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The Error of Catholicism |
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This booklet will only present a few of their errors. No, I’m not Anti-Catholic, in fact I’m not anti-anyone, when God called me to preach He said to me “preach My word” Endeavoring to do this, at times has put me at odds with the views of others, oh well, it’s better to please God then man. I realize that within the Church, the body of Christ, which is made up of many Christians from all over the world, from many different backgrounds and denominational views, that we have differences in doctrines, of which most don’t make a difference, when it comes to being saved ( born-again ) and going to heaven. My purpose in writing this is not to tear down but to build up, by speaking the truth in love. But- There are doctrines that undermine the very foundation of our Christian faith and lead people away from Christ, instead of to Him. To be sure the Roman Catholic church teaches some good doctrine, such as the Trinity, Mary was a virgin, Jesus is the Son of God, etc. But- A closer examination of their teachings reveals many contradictions to the Word of God. Some Erroneous Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church Concerning: A. Salvation Their Catechism says: 1. Mary Saves 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 2. The Church Saves “The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism explains: `For it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.” Pg. 215, #816 (Earmarks of a Cult) Salvation is only through us. We are the only ones right. “It is in the Church that `the fullness of the means of salvation' has been deposited. It is in her that `by the grace of God we acquire holiness.'” Pg. 218, #824 (Earmarks of a Cult) Only through us can you be saved. 3. Good Works Saves "Even though incorporated into the Church, one who does not however persevere in charity is not saved." Pg. 222, #837 To be saved, one must also perform works like baptism (See pg. 320, #1257), plus various sacraments (See pg. 292, #1129) and many additional works. (Earmarks of a true Cult) You must keep our traditions and ways. Refutes Salvation is by faith - not works Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Galatians 2:16 "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Romans 10:9-10, 13 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will
be saved. Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'' 4. Baptism Saves "The Church does not know of any other means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude..." Pg. 320, #1257 "The faithful are born anew by Baptism..." Pg. 311, #1212 "Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the Church..." Pg. 312, #1213 Refutes Water baptism has nothing to do with being born anew ( born-again ) water baptism is something we do after we are born anew. When a person becomes a Christian (by faith accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior) only then are we to be baptized in water. A number of churches teach the erroneous doctrine of baptismal regeneration which is not taught in God’s Word. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Luke 7:48-50 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. Apostle Paul never made converts by water baptism but by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Notice the words of Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach
the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be
made of none effect. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek. These steps to Salvation can be seen in the book of Acts. 1. The Gospel was preached People do not need the Catholic church to be saved; what they need is Jesus. From God’s Word - will you believe the Bible or not? Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, ( Peter preached about Jesus )
they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of
the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:35-37 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same
scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Please read Acts 10:34-48 Cornelius received the Holy Spirit Baptism before he was baptized in water. The point is: only a born again person can receive the Holy Spirit. Cornelius was saved by faith before water baptism. Peter shares the experience with the Jewish Christians Acts 11:12-17 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.
Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's
house: Questions 1. Can babies hear and understand the Gospel? The Emperor Constantine (a professing Christian ) believing that water baptism washed away ones sins, introduced this to the Roman Empire. By 416 A.D. infant Baptism was made mandatory throughout the Roman Empire. The Roman Catholic Church embraced this erroneous doctrine and continues to propagate it, until this day. B. Mary 1. Born without sin “Mary is the most excellent fruit of redemption (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life." Pg. 128 #508 (See also Pg. 191, #722) Refutes Jesus is the only person that was born without sin and never had any personal sin. By being born of a virgin, Jesus never inherited the original sin that was passed upon the human race through Adam and Eve. Mary was not born of a virgin, so therefore she had original sin. As we look at some of the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, concerning Mary; we will see a pattern that robs Jesus Christ of the Praise and Glory that He deserves. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man ( Adam ) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all have sinned * Notice Mary’s words Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Romans 3:10-12, 23 As it is written, There is none righteous, no,
not one: Once again The Roman Catholic Church rejects the inspired Word of God and holds to the traditions of men. Please take notice of God’s Word 2Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2. Mary remained a virgin for all of her life "Mary remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast, always a virgin." Pg. 128 #510 Refutes God’s Word says Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:25 He did not have sexual relations with her, until she gave birth to the little boy. Joseph named him Jesus. ( Simple English ) Mark 6:1-4 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country;
and his disciples follow him. Matthew 13:55-57 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother
called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? * The above scriptures are talking about Jesus. Apostle Paul said: Galatians1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Is the inspired Word of God correct or not? Something or someone is wrong! 3. Mary the Intercessor-Advocate "Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix." Pg. 252, #969 Once again these teachings cannot be validated by Holy Scripture. * The following can be validated. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; ( How many is one?) Hebrews 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them. Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 1 John 2:1-2 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: Once again; His Majesty The Lord Jesus Christ does not receive the proper recognition and honor that is rightfully His. 4. Prayer 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 “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 God is from everlasting to everlasting, (Psalms 90:2) how can Mary be the mother of God?Within the person of Jesus is both human and divine nature. Mary was only the mother of Jesus. Please notice the following scripture. Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:Traditions of men, not validated by Holy Scripture Refute Luke11:1-4 And it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place,
when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to
pray, as John also taught his disciples.'' All prayers in Scripture were addressed directly to God by the individual. Notice the Words of His Majesty the Lord Jesus Christ John 14:13-14 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ( not Mary ) John 14:26 "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; John 16:23-24 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly,
I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give
you. The Lord Jesus taught us to ask our Heavenly Father in His Name. This glorifies the Father in His Son. 5. Mary - Queen over all things “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things." Pg. 252, #966 Jesus Christ has been exalted as Lord over all things not Mary. * Another tradition of men that takes away from His Majesty, The Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:8-9 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled
Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the
cross. 1 Timothy 6:15... which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him Revelation 5:11-13 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels
around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of
them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, * Where is Mary in all this praise and blessing? In conclusion to the subject of Mary: Mary was blessed among woman ( Luke 1:28 ) but not above woman. She rejoice in God her Savior and would be appalled at the attention and reverence that has been inappropriately bestowed upon her, by men ignorant of biblical truth, entrenched in superstitious tradition. C. Purgatory "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 formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent." Pg. 268-269, #1031 What the Bible says about Purgatory - Nothing. What the Bible does say about the cleansing of our sin. Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin. Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. When a Christian sins and confesses ( acknowledges ) his or her sin to God, the blood of Jesus cleanses that person from that sin. Purification is being worked out in the Christians life, by the Holy Spirit and Word of God. 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The Holy Spirit will convict the believer of personal sin, to repent and confess the sin so that he or she can have the sin remitted by the blood of Jesus Christ, through the work of His advocacy. (Thank you Lord) D. The Interpretation of God’s Word "The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him." Pg. 30, #100 (Earmarks of a true Cult) We will tell you what this means and what to believe. John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If
ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; Sad to say but the majority of Catholics know very little about the Bible; therefore they know very little about spiritual truth. For centuries Roman Catholics have been held in spiritual darkness by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. The Holy Spirit will give the believer spiritual understanding from God’s Word. John 14:26 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 16:13-14 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, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things
to come. ( Living Bible ) 1 John 2:27 But you have received the Holy Spirit and he lives within you, in your hearts, so that you don't need anyone to teach you what is right. For he teaches you all things, and he is the Truth, and no liar; and so, just as he has said, you must live in Christ, never to depart from him. Ephesians 4:11 And he ( God ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; The priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church is a fabrication of men: God gave the above Apostles-Prophets-Evangelists-Pastors-Teachers for the work of the ministry. As you read the book of Acts ( an account of the work of the Holy Spirit through the church ) You will not find a ministerial priesthood. Read it and see for yourself. E. The Pope - Vicar of Christ "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 (Earmarks of a true Cult) Absolute power over all. "The Roman Pontiff... as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful..." Pg. 235, #891 * Where does it say that in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the
world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that
are freely given to us of God. (New King James ) 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; * Does the Bible say anything about a Pope - No. Let us look at Peter the so called, first Pope (1.) Peter had a wife 1 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. (2.) Peter would not accept praise. Acts 10:25-26 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell
down at his feet, and worshipped him. (3.) Peter was not infallible. Apostle Paul gives Peter a scathing rebuke. Galatians 2:11-13 But when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood
him to his face, because he was to be blamed; If Peter was supreme and infallible; how could Apostle Paul have rebuked him? (4.) Peter never lived in luxury. Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.'' "The Pope enjoys, by divine institution, supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls" Pg. 246, #937 *The head of the church is Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the church * The Pope accepts the title Holy Father. Only God Himself is to be called Holy Father. Jesus said Matthew 23:9 "...call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. * The Lord Jesus calls God The Father “HOLY FATHER”. John 17:11 "Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. F. The Mass "In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner." Pg. 344, #1367 "When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ's Passover, and it is made present. As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which Christ our Pasch has been sacrificed is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out." Pg. 343, #1364 "Every time this mystery is celebrated, 'the work of our redemption is carried out' ..." Pg. 354, #1405 What Catholicism teaches is that each time the Mass is preformed, the work of Christ on the cross is repeated. The doctrine of Transubstantiation teaches that when the priest holds up the wafer and says “This is my body” it becomes the actual flesh of Christ. When he says of the cup of wine, “This is my blood” the wine turns into the blood of Jesus. * Jesus was sacrificed one time for our sins; He doesn’t have to be re-sacrificed continually. The doctrine of The Mass, Transubstantiation, and The Eucharist is an addition of men to the finished work of God, thereby polluting the truth. These doctrines make it appear that the Church has something to do with our Salvation; which the church uses to Lord over it’s people and hold them in bondage to their whole system of belief, thereby leading their people astray.
Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. G. The Sacraments "The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation." Pg. 292, #1129 (Earmarks of a Cult) adding works to the finished work of Christ. "There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony." Pg. 289, #1113 The Seven sacraments are nothing more then good works which are an addition to the Finished redemptive work of Christ. This only glorifies men and takes glory away from His Majesty The Lord Jesus Christ. Works do not earn Salvation, they follow Salvation. Catholicism has “the cart before the horse” Luke 23:42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest
into thy kingdom. * Why did Jesus promise the crucified thief Paradise? ( heaven ) Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: You cannot earn a gift. God’s A-B-C salvation plan The Gospel message is that God loves you and that you can have eternal life through His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, but you must make the choice yourself. The Lord invites you to receive Him into your life right now. Following is three steps “ABC” to receive Christ as your personal Savior. A. Recognize 1. God Loves You John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 2. God desires that none Perish 2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; Vs.4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures: B. Recognize 1. Your need of Jesus Christ Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 2. Jesus Christ is the only way John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 1John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Vs.9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. C. Recognize 1. To receive salvation, call on Jesus
Salvation is for all people, Whosoever will call on the name of the Lord (Jesus) God will save. If you come to Jesus with a repenting heart, God will forgive all your sins and give you a new life. Will you come to Jesus right now? The Lord is calling you. Just pray Lord Jesus I believe you died for my sins and rose again on the third day. Please forgive all my sins, come into my heart and life, I accept you as my Personal Lord and Savior. Tell someone that you accepted Jesus as your Savior. Romans 10:9-10 ...with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
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