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The following is taken from a booklet published prior to the Council by the Catholic Truth Society of Oregon. It uses the Protestant Bible to demonstrate the doctrines of the Catholic Church. All Scriptural citations are from the King James Bible.
Baptism
One
The
Bible teaches that in apostolic times whole families were baptized.
Acts, 16:33: And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
1 Cor., 1: 16: And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides I know not whether I baptized any other.
Acts, 16: 15: And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought
us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house,
and abide there. And she constrained us.
Comment: Unquestionably there were children in these families. Moreover, the earliest records of the Church prove that children were baptized a few days after birth.
Two
The Bible teaches that (for grown persons to whom the Gospel can be preached) faith is a necessary condition for baptism.
Mark, 16: 16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matt., 28: 19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Comment: In this text there is no question of children, to whom the Gospel could not be preached and who therefore could not believe. For them not faith but only baptism is required, that original sin may be washed away and supernatural grace imparted to them.
Three
The Bible teaches that no one at all (hence not even an infant) can enter the Kingdom of God without baptism.
John, 3:5: Jesus answered. Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
Comment: The expression "a man" or "tis" in Greek means anyone at all. Hence this text applies to both babes and adults.
Confirmation
The Bible teaches that there is such a Christian ordinance or Sacrament as confirmation or "the laying on of hands" by which we receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts, 8:14-15,17: Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts, 19:6: And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Heb., 6:2: Of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Comment: In the early Church, the Sacrament of "the laying on of hands" was often attended with visible miraculous effects, which is not now usually the case. But the Sacrament itself remains the same when conferred by a lawfully - consecrated Bishop as a successor of the Apostles.
The Holy Eucharist Christ Actually
Present Therein
One
The Bible teaches that when making His last will and testament Christ gave to us His own Body and Blood.
Mark 14:22-24: And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: This is My body. 23. And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24. And He said unto them, This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Comment:
Christ having said "this is My body," who shall deny it and say "this
is not Your body." Christ having said "this is My blood," who shall
deny and say, "this is not Your blood".
Two
The Bible teaches that Our Lord solemnly claimed that His Eucharist was superior to the miraculous food (John, 6:11-13) and to the manna (Exodus, 16:15).
John, 6:26: Jesus answered them and said, Verily , verily, I say unto you; ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you, etc. 31. Our fathers did eat manna in the desert: as it is written, He gave them bread from Heaven to eat. 32. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily , verily, I say unto you. Moses gave not that bread from Heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven.
Comment: But if the Holy Eucharist were only bread and wine and not the Body and Blood of Christ, these statements would constitute gross deception.
Three
The Bible teaches that Christ's Holy Eucharist actually came down from Heaven; in other words, that it was really His own very self.
John
6:33: For the bread of God is He which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth
life unto the world. 35. ... I am the bread of life ... 38. ...For
I came down from Heaven, etc. 41. The Jews then murmured at Him, because
He said l am the bread which came down from Heaven, etc. 48. I am that
bread of life. 49. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are
dead. 50. This is the bread which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may
eat thereof, and not die. 51. I am the living bread which came down from
Heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever: and the bread that
I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Comment: Here Our Lord sums up and confirms what He had said in Parts One and Two above; reflect also that mere bread and wine does not come down from Heaven. Nor is it Christ's flesh as He expressly states of his Holy Eucharist.
Four
The Bible teaches that upon hearing Our Lord's claim about the Holy Eucharist, many Jews became Protestors or Protestants.
John 6:2: The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Comment: If they had said, how can this God do this, there would have been no difficulty , for God can do all things.
Five
The Bible teaches that in spite of the Jews' most strenuous objections - Christ did not correct or modify his statement (which he would have done had there been a misunderstanding); but insisted the more upon the reality of his presence in the Eucharist.
John 6:53: Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. 54. Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. 57. As the living father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by Me. 58. This is that bread which came down from Heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.
Comment: Even taken as an isolated proof, this is unassailable, but taken as a part of a chain of proofs, it becomes as impregnable as a wall of solid granite.
Six
The Bible teaches that Jesus allowed many of his disciples to abandon Him, rather than to substitute the Protestant version of his Holy Eucharist, for what He had given.
John 6:60: Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, this is a hard saying; who can hear it? 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Comment: What a strange concept one must have of Christ to imagine that He would have acted in this manner if the disciples had really misunderstood Him. (See also John 3:3-7 and John 8:56-9).
Seven
The Bible teaches that Jesus would have allowed his twelve Apostles also to abandon Him rather than to give them the Protestant version of his Holy Eucharist.
John 6:67: Then said Jesus unto the twelve. Will ye also go away? 68. Then Simon Peter answered him. Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Comment: Peter as usual had the correct view. He believed and knew that Christ was God, therefore he accepted his divine word, difficult to understand, though it may have been. Catholics lovingly do the same.
Eight
Saint Paul teaches that the unworthy reception of Holy Communion constitutes a desecration of the Body and Blood of Christ and is the cause of damnation.
1 Cor., 11:27: Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Cor., 11:29: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Comment: Let unbelievers in the truth of our Lord's real presence endeavor to show how the taking of a mere piece of bread or a sip of wine could be a desecration of Christ himself and a crime worthy of damnation.
Public Worship in the True Church
The Bible teaches that there is a sacrifice and a priesthood in the new law.
Mal., 1:11: For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering:
Heb., 13: 10: We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle (of the Jewish temple).
Comment: The usual Protestant communion service is not intended to be a sacrificial act which the prophet's word "altar" connotes. Where today except in the Catholic Church do we find among Christians an altar of sacrifice and a pure offering, i.e., the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.
Confession
One
The Bible teaches that the confessing of sins is a usual requisite for obtaining forgiveness.
Numbers 5:6- 7: Speak unto the children of Israel. When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit ...Then they shall confess their sin which they have done, etc.
Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
2 Samuel 12: 13: After David confessed his sins to the prophet Nathan he was given assurance of pardon.
Luke 23:43: When the thief on the cross confessed, our Lord promised him paradise.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, etc.
Matt., 3:5-6: Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Acts 19: 18: And many that believed came (to the Apostles), and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Comment: Private confession is necessarily contained in the double power which Christ gave to the Church-the power to forgive or retain sins as the circumstances require. To do so prudently, the "minister of reconciliation" must have the required information, which the penitent supplies by confession.
Two
The Bible teaches that Christ gave to the validly ordained ministers of His own Church the power to forgive sins.
2 Cor., 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.
John 20-21: Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so I send you. 23. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: And whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Matt., 18:18: Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in Heaven.
2 Cor., 5: 18,20: And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the Ministry of reconciliation ...
Comment: All purely spiritual powers which Christ conferred upon His Church were given to it perpetually except where no need of such a power remained. But who will say there is no longer any need of the power to forgive sin, that sin is no longer a live problem upon earth?
Extreme Unction
The Bible teaches that the anointing of the sick with oil and prayer by the priests of the Church (called Extreme Unction) may obtain forgiveness of sins and even refreshment of body.
James 5:14-16: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders (i.e. priests) of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Comment: As all such spiritual ordinances derived from Christ and the Apostles were of their very nature perpetual, there is absolutely no reason for saying that Extreme Unction as here described was but a temporary institution.
Holy Orders
One
The Bible teaches that Christ has ambassadors or agents (His bishops and priests) who represent Him in this world.
2 Cor., 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.
1 Cor., 4: 1: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
John 20:21: Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.
Comment: No wonder that the Catholic Church imposes such serious obligations upon her priests. The fact that an occasional individual may be faithless to his obligations proves nothing against Christ or His Church. The fact that many slander and vilify the priests, only makes them so much the more like their Divine Master.
Two
The Bible teaches that the office of the bishop, priests, etc., in the true Church comes by divine appointment; i.e., God gives individuals a special vocation to this calling.
Heb., 5:4: And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Heb.,
5:1: For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
John 15:16: Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you.
John 20:21: Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.
Comment: Most unscriptural, therefore, is the practice of congregations ordaining, commissioning their ministers to preach the gospel to them. This authority comes from Christ, through the Apostles and their lawful successors.
Three
The Bible teaches that the Apostles actually appointed lawful assistants and
successors to
carry on their work.
Titus 1 :5: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders (i.e. priests) in every city, as I had appointed thee.
Acts 13: 2,3: As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate thee, Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Comment: Holy Orders is a special Sacrament which transmits the Apostolic power and authority down through the centuries.
Women as Ministers
The Bible teaches that it is unlawful to have women ministers who speak or preach in the churches.
1 Cor., 14:34: Let your women keep silence in the churches: it is not permitted unto them to speak, etc.
Comment: In view of this, it is difficult to see how anyone can take it upon himself to nullify the word of God, by having women preachers, ministers or evangelists.
Matrimony and Divorce
One
The Bible teaches that lawful marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power.
Matt., 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
Comment: This doctrine is maintained at a great price by the Catholic Church. Of old it cost her nearly the whole of England. Today she loses thousands every year because of her uncompromising stand upon this subject. But did she do otherwise, she would cease to be the true Church of Christ.
Two
The Bible teaches that remarriage (during the lifetime of the former consort) is adultery,
1 Cor., 7:10-11: And unto the married I command, yet not I but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband and let not the husband put away his wife.
Mark 10:11-12: And he saith unto them, whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband and be married to another she committeth adultery.
Luke 16:18: Whosoever putteth away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Comment: If one party commits adultery, the other party may, under certain circumstances, live separate from the guilty party; but may not remarry during the former consort's lifetime. This is the real meaning of Matt., 19:9.
Origin of Christ's Church
The Bible teaches that the true Church began with Christ over 1900 years ago, not with men or women 15 to 19 centuries later. It was founded when Our Lord spoke the following and other similar words:
Matt., 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Comment: History proves that the First Protestant Church was the Lutheran, founded in 1517 by the ex-priest Martin Luther; all other of 300 to 500 sects have been created since then.
Authority of Christ's Church
The Bible teaches that the rulers of Christ's Church have authority which must be obeyed in matters of religion.
Heb., 13:17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Matt., 18:17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Luke, 10: 16: He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Matt., 16:19: And I will give unto thee (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou (Peter) shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou (Peter) shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.
Comment: The apostles repeatedly claimed this authority: Gal., 1:8;
John, 1:10; and Acts, 15:23,28. Hence the laws or precepts of the
true Church are founded upon the same authority as the commandments of God.
For the Church of Christ has authority to act in his Name.
Infallibility of Christ's Church
i.e., that it Can Not Err in Teaching Christ's Religion
One
The
Bible teaches that not the Bible itself, but the Holy Ghost was the teacher of
the Apostles.
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: How be it when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth ...
Acts, 1:8: But ye shall receive power , after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
Comment: In consequence, the true Church was necessarily infallible, being as St. Paul said (1 Timothy, 3:15) "the pillar and ground of the truth."
Two
The Bible teaches that the Church has Christ always with it and the Holy Ghost always to guide it-not only during the first century but during all future ages.
Matt., 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John, 14:16: And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
Comment: Hence it is an insult to Christ and the Holy Spirit to say that God's Church fell into error and had to be reformed by Luther, Calvin and other men or women.
Perpetuity of the Original Church
The Bible teaches that the visible Church of Christ has had and will ever have uninterrupted existence.
Matt., 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matt., 16:18: ...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Note: The Catholic Church has defined that the "gates of hell", are the "death dealing tongues of heretics." Pope Vigilius, Second Council of Constantinople (553 A.D.))
Comment: Hence the theory that Christ's Church, which began with Christ - failed - became non-existent for 1000 or more years - and then was revived by either Luther, Calvin, Knox or some other man or woman, is ridiculous and untrue.
Visible Unity of the Church
The Bible teaches that Christ ascribed to his Church qualities and gave to it the names that proved it to be a visible organization with visible unity among its followers.
Romans, 12:5: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another .
Eph., 4:3-5:3: Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4. There is one body, and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. 5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, etc.
John, 10:16: And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Rom., 12:4-5: For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, etc.
John, 17:21: That they may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that (as a consequence) the world may believe that Thou hast sent me. In many places of scripture, Christ's Church is compared to a house, a body, a city built on a mountain, a sheepfold, etc.; but these are all visible, things. Hence Christ's Church besides being one spirit is also "One Body ." The Catholic Church alone has this two-fold unity. The "invisible" theory is therefore false on the face of it.
Comment: Contrast the unity of Faith, Fold and Shepherd in the Catholic Church with the dissenting, contradictory tenets of 400 Protestant organizations and the divinity of the former becomes obvious and certain.
Sinners and Christ's Church
One
The Bible teaches that Christ died for all men, both saints and sinners; and not merely for the "saved or predestined".
2 Cor., 5:15: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Rom., 5:6-21: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, etc.
1 John, 2:2: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Tim., 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Comment: Hence to the Catholic Church the soul of the condemned criminal on the scaffold is an object of tender solicitude even as, to Our Lord, was the thief on the cross.
Two
The Bible teaches that not only the just but sinners will always claim external membership in the true Church.
Matt., 22:2: The parable of the king who made a marriage for his son.
Matt., 13:24: The parable of the field in which grew both grain and cockle.
2 Tim., 2:20: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
Matt., 18:15: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother .
Matt., 13:47: Parable of the net that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind of fish, savory and unsavory.
Comment: Hence that ungodly persons call themselves Catholic, but are so in name only, is no reflection upon the Church itself. It is rather a verification of Christ's prophecies.
Catholicity of the Church
The
Bible teaches that from the beginning and in every age the true Church of Christ
is all over the world or universal; the Greek word used is Katholikos,
from which the English word "Catholic" is derived.
Matt., 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Mark, 16:15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts, 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea; and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Rom., 10:18: But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Comment: Except the Catholic Church, what Christian organization has even a remote claim to universality, in point of place and in point of time? But this is what the essential nature of Christ's Church demands.
Apostolicity
The Bible teaches that the Apostles appointed lawful successors to carry on their work.
Titus, 1:5: For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that was wanting and ordain elders (i.e. priests) in every city, as I had appointed thee.
Acts, 13:2,3: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have recalled them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Comment: Saul or St. Paul had been selected by Christ Himself; yet he was later ordained by Apostolic authority. By what right then does a Dowie, Eddy, Russel, Calvin, Knox, Campbell, or their agents assume the role of ruler, teacher, founder of a "Christian" Church?
The First Pope
The
Bible teaches the one (and only one) Church which Christ founded had Simon
Bar-Jona or Peter for its head. (Our Lord had changed his name from Simon-Bar-Jona
to Peter.)
Matt., 16:18-19: And I say also unto Thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, etc. Later Our Lord made Simon-Peter pastor of both the lambs and the sheep, that is His whole flock.
John, 21:15-17: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon-Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, feed My lambs. 16. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, feed My sheep. 17. He saith unto him the third time Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, feed My sheep.
Our Lord promised that Peter would confirm the faith of the other Apostles:
Luke, 22:32: But I have prayed for thee (Peter) that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Comment: Hence only the Church having Peter and his lawful successors for its head can logically claim to be the Church of Christ.
Purgatory
The
Bible teaches (a) that some sins are forgiven in the next world; (b) that some
souls are saved in the next world "by fire"; (c) that it is useful,
and beneficial to pray for the dead.
Matt., 12:32: And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Some sins can therefore, be forgiven after death.)
1 Cor., 3:13-15: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 15. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.
2 Maccabees, 12:46: (This is one of the Old Testament books omitted from the Protestant Bible). It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.
Comment: As nothing defiled can enter Heaven (Rev., 21:27), there must necessarily exist a state of cleansing or purgation usually called "purgatory".
Pictures and Statues
The Bible teaches that God approves the use and veneration of sacred pictures and images to stimulate religious fervor .
Exod., 25:18: And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Numbers, 21:8-9: And the Lord said unto Moses. Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
John, 3:14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
1 Kings, 6:29: And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. (Also see verses 32 and 35)
Comment: Hence men are not forbidden "to make to thyself a graven image," except when this is to be set up and adored as a god.
Ashes on Ash Wednesday
The Bible teaches the utility of ashes as a sign of penance.
Job, 42:6: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Jonah, 3:6: For word came unto the king of Nineveh and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth and sat in ashes.
Comment: Hence criticism of blessed ashes and similar Catholic sacramentals is irreverent and irreligious.
Vestments at Mass
The Bible teaches that special vestments are worn by those exercising sacred
functions.
Exod., 28:4: And these are the garments which they shall make: a breast
plate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a miter and a girdle; and
they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may
minister unto me in the priest's office.
Comment: Hence Catholic vestments are by no means "superstitious", but conformable to Bible precedent.
Holy Water.
The Bible teaches that already in ancient times, God not only permitted but commanded the use of Holy Water.
Numbers, 5:17: And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water.
Comment: Hence the Catholic Church should be commended, not blamed, for following Sacred Scripture.
Relics of Saints
The Bible teaches that it is proper and beneficial to venerate the relics of sacred personages or things.
2 Kings, 2:8-14: The mantle of Elijah.
Exodus, 7:10: The rod of Aaron.
Matt., 9:20-21: Also Matt., 14:36: The hem of our Lord's garment.
Acts, 19:12: So that from his body were brought unto the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirit went out of them.
Acts, 5:15-16: Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Comment: Hence while the Catholic Church forbids her children to pray to relics of Christ and the Saints, or to act towards them as if they had any power in themselves; she rightly teaches us to honor the relics for what they represent. Similarly, Americans honor the flag because of its symbolism.
Use of Incense
The
Bible teaches that incense symbolizing prayer can be used in churches when offering
praise and worship to God.
Rev., 8:3: And another angel came and stood at the altar , having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Psalms, 141:2: Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Comment: Hence Catholic ceremonies, the use of incense, etc., all have Scriptural basis.
Heresies
The Bible teaches that those who reject willingly the true faith are to be classified with heretics and lost souls.
Titus, 3:10: A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject.
Gal., 1:8: But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed.
Gal., 1:9: As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which ye have received let him be accursed.
Rom.,16:17: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John, 10: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.
Comment: Therefore, according to the Bible, one religion is not as good as the other. It is the true religion that God demands of men and which men are bound to practice if they but know it.
Necessity of Good Works
The Bible teaches that both faith and good works are necessary for salvation.
James, 2:22-26: Seest thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? etc ...so faith without works is dead also.
1 Cor., 13:1-3: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels ...and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains ...and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Matt., 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.
Mark, 16:16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Comment: Hence the futility of saying, "I am a Christian, I am a Catholic," - unless one earnestly strives to serve God. Hence the egregious error of maintaining that the mere acceptation of Christ as one's personal Savior is all that is required. Christ is, will be our personal Savior only if we exercise that necessary faith and good work. Hence also the folly of saying: "It makes no difference what you believe."
Honoring Mary
The
Bible teaches that God made Mary the earthly mother of the Second Person of the
Blessed Trinity; that true Christians of every age MUST honor Her: Read Luke
1:26-35.
Luke, 1:48: ...for, behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Comment: Since God honored Mary more than other angelic or human beings, are we not allowed, even obliged, to do the same? But where outside the Catholic Church is this precept, this prophecy fulfilled?
Honoring Angels and Saints
The Bible teaches that the citizens of Heaven take an active interest and (within limitations) intervene in the affairs of men.
Eph., 2:19: Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
Acts, 12:7: And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying: Arise up quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.
Heb., 1:14: Are they not all ministering spirits, set forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Luke, 15:10: Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Comment: Hence the Catholic Church is most consistent in enumerating angels among men's protectors, patrons, well-wishers. The same may be said of God's saints in Heaven.
Pope Leo XII : Ubi Primum (#14), May 5, 1824
"It is impossible for the most true God, who is truth itself, the best-the
wisest provider, and the rewarder of good men, to approve all sects who profess
false teachings, which are often inconsistent with one another and contradictory,
and to confer eternal rewards on their members. By divine faith we hold "One
Faith, One Lord, One Baptism", this is why we profess there is no salvation
outside the Catholic Church."
