3_dN0oC57Rk/v-deo.html). The vast majority of so-called "Evangelical Christians" in the world today do not know what the Biblical gospel is or what "justification by faith alone" is (see our video "SAD STATE OF THE CHURCH: 87% OF EVANGELICAL "CHRISTIANS" DON'T KNOW WHAT GOSPEL JUSTIFICATION IS" at ua-cam.com/video/im4ozy_EiR4/v-deo.html. There are only two types of religions in the world: DO and DONE. Either you believe that you have to DO something to go to Heaven; or else you believe that it is DONE, paid for by Jesus' precious blood. Jesus said in Luke 13:24 that “many” will seek to enter into Heaven but will not be able. That is quite startling. Jesus said the same thing in Matthew 7:21-23 . . . “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” The reason why these religious people were not allowed into Heaven was because they attempted to enter Heaven through their own self-righteousness. In Matthew 5:20 Jesus spake concerning the religious leaders of His time . . . “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Most of the religious churchgoers in the world today are as lost as can be, still hellbound in their wickedness. They have not done the will of God concerning salvation, which is to BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (John 6:40; Acts 16:30-31). Jesus provides two contrasts in Luke 13:24, the contrast between seeking to enter and striving to enter and the contrast between seeking to enter through the narrow door and seeking to enter by any other means. Let’s now focus on the second contrast. Look at verses 25-27:"Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' 26 "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; 27 and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.' (Luke 13:25 NAU) Jesus’ statement at the end of 25 and the middle of 27 is translated well in the NIV: “I don't know you or where you come from.” In effect, He is saying, “I don’t know you at all! You may think that you are mine, but I have nothing to do with you - I don’t even know your family, your village” So what does Jesus mean by the narrow door? What is His intended contrast with other methods of entering? Again, let’s begin by considering what the narrow door is not: The narrow door is NOT being in a church, reading the Bible, listening to sermons, looking to others like a Christian. This is clear from verse 26: these evildoers looked just like believers who had been with Jesus. They had listened to His preaching. But He does not know them, and they stand condemned.The narrow door is NOT being prominent in this life. Jesus says in verse 30 that some who are presently first will be last. Prominence now is no guarantee of one’s entering through the narrow door.The narrow door is NOT being a descendant of a great believer. See verse 28. Remember, Jesus is speaking to descendants of Abraham and Jacob. I sometimes like to use the expression, “God has no grandchildren.” Each of us must come to Jesus on our own, not through our parents, our grandparents, or other ancestors. Then what does Jesus mean by the narrow door? Elsewhere, Jesus says He Himself is the door: I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9) In what sense is this door narrow? In two ways. First, the door is narrow in the sense that no one comes to the Father any other way (John 14:6). No religious activities - Christian or non-Christian - bring us into the Kingdom. Sincere beliefs do not bring us in. Good works do not bring us in. Good feelings about our relationship with Christ do not bring us in. Though in our pluralistic society this message is despised, we must preach, teach, and live out this truth: There is only one door, and that narrow door is Jesus. The Lake of Fire is waiting for "many" when they die. Jesus' disciple asked Him if few people are going to Heaven. Jesus replied that many people will attempt, but fail. When the floods came in Noah's day, many people tried to get on the ark, but it was too late once the door was closed. When the bridegroom came in Matthew 25:1-13, the five foolish virgins were left behind because they were gone buying oil at the last moment. Do not likewise make the mistake of delaying salvation, for you will be sorry when it is too late. Few souls are going to Heaven. Jesus said, "Only those who find that strait gate and narrow way that leadeth unto life (Matthew 7:13-15), which is the righteousness of Jesus Christ will make it to heaven. So many churchgoers have religion, but they have never truly been born of the spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9, hear "Why Are So Few People Saved?" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=111710103558). Salvation happens when a person acknowledges their guilt of sin unto God in repentance; believing on Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, to be forgiven (this is a supernatural action caused by God in the heart of a repentant sinner in 2 Timothy 2:24-26; see also "SUPERNATURAL BIBLE PROPHECY CONCERNING JESUS THE JEWISH MESSIAH (PART #1)" at ua-cam.com/video/DVByqkjwChs/v-deo.html). We are SINNERS and Jesus is the wonderful SAVIOR! Acts 10:43, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Salvation is given to those "few" who have been ordained to eternal life by God Himself (Acts 13:48). And who are those "few"? Jesus answers that question in John chapter 6:37,39,44,63 & 65: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." " It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." For more on this see our video "The Sovereignty of God Versus Man-Made Religions, Hollywood Movies & Petty Emotionalism" - ua-cam.com/video/1UQABR_9gGI/v-deo.html. Keep in mind that God works with relatively few numbers throughout world history (remember how Elijah thought he was the last prophet of God left in Israel in 1 Kings 19:13-18 & the Lord had to correct Elijah about the number but still the number God told Elijah was small). The God of the Bible has always had His way of operating His plan in this world & it has always been consistently with small numbers (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence." For an excellent message concerning the small numbers God has historically employed please hear the outstanding theologian Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his sermon "Sermon 113 - Three-score and Fifteen Souls" at www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=99217141430450. We also have a video along these lines called " Biblical Predestination #6: God Only Chooses a FEW for Salvation (Many Called/Few Chosen)" - ua-cam.com/video/veCdGzYsc70/v-deo.html. See also our video "Strive To Enter - But Many Will Not Be Able To - Greg Van Court - Dayspring Fellowship, Austin, TX" at ua-cam.com/video/qr2Rn-7o4RA/v-deo.html. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
The lower we go on the social ladder, the more devout are the exploited flock.