 |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
The Catholic Faith Those of you who have been visiting this website have seen various comments regarding the Catholic Church. Hopefully this section will bring you more enlightenment as to the truth of the situation. Catholicism claims nearly one billion of the earth’s population. Every living person has been directly or indirectly touched by this religion. My father was raised as a Catholic, and was put out of his church following divorce. World governments and events are swayed by the Vatican’s dictates. When in college, the Catholic vs. Protestant issue was avoided by the professors. Even when questioned, Catholicism was addressed as just another denomination—we could see it was a hotbed topic. If you are a Catholic reading this, I will take for the moment that you are serious about living a Godly life. If this is indeed the case, then proceed onward from here with prayer and patience. The intent here is that you may see the true nature of your religion, and be turned to real salvation through Jesus Christ. Many may be sincere, but are also sincerely deceived. I hope you will take it that the Lord has led you to this site out of love, that you might be with Him eternally. Catholicism is a strong “hand-me-down” faith. That is, each generation indoctrinates the next one (while quite young) into it’s doctrines and practices. Most spiritual beliefs, no matter what religion, are passed on that way. New converts are relatively few by comparison. The Catholic influence on its young is so powerful, that most exposed to it can never truly leave it—even when very disillusioned. Yet remember the challenge given by Christ, He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37 There is a cost to following Jesus; but it will bring an eternal reward, albeit unearned. Below are some different viewpoints from which the Catholic Faith is considered. A) The Devout Catholic This individual is devoted to the church in nearly all aspects of his/her life. The Catholic Church teaches that it alone is the way of salvation, and the devout member follows all it’s rigors in hope of eventually seeing heaven. The seven sacraments are performed. Extra masses are taken and bought; confessions are made regularly, and the atoning services rendered. Good works are performed to try and earn salvation. Infant baptism is dutifully performed to be “born again,” resulting in a cleansing from original sin. These devout persons also hate the opponents of Catholicism. Though most Catholics are moderate and live peaceably, many are aware that their faith also allows them to kill heretics—those that have rejected Catholicism. Devout Catholics know that declaring assurance of salvation is the sin of presumption. They may still claim to be saved, or are being saved, because of their adherence to the Catholic Church and it’s doctrines. Many times these have also been educated in the Catholic School system. Every aspect of their lives revolves around serving the church, which in turn will please God as well. Devout Catholics use Mary (Jesus’ earthly mother) as the intercessor in prayer between themselves and God. Other deceased saints are also prayed to, according to the specific need. All Catholics believe they will go to a place called Purgatory after death. There they will endure a certain degree of punishment, for an undetermined amount of time, to make up for sins that aren’t completely atoned for. Individuals can only leave Purgatory through the prayers of living loved ones, who must pay to have masses performed for their release. Catholic members are not permitted to interpret the Word of God, but must consent to the church’s position on what the Word actually means—this by the view of the papacy. In certain places and times, individual reading of God’s Word (without church direction) is strictly forbidden. It is a sin that must be confessed. In the home of this person, many items may be displayed to show their devotion. Crucifixes, statues of saints, rosary beads, and pictures of Mary are often visible. You may also see them making the cross shape across their chest, symbolizing the desire for divine guidance. B) Average Catholic Laity These may be Catholics by marriage, or who became involved with the church later in life. It could also include lifelong Catholics, who never had any deeper schooling in Catholicism. All the basic core doctrines are still in place, but church associations will be more casual. There will be few, if any, religious items that are openly displayed. The meaning behind the rituals isn’t something they know a lot about, or are concerned with. They follow church leaders without question; entrusting eternity to what they teach. This person would normally be shocked at the thought of violence to further their faith. They try to do good works, and foster the ecumenical movement by co-existing peacefingully with their neighbors. This will change, however, were someone to take a strong stand against their church. Devout Catholics and church laity alike are often employed to attend Protestant Churches; fostering ecumenism and a generally favorable attitude toward Catholicism. This they do for “mother church,” as a good work toward eternal salvation. Along with this, they also report to their priest or bishop should anyone at their Protestant Church start making waves against the Catholic Church. C) Unattached but loyal Like so many from varied faiths, these individuals have fallen into a complacency that comes with earthly entanglements. They were indoctrinated early, and had complied with youthful exuberance. Now, however, they have little time for formal religion. Because of the great early exposure, these will remain forever loyal to the Catholic Church. They believe if turned away from the church, they will be eternally damned. These are likely to appear in church on special occasions only: Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and perhaps for confession 2-3 times per year. These may have a religious item or two, mostly out of superstition that it will give them more favor with God. Even those more remotely attached than the fore mentioned, find themselves forever bound with unseen fetters to the mother church of Rome. D) The disillusioned Disillusionment happens for a variety of reasons. It can result from God not answering prayers; world conditions you can’t understand if God exists; or the death of a loved one that you think unfair. Most disillusionment, I believe, comes from others letting you down. Bad behavior from a church leader, or some other good “Christian.” Also, the church’s reaction to a situation might trigger it. Science “falsely so called” (I Timothy 6:20) often causes people to stumble. Men perceived as educated and knowledgeable refuting God’s Word as true. The disillusioned Catholic is in a real quandary. Heavily indoctrinated into thinking one can only be saved through the Catholic Church, they now have no where to turn. They feel that this is the system we’re stuck with; and if we can’t believe that, then all is lost. There are different degrees of disillusionment; ranging from greatly discouraged to the total rejection of the faith. This person may still pray during a crisis, or may rely totally upon themselves. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)What they have been taught falls far short of their experiences; and the tendency is to blame or disbelieve God, rather than think that their teachers have been incorrect. Many times these will fill their lives with carnal indulgences (riches, sex, alcohol), since all moral restraint has been removed from their lives. They are trying to fill a vacuum that was once the home of faith. It would be wrong to say that becoming disillusioned only happens to Catholics. The falling away of these last days indicates the disillusionment of many—though most have chosen an altered “gospel” that they are more comfortable with. (II Timothy 4:2-4) Then there is how Protestants view Catholicism. Here are some of those basic types: A) Those that embrace it. These are the ecumenical, striving for unity above all else. Many here even admire the Catholic faith, and support their ministries in prayer and finance. B) Those who accept it. These believers are still striving for peace, and getting along. They consider Catholicism to be merely another denomination, not understanding Catholic doctrine and true Bible teachings. C) Unknown issue. Yes, there might be some out there that have never heard of the issue at all. These tend to follow their church leaders when the subject arises. D) Those who reject it. Dwindling numbers in this category. These know the Bible and how it stands up to Catholic doctrine. They also understand The Reformation, and remember the blood shed by true believers in defense of God’s Word. Protestant church leadership today almost universally embraces or accepts Catholicism. As a consequence, their congregations do the same. The ecumenical movement (all churches unified) is part of the falling away, and will culminate in the one world church of the antichrist. The deception is deepening every day; which is why it is important to recognize it now, while there is still time. In the following section I will outline various Catholic doctrines and practices, and how they stack up against the Word of God (Jesus). Most believers do not know the truth, and are not being taught by their leaders. If you are a Catholic, I pray this will be and eye opening insight—that you may turn to Jesus Christ, and truly receive sure salvation.
Jesus is the Word. (John 1) The term “Christian” literally means Christ-like. Obedience according to the Word of God naturally accompanies being Christ-like.
Simply put, following Jesus according to the Word of God is the only true authority in a believer’s life.
Everything we are as true followers of Christ has been handed down via the Word of God. That holy, preserved Word of God denies the Catholic Church the authority it tries to claim! To serve this man-made religion hoping to be saved puts a person into spiritual bondage on earth—and separates them eternally from God. Remember Romans 3:38 which says:
This is the huge difference between Catholicism and Biblical Christianity: The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is earned by good works, but that no one can be sure that they are saved. God’s Word tells us that no one can ever be saved through good works. Instead, Jesus paid the atonement for all of our sins (past-present-future) through His death on the cross. When we repent of our sins by accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, we are then saved, and will reside eternally with God after we die.
See also II Chronicles 30:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36,37; Romans 3:28, 6:23, 10:13; Galatians 2:20, 3:22; Ephesians 2:8,9. Presuming that you are saved is only sinful if you believe yourself to be “good enough” to have earned salvation. In following God’s Word, you know that you are saved by repentance through Jesus’ blood! God did the work; we simply have to accept it. The Mass is at the center of Catholic worship. It is also one of the greatest blasphemies against the finished work of Jesus. Many protestants blindly accept the Mass as Bible-based communion, which it is very far from. During the Mass, the priest consecrates the bread and wine. When he does this, the communion elements supposedly literally become the flesh and blood of Jesus. This is called transubstantiation. Catholics receiving Mass must then bow and revere those elements as God. Though every sense we were created with shows nothing has happened, the recipient must participate and believe in the change—their hope of salvation depends on it! For the Catholic, Jesus is continually dying. True believers are thankful for the empty cross. (vs. the Crucifix) How can a priest pull Jesus out of heaven to repeat his suffering over and over? Actually, priests of the sun god performed “transubstantiation” long before Catholicism was founded. This gives a solid clue as to the true origin of Catholicism. The Word of God addressed this heretical practice as well, so real Christians would be able to distinguish the truth from the lie.
Each account of communion in the gospels plainly refer to Jesus’ blood as the fruit of the vine. No transformation has happened! See also Matthew 26:29 and Mark 14:25
All of us are familiar with Jesus’ words before dying, “it is finished.” He meant it! No repeat performance would occur.
This scripture is common for accompanying protestant communion observations. God makes sure we know it is a memorial only; “in remembrance.”
Could it be said more plainly? The Satanic blasphemy of “eating God” was old when the New Testament was being written. See also Romans 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 10:10-14; I Peter 3:18 There is another way the Mass directly violates God’s Word.
Bowing to the “wafer god” in the Mass is idolatry: a plain violation of the second commandment. It is interesting to note that the Catholic Bible clearly contains this, and other admonitions about idolatry—but the Catechism does not! In the Catechism, the second commandment is removed, and the tenth commandment is split into two! Why? Statues are big money for the church.
Even apart from the Ten Commandments (and that’s big!), God’s Word has plenty more to say on the subject.
See also Leviticus 19:4; I Kings 21:26; II Chronicles 15:8; Isaiah 2:8,17, 42:17; Deuteronomy 4:16,23, 5:8, 27:15; Psalms 97:7; Jeremiah 8:19; Ezekiel 20:18,31; Micah 1:7, 5:13; Acts 15:20; I Corinthians 5:11, 10:7,14; II Corinthians 6:16; I Thessalonians 1:9; I Peter 4:3; I John 5:21; Revelation 22:14,15 Praying to idols/graven images also brings with it a curse only Jesus can cure.
Idolatry brings with it direct influence from Satan and other devils! Indulging an idol gives our spiritual adversary permission to be in our lives. Because of this influence, idolatry becomes controlling; and very hard to break. Nevertheless, even the smallest drop of Jesus’ blood can overwhelmingly crush the devil’s power! As you turn back to Christ, His power will be there to overcome the enemy. At this point, some try to defend themselves. They would claim not to be praying to an idol, but to the deceased “saint” that the statue represents. Make no mistake—if you are participating in the Mass, you are an idolater. But the issue of praying to the dead plagues our society, so we will address this extensively from God’s viewpoint. The Bible has plenty to say on the matter. If you are Catholic, you’ve been taught to follow the Pope and church traditions above the Bible. True followers of Christ know that the Word of God is the only authority we should follow. Any spiritual leader can only be followed as long as they are in agreement with the Word. Knowing God’s Word exposes Satan’s deceitful ministers II Corinthians 11:15) to us, so that we may avoid them.
The Bible is the source of our every belief.
We utterly need the Word as much as food!
God preserves His Word perfectly forever.
How can a human pontiff be above the Word? Fallible men lead the Catholic Church, yet they tell you to follow them?
Don’t let any man tell you he must interpret God’s Word for you! The Holy Spirit needs no partner in that task! In short, the Word of God makes a clear distinction between the living and dead. When the body dies, the spirit and soul (they are linked) will continue to be alive eternally.
No reincarnation. No more chance for redemption, or falling away. The death of the body brings us to judgment. There is definitely no more interaction between the living and dead! More Bible on that in a minute… Purgatory is a uniquely Catholic doctrine, which has not a single mention in the entire Bible! This is one of Satan’s most destructive systems—it leaves nations in poverty, and those alive in bondage to the dead. It fills the Catholic Church with wealth. And no soul is ever moved from it’s spiritual condition at the time of death. Some reading this may not be familiar with the concept of Purgatory, so this is for you. The Catholic believes that all souls go to Purgatory after death. It is not Hell, but a place of intermediate suffering for each person to “pay” for remaining sins. (Remember works salvation) Living friends and relatives must pay money to have Masses held, for the purpose of getting that loved one out of Purgatory and into Heaven. So the spiritual destiny of the deceased falls to the living! One never knows when or if a soul has been released to heaven; so they must continue paying for Masses as much as possible. The bondage is spiritual and financial. What a cruel burden to be laden with! Yet the teaching of Purgatory brings the Catholic into an involvement with the dead; which God’s Word denies. Starting in the Old Testament, God condemns those with familiar spirits; also called necromancers.
We would think of such a person as a medium, who would then summon up the spirits of the dead to communicate this. These spirits are “familiar,” but they are not the actual loved ones that have been called for! They are devils; the fallen angels who rebelled against God, impersonating the deceased person. These beings exist around that deceased person and the person seeking contact. These devils know them well in every respect. Through various accounts, it has been speculated that the numbers of angels/devils is far greater than the human population, possibly 10 to 1 or more. We do not know the actual number. These spirits mostly stay invisible, but Satan is the god of this world. The scriptures warn us about this, and condemn those with familiar spirits.
See also Leviticus 19:31, 20:27; II Kings 23:24. In Samuel 28 is an account of King Saul seeking out a woman with familiar spirits. When first anointed king, Saul had cut off those with familiar spirits—now fallen from God, he sought out this evil. In this one time, it appears that the actual spirit of Samuel came back to contact Saul. God used this to further condemn Saul; not to comfort and instruct him. You will note that those contacting dead spirits almost always hear words of comfort and cheer! Compare this to the words of Christ;
Leviticus 19:28 and Deuteronomy 26:13,14 also speak of not doing practices for the dead. Warning: these last days will see many supernatural signs that are performed by Satan, and the antichrist he inhabits.
Why do so many assume that all the supernatural is good? Believe the Bible, and be warned!
What then of the angels from God?
This scripture is the defining passage concerning angels. There are dozens of accounts to show this true! God uses angels to minister to us in varying ways, but they are not to be prayed to! They are fellow servants of God, and here for our benefit. (See Genesis 19, Daniel 10, Matthew 1:20, 2:13, 4:11; Luke 1:26; Acts 5:19, 12:7 among many others!) Many also describe their deceased loved ones as “angels.” We do not become angels, people! In Matthew 22:30-32, Mark 12:25, and Luke 20:34-36, refer to our resurrected state as being like the angels. Let’s read…
Physically like the angels: but God in His wisdom made man in His likeness; and the angels, servants to men. (This is an issue of authority, not superiority—and only the Lord Jesus commands the angels!)
The New Age Movement has greatly influenced the furtherance of the misconceptions about the dead and angels. The Star Wars series of movies openly espouses such thoughts through “the force.” This force is supposedly the life energy of all living things, which continues to exist and interact with those still alive—even after their outer bodies die. God addresses this one, too.
Many clear distinctions in the Bible show us that the dead (physically) are cut-off from the living. Jus as importantly, that there is nothing the living can do for the eternal spiritual state of the dead. Let’s look more closely…Every time you read about a person being “rewarded according to their works,” they are isolated. Only their own works, while physically alive, matter.
No prayers or penance for the dead make any difference!
See also Ezekiel 18:20-32, 33:8-10, Romans 2:6. These passages show the believer’s responsibility to warn the non-believer while yet alive. The end result is the same; for each life alone;
Next, we view the release of death. How could death be a release if the dead are still bogged down with the living? No, after dying, the cares of this world are left far behind.
Hezekiah was released from viewing God’s judgment through death. If Hezekiah were somehow still floating around among the living, he would still be greatly grieved for his family.
Death is better than life! Only for the redeemed, however. (Please become one of those redeemed!) See also I Kings 21:29; Job 3:21, 14:13; Proverbs 14:32; Ecclesiastes 7:1. Death separates from the living.
See also Genesis 37:35, Ruth 1:17, and Psalms 115:16,17 Two stories within the Bible speak loudly and clearly to these issues; one Old Testament, the other New Testament.
After his child dies, David acknowledges that there was nothing further for him to do. They were separated by death, and prayers were of no more effect.
Here we see that the dead are separated from the living, and are not aware of what each other goes through. This story is a true account, and not a parable! Praying to idols, angels, and dead saints, are all part of Satan’s plan to provide substitute mediators between mankind and God. Our creator has always desired a close, personal relationship with each of us. No doubt that Mary is the worst of these substitutes. The position Mary holds in Catholicism is handed down from Semiramis; with titles like the “queen of heaven,” the “mother goddess,” and named Venus in the Roman Empire. Mary truly was an obedient servant of God, and deserving of the Biblical description as a saint. She would be appalled at the blasphemous heresies heaped upon her earthly life! Of course, she is now safely at home with her Lord Jesus; and therefore is removed from knowing what has transpired. The Catholic Church calls Mary the Mediatrix. They now also claim she was immaculate (without sin), and a perpetual virgin. (No human sexual relations) This church position on Mary is so far from the truth of God’s Word, that it defies logical explanation! The Bible does address the situation well. Historical analysis also shows that Catholicism was never Biblical Christianity. It is in fact, the pagan religion of sun-god worship with names from the Bible substituted for the key figures. First of all, Catholicism sells Mary on the basis of an angry Jesus! Only Mary can supposedly pacify her son (Jesus); who is extremely enraged at His treatment by mankind. How totally, utterly ridiculous. It is clear that suffering and dying were always in God’s plan!
Jesus’ perfect blood is for the remission of sins—it is the only sacrifice that works. (with repentance) Mary can not mediate. As we have seen, the dead are separated from the living. The work of intercession belongs to Jesus alone! Interaction between Jesus and Mary occurs several places in the gospels. In Matthew 12:46, Mark 3:32, and Luke 8:19-21, Mary and Jesus’ earthly brothers are trying to gain an audience with Jesus. His response? To put heavenly priorities first. There is no mention of Him complying with His family’s wishes at all. In Luke 2:48,49, Jesus is separated from Mary and Joseph while questioning leaders in the temple. How did Jesus respond when confronted?
This is another mild rebuke, with God’s priorities first. Jesus is still respectful, but single minded in His mission. (verse 51) John 2:1-11 is the changing of water into wine. Jesus first response is another mild rebuke; before complying. In fact, the name Mary is not used in any of these five passages! She is referred to as the mother of Jesus. The bible does not lift up Mary’s name, and plainly shows her inability as a mediator between mankind and Jesus. God was addressing this Catholic doctrine pre-emptively; so they would be without excuse, forewarned well in advance. Matthew 13:55 goes a step further, actually giving us the names of Jesus’ earthly brothers. No perpetual virgin, either! So what about Mary’s status?
Mary confesses her need for a savior.
She also performs the sin offering of the Law of Moses.
Praise God for Mary, and her obedient part in the plan of salvation! Do not pray to Mary, however. This is another gospel, that leads into the Lake of fire. We are blessed by grace to be enabled to directly bring our petitions before God, through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only mediator.
Jesus tells us to pray to God the Father in His name, again showing that He (Jesus) is the only mediator. See John 14:13,14, 15:16, 16:23.
Jesus is the only way of salvation; therefore the only mediator between God and mankind.
More instruction to go directly to Christ, hallelujah! See also Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 12:24.
Jesus is our advocate; continually bringing grace to those who seek Him. Why live in fear and doubt? Turn to Jesus now, and be saved!
The term born again has become a catch phrase, used by many people and referring to various events. True followers of Christ are usually naïve in these matters; not knowing God’s Word or the satanic deceptions involved with this term. Catholicism teaches that you are born again at baptism. (usually done as in infant) They teach that water sprinkling (immersion is the Biblical example) baptism cleanses from original sin (the sin nature everyone is born with). From this point, the individual must try to attain salvation through good works—by following the traditions/doctrines of the Catholic Church. The protestant will hear every “good” Catholic say they are born again, and some even say they are saved. Born again means they were baptized. Saved means that they are being saved by following the Catholic Church’s instruction. (Catholicism claims that salvation comes only through the Catholic Church.) The sin of presumption prevents any Catholic from claiming assurance of salvation. (Contrary to the Bible) God’s Word shows ,
Repenting and believing come first; baptism is an outer testimony of an inner change. Obviously, no infant could have made such a choice. In fact, born again is only found in John 3:3-8. This passage makes clear the spiritual nature of the change, and water baptism is not mentioned. Baptism is an important, obedient gesture. It is always done hand-in-hand with repentance for the remission of sins.
Baptism is an important symbolic, obedient act Jesus instructed us to perform.
Jesus was also baptized as an example to follow; not because of repentance from sin. These verses in Matthew make that plain. If the perfect God of creation humbled himself to be baptized, then each of us who have received Christ need to as well.
Teaching, then baptizing.
Repentance, then baptism. Receiving the Word, then baptism.
The eunuch had to believe first; prior to baptism. See also Acts 8:12,13, 18:8, 19:4,5, and 22:14-16. After all the clear Biblical teaching on baptism, how could it be so mishandled by the Catholic Church? This is a satanically inspired man-made religion! Is baptism necessary for salvation? The account of the thief on the cross shows us that it is not an absolute necessity. (Luke 23:42,43) It is, however, something we must obey. If Jesus did this by example, how could we refuse? Neglecting to be baptized after salvation is a seriously negative reflection on one’s heart condition before God! Jesus gives us two sacraments to perform; baptism and communion. Both of these are to be obedient remembrances by the true church of Christ (spiritual). Good works cannot save (Ephesians 2:8,9), so the performance of these sacraments adds nothing to the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Catholic Church has seven sacraments. They are baptism, penance (confession), the Mass (Holy Eucharist), confirmation, matrimony, Holy Orders (church leaders), and Extreme Unction. For the Catholic, performing the sacraments are considered “channels of grace,” and necessary if one hopes to be saved. (More works salvation) Hopefully this will clear up God’s position on the sacraments, according to the Word. First to the Catholic, who may be sincerely deceived; secondly, to the protestant trying to understand the Catholic use of these terms. Also, remember that many are being deliberate in deceiving you. These serve the Vatican, even within protestant churches! Know your Bible; pray for your own discernment, and pray for your enemies. The Holy Spirit will guide you in responding. Celibacy among Catholic Church leaders (Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, nuns) is expected. This lends to a religious air that seemingly implies great dedication to God. Does it really? Again, a true Christian’s authority comes from the Word alone. (Jesus) Sexual sin is by far the most talked about sin in the Bible. Numerous terms are used; from the common adultery and fornication, to lasciviousness and wantoness. (I am not listing all terms) Whoredoms and harlotry also refer to this sin. The warnings about sexual sin is not because it is the most evil, but because it is easy to fall into. Also, it gives rise to many other sins—even theft and murder. Remember that when we were created, it was all very good. (before sin) We were made with strong biological urges to “be fruitful and multiply…and replenish the earth.” God created those drives, and the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13); through marriage to one spouse (not homosexual!). It is true that the Bible identifies a few believers who will not marry (Matthew 19:12). In view of the entire Bible, however, these should be considered an extremely small number! This would be a call of God’s choosing, not ours. We have already referenced Genesis 1:28, and the “biological commission” to mankind. Now look in Genesis two;
At the time of creation, God physically walked with Adam. Still, He (God—Jesus) said man needed an help-meet. These passages in Genesis reflect why there is such a powerful drive to “couple.” This is how were made from the start. Then view these instructions;
Our God-made sex drive is so powerful, we are told to marry just to avoid fornication! Also, that husband and wife need to provide that release for their spouse—and not withhold it! Remember that the married are no longer two individuals; they are one flesh. (Matthew 19:5) So what about church leaders? You’d think that, “surely it must be proper for the Catholic hierarchy to maintain celibacy.” Wrong again! Many and grievous are the sexual sins of the Catholic Church—these scriptures show why.
Understand that the Catholic leaders are called by their organized church, not Jesus Christ! Celibacy is a religious endeavor meant to impress their followers. The end result is sin, sin, and more sins. They deny instruction by God to marry, and so not using the way of escape (from temptation) that our Lord has made.
Another fallacy of Catholicism lies in papal decrees. The pope is considered to be as “Christ” on earth according to the Catholic Church. Therefore at times papal decrees are made, which are more doctrines that mankind must believe and observe to be saved. The Word of God forbids any additions to it after the book of Revelation. And, of course, most papal decrees contradict the Bible. (See Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5,6, Revelation 22:18,19) The belief that Mary was immaculate (born without sin) was brought in just 1854! The idea that she was a perpetual virgin (never had sex) was only affirmed in 1950! Much could be made of many papal decrees; how they oppose the Word, and even each other. I will focus on only one. Pope Gregory VII proclaimed that to kill an apostate, a heretic, or an ex-communicated Catholic is not murder. That it is actually a good Christian action. Can you believe what you just read? A man claiming to be “Christ” on earth, made that decree. What did Jesus say?
Does that even remotely sound like murder is O.K.? Jesus did predict that decree, however…
Much evil has been sown due to this devilish decree. Many Muslims despise Christianity because of what the Catholic Church has done in Christ’s name. Whenever you hear of “Christians” fighting Muslims—it is Catholics, not true Christians! True believers follow God’s Word; showing charity to their enemies, overcoming evil with good. (Romans 12:21) Yes, all these decrees are in full force and authority today. The Council of Trent, and Vatican II council upheld all papal decrees. As you can see, the decree discussed here also calls for faith by force. Conquering nations and forcing Catholicism upon them—or else! Those still opposed will be removed or killed. In the past, direct military actions were taken to enforce this—today, new laws are introduced behind the scenes that uphold the Vatican’s viewpoint. Our only hope is Jesus! We find true, eternal rest with him.
Every Catholic must also perform the sacrament of penance; which involves the confessional, an obtaining the absolution (forgiveness) of the priest. After hearing the confession, the priest instructs the individual to perform some penance (good work or church rite), and he then pronounces their sin forgiven. Can a man really forgive sins? The Bible says,
When you are wronged by someone, you may forgive them for what was done to you. But God is the only one who can provide eternal forgiveness. Confession to a priest is yet one more substitute mediator endorsed by Catholicism. As discussed previously, Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Not only does He forgive, but provides empowerment to overcome sinful behavior. Jesus’ one-time blood atonement is all we ever need, and the only one God will accept. Every belief of true Christian doctrine and practice is radically changed within Catholicism. As you read God’s Word for yourself, you will plainly see how it could never be a part of Catholicism.
The Vatican also claims that the apostle Peter is buried beneath it, and that he was the first pope. This element is crucial to Catholicism’s foundation, and attempts to back the assertion of apostolic succession. This is yet another fabrication—untrue from historical perspective and Biblical directive. Historically, Peter never travelled to Rome. Claims of such could be called legends, or wishful thinking. Constantine pronounced this as a fact as part of his attempts to fool true Christians into accepting the pagan “Christianity” he was creating. Constantine worshipped the sun god, and Catholicism is that same religion—only outfitted with names from the Christian faith. This is why the Vatican has always sought to control Jerusalem, where Peter is truly buried. This is the real reason for the crusades. The atrocities committed by the Catholic crusaders have been a black eye to true Christians ever since. The official Catholic Church has always known that it’s “tomb of St. Peter” is a hoax. Galatians 2:7,8; affirm that Peter’s evangelistic call was to the Jews. Paul was sent to the gentiles and to Rome. In addition, Peter’s tomb has been officially discovered at Jerusalem—verified by Catholic archeologists! See more at www.aloha.net/~mikesch/peters-jerusalem-tomb.htm. There is no line of “apostolic succession” in the Bible. Peter was married (Luke 4:38), was not commissioned as the head of Christ’s church of earth, not did he pass along any such institution. Peter as the “rock” foundation of Catholicism, is a twist of emphasis found in Matthew chapter sixteen. Let’s look at closely, since these are God’s Words!
By simply looking at verse eighteen, you might suppose that Jesus proclaiming to build the church on Peter “the rock.” But if you look at more in this passage, and the entire Word of God, the outlook becomes much clearer.
In this same conversation, Jesus rebukes Peter as Satan! That should say it all, but let’s clear up verses 15-18 a little further. In the Greek, Peter’s name means “little stone.” The rock of verse eighteen (in the Greek) refers to an enormous boulder or mountain, such as the rock of Gibraltar. There is no way that church can be founded on a “little stone.” So what was the rock being mentioned? The confession of Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus is the rock; the solid foundation for His bride, the church.
If you are a Catholic, turn now directly to Jesus and receive sure salvation.
No other mediator is necessary, or even allowed by God.
Salvation is a free gift to you, bought through Jesus’ blood.
No good works that you do can earn heaven, it is of grace by faith.
Most Protestants have been taught that Catholicism is another Christian denomination: It is not. If any come to you claiming to be a true Christian, who attends Mass and the Catholic Church—they are either deceived, or lying. No man can serve two masters, and Catholicism is plainly another gospel.
There is no salvation in the Catholic Church: you must come out and be separate.
The following is a brief summary chart of differences between scripture and Catholicism.
Catholic Position Bible Position
| |||||||
