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"To the law and to the testimony: if
they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in
them." Isaiah 8:20
The most pre-eminent church throughout Christian history proudly boasts in its
achievements, claiming divinity for its popes and saints. It holds millions in
its grasp, yet, devoid of true Bible teaching, it is unable to provide men and
women with the means of salvation. It destroys the gospel teaching of God's
kingdom on earth and of Christ's second coming. We ask the reader to carefully
examine the facts presented in this booklet, and to consider the importance of
remaining separate from the apostate Catholic church system. Unfortunately, so
many are deceived by its "strong delusions. believing a lie." The day
is coming when Jesus Christ will destroy "the veil of covering" that
is today spread over the nations by its schemes and its associates. Let the
reader examine the facts, and seek the way of life that is presented by an
unbiased examination of the Scriptures of Truth!
The Catholic Church is a large and powerful organization, comprising over one billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population. As the largest body of professing Christians, it has more adherents than any other Christian groups combined.
During its long history it has dominated the minds and lives of men and women and set the bounds for their conscience and behavior. Very few have escaped its influence. Even the activities of kings and emperors were curtailed by the voice of the church, notorious for liaison with political powers and intrigue. It claims to be Christian in belief and practice, yet its untold wealth (down to modern times) and vast hierarchy provides it with such a powerful influence as would have astounded early believers.
Now reduced in geographical size to a mere 100 acres or so, the tiny state
known as
The Church claims its beginnings to be with the apostles, and Peter in particular. But an examination of its teachings and practice shows that this has no biblical basis. The apostles were ordinary men, usually married, who devoted their lives to teaching the Word of God and nurturing the infant congregations, refusing to be involved with the politics or the acquisition of wealth. Each member had an input into the decisions of the congregation, which, though linked by common doctrinal belief, was autonomous in function. No apostolic succession was instituted either in the Bible, or by the early church fathers. Instead, leaders were appointed by individual congregations for their competence in the Word of God and personal example (Acts 6:3,1 Timothy 3) on a voluntary basis.
In contrast, the Catholic Church established "Seven Sacraments”
as holy ceremonies for its functioning. Let us examine each in the light of the
Word of God.
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THE CHURCH Confirmation: the time when a young person becomes a communicant member of the Church. Eucharist or Mass (Holy Communion):A re-enactment of the
death and resurrection of Christ by the priest in which the bread and wine is
miraculously transformed into the literal body and blood of Jesus. Penance or Confession: The sinner confesses to the Holy Orders: The church appoints men to positions in the church.
Priests are celibate. Marriage is another sacrament. A marriage outside the Anointing of the Sick: The priest anoints the very sick or old,
dying infants, accident victims, etc. Sacramentals are holy ceremonies which include blessings of harvests, boats, schools, fetes, etc. |
APOSTOLIC PRACTICE There is no such ceremony mentioned in the Bible. Breaking of Bread is not a sacrifice, but a remembrance of and
personal identification with the sacrifice of Christ (Luke 22:19). The
sacrifice of Christ was a "once only" event (Hebrews
10:10-14). There is only one mediator and priest (1 Timothy 2:5). Only Christ has
authority to forgive sins in his Father's name (Mark 2:5-7). There is no precedent foe a human priesthood in Christ. The old Levitical priestly
order in Marriage is a solemn binding vow, based upon the divine ordinance, which commits a man and a woman to each other for life (Matt 19:4-6). As a vow, it needs not the sanction of church or priest. An individual can petition God for relief or healing from illness -it does not require the intervention of a priest (2 Chronicles 32:34, James5:16). Inanimate objects are never blessed. It is appropriate to thank God for
the blessings received, but God does not bless pieces of stone or metal.
Under the Mosaic Law in |
Jesus Christ and his apostles commanded only two ceremonies: baptism and
the breaking of bread. Catholic sacraments have resulted from the
traditions instituted by men, often running directly counter to the Word of
God. When Christianity was "launched" at Pentecost, there were no trappings
of priesthood of liturgy. Believers were baptized and "continued steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers" (Acts 2:42), usually gathering together in homes.
This doctrine is peculiar to Catholicism. It has its
foundation in the pagan Greek/Roman concept of an immortal soul, that maintains
that Mary is still alive in heaven. The church has blasphemously invested Mary with
priestly powers of mediatorship and, adopting the Trinity (in the 4th century A.D.),
proclaimed Mary the "Mother of God" at the Council of
In 1850 AD, Pope Pius IX declared that Mary had been "immaculately conceived”, and 96 years later, the church declared that Mary was taken to heaven, “body and soul" after her death.
Mariolatry is on the increase, particularly as the present Pope has made Mary his personal "saint". Current developments institute Mary as Co-redemptrix - that every grace granted through Christ is also granted through Mary's intercession.
Nothing of this is mentioned in the Bible. The Scriptures present
Mary as a humble but spiritually perceptive Jewish maid, obedient to the cause
of God. She prophesies of her illustrious son, the Lord Jesus, as one who will
further God's purpose with
The church believes it has the power to decree special
honours to a deceased Roman Catholic. In the view of the church this makes such
an one "a saint” with powers to intercede for others before God. But
it is a blasphemous claim. Nowhere in the biblical record is there any evidence
or even a suggestion of such teaching. It is another example of the
infiltration of Greek mythology into church doctrine (see the booklet, The
Decline of Christendom,
available from ). The word "saints" is a Bible term which means
“those separated," and is applied to all believers who have been separated
to God by belief and baptism. In fact, the letters of the apostle Paul address
whole congregations of believers in this manner (see Ephesians1:1, Romans 1:7).
The church is renowned for its record of so-called
"miracles". From Mary’s “house that flew", to
statues that seep blood, to Lourdes and pseudo-miracles, down to bits of bones
and wood that are revered - all are idolatrous objects originating in paganism,
and take away from the honour alone due to the living Creator of heaven and
earth. All such veneration is part of the “lying wonders" prophesied
by the apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:9) and the "deceptions"
condemned by the Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 13:14- all perpetrated upon a
superstitious and ignorant people.
How could so many people be so wrong? It is customary to
think that numbers cannot go wrong. But this is not always so. At the
crucifixion of Christ, there were only a few supporters - John and a small
group of women. The rest had fled. Despite the initial dramatic spread of the
gospel, the apostles Peter and Paul later predicted a falling away, as men of
ambition jostled for position, affecting the early community of believers.
The apostle Paul warned the believers at
Before the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church,
Europe had been dominated by the pagan
History depicts the long struggle of the Popes for supremacy
over other leaders, and the manipulation for power once
By the 7th century, the Pope was feeling the pressure from migrating tribes
in
The emperor in
Charlemagne was crowned in
With the blessing of the Pope, Charlemagne went forth to conquer throughout
The Book of Daniel presents, in allegorical form, the rise
of Papal power from the
The acquisition of the three Papal States occurred at the same time that the "little horn" was invested with power by Charlemagne (Daniel 7:8).With his newly acquired eyes and mouth, he blasphemed God (Revelation 13:6)and "speaks words against the most High and wears out the saints of the most High and thinks to change times and laws" (Daniel 7:25). Made “stout" (or prosperous, strengthened, see verse 20) by ravaging upon his flock, he "made war with the saints and prevailed against them until..."(Daniel7:21).
The last message of Jesus Christ to his followers repeated this prophecy from Daniel and warned of a terrible time of persecution for them (Revelation13:4-8). There has been no other religious power with such a horrifying record of oppression and murder, as testified in history.
CATHOLIC VERSES PROTESTANT
However, throughout the 'dark ages' a few folk who did have access to books and could read, found that the church was far removed from the Bible they claimed to uphold. Little groups were formed in an endeavor to worship God according to Bible practice, and true biblical teachings, but they were relentlessly and regularly hounded to the death. When the printing press was invented, the publication of the books and particularly of the Bible, began a flood that no public burnings could quench.
The first reformers were Catholic priests. Initially they became sickened
with the excesses of the church which had adopted a "moneymaking role”
to build "St. Peter's " Cathedral in
Then Erasmus, a Catholic priest, produced a new translation of the Bible (1516
AD), the first for 1000 years. As a result, he came to see how far the church
had shifted from Bible teaching. His writings became the basis for the
reformers.
The public challenge against
The Catholic position since Luther's day, has not changed. Peter Hebblethwaite,a Jesuit turned writer, recorded in 1978: "Whereas Protestant fundamentalism tends to focus on the literal and eternal truth of the Bible, Catholic fundamentalism attaches itself to the letter of the Councils and will not be budged"
Thus the Catholic teaching in claiming supremacy over the Scriptures, finds itself in opposition to the Word of God.
The struggle between Catholics and Protesters was often to the death. It is estimated conservatively, that some 56 million perished in their attempt to maintain a personal faith. Even the revered Augustine was a confessed persecutor. Described by his admiring biographer, Dr. vander Meer, as "Father of the Inquisition", Augustine himself said: "I persecute openly because I am a son of the church."
In contrast to this, the teaching of Christ is that "his kingdom is
NOT of this world" (The Greek word translated "world"
is kosmo sand relates to the system, or present order of society). and
hence he adds that his "servants do not fight" (John
18:36). In fact, when threatened with violence, his friend Peter endeavoured to
defend him, but Christ commanded his disciple to "put away thy sword"
(John 18:11).The apostles never took up any public issue (egg. slavery).
Instead, they all believers to suffer and endure whatever their circumstances,
looking for the coming of Christ to bring political change ( 1 Peter 4:14-19).
The Scripture clearly teaches that it expresses the will and
purpose of God, and that the traditions of men must be subject to His commandments.
Catholics may be very devout, but unless they worship as God has commanded,
they are worshipping an image of their own making. So the Scripture declares:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness" ( 2
Timothy3:16). Jesus taught "In vain do you worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men, for you lay aside the commandment of God"(Mark
7:7-8). Ye are my friends, IF you do whatsoever I command you"(John
15:14).
The Scripture clearly instructs us that "faith comes
by hearing the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Unless we hear the Word of
God, we cannot develop faith. Hearing a priest or sermons, is simply not good enough.
There was a need, even in apostolic times, to test doctrine and teaching from
the Word of God, for John wrote: "Beloved, believe not every
spirit(teaching), gut try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world" ( 1 John 4:1). The apostle
Paul states that we are not to seek the intervention of an earthly priest for: "There
is ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"( 1 Timothy
3:5).
The rise of humanism and the French Revolution had a tremendous effect on the power of the church. The whole of the 19th century was marked by successive attempts for ordinary people to have a voice in their own destiny.
C. Dawson in The Gods of Revolution (a sequel to The Dividing of Christendom) stated: "It was not until the late 18th century that revolution burst forth so furiously in France against monarchy and church, that it had the affect of overturning the entire structure of organized church institutions, robbing them of absolute power over the lives of men and women. The Reformation was primarily a religious movement linked with great political and social changes. The French Revolution was primarily a political movement, founded on an ideology involving fundamental religious and moral principals".
The supporters of the church in other European countries rose up in
indignation against
The Papacy, however is too ambitious and adaptable to retire from the world
stage. Within a few years, a new Pope produced a document Rerum Novarum ,
championing the working classes. With this document, the church was able to
enter the international scene of the 20th century. When Mussolini signed the Lateran
Treaty with the
The modern adaptation is a remarkable fulfillment of Bible prophecy. No
longer a cruel persecuting power (Revelation 13:6-7),
From the time he became Pope, John Paul II made it clear he would not stand
on the sideline. His early visit to
Only four hundred years ago, the Protestant reformers were
vocal in identifying the Roman Catholic Church with the prophecies of
Revelation, "the whore "of Revelation 17 and the mystical "
Ancient Babylon is the spiritual mother of Rome with many parallels between
their religion, the cities and the festivities they encouraged, Alexander
Hislop, in his volume, The Two Babylons, makes clear comparisons
between both mighty cities. Therefore, there is no doubt asto the identity of
Why does the language in Revelation depict the Roman Catholic Church in such abhorrent light? In these days of religious tolerance, such expressions are often regarded as too extreme. The answer is that the ignorant are more likely to appreciate God's teaching, than those who pervert and destroy His Truth. To simply not know is one thing. But for those who are seeking God and His ways, to be misled, duped, and lied to, is a most serious matter, and God who is the Creator and Judge of all the earth, will condemn those who claim to speak so libelously on His behalf.
Jesus Christ refers to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah in appealing to all who would hear clearly and without bias: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." (Revelation 18:4-5) " Come out from among them...and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians6:16-18).
God has a purpose for mankind. He appeals to men and women to hear His
voice by reading His Word, the Bible, and discovering its wonderful message.
Take your Bible, open its pages and discover its invitation for your personal
salvation. -B.C.E.
The following doctrines generally accepted alike by Papists and Protestants as vital, are found to be unscriptural by an unbiased appeal to the Bible.
1. THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST. The teaching that Jesus existed
corporeally before he was born and his equality with the Father- illogical and
unscriptural - is upheld by
2. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. Belief in a triune God - a God that
is both one and three - is opposed to reason and the clear declaration of
Scripture (Mark 12:29; 1 Cor 8:6). It was included in church teaching
about 300 years after the death of Christ, and from
3. THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL. This is a fundamental doctrine of both Roman and Protestant religion, and is accepted as established in truth. It is, nevertheless, a fiction of paganism, superimposed upon Bible teaching, and the root of the chief errors prevailing in Christendom. It has altered the whole plan of salvation, introduced false concepts in regard to the condition of man in death, has destroyed the power of the doctrine of the resurrection. The Bible teaches the mortality of the soul (Ezekiel18:4) and lays emphasis upon the hope of a bodily resurrection, without which a man shall perish (1 Corinthians 15:13-18).
4. HEAVEN AS THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS. One will search the Bible in vain for this teaching, yet it is taught by the churches. It is contrary to the express declaration of the Lord that "the meek shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
5. ETERNAL TORMENTS IN HELL. A teaching subversive to every principle of justice and reason, and derogatory to the righteous character of the God of heaven. This sadistic nightmare, invented by paganism and Christendom alike, today seems to be losing its impact upon the minds of men, though still proclaimed by many churches. Merciful oblivion is the destiny in store for the wicked; and that takes place at death (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6).The grave is the hell of the Bible: a place of silence and utter destruction(cp.Acts 2:31 with 1 Corinthians 15:55, which has the same word in the original).
6. A SUPERNATURAL PERSONAL DEVIL. The Bible doctrine concerning the devil and satan has nothing in common with the popular view of the subject, which is obviously a pagan fiction adopted originally by Rome, and passed on to Christendom. The devil is that which has the power of death (Hebrews 2:14), which is elsewhere defined as "sin" (Romans6:23; 1 Cor 15:56). Sin, in its various manifestations, is the devil of the Bible.
7. THE SPRINKLING OF INFANTS. In many churches this takes the place
of adult baptism commanded by Christ for believers (Mark 16:16).It is an
invention of the
THESE (AND OTHER) ERRONEOUS TEACHINGS CONSTITUTE THE FOUNDATION OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITTY,
BUT ARE ACTUALLY IDEAS ORIGINALLY BORROWED FROM PAGAN MYTHOLOGY,AND
SUPERIMPOSED UPON THE BIBLE.
There is ONE GOD, the Father and Creator of all things, dwelling corporeally in the heavens, He is immortal, invisible and all wise, filling all space by His spirit. He has revealed His divine will and purpose with mankind and with the earth in the Bible: Deut 6:4, 1 Tim 2:5, 1 Cor 8:6, Psalm139:7-10, Jer. 23:24, 1 Kings 8:27, Hebrews 1:1, 2 Peter 1:21.
Jesus of
The HOLY SPIRIT is the power of God, a divine energy by which He fills all space and creates and sustains all things: Luke 1:35, Psalm 51:12,104:30, 139:7-12, Acts 17:27-28. The Holy Spirit is NOT A PERSON, but the "one spirit" of God used for special purposes: miracles, signs and wonders: Acts 2:1-4.
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as manifested by believers of the first
century, were withdrawn in accordance with
1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
MAN is a mortal creature whose consciousness utterly ceases at death, and, therefore, renewed life can come only through a bodily resurrection. Gen 3:19, Eze 18:4, Psalm 6:5, Ecc 3:18-19, 9:5-6, Isa 38:18-19, 1 Cor15:13-21, John 5:28-29, Daniel 12:2.
The EARTH abides forever, and will ultimately be filled with a race of righteous and immortal men and women who will reveal the glory of God in their divine nature and character. Numbers 14:21, Psalm 72:19, Acts15:14, Rev 22:12, 20:6, 21:3, 1 Cor 15:20-28, Ecc 1:4, Isa 45:18.
The GOSPEL was preached to Abraham when God promised him the land of Canaan (modern Israel) for an everlasting possession; to David when God promised him a Son to sit on his throne forever; to the Jews when they were informed of God's promises to Abraham and David, and confirmed when Christ proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of God; and to all mankind when the apostles and their associates carried the same preaching "and the name of Jesus Christ" into all the world: Gal 3:8, 2 Sam 7:12-29, Luke 1:31-33, Romans 15:8, Mark 1:14-15,Acts 8:12, Mark 16:15-16, Matt 28:19-20, Acts 2:30-35.
The REDEEMED, who will inherit the promised blessings are those drawn out of all nations by the power of the gospel, who have rendered obedience to its precepts by baptism and a walk in faith. The blessings will be bestowed when Christ returns from the right hand of God to raise dead believers, and together with living believers, gathers them to his judgement seat to reward the righteous with eternal life, and punish the wicked with everlasting destruction: finally establishing his glorious kingdom on the earth: Acts15:16, Romans 6:3-5, 2 Cor 5:10, Romans 2:5-9, Luke 14:15, 1 Cor 15:51-57,2 Timothy 4:1,8.
The
Herald of The Coming Age Volume 43 Number 2