Catholics Pray to Mary

On January 17, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states the following about praying to Mary:

“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… May she welcome us as our mother at the hour of our passing to lead us to her son, Jesus, in paradise.” Pg. 644, #2677

Hmmm, let’s break this apart and compare it to the Word of God:

1. Mary is the Mother of Mercy:

Jesus said, (Mat 9:13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (emphasis mine)

God said to Moses, (Rom 9:15) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (emphasis mine)

(Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, This does not mention Mary at all.

(Heb 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (emphasis mine). Why would we be commanded to personally and directly go before the throne of grace to obtain mercy? We are told to go boldly – one can only go boldly before the Father when one has the Son. Mary is not mentioned here.

(Jud 1:21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (emphasis mine). We are not commanded to look for mercy of Mary but of Jesus Christ our Lord!

“From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of `Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs…” Pg. 253, #971

Turning to Mary in time of need is not commanded in the Bible. Jesus repeatedly told us to come to Him!

(Mat 11:28 ) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.(Mat 19:14) But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

(Mar 10:14) But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

(Luk 18:16) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

(Joh 6:65) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

(Joh 7:37) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

That was just Jesus saying this in the New Testament. Since Jesus is God, look at some verses where God said in the Old Testament to go to Him:

(Jer 33:3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

(Psa 50:15) And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.(Psa 91:15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

(Jer 29:12) Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (emphasis mine).

I was told by a catholic that I was pompous and full of myself because I thought I could go directly to God Himself in prayer! What???? Does the Word not say to call upon the Lord?

(2Sa 22:7) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.(1Ch 21:26) And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

(Psa 18:6) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

(Psa 99:6) Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

(Psa 118:5) I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

Not a single verse tells us to pray to Mary but there sure are plenty that tell us to call upon God and He will answer us! He is the One to turn to in time of need, not Mary.

(Psa 37:39) But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.(Psa 46:1) [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

(Isa 33:2) O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

(Psa 41:1) Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

(Psa 55:22) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. It does not say to cast our burdens on Mary.

Christ is all sufficient. He alone can carry our burdens. (Mat 11:28 ) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus tells us who to pray to in the New Testament:

(Luk 11:2) And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. This says to pray to the Father.

(Joh 16:23) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Obviously Jesus taught that we could pray to the Father – in His Name! No praying to Mary – no asking Mary to pray for us – we can go to the Father ourselves in Jesus’ name!

Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Again, let your requests be made known unto God – not Mary!

Uh, either the Bible is wrong or catholicism is wrong. Why go to God through Mary when you can go to Him directly as Jesus commanded? Mary told the disciples to do what Jesus told them to do. If you believe in Mary so much, why are you not obeying her? (Joh 2:5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Who will you believe? God or man? (Act 5:29) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Mary as Intercessor

On January 17, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states this about Mary:

“Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.” Pg. 252, #969

I can remember hearing my mother tell me, as she prayed the rosary, that she was praying to Mary so that she could go to the Father and Jesus on her behalf. She told me that Mary knew what my mother was going through and she had a greater compassion for her children and, therefore, could approach the Throne with greater effect. I told my mother that she was robbing Jesus Christ of what He deserved and a mother would not do this. However, she was blinded by so many years of indoctrination by the church of Rome and she just could not understand what I was saying and was very defensive of the things she had been taught.

Let’s look at the titles that the catholic catechism gives to Mary and let the Word of God deal with them:

1. Advocate:

The word advocate means “to defend the cause of.” The catholic church teaches that Mary is an advocate. This is not in the Bible and is a man-made tradition. What does the Bible say about this?

(1 John 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (emphasis mine).

So who can be right? Where do you draw the line when it comes to this? Do you believe God’s Word when it contradicts what the catholic church teaches or do you prefer to put your head in the sand like an ostrich and hope you are right?

2. Helper:

I have yet to find a verse in Scripture that says that Mary is a helper. In fact,

The Bible disagrees with catholicism by declaring that Jesus, not Mary, is the only Helper:

(Psa 54:4) Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

(Heb 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

(Heb 13:6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

3. Benefactress:

This word is not even in Scripture nor is there any reference to its definition. This is yet another catholic tradition. The word benefactor means:

He who confers a benefit, especially one who makes charitable contributions either for public institutions or for private use.

Just what/how does Mary bring forth a benefit? What benefit? So much of the catholic doctrine is worded in such a complicated manner that the lay person cannot possibly understand it and must rely on the priest (and higher) to reveal the church’s will.

4. Mediatrix:

The definition of Mediatrix (female mediator) is:

One that interposes between parties at variance for the purpose of reconciling them.1. By way of eminence, Christ is the mediator, the divine intercessor through whom sinners may be reconciled to an offended God. Tim.2.

No where does the Bible state that Mary was a mediator between man and God. No where! In fact, Mary requested people to obey her Son!(Joh 2:5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (emphasis mine). What does the Bible say about the one who holds the title of mediator?

(1 Tim 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Tim 2:6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (emphasis mine).

(Heb 8:6) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. (emphasis mine).

(Heb 9:15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (emphasis mine).

(Heb 12:24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (emphasis mine).

Hmmm … four times the Word of God says that Jesus is the Mediator. No where does it indicate that Mary is even remotelya mediator. Again, the catholic is taught that tradition and magisterium supersede the Bible. But their own catechism says that all three sources work together.

“It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (Pg. 29, #95)

If each works in its own way, together with the rest, under the action of the Holy Spirit, then there would be no contradiction because God cannot lie. (Tit 1:2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (emphasis mine). My word – it is so very clear! God cannot lie, therefore, something is wrong here – very wrong!

Who do you believe then? Tradition and magisterium or God? (1 John 4:1) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

5. Intercessor:

Lastly, Mary is given the title of Intercessor. The Word of God is very clear as to how many intercessors there can be.

(Heb 9:24) For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (emphasis mine) Jesus appears before God for us – not Mary.

(Heb 7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (emphasis mine) Again, Jesus makes intercession – not Mary.

(Heb 7:26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Heb 7:27) Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. (Heb 7:28 ) For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (emphasis mine) Jesus offered one sacrifice and the Word says in verse 28 that this sacrifice is for evermore!

(Rom 8:34) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (emphasis mine) Only Christ makes intercession for us! It does not say Mary!

(Rom 8:27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (emphasis mine) Again, Christ makes intercession for the saint. Here’s an afterthought – why would Christ have to make intercession for a saint if, according to catholic tradition, the saint is already in heaven? The saint is the born-again Christian – not someone already in heaven.

Intercession allows the believer to have a direct link to the Heavenly Father. When we go before the Father, He sees the blood of His Son upon the born-again believer. Jesus’ work on the cross allows us direct access to the Father. Not Mary.

(Eph 2:18 ) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (emphasis mine)

(Eph 3:11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (Eph 3:12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (emphasis mine)

So, my friend. Mary is never mentioned in God’s Word as being any of the titles listed in your catechism. Ask yourself this question! Why not? The catholic church has managed to place Mary on a throne in heaven. They have successfully convinced their people that the Father is some kind of scarey unforgiving God and that Jesus needs help to get through to Him. Therefore, Jesus’ mother has been promoted (only by the catholic church) and she now can take mankinds plea and prayers to her Son so she can “soften” Him and convince Him to go to the Father. Good grief, man! You don’t need any of that. You can go straight to God Himself if you are saved! You don’t need anyone but Jesus Christ!

Don’t be an ostrich with your head in the sand. God will hold you accountable for what you have done with His Son. If you wait until you die, it will be too late. There’s no turning back after that.

(Heb 9:27) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (emphasis mine).

Catechism Says Catholics are Christ

On January 16, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn Various2 Comments

The Catholic Catechism states that the catholic becomes Christ Himself!

“Let us rejoice then and give thanks that we have become not only Christians, but Christ himself. Marvel and rejoice: we have become Christ.” Pg. 210, #795

“For the Son of man became man so that we might become God.” Pg. 116, #460

“The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.” Pg. 116, #460

The mormon church and other cults teach that man can become gods. However, even having grown up as a catholic, I had never heard the catholic church teach this. So why are these three quotes found in the catechism? The catechism is a book detailing what the church believes and teaches its members, is it not? So why are these found in the catechism?

The Bible states:

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:5

Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ… Luke 21:8

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Matthew 24:23

Don’t be upset with me – I am merely quoting what is written in your catechism! I would not stay in a church that taught such things. If you did not know about these three quotes, what else is there in the catechism that you do not know about? Read the other articles I have placed on this page. I beg you to allow the Holy Spirit of God to minister to you instead of the catholic leaders who are filling you with lies.

Catholics Believe Mary is Holy

On January 16, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states that Mary is the model and source of true holiness:

“From the Church he learns the example of holiness and recognizes its model and source in the all-holy Virgin Mary…” Pg. 490, #2030

Mary was a very special woman because she was chosen by God to be the vessel to carry His Son into this world. However, she did not take this blessing lightly. She considered herself but a handmaiden. … regarded the low estate of his handmaiden Luke 1:48

Let’s look to the Word of God. There is never one mention of Mary being holy in all of Scripture! I challenge anyone to provide a verse that states that she is. However, the Word does repeatedly tell us that only God is holy or speaks of His holiness at least 650 times!

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee Revelation 15:4

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Psalm 99:5

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. Psalm 99:3

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. Psalm 99:9

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Isaiah 43:15

We are commanded to be holy as God is holy – not as Mary is holy. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 and For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy… Leviticus 11:44

God is a jealous God. (Exo 20:5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; He asks that we give Him the glory and bow down to only Him. God would not contradict Himself and say in Isaiah: … I will not give my glory unto another.” Isaiah 48:11 and then turn around and tell the catholic church it is OK to bow down to Mary and worship her and consider her holy.

If God did command this, then who did? Don’t rely on others to do the research for you. Get into the Word of God. No matter what you have been taught, the Bible has no mistakes. Christ Himself said that traditions make God’s commandments of none effect!

Mat 15:4-6 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. (4) But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; (5) 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. The Pharisees were allowing Jews to curse their parents and take from them “legally” because of tradition. However, Christ said that the commandment was to honour thy father and mother. Tradition had made this commandment useless and that was wrong. It is repeated in (Mar 7:9-13) And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. (9) For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: (10) But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. (11) And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother; (12) Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (13) (emphasis mine).

God’s Word says in the second commandment (Exo 20:4-5) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (4) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; (5)God is adamant here – He says that He is a jealous God and that we are not to have any graven image of anything IN heaven, ON earth or IN the water. That covers every part of creation. Mary is part of that creation. God would not contradict Himself and allow tradition to supersede the second commandment. The Jews tried to make God’s Word of none effect back then and the catholic church is trying to do it today. (Act 13:10) And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (emphasis mine). Paul called those who perverted the right ways of the Lord a child of the devil. Won’t you exercise your brain and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit? He will direct you to all truth. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, thatshall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (Joh 16:13)

The Eucharist Helps the Dead

On January 15, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states:

“The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithful departed who ‘have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified, so that they may be able to enter into the light and peace of Christ.'” Pg. 345, #1371″In the Eucharist, the Church expresses her efficacious communion with the departed…” Pg. 420 #1689

I challenge anyone to give me the Bible verse where this is supported. Again, this must be the traditions of men. If this is in the Bible, then we need to obey it. However, if it is not in the Word of God, we should question its validity. The Word not only does not mention giving communion for the dead but this doctrine directly opposes what the Scriptures say. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

If communion can be taken on behalf of our dead relatives in purgatory so they can gain entrance into heaven, then we are again saying that Jesus’ work on the cross was not sufficient. My catholic friend, answer this one question:

If communion (and indulgences) helps the dead get out of purgatory, why did Jesus have to die? Was His blood insufficient?

Would you send your child to war if you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would be killed for nothing? God would not send His Son Jesus to die on the cross if His shed blood was not able to save to the uttermost. That would mean we serve a cruel God and we know that God is love! (1 Jn 4:16) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. We know that purgatory cannot exist because the Bible says in Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:. It is when we are on earth that we make the decision whether to be saved or not. If we do not accept Christ, we are condemned according to John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

After we die, we are immediately judged. (2 Co 5:8 ) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. There is nothing that can be done after we breathe our last breath. If we did not get saved before we die, we will immediately be judged and our name will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. However, if we die and we had accepted the complete work of Christ’s shed blood on the cross, we have the confidence, according to Paul’s statement above, that will be present with the Lord!

God’s judgment of hell passes on those who die without Christ. Period. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 The Bible does not say that one must receive the Eucharist on behalf of our departed family and friends. The only way to avoid God’s judgment of hell is: He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 Don’t be foolish, my friend!

The Vicar of Christ – The Pope

On January 15, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn Various5 Comments

The catholic church believes that the pope is the vicar (substitute) of Christ on the earth and that he has universal power over the entire church. That is what the 1994 Catholic Catechism states:

“For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.” Pg. 234, #882

“The Roman Pontiff… as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful…” Pg. 235, #891

What does the Word say? The Word says that the Holy Spirit is our Teacher and He will bring all things to remembrance for us. He will guide us into all truth. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 and Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth John 16:13 . Christ even said that the Holy Spirit would be with us forever and that He is the only One that knows the things of God and reveals them to man. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:16 and For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11.

If the pope is Christ’ s substitute on earth, then this would be backed up by Scripture somewhere. Instead, we find contradictions to that belief. Everyone bows down to the pope and kisses his ring or bows at his feet. The supposed “first pope” (to the catholics) was Peter. What did Peter do when Cornelius bowed down to him to worship him? And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. Acts 10:25-26 If Peter considered himself just a man, then why wouldn’t today’s popes? Why would the popes of today allow such a thing? Is it because Peter was humble? Then why isn’t today’s pope humble? Again, church tradition has allowed this and yet Peter physically pulled Cornelius up and rebuked him saying he (Peter) was also just a man. Not only was Peter saying he was a man but a man like Cornelius – no difference – no higher echelon, no greater degree, etc.

The Catechism also states that:

“The Pope enjoys, by divine institution, supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls” Pg. 246, #937

The Bible says, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church Ephesians 5:23. The catholic church also calls the pople Holy Father. But Jesus said, call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Matthew 23:9 Also, Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy” Revelation 15:4 Only God is holy – only the Heavenly Father should be called Father. God would not give His name to another when His Word emphatically says He wouldn’t. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another… Isaiah 42:8

If the position of pope was so important, why didn’t Jesus state it in the Word? To base an entire religion on this very concept would most certainly warrant a place in the New Testament where Christ began His church. And ye are complete in him (Jesus), which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:10 and And he is the head of the body, the church… Colossians 1:18. This spoke of Jesus, not Peter.

My goodness, my friend, so many Scriptures refute the church doctrine of headship lying with the pope! How can traditions and majesteriums conflict with the Word of God? Who decides that it’s OK? The pope? Ouch! I would certainly prefer to err on the side of caution and use God’s Word than to depend on a man’s and find myself lacking at the judgment seat of Christ!

What Happened to Limbo?

On January 15, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church declares:

“It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (Pg. 29, #95)

According to this quote, the catholic church teaches that the Bible, the church’s traditions and teachings, and the mageisterium (the task of giving an accurate interpretion of the Bible) are of equal importance. (See also Pg. 25, #82.) Magisterium and tradition/doctrine are just as much the Word of God as the Bible according to the teachings of the catholic church.

“Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. 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. ” (Pg. 26, #81)

If church tradition is as important as the Bible, then why would it change?

Although limbo had no firm scriptural basis, and was thus never an official church doctrine, it remained a major part of church tradition; as well as, a defining image of Catholicism. It remained strong in 1905, when Pope Pius X stated plainly: “Children who die without baptism go into limbo, where they do not enjoy God, but they do not suffer either.”

Ideas began to change with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, when the church held that everyone, baptized Christians or not, could be eligible for salvation through the mystery of Jesus’s redemptive power.

Pope John Paul II continued the decline of limbo, omitting the term from the most recent catechism and last year (2004), not long before his death, he asked the theological commission to officially consider the question of unbaptized babies; apparently because of his concern for the fate of aborted fetuses.

—Based on “Church tradition of limbo heading for, well, limbo”
by Ian Fisher, in The New York Times, December 28, 2005.

Additional comments
Last week in Rome, theological advisers to Pope Benedict XVI expressed a consensus that limbo, the afterlife state reserved for the unbaptized innocent, does not exist. Never formally defined as doctrine, limbo had nevertheless found a firm place in the religious imagination of many Christians [Roman Catholics].

Limbo’s symbolism long seemed to mitigate the harshness of a theology that said only those formally initiated into Christianity through baptism can gain admittance to heaven, although by banishing the innocent to a lesser state (“natura” happiness as opposed to beatific bliss), limbo carried a harshness of its own.

Now the church is acknowledging that the passion and authority once invested in limbo, however “unofficially”, can yield. Limbo is an invented symbol that can be left behind.

So then church tradition was changed? How confusing is that? If the pope is infallible, why would the traditions from former popes not be infallible? Why would the pope’s words change? Why would the council’s words change? All three of the catholic church’s “foundations” must work together: Bible, tradition/teachings and magisterium. So when something does not continue, then who is wrong?

God’s Word never changes! What else has changed in the catholic church? What else could be changed that is part of tradition? What other traditions are not scripturally based? We will have more of this to follow. My friend, do not be deceived. God has not left you to be ignorant. The Word says that Christ is the only one who is righteous. Anyone else, including the catholic pope, is fallible. (Rom 10:3) For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Rom 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (emphasis mine). The catholic church has gone about establishing their own righteousness and are forgetting the Word of God. Only Christ is righteous and only His Word should be followed – not the doctrines of men which are one day enforced and another day removed.

Catholics Believe that Mary Saves

On January 15, 2008September 8, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states that Mary has the power to save us from eternal damnation in hell:

“Taken up to heaven she (Mary) did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation…” Pg. 252, #969

“Being obedient she (Mary) became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Pg. 125, #494

What does God’s Word have to say about this?

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Jesus even stated that He is the ONLY way to heaven. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 and I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved… John 10:9

But the catholic catechism continues to state:

“She (Mary) is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son.” Pg. 303, #1172

The Word of God covers this further. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:11 and
Yet I am the LORD thy God… there is no saviour beside me. Hosea 13:4 and The God of my rock he is… my saviour… 2 Samuel 22:3 and For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 and And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 and … And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (emphasis mine).

The catholic church believes that Mary suffered as much as Christ did because He was of her flesh and she suffered because He was her son. She deserves the same worship and power that Christ has because she gave birth to Him and suffered greatly when she saw Him suffer, in other words. My dear catholic friend, do not be deceived. My son is a Marine and I love him greatly. But there is no way on earth that I could know to what degree he suffered while training in the Marine Corps. I heard his account with his own words but I can only empathize so much. My son alone went through that hardship and difficulty. I was on the side lines cheering him on and praying for him but I was not going through the same pain as he was. Nor was Mary suffering like Jesus suffered. She took part in His death as any emotional mother would take part in her own son’s death. It stops there.

The catholics believe that Peter was their first pope. Let’s look at what Peter had to say about Jesus being the one and only Saviour of the world. … through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1 and … into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11 and … through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… 2 Peter 2:20 and But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 and ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:18-19

The Word of God does not say one thing about Mary being co-Saviour with Christ. In fact, God made certain to include verses that stated that Mary had to offer the same sacrifices for her sins as the rest of the Jews. If she were not without sin and savior of the world, then how could she save people?

(Luk 2:21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luk 2:22) And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (Luk 2:23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; ) (Luk 2:24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

If Mary were to have been taken to Heaven without dying, why is it not recorded in the Word? After all, Enoch walked with God and his death was not recorded because God took him. (Gen 5:24) And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Elijah as well was taken up without dying. (2 Ki 2:11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. If the same had happened to Mary, would it not have been recorded? There were many deaths in Bible times but they were not all recorded. Nor did Mary’s death have to be recorded. God did this for a reason. He knew that many would believe a lie. (Mat 7:13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Mat 7:14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. If the way to salvation is so narrow according to Christ, then how can salvation be found in the largest church in the world? That way is certainly not narrow. In fact, that way is very wide and that church is very big. Christ would not have stated these very words had salvation been found in a church. Do not be deceived, my dear catholic friend.

Catholics Believe in Purgatory

On January 15, 2008September 16, 2008 By KateIn Various4 Comments

The 1994 Catholic Catechism teaches that people are sent to a place called purgatory after death to be purified before entering heaven:

“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. ” Pg. 2658, #1030

“The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect…” Pg. 268-269, #1031

Those catholics I have spoken with about purgatory state that its doctrine is found in the Bible. But the answer is found in their very own catechism:

“The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent.” Pg. 268-269, #1031

“But at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory…” Pg. 249, #954

My dear catholic friend, if a soul has to go to purgatory to suffer and be purified, how can salvation then be called a gift? Do you give gifts to your children and make them suffer in order to receive that gift? If so, you are asking your child to work for his gift. That gift is no longer freely given!

The Lord would surely have used another word instead of gift, wouldn’t He? Five times the phrase “gift of God” is found in the New Testament. I find it interesting that it is found five times because the number five symbolizes the grace of God in the Scriptures. It is by God’s grace that we are saved. The definition of grace is unmerited favor! How can we be purged in purgatory and still say that we have obtained unmerited favor from God through the gift of His Son? Three times these verses refer to Christ being the gift of salvation to us from His Father.

~John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

~Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

~Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

It does not make sense that one would have to suffer after death when Christ did all the suffering on the cross of Calvary and paid the price in full. The catholic church has taught that the verses in Scripture that define this doctrine of purgatory can be found in:

~Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

and

~Luke 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

However, when we take these two verses and put them in line with James 2:10, one can see that there are no sins that will go unpunished. Suffering in purgatory is not considered a gift. The gift of salvation is absolutely free and there is no cost involved, otherwise it would not be a gift. There is also nothing I must do to earn that gift or to justify receiving that gift. Furthermore, there is nothing that I must do in order to be good enough to receive a gift. I turn back to the depiction of a parent giving a gift to his child. Do you only gift your child gifts if they have been good enough or they have paid a price for it?

Again, it would not be considered a gift if that were true.

~Romans 5:18 …by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Notice that this says that this free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. It is the free gift that brings justification of life, not good works – not one’s family buying indulgences to reduce your time in purgatory. There is absolutely nothing that will purify you, my friend. Only Christ’s shed blood on the cross can purify us and only His blood can make us clean and justify us from eternal damnation.

This gift cannot be earned – otherwise it is not a gift. This gift is given to us by the grace of God. Again, grace is defined as unmerited favor. We do not deserve it.

~Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

All my catholic life, I never truly felt forgiven. I never had that complete peace that I was clean and right with God. Yes, I felt “cleaner” when I walked out of the confessional only because I had gotten those sins off my chest. But there was never peace in my heart. Never! That is because I had not accepted that free gift of Jesus Christ as my Saviour and the ONLY way to Heaven.

Who are we to believe, my friend? Would we believe the words of man at the Council of Trent? Or, instead, do we believe God’s own words?

~Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

If we are saved from wrath through Christ, then why do we need to go through purification to purge our sins since He nailed them to the cross? Being born again makes us clean from sin and sanctifies us, but only through Jesus.There is no need for further purification. To say that we must be purified in purgatory is to say that Christ’s blood was not good enough. Furthermore, you are saying that you can only be saved from “some” wrath and not the wrath of purgatory.

~1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus…

Another good verse is

~Hebrews 9:26 …but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

If the blood of Jesus was not enough to pay for our debt, then the Word would state that. However, the Word is firm and fixed on this doctrine.

~Acts 20:28 …feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

and

~1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We have been bought – purchased by Christ. Our salvation is purchased already – why do we need something “more” to add to it like the purging of sin in purgatory? If you are not convinced by God’s Word that purgatory is not a doctrine taught in the Scriptures, then ask yourself why the catholic church has taught it all these years. What is involved with this man-made doctrine?

The faithful catholic gives money to have prayers said for those in purgatory. When my mother died, her catholic friends and family had masses said in her name. We had mass cards for a mass to be offered every day for years. Much money was given for this purpose alone. All for nought because her eternal destination had been decided at the very moment of her death. Praise the Lord she had been born again – but sadly her friends and family could not have that wonderful assurance.

The moment my mother was born again, she no longer condemned to wrath of any kind.

~Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The moment she died, she was present with the Lord. There was no in between stage like purgatory. The Apostle Paul was clear on this.

~2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (emphasis mine).

Paul was confident in the belief that once he was no longer in his earthly body, he was present with the Lord. How does one argue with this?

Your church says that you must be baptized to be saved; or you must go to purgatory after you die then you can enter Heaven. In saying such things, you are despising the Word of God. You are adding to it – adding to the simple plan of salvation. The Passover of the Old Testament did not have anything added to it but the blood of a lamb shed and painted over the door posts. Christ’s blood has been painted on the door post of our hearts when we accept Him as our Saviour. It is this salvation that brings a new heart – a new life – a changed life. You can “live the religious life” all you want. But can you truly say that you “live” the following verses?

~2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

~2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

~2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

~2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

~2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The new creature (the born again believer), is reconciled to God (verse 18 ) and our sins are no longer on our account but onto Christ (verse 19)! Why would purgatory be necessary if our sins are on Christ’s account? Purgatory’s doctrine can only support the theory that the sins of the sinner are on his own account and, therefore, must be purged. Yes, the unbeliever’s sins are most surely on his own account because he has not trusted in the One true way to Heaven – through Jesus Christ alone. Once the person accepts Jesus Christ and His payment for all his sins, that person no longer has sin on his account because Jesus took it off.

My precious catholic friend, wake up! Don’t let the doctrines of man (the Council of Trent, sacred tradition and magisterium) dictate what you believe. Instead, let the Word of God speak to your heart!

Catholics Have Different Levels of Sin

On January 15, 2008August 19, 2008 By KateIn VariousLeave a comment

The 1994 Catholic Catechism states that there are varying degrees of sin:

“Sins are rightly evaluated according to their gravity.” Pg. 454, #1854

Catholicism teaches that there are venial sins:

“One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave manner, but without full knowledge or without complete consent.” Pg. 456, #1862

Catholicism teaches that there are mortal sins:

“Mortal sin… results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ’ s kingdom and the eternal death of hell…” Pg. 456, #1861 (See also Pg. 264, #1014, Pg. 269, #1033, Pg. 270, #1035 and Pg. 270, #1037.)

However, with these teachings, the same catechism does not teach the catholic how much repentance it will take to be forgiven of the mortal sin. It does not teach why the Bible does not cover venial and mortal sins. The Bible deals specifically with sin – period.

What does the Bible say sin is?

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4 Sin is the breaking of the law – the Ten Commandments. All of life’s sins are covered in the Ten Commandments. There is not one among us who can say they have not sinned. We have all broken a command from God! For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (emphasis mine). Because we are sinners, we deserve death and hell because we cannot enter Heaven with sin. The wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23 God’s Word does not state here that only a certain type of sin will bring death but plain old sin! This would have been a great opportunity for God to put in His Word the difference between venial and mortal sins. Instead, He chose to state plainly that sin’s payment is death.

In fact, since sin is the transgression of the law, the Word says that if we break even one, we are guilty of them all. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Jas 2:10 (emphasis mine). It does not matter whether you believe there are venial sins or mortal sins, the Word states that you are guilty of all the Law if you have broken just one of them. In other words, if we lie (that is the Ninth Commandment), we have become guilty of breaking all the Commandments (stealing, murder, etc.). God is trying to teach us that any part of the Law that is broken is enough to keep us out of Heaven. That is why Christ had to come – stop and think about this. It is impossible for us to be sinless. We cannot go one day without breaking at least one of the Ten Commandments! But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:12

It took a sinless sacrifice to pay for our penalty – our wages of death. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:14 and For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28.

Once we confess our sin to God, He is faithful and forgives our sins and remembers them no more! This is a promise! And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:17 There is nothing that we can do (penance) that can help to forgive us and cleanse any further. Once we are forgiven, we are forgiven. There is no differentiating between small and great sins for all sin is an offense to God and we are guilty of all sin even when we break one! Christ died for all sins and there is nothing further that must be done. To say that His shed blood on the cross is not forgiveness enough is to blaspheme the Lord. Is He not perfect? Is He not holy? All that God does is based on His love for us. Even to the point of giving His own sinless blood so that we could be saved. To say that penance will further forgive you or going to purgatory will further purge you is to say that Christ’s shed blood was not enough to pay the penalty. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:3

Maranatha – Awaiting Christ's Return

Tag: Truth

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