Until Vatican II, popes throughout history have condemned Bible-believing followers of Jesus Christ as heretics for believing and teaching that salvation is through Christ alone.
Pope Innocent III said, “Anyone who attempts to construe a personal view of God which conflicts with (Catholic) church dogma must be burned without pity.” (Source: Papal Bull, 1198 A.D.)
The foundation for the Christian faith is in God’s written word, the Bible, and not the Roman Catholic Church, whose teachings are antithetical to Scripture.
The Catholic Church teaches the Pope’s word is truth. “The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority…” (Canon 749*).
In marked contrast, Scripture teaches every word of God is true. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17).
The Catholic Church teaches that sacred images are acceptable and encourages “veneration,” or the act of bowing down before them. “The practice of displaying sacred images in the churches for the veneration of the faithful is to remain in force…” (Canon 1188).
Scripture teaches against making sacred images and bowing down before them. “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. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:4-5).
The Catholic Church teaches the sacrifice of the cross must be continually offered. “Remembering that the work of redemption is continually accomplished in the mystery of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, priests are to celebrate frequently…” (Canon 904).
Scripture teaches that Jesus was offered one time as the perfect and complete sacrifice for sins, and He now sits at the right hand of the Father in glory. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30). “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
The Catholic Church teaches priests are necessary mediators between men and God. “They [the priests] are in fact sharers of the priesthood of Christ Himself…to celebrate divine worship and sanctify the people” (Canon 835).
Scripture teaches that all believers are part of the royal priesthood having direct access to God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
The Catholic Church teaches salvation begins at baptism. “Baptism, the gate to the sacraments, is necessary for salvation in fact or at least in intention, by which men and women are freed from their sins, are reborn as children of God, and configured to Christ…” (Canon 849).
Scripture teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Nothing can be added to what Christ has already done that will merit God’s favor. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace” (Romans 11:6).
Jesus told the Pharisees that they worship God in vain and transgress His commandments because they keep for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:3,9). Peter and Paul also warned that “false teachers” would become leaders in the churches and bring in “damnable heresies” and “doctrines of devils”. (2Peter 2:1-3, and 1Timothy 3:2-5).
As an evangelical Bible-believing Christian, I disagree with virtually every doctrine and practice of Roman Catholicism.
I.M.Kane
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THE MILLSTONE DIARIES 