This website was formally a small apologetics website called "Flyfree Ministries" which had some useful apologetics information. The data from that website is below.

Apologetics

Welcome. I pray that you too will find in here the God of a Covenant. And a people who are a family, bound together by the strongest bond ever known to man: Jesus Christ. Millions of Christians worldwide feel that the Catholic Church is in serious error. If you are one of those people who grew up listening to sermons and oft times heard that what was wrong with Catholicism, then I am glad that you are here. I spent 17 years as a non-Catholic in both the Lutheran and Baptist churches learning about the error of Catholicism. But I never really took the time to at least try to listen to Catholics and learn what they believe- from faithful Catholics themselves. Instead I took the word of my own teachers. That is like learning about Islam from a Buddhist. You're giving a disservice to the Catholic faithful...

...When I truly opened up my heart after many Catholics told me that they had a genuine love for Christ and faith in Him, and that I didn't understand the Catholic faith, I found out something amazing. Catholic doctrine is scriptural. In ways I never imagined. You may have heard of the "harmony of the gospels" before, but scripture itself is completely harmonized, and even Revelation opens up in light of Catholic tradition. While Baptists and other denominations have truth, Catholics have the fullness of Truth. They are not a denomination, but a Church. They are not so much a religion as they are a family. I invite you to take a look at what Covenant Theology is all about, to: "Set aside your biases for a moment, everything you know about Catholicism. Start with a clean plate, a blank slate, an open mind, and come inside." What we have tried to do here is give you a discussion on some of the major areas of disagreement between Catholics and Protestants, from a scriptural viewpoint. Each section has a short introduction, followed by topics of interest and the scriptural foundations of each topic mentioned. Walk around, stop in the forum and say hi. Check out what we have to offer. If you have any questions feel free to ask! We are always here to help.

The Power of the Scriptures

The Scriptures are indeed very powerful. They are authoritative. They are inspired. They are free from all error. They are the very infallible Word of God. Catholic doctrine does not down-play the scriptures. It does not believe that the authority of the Church can supercede the authority of the scriptures. It claims that the Church, the very pillar and foundation of Truth, can accurately interpret the Holy Scriptures. It is in this light that the Tradition of the Church is held in high esteem. Not because Tradition is higher than the scriptures, but because Tradition compliments the scriptures. And only to a degree is it free from error, that is, when the Church declares it to be so in matters of faith and morals. The Church, as it is said, is the servant of the Scriptures.

The idea that only the scriptures has authority in the life of a Christian in matters of faith and doctrine, or that it is the final authority is an error. Just as police officers, government officials, and our parents are in authority over us in this life, the Church serves as a binding authority for the spiritual life. Not as a dictator, but as a loving parent.

The Word, Son of God
Old Testament Revelation     Direct Revelation     New Testament Revelation
Inspired Actions of God's People     Actions of Jesus Christ     Inspired actions of the Apostles
Inspired oral interpretations, teachings, and judgments     Christ's oral interpretations, teachings, and judgments     inspired apostolic interpretations, teachings
Inspired Jewish institutions     Institutions of Jesus Christ     Inspired apostolic institutions
Inspired Jewish writings     Writings of Jesus Christ (nonexistent)     Inspired apostolic writings and inspired writings of apostolic teachings

 

2 Tim. 3:14-4:5
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

No where in scripture does scripture teach that it alone is our authority. Even if we say that scripture alone is not our authority, that does not downplay the power or authority scripture does have. It is the inspired Word of God. No Catholic can deny this. No Catholic teaching ever contradicts or supercedes scripture.

Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Being familiar with the scriptures is essential to the Catholic. And it is essential to understanding the truth.

Luke 24:27
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:45
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

There was always an authority to help the people understand the scriptures because without proper understanding it is easy for one to misinterpret them. Why should it be any different now? Most of us at one time or another have realized that something we believed was actually inaccurate and that we needed to be corrected.

John 5:39
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

Acts 17:11
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

It is the Catholics responsibility to search the scriptures in order to be sure the teaching they are receiving is true. Priests can mistakenly from time to time teach something that may be inaccurate.

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The scriptures always tell us that we have hope for our salvation, but never to they give assurance of enduring to the end. Indeed we are warned several times that we may not endure to the end. The Catholic can have assurance that they are in the grace of God even more so than the Protestant who believes in OSAS can.

1 Cor. 15:3-4
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

2 Tim. 2:15 (KJV)
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Again, the scriptures admonish the Catholic that studying scripture is of great importance.

The Amazing Worship

What boggles the mind of most Catholics is the way non-liturgical churches worship. It doesn't make any sense to them. One Catholic friend of ours noted "It feels like I'm in a business meeting more than a worship services. Granted, a business meeting that sings songs, but business nonetheless." Worship in a liturgical sense involves more than singing songs, prayer, and teaching. You can sing songs about the American flag, you can pray anyone (pray simply means "to ask"), and you can teach about Buddha, but it doesn't make it worship. It is the Exaltation and Adoration of God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit that propels the Catholic into worship. It is a worship with the whole being and all the senses. It's a worship that isn't focused so much on fellowship, which has its place elsewhere, but a worship focused intimately on God. And it's a worship that climaxes in the celebration of the risen Lord in the sacrifice he made once, for all, and for all time.

>> Use these bookmarks to go directly to the topic of interest <<

Intentions

Catholics are often accused of worshipping Mary, bread and wine, and even the Pope. At worst they are accused of worshipping Satan. However, it is essential to understand worship. An act of worship is in essence an action that we do, either in thought or movement, to recognize someone or something as deity or as having a power of which only God alone can have. If I bow before the Queen of England as a sign of respect and reverence, I have not committed idolatry. This is because the intention of which I bow is not to recognize the Queen of England as God, but to recognize her as a ruling authority over part of God's creation. It is done in respect and reverence. If I bow in front of a statue of Mary or Joseph, as long as I do not intend to worship them, I am not committing idolatry. The intention behind which an action is done is very important to understand if the action is worship, or if it is out of respect or honor.

Numbers 22:31
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.

Rev. 22:8-9
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."

In both of these instances two people bow down to an angel. Balaam was permitted to do so because he bowed in fear, honor, and reverence. John tried to bow in worship. This was not permitted. So we see that even in the same action, in this case bowing, it may or may not be worship depending on the persons intentions.

Acts 10:25-26
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."

Same thing. Cornelius tried to worship Peter, so Peter did not allow it. The Pope may allow someone to bow in respect before him, but if the Pope senses the person trying to worship him, he would naturally stop it immediately.

Acts 12:21-23
On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.


Herod accepted worship, and thus was struck dead by God.

Mass

"At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the centuries until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us" (Sacrosanctum Concilium 47).

This is how the second Vatican council views the institution of the mass. The worship service in the Catholic Church. The mass is where the people of God gather to confess sin, sing praises to God, read scripture (usually more scripture is read in one mass than in one month in a protestant church, excluding those that are liturgical). The worship at mass involves the whole body and all of the senses. It is when one focuses completely on God and communes with Him. Towards the end of the service is the Eucharist. Where the sacrifice of the cross is presented. Not a re-sacrifice mind you. Not at all. But where the final atonement for sin is made present. God is outside of time, and the sacrifice he paid is outside of time. When you share in the Eucharist sacrifice, you are sharing the body and blood of the Lord given for all men, for all time.

The mass is rooted in the Passover feast. The last supper was a Passover meal. Suggested reading is The Lamb's Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn.

John 6:32-71
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. [34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. [35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. [36] But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. [37] All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. [38] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. [39] And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. [41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. [42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? [43] Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. [44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. [45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. [46] Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. [47] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. [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. [52] The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? [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 for ever. [59] These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. [60] Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? [61] When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? [62] What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? [63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. [64] But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. [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.
[66] From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. [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.

Breaking Bread

Holy Communion is an act of worship. It is the central act of worship in Mass. And it is amazing. In sharing in the breaking of the bread we are declaring to be true all that Christ did and said, for in the institution of the Eucharist, Christ declared the New Covenant, to be that of the New Covenant in His blood.

In understanding the Holy Communion we must understand that God is not confined to time or space. He has done many wonderful miracles while here on earth, and the Eucharist is probably among the greatest of these. Christ was explicitly and graphically clear in John 6 that we are to eat his flesh and drink his blood. This was not explained as a parable, and while the "flesh avail not", his flesh did purchase our salvation. And yes, we do live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. However, this is not an exclusive statement. While we live by God's Word, we participate in God's Word through the Eucharist.

The breaking of the bread is probably the single hardest doctrine for reformists to comprehend. It is probably the hardest for Catholics to understand also. Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1531)  was the first major reformist to flat out deny any presence of Christ in the Eucharist for the idea that Christ is now confined solely to his glorified body and God no longer possesses the ability to be omnipresent, including being in the Eucharist. For it is that omnipresent state God possesses that allows Him to give Catholics the miracle of the Eucharist. Zwingli actually denies that the Lord's Supper, instituted by none other than, you guessed it, God, is a holy thing. (Huldreich Zwingli, “On the Lord’s Supper,” from Zwingli and Bullinger, edited and translated by G.W. Bromiley; Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1953, p. 188). The idea that empty or symbolic communion is true, earned Zwingli the wrath of Martin Luther, the father of the Reformation himself. Luther held to a slightly 'lesser" form of real presence. For an excellent article on the Eucharist I suggest Dave Armstrong's "Is this God?" or the book "The Lamb's Supper" by Scott Hahn

The Greek

John 6:23-53 - however, a symbolic interpretation is not plausible. Throughout these verses, the Greek text uses the word "phago" nine times. "Phago" literally means "to eat" or "physically consume." The disciples take issue with Jesus' literal usage of "eat." So what does Jesus do?

John 6:54-58 - He uses an even more literal verb, translated as "trogo," which means to gnaw or chew or crunch. He increases the literalness and drives his message home. Jesus will literally give us His flesh and blood to eat.

Matt. 24:38; John 13:18 - for example, the word "phago" is used here too, and it means to literally gnaw or chew meat. "Phago" is never used metaphorically in Greek. There is not one verse in Scripture where "phago" is used symbolically, and yet this must be your argument if you are going to deny the Catholic understanding of Jesus' words.

John 6:55 - to clarify further, Jesus says "For My Flesh is food indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed." This phrase can only be understood as being responsive to those who do not believe that Jesus' flesh is food indeed, and His blood is drink indeed. Further, Jesus uses the word which is translated as "sarx." "Sarx" means flesh (not "soma" which means body).

John 1:13,14; 3:6; 8:15; 17:2; Matt. 16:17; 19:5; 24:22; 26:41; Mark 10:8; 13:20; 14:38; Luke 3:6; 24:39 - these are other examples in Scripture where "sarx" means flesh. It is always literal.

John 6:55 - further, the phrases "real" food and "real" drink use the word "alethes." "Alethes" means "really" or "truly," and would only be used if there were doubts concerning the reality of Jesus' flesh and blood as being food and drink. Thus, Jesus is emphasizing the miracle of His body and blood being actual food and drink

John 6:35-69
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. [36] But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. [37] All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. [38] For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. [39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. [40] For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
[41] So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." [42] They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" [43] Jesus answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. [44] No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. [45] It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— [46] not that anyone has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. [47] Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." [52] The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" [53] So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. [54] Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. [55] For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. [56] Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. [57] As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. [58] This is the bread that came down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." [59] Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. [60] When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" [61] But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? [62] Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? [63] It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [64] But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) [65] And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." [66] After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. [67] So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" [68] Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Luke 22:14-23
And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. [15] And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. [16] For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." [17] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. [18] For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." [19] And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." [20] And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. [21] But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. [22] For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" [23] And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

>> Is it appropriate to worship the Eucharist? It's only appropriate to worship God. And the Eucharist is the sacramental presence of Christ our God, present whole and entire in His flesh and blood, His soul and divinity, i.e. the whole Risen Christ mysteriously present to us in the appearances of bread and wine. Adeodatus Adeodatus aka (fr) Leon Kuriakos Pereira OP, is a deacon and a Dominican friar of the English Province (The Dominicans are also known as the Order of Preachers). <<

Confirmation

Confirmation is the completion of the work of grace begun in a person at baptism. It is a sign of consecration to God, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit is given. In involves the laying of hands by the Bishop. It is considered part of worship.

Acts 8:14-17
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: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17-19
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. [18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. [19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Hebrews 6:1-6
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this will we do, if God permit. [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Prayer

Does prayer mean worship? If someone "prays" to the saints are they committing idolatry? No. If I go up to my wife and say "Teresa, please pray for me". I have not recognized my wife as God. Similarly if I go up to my spiritual mom and ask for prayer. If a prayer is offered to someone such as Mary, it is still only a petition for prayer. If we ask Mary to "watch over us" in essence we are asking Mary to go to God on our behalf in prayer. (see notes on Marian Devotion on this website: Home > Tradition > Mary, see notes on the Wedding at Cana)

To pray is "to ask". To worship is to intend to recognize something or someone as a deity. To ask for the petitions of the saints, here on earth or in heaven, is not idolatry, its connecting to your family. As God's children, we are all brothers and sisters, adopted into a "forever family". Christ is our brother, God is our Father, Mary is our spiritual mother. The Saints in heaven are not "dead". They may be dead as far as physically concerned here on earth, but in heaven they are very much alive. They make for us a cloud of witnesses who bring forth their prayers to God for us.

John 2:1-12
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. [2] Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. [3] When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." [4] And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." [5] His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
[6] Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. [7] Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. [8] And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. [9] When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom
[10] and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." [11] This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
[12] After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

Rev. 5:8
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Rev. 8:3-4
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, [4] and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

1 Thes. 5:17
pray without ceasing
 

Baptism

Baptism is commanded of by Christ. This fundamentalists and Catholics agree on. The question at hand is: Is baptism regenerative? If redemption is a legal contract between God and man, which requires only man to say that they believe in God and accept the Bible to be true, then no. But if redemption goes beyond that and is a covenant in which God adopts man into a family and if baptism is the means by which God brings us into the covenant, then yes.

The sacraments are actions by which God either brings man into his family or by which man is reconciled or strengthened in that family. Baptism has an incredible parallel to the old covenant in which a member had to be circumcised in order to enter into that covenant. There wasn't any choice about it. To become a Jew, a gentile would have to be circumcised. This was the sign, physically, that the person was brought into the family of God. But not only was it a sign, it was also the action through which the spiritual change took place. Before a gentile was circumcised they could not be considered a Jew.

In Gods' new unconditional covenant with man, baptism is the sign by which man is brought into the covenant. Not only is it a sign of dying and rising again with Christ, but it is also when God adopts us. Notice: Baptism is not a work of the law. It isn't a work at all. It is where man submits himself to the authority of both the Church, both the pillar and foundation of Truth, and of God. The sacraments should not be viewed as works that man does to earn his salvation. Nothing can be done to earn our salvation. Man can only accept the grace of God and be redeemed. Which is exactly what baptism does: it is the action of God that through his grace he redeems us and makes us forever a child of God.

Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Here we see the Christ did indeed command that all nations be baptized using the proper "formula". That is "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jesus gave no indication that his words were to be taken only metaphorically and no where else in scripture is baptism relationship to redemption described as only metaphorical. Notice how baptism isn't included in the second phrase. It is possible, though rare, that someone will be faithful but never have the chance to be baptized before death. This is called a baptism of desire, or baptism of a martyr.

John 3:5 (KJV)
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.

Acts 2:38 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:41 (KJV)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12-13 (KJV)
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. [13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:36-38 (KJV)
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 9:18 (KJV)
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 10:46-48 (KJV)
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 16:14-15 (KJV)
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. [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.

Acts 16:33 (KJV)
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Acts 18:8 (KJV)
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 18:25 (KJV)
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Acts 19:4-5 (KJV)
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 (KJV)
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Every single instance in the book of Acts, the only inspired recording that we have of the actions of the early Christians, all those who responded to the gospel were baptized. As the book goes on even entire households were baptized together. Those who are adults who have not been baptized, first are asked if they accept the gospel message and then if they desire baptism. In the case of infants, the parents bring the child forth and through the faith of the parents they baptize their child. Infants and small children are no where in scripture excluded from the covenant, and Jesus demanded that no one would hinder any child to come to him. While there is no specific example of infant baptism in the Bible (due to most converts being adults as the covenant has just been instituted), the weight of both scripture, through exegesis and typology, and the weight of the first Church Fathers who were taught by the Apostles themselves is overwhelmingly in favor of including infants in the New Covenant as they were the old.

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      Through Baptism we are formed in the likeness of Christ: "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body"(51). In this sacred rite a oneness with Christ's death and resurrection is both symbolized and brought about: "For we were buried with Him by means of Baptism into death"; and if "we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, we shall be so in the likeness of His resurrection also"(52) Really partaking of the body of the Lord in the breaking of the eucharistic bread, we are taken up into communion with Him and with one another. "Because the bread is one, we though many, are one body, all of us who partake of the one bread".(53) In this way all of us are made members of His Body,(54) "but severally members one of another".(55) - Lumen Gentium (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution of the Church)

Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Baptism is both symbolic, and redemptive. There is outward symbolism, and inward change.

1 Cor. 12:13 (KJV)
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Baptism unites us as Christians into one family. This is an awesome truth.

Galatians 3:27 (KJV)
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephes. 4:5 (KJV)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephes. 5:26 (KJV)
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Col. 2:12 (KJV)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

1 Peter 3:18,21 (KJV)
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit ...The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

More verses that speak of the power of baptism and how seriously it was taken.
 

Confession

Is the confession of sins to another person sinful? James tells us that it is good to confess our sins to one and another. But why would a Catholic confess their sins to a priest instead of to God alone in prayer? This is about the only action that separates Protestants from Catholics concerning confession. To answer this I offer a quote from a recent convert from Fundamentalism to Catholicism: "It was a weird feeling... In "examining my conscience," I found myself asking God to be with me when I went in to talk to the priest... when it's supposed to be the priest with me talking to God! So, I wasn't too sure about the value of doing it. BUT I discovered that in naming my sins out loud really made me think about them. Something about the act of formally confessing was pretty new to me. I am usually of the "oh, my... that wasn't very nice... sorry about that, Jesus" kind of person... but after seeing TPOTC and naming them out loud... really made me sorry-- more repentant than before. And I live a pretty squeeky clean Good Baptist Girl life!" - Homeschoolmom

There is nothing in the Bible that speaks against going with a minister to confess your sins. The minister in turn has the power to be able to tell the person that indeed, their sins are forgiven, not to forgive as if the priest was God, but to give an assurance that they are forgiven. Remember that while the Catholic may be speaking to the priest, it is to God that the confession is done. In essence you are going with the priest to God with your repentance.

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 18:18
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

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      Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from the mercy of God for the offence committed against Him and are at the same time reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins, and which by charity, example, and prayer seeks their conversion. By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of her priests the whole Church commends the sick to the suffering and glorified Lord, asking that He may lighten their suffering and save them;(106) she exhorts them, moreover, to contribute to the welfare of the whole people of God by associating themselves freely with the passion and death of Christ.- Lumen Gentium (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution of the Church)
       

Anointing with Oil

The anointing of the sick is a prayer and blessing given by a minister of the Lord when a person is seriously ill or at the point of death. It is also given before a serious operation. It is a prayer over a person for the grace of the Holy Spirit and for the forgiveness of sins. It is included here in the worship section because it evokes the name of our Lord, recognizes His power and authority as deity.

Mark 6:13
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

James 5:14-15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders 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 have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Marriage

Marriage is an incredible testimony to God's everlasting power and love for us. In marriage two people become one flesh, mysteriously and miraculously. The two become one life long covenant partners, a bond which can only be broken by death itself. Before God they become a functional family unit. It is the "I do" of both the man and woman that seals a marriage bond. Marriage can only be between a man and woman and must be consented by both.

Genesis 1:27-28
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Matthew 19:3-12
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? [4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. [7] They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? [8] He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. [9] And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
[10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. [12] For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

John 2:1-11
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: [2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. [3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. [4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. [5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. [6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. [7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. [8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. [9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, [10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. [11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Ephes. 5:25-32
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the ordination of a baptized man who has been called by God to the ministry. With the exception of permanent deacons in the Western rite of the Church, the Catholic Church, like St. Paul, requires celibacy. A deacon, priest, and bishop (deacon, overseer, and apostle) are each given a separate ordination. It is the bishop who lays hands and gives a prayer of consecration to ordain another man.

Acts 6:5-6
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

John 20:21-23
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

1 Tim. 3:1
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

1 Tim. 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Tim. 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

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 in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Philip. 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

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      Though they differ from one another in essence and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood are nonetheless interrelated: each of them in its own special way is a participation in the one priesthood of Christ.(2*) The ministerial priest, by the sacred power he enjoys, teaches and rules the priestly people; acting in the person of Christ, he makes present the eucharistic sacrifice, and offers it to God in the name of all the people. But the faithful, in virtue of their royal priesthood, join in the offering of the Eucharist.(3*) They likewise exercise that priesthood in receiving the sacraments, in prayer and thanksgiving, in the witness of a holy life, and by self-denial and active charity. - Lumen Gentium (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution of the Church)
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      The pope's power of primacy over all, both pastors and faithful, remains whole and intact. In virtue of his office, that is as Vicar of Christ and pastor of the whole Church, the Roman Pontiff has full, supreme and universal power over the Church. And he is always free to exercise this power. The order of bishops, which succeeds to the college of apostles and gives this apostolic body continued existence, is also the subject of supreme and full power over the universal Church, provided we understand this body together with its head the Roman Pontiff and never without this head.(27*) This power can be exercised only with the consent of the Roman Pontiff. For our Lord placed Simon alone as the rock and the bearer of the keys of the Church,(156) and made him shepherd of the whole flock;(157) it is evident, however, that the power of binding and loosing, which was given to Peter,(158) was granted also to the college of apostles, joined with their head.(159)(28*) This college, insofar as it is composed of many, expresses the variety and universality of the People of God, but insofar as it is assembled under one head, it expresses the unity of the flock of Christ. In it, the bishops, faithfully recognizing the primacy and pre-eminence of their head, exercise their own authority for the good of their own faithful, and indeed of the whole Church, the Holy Spirit supporting its organic structure and harmony with moderation. The supreme power in the universal Church, which this college enjoys, is exercised in a solemn way in an ecumenical council. A council is never ecumenical unless it is confirmed or at least accepted as such by the successor of Peter; and it is prerogative of the Roman Pontiff to convoke these councils, to preside over them and to confirm them.(29*) This same collegiate power can be exercised together with the pope by the bishops living in all parts of the world, provided that the head of the college calls them to collegiate action, or at least approves of or freely accepts the united action of the scattered bishops, so that it is thereby made a collegiate act.-  Lumen Gentium (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution of the Church)

The Pillar and Foundation of Truth

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. ~John 20:23

The Church is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth. That comes straight from scripture. So the question must be asked- what is the church? Is it a building? Like the Vatican? No. Is it an individual body of believers? No. Is it all believers united invisibly everywhere? That isn't totally off base, but it isn't complete.

The head of the Church is, of course, Jesus Christ. Beyond that, Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom to Kepha (Peter, rock) and said "Upon this Kepha I will build my Church". The Pope, like Peter is a visible head. The Church is comprised of Apostles, and Pastors, and Deacons and laymen.  Not to mention teachers, scholars, and workers and so many others. Those who are orphans and widows are part of the church, and all those who have been baptized and are a part of the covenant are part of the Church.

Christ is the head of the Church

Psalm 118:22-23 (KJV)
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. [23] This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Isaiah 33:22 (KJV)
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.

Matthew 12:6 (KJV)
But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

Matthew 12:8 (KJV)
For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Matthew 21:42-43 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? [43] Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Matthew 23:8 (KJV)
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. .

Mark 12:10 (KJV)
And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

Luke 20:17-18 (KJV)
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? [18] Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

John 13:13 (KJV)
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

John 15:1-8 (KJV)
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Romans 8:29 (KJV)
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 Cor. 3:11 (KJV)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 11:3 (KJV)
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Ephes. 1:10 (KJV)
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Ephes. 1:22-23 (KJV)
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephes. 2:20-22 (KJV)
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephes. 4:15 (KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephes. 5:23-32 (KJV)
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. [24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Col. 1:18 (KJV)
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Col. 2:10 (KJV)
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Hebrews 3:6 (KJV)
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Rev. 22:16 (KJV)
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

1 Tim. 3:15 (KJV)
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The Pope is the visible head:

Matthew 18:18 (ESV)
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:19 (ESV)
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

John 21:15-19
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. [18] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. [19] This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

The office of the Apostle in the Bible has gradually formed into the office of the Bishop in the Church. The Apostles went about to many different churches in biblical times and taught and had teaching authority over these churches.

Galatians 1:8-9 (ESV)
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Romans 11:13 (ESV)
Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry .

1 Cor. 15:9 (ESV)
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

2 Cor. 12:12 (ESV)
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.

1 Tim. 2:7 (ESV)
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ( I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2 Tim. 1:1 (ESV)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 Tim. 1:11 (ESV)
for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

2 Peter 1:1 (ESV)
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

They were given many powers:

Mark 6:7 (KJV)
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Mark 16:17 (KJV)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Luke 9:1-2 (KJV)
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. [2] And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. .

Acts 2:4 (KJV)
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:43 (KJV)
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 5:12-16 (KJV)
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. [13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. [14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) [15] 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. [16] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Overseers and Deacons

1 Tim. 3:1-2 (KJV)
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. [2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Titus 1:7 (KJV)
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

1 Tim. 3:8-13 (KJV)
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; [9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. [10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. [11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. [12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. [13] For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The Life of the Christian

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ~Matthew 10:38

What does the life of a Christian entail? Naturally it depends on who you talk to. Once a person has made a commitment to Christ, there are certain responsibilities that come with that commitment. The New Covenant is not a "sign on the dotted line" contract. It does not mean that once you are a Christian you are free to live your life however you want with no fear at all of God's wrath or even of hell. The New Covenant, while unconditional and binding for all time, does not mean that a Christian, once a member cannot choose to willfully leave the covenant. The covenant is still unconditional, but the member can chose to withdraw himself from the family. Christ will never lose anyone whom the Father has given Him, but each of us can choose to say "No, I don't wish to be part of this covenant any longer." Christ did not "lose us", we choose to leave. It does not mean that we are no longer "adopted sons of God" for that seal is forever, it means that we chosen to be outside of God's grace.

In order for one to commit a mortal sin- that which kills the soul the sin must be grace in nature, the person must be aware that the sin is grave in nature, and the person must intend to commit the sin. To be reconciled God after a mortal sin, Catholics should repent and seek forgiveness with another brother in Christ in confession, however anyone who goes through the act of perfect contrition is forgiven (that is, is heartily sorry for their sin, not out of fear of hell, but out of sorrow for offending God).

Therefore as Christians we must always strive to make it our mission to go into the world and do good deeds. Not to appease God's anger or wrath, not to try to "save ourselves", but out of a love for our Savior and to build our own treasure up in heaven. Remember that the last will be first and the first will be last (notice what Christ was doing while teaching this). There is no number of good deeds that we can do that will get us one iota closer to heaven, yet our deeds, done through the grace of God and the power and strength he gives us, are united up with the works of all the Saints in heaven and in turn united up with the work of the cross. The cross finalized the atoning sacrifice made for our salvation, but our works, done in obedient faith, are united together with that faith, which does save us.

Works and Belief cannot be separated. Together they are faith. The Catholic does not earn their salvation, but must participate in it.

Col. 1:24 (ESV)
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church

John 15:1-17
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. [9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. [10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. [11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. [12] This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. [13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. [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 you. [17] These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Matthew 10:38 (ESV)
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 8:34 (ESV)
And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Matthew 7:15-23
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
[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. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 18:1-9
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [2] And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, [3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
[7] Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [8] Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. [9] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

1 John 3:21-24
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. [22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. [23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. [24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Luke 8:10-17
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. [11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. [13] They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. [14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. [15] But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
[16] No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. [17] For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

Hebrews 10:26-29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. [28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: [29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

2 Peter 1:5-11
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: [11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 4:4-5
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Cor. 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Not even Paul considers himself assured

Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

The Intimacy of Tradition

Tradition is something that most non-Catholics loathe. Yet tradition is not all that uniquely Catholic. It is nearly unavoidable. The Apostles teach it and tell the first Christians to hold fast to it. So why would we deny it? Tradition is a big part of family life, and in the New Covenant, family is the word. Tradition doesn't have to be feared, but should be examined and embraced.

 

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught
by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thes. 2:15 (ESV)

To my Protestant brethren I must ask- where are the following found in the Bible, in a clear and objective form?

    *

      Sola Scriptura
    *

      The Trinity
    *

      Special music
    *

      Baby dedications
    *

      the canon of scripture
    *

      the age of reason
    *

      How to interpret the scriptures yourself without any chance of error?

None of these doctrines or beliefs are spelled out in the Bible, two are even a traditions themselves. All doctrine relies on man to determine it and write it down. Tradition is unavoidable. The question is, does a church exist today that has been able to hold fast a tradition of faith through 2000 years, so that we can know what is true and what is false in faith, doctrine, and morals?

Is it really up to Bible scholars and college professors or even individual self-proclaimed pastors to determine truth all over again for every generation? Or is truth something to be determined by the church, the pillar and foundation of Truth? The Pillar and Foundation of Truth is not the Bible. And everything that happened in the time of Christ was not recorded in the scriptures. Instead Christ left us a teaching authority guided by the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures. This way we can have the full assurance that what we are being taught is truth.

At the same time we are not relieved from studying for ourselves. Sometimes those within the Church will err, but the Church itself cannot err on matters of faith and morals. For the gates of hell shall never prevail against it.

Truth is not subjective or relative.

Let's be clear on some things here concerned with Catholicism:

    *

      The Catechism is not the inspired written Word of God. This however does not mean that the catechism has to have error in it. Something can be un-inspired, yet true. The Church believes that the only way for something that is not the Bible itself to be infallible is for the vicar of Christ- that is the Pope, to make a statement in ex-cathedra. This has only happened a couple of times in the past 2000 years.
    *

      Dogma is doctrine which has been formally defined by the Church. Catholics are often accused of "making up doctrine" as they go along. However, this isn't so. Often statements of Dogma are made not because it never existed before, but as a way to formally show the people of the Church that a doctrine is true. This is done when a heretical group is trying to gain ground within or outside the Church and the Church needs to make a statement counter that heresy it is fighting. The Dogma which is defined may have doctrine all along, but now is "written in stone" or so to speak. "Upon This Rock" is an excellent read into church history.
    *

      Tradition does not supercede the scriptures. They work uniquely together and complement each other. Tradition cannot contradict the Holy Scriptures and never does. Tradition and the Scriptures together give us an accurate doctrine and theology. Without Tradition- the results are detrimental- as you can see in the 10,000+ denominations, all with different moral codes and different creeds of faith.

If you believe you know better, than there are people waiting to allow you to try to prove it. If you think you can find a doctrine that is expressly anti-biblical, and have the authority to back it up, please come into the forum and show us!

But we will ask- what is your authority? What guarantee do you have that you will be lead into all truth?

John 20:30 (ESV)
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

2 Thes. 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

1 Cor. 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Ephes. 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

The Family of God

  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. ~Galatians 5:6

As anyone who has studied the scriptures in depth will tell you, family is essential to God's plan. Family isn't just a function of the human biological pattern, but family extends from a household unit to a nation to the divine family itself. This is in essence what covenant theology is all about. When God created man, he had a family in mind, not only a servant. When man broke his relationship off with God, God desired a way to reunite to his people, his creation. He thus made covenants with them. Promises that bound a family together. A Covenant is much more than a contract. Our New Covenant, which is in Christ's blood, goes beyond repairing the damage done by our individual sins, but takes care of the sin we inherit from Adam. In the New Covenant, through baptism we literally become sons of God. We are adopted into the family of God. This is why Jesus and his apostles stressed the importance of baptism. Instead of circumcision as a sign of the covenant of continual sacrifices and the entrance into the old covenant, baptism becomes the sign of the New Covenant, and unites us to Christ's death and resurrection. And just as in the Old Covenant, children are not to be excluded or kept away from Christ in the New Covenant. They are very much to be a part of it. Christ warned that who ever kept a child away from Him, it would be better for them to be cast into the sea and drowned. That is a harsh warning we should take seriously.

Being a member of the New Covenant is not about earning your salvation through works. Catholicism is NOT a works-based system. It is a grace based system.

    * What is Salvation?

Catholics do not believe in a works-based system. They believe in a Grace-based system. The sacraments are not a way in which a Catholic "earns" salvation. They are a way in which one participates in the New Covenant. Faith and belief are two different things. Faith calls us to obedience (Romans 1:5). Salvation is by grace and through faith. It is only through faith alone, if one, through proper semantics, understands that faith and fruits are tied, inseparably together.
Of God

Christian salvation is the total liberation from evil in which one goes from the unregenerate state of living in sin to the regenerated state of living in Christ. Redemption begins at one point in time and ends with a person’s entrance into heaven.

Grace alone – All aspects of man’s redemption are possible only by the grace of God alone. God through the Holy Spirit acts in man to move him to a response to God. Thus all actions of man towards God are only through the grace of God. God’s work does not begin at one point and end at one point, but transcends from beginning to end.

God’s action through the Lord Jesus Christ allows man to return to the relationship with God first given to Adam and Eve. Because all works of sacrifice through the Mosaic Law fall short of necessary appeasement for sin towards a righteous God, the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the role of High Priest and instead of sacrificing a lamb for the people he became the Lamb of God, the perfect atonement for the sins of the people. This atonement through the grace of God is made available not only to the chosen Jewish people, but now also to the Gentiles- that is all mankind.

The Lord Jesus Christ in a New Covenant found through his blood described the participation in the New Covenant as family affair. Jesus described the adoption of the believer as a son of God, and commanded baptism as the cleansing of sin nature. Not as a work of man, but as a participation in the work of God. In baptism, water is combined with the Word of God to bring about the work of God. Through the adoption in baptism man is called to participate in the New Covenant through communion, partaking of the Pascal lamb.

The view that participation in the sacraments are a work of man meant to earn salvation is a false conclusion. When the Word of God speaks that works of salvation are not of man, they are not referring to the sacraments, which are the work of God to salvation.
Of Man

Man’s responsibility through the grace of God in salvation is to respond and participate in the free gift of God offered to man. Not through his own works, but through the work of God. This is most beautifully expressed through the baptism of infants, in which man, in faith, brings children to the Lord Jesus to enter into the family of God through the power of God.

Man is given free will to reject or accept the gospel message. While once a Christian, man can never lose the sacramental seal of baptism, that is, adoption as a son of God, man is still free to choose to reject the inheritance offered to Him through faith in Christ. If man does not live his faith and rejects God’s grace after adoption he risks cutting himself off from God’s grace. Christ, our one mediator will never lose any of those entrusted to him, however man is permitted in free will to break the covenantal relationship with God.

    *

      He is not saved, however, who, though part of the body of the Church, does not persevere in charity. He remains indeed in the bosom of the Church, but, as it were, only in a "bodily" manner and not "in his heart."(12*) All the Church's children should remember that their exalted status is to be attributed not to their own merits but to the special grace of Christ. If they fail moreover to respond to that grace in thought, word and deed, not only shall they not be saved but they will be the more severely judged. - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)
    *

      Catechumens who, moved by the Holy Spirit, seek with explicit intention to be incorporated into the Church are by that very intention joined with her. With love and solicitude Mother Church already embraces them as her own.

    * Grace

Catholics believe they are saved by grace alone.

This is how it works: every breath we take, every action we are allowed to make, everything that exists is by the grace of God alone. Any action that we take to come closer to the Father, is possible only because of God's favor towards us.

 

    * Faith Alone

Catholics believe they are saved through faith working in love.

In vv. 14, St. James is talking about the ability of a faith without works to save a person. He unequivocally states that such faith cannot save!

The Protestant apologist John Roberson, aka mustbenothing, whom some of you have debated before, attempts to create a dichotomy between the teaching of St. Paul and St. James by saying that St. Paul is speaking of faith in an ontological or salvific sense, whilst St. James is speaking of faith in a demonstrative sense - but this conclusion is untenable based on the above - St. James is actually discussing the ability of a faith without works to save a person, not merely to demonstrate their faith to others.

2. In vv. 22, St. Paul uses the Greek word 'sunhrgei' (sunergei) to denote that Abrahams works were present alongside his faith, and it completed it.

Strong's lexicon gives the word 'sunergei' the following definition.

Verb - the INFINITIVE form is SUNERGEO (Strong's number 4903)

1) to work together, help in work, be partner in labour

2) to put forth power together with and thereby to assist

(Me) Sunergei is a verb derived from the adjective 'Sunergos' which has the New Testament connotation of a 'fellow worker'. It is a compound of two Greek words - 'sun' (swn) meaning 'with', and 'ergos' (ergoV) meaning 'work'.

It's use in James 2:22 means that Abrahams works were actually doing something alongside his faith. Biblically, the Greek actually condones a synergistic view of Abrahams faith, with his works, making the Protestant position of Sola Fide utterly untenable.

 

    * Catholics and Salvation:

It is a myth to believe Catholics are saved by Faith AND works.

Myth: Catholics believe in salvation by faith and good works. It is the AND part of the equation that puts them outside of being true Christians. It is by faith alone that we are saved.

The Truth of the Matter:

The Bible is specifically clear that "man is justified by what he does and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). Catholics do not have an equation or math formula for what good works a person must do to be saved. In fact the whole mentality of "faith and good works justifies a man" is a heresy when commonly understood by non-Catholics.

Catholics believe man is saved by "Faith working in love" (Galatians 5:6) and not in "faith alone". The faith alone doctrine states that a person has faith by the intellectual acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's personal Lord and Savior. While there is nothing wrong with doing this, it should be an everyday assent of the mind.

To Catholics, justification is by faith, a faith which is obediant to the will of God (Romans 1:5, 16:26). One which follows the teachings of Jesus to be baptized and reborn into the New Covenant, where salvation is found, through our one and only mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5), Jesus Christ. Good works are part of this faith, however, our faith should be a life of good works.

No Catholic "earns" heaven by one's own human merit. This is impossible for the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23). By merit, no person earns salvation, with or without a intellectual acceptance of Christ as the Lord and Savior. The merit or good works a Catholic will discuss as part of the process of justification, to which James 2 refers, is condign merit, that merit which we participate in only through the grace of God and only through his strength. Something that is not of ourselves, but of God. Thus no Catholic would say properly "I am going to heaven because of my good works". If one obligates God to repay them for their works, the only obligation God can repay them with is condemnation.

St. Paul states that our works however "fill what is lacking in the cross" (Col. 1:24). St. Paul does not assert that Christ's sacrifice is not enough, but rather God calls us to "lift up our cross and follow Him"(Luke 9:23).

This leads us to a correct understanding of Catholic soteriology: Whether we do one good work, or one million good works is not the point. The bare bones of it is that we remain in the grace of God. That we "do not sin unto death" (1 John 5:16), that is willfully reject Christ in our actions through mortal sin.

Thus it is not by faith alone but through a covenantal relationship through the blood of Christ that we are saved. In this relationship faith is not "alone".

    * Baptism and Covenant Theology

Covenant theology is different than corporate theology. Corporate theology is a theology based on Jesus as a lawyer and an intercessor before a Brother and King and God as a Judge before a Father. Covenant theology focuses more on the familial aspects of the faith, that our Salvation is one of a covenant, instead of one of a contract.  

"Then how is that different when protestants say that if we don't get baptized, it won't prevent us from entering heaven?" - Mulls, a Protestant Christian

Because it is directly commanded by Christ and closely tied with our redemption into the New Covenant. If someone doesn't understand that they need to be baptized (that is ignorant not by their own will) than they have been basically baptized by desire, as Catholics put it.

However if someone knows Christ commands baptism but refuses to be baptized, where does that put them? They are flat out rejecting the commands of Christ. Christ's response to this is "He cannot be my disciple".

The only objection a Catholic might actually have to faith alone is that in some definitions "faith alone" is defined as a faith that does not need obedience. Dead, alive, mediocre. Whatever. As long as someone has prayed and said they accept Christ nothing else matters- yet Christ says our works DO matter. They don't earn us salvation as in replacing Christ's role as the paschal lamb. This is what so many Protestants think Catholics are doing- "If I have so many good works and have faith I can go to heaven. I.E. Faith+ X number of Works=Heaven.

Formulas don't work with Catholicism though. There is somewhat of an incomprehinsable mystery to our liberation from evil. If I were to make a formula for Catholic salvation like protestants do I would have an infinity sign (sideways 8) with faith and works (or "Faith working in love) all within that infinity sign.

It is a life of faithfulness that Catholics stress brings eternal redemption, whereas it is a moment of conversion that most reformed Protestants stress. However Catholics say that it is a moment of conversion that brings adoption as a son of God (in baptism) or forgiveness (in repentance in some cases)----> initial salvation (for most people that is infant baptism).

    * 9. At all times and in every race God has given welcome to whosoever fears Him and does what is right.(85) God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another. Rather has it pleased Him to bring men together as one people, a people which acknowledges Him in truth and serves Him in holiness. He therefore chose the race of Israel as a people unto Himself. With it He set up a covenant. Step by step He taught and prepared this people, making known in its history both Himself and the decree of His will and making it holy unto Himself. All these things, however, were done by way of preparation and as a figure of that new and perfect covenant, which was to be ratified in Christ, and of that fuller revelation which was to be given through the Word of God Himself made flesh. "Behold the days shall come saith the Lord, and I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel, and with the house of Judah . . . I will give my law in their bowels, and I will write it in their heart, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people . . . For all of them shall know Me, from the least of them even to the greatest, saith the Lord.(86) Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood,(87) calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit. This was to be the new People of God. For those who believe in Christ, who are reborn not from a perishable but from an imperishable seed through the word of the living God,(88) not from the flesh but from water and the Holy Spirit,(89) are finally established as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people . . . who in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God".(90) - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)
    * The entire body of the faithful, anointed as they are by the Holy One,(111) cannot err in matters of belief. They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples' supernatural discernment in matters of faith when "from the Bishops down to the last of the lay faithful" (8*) they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals. That discernment in matters of faith is aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth. It is exercised under the guidance of the sacred teaching authority, in faithful and respectful obedience to which the people of God accepts that which is not just the word of men but truly the word of God. - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)
    * All men are called to belong to the new people of God. Wherefore this people, while remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and must exist in all ages, so that the decree of God's will may be fulfilled. In the beginning God made human nature one and decreed that all His children, scattered as they were, would finally be gathered together as one. (117) It was for this purpose that God sent His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things,(118) that be might be teacher, king and priest of all, the head of the new and universal people of the sons of God. For this too God sent the Spirit of His Son as Lord and Life- giver. He it is who brings together the whole Church and each and every one of those who believe, and who is the well-spring of their unity in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)

    *

      "No Salvation outside of the Church"

Salvation is a liberation from evil. Christian salvation is the newness of life in Jesus Christ found only through the New Covenant. It is a liberation from our fallen state.

The Misconception:

Catholics have a works-based salvation system in which one must do good works in order to enter heaven. This is directly contradictory to the scriptures which say one must only believe in Jesus Christ in order to go to heaven (John 3:16, Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 2:8-9). Catholics also teach that only Catholics can go to heaven, and salvation is only available when received through Catholic ritual. All of this shows why the Catholic Church is not a Christian Church.

The Truth of the Matter:

A solid study of the Catechism and a few short talks with a faithful Catholic will show that this misconception proves to be just that.

169 Salvation comes from God alone; but because we receive the life of faith through the Church, she is our mother: "We believe the Church as the mother of our new birth, and not in the Church as if she were the author of our salvation."55 Because she is our mother, she is also our teacher. (55 Faustus of Riez, De Spiritu)

178 We must believe in no one but God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

179 Faith is a supernatural gift from God. In order to believe, man needs the interior helps of the Holy Spirit.

180 Believing is a human act, conscious and free, corresponding to the dignity of the human person.

183 Faith is necessary for salvation. The Lord himself affirms: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mk 16:16)

In essence, all Christians believe in a “works-based system“, we tend to slide words and doctrines around to make it look different. A Baptist might say that good works, or fruits, are an outpouring of a born-again believer, but have no bearing on salvation. Someone who isn’t born again would not show these fruits. None-the-less, the fruits are a necessary part of the Christians life. So the Baptist is trying to say that they are necessary but they aren’t all at the same time.

Catholics on the other hand teach that these fruits are still a choice that the believer makes after initially trusting in Christ for their salvation, and that they have the choice not to bear fruits. The works a Catholic may speak about are not works of the Old Covenant, in which specific sacrifice was required under the law, but the works commanded of the Christian believer.

Another point to make is that Catholics do not teach that there are a certain number of works one must perform. They only teach that one must have a truthful and sincere faith in Jesus Christ. That is the bare bones basics of it. There are, however, many different doctrines that are set around this faith. Such as receiving the Eucharist in faith, striving to be more Holy, receiving baptism, confessing sins, being sorry for your sin, and even working to correct the sins you have committed.

They would never teach “If you go to all of the Catholic rituals you can earn your initial salvation without faith”. That idea is totally foreign and sounds crazy to a Catholic. However, they might say “If you are going to commit your life to Christ, he commands that you do so fully, that you pick up your cross and follow him.”

    * "
    * This Sacred Council wishes to turn its attention firstly to the Catholic faithful. Basing itself upon Sacred Scripture and Tradition, it teaches that the Church, now sojourning on earth as an exile, is necessary for salvation. Christ, present to us in His Body, which is the Church, is the one Mediator and the unique way of salvation. In explicit terms He Himself affirmed the necessity of faith and baptism(124) and thereby affirmed also the necessity of the Church, for through baptism as through a door men enter the Church. Whosoever, therefore, knowing that the Catholic Church was made necessary by Christ, would refuse to enter or to remain in it, could not be saved." - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)The Church recognizes that in many ways she is linked with those who, being baptized, are honored with the name of Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of communion with the successor of Peter. (14*) For there are many who honor Sacred Scripture, taking it as a norm of belief and a pattern of life, and who show a sincere zeal. They lovingly believe in God the Father Almighty and in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour. (15*) They are consecrated by baptism, in which they are united with Christ. They also recognize and accept other sacraments within their own Churches or ecclesiastical communities. Many of them rejoice in the episcopate, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and cultivate devotion toward the Virgin Mother of God.(16*) They also share with us in prayer and other spiritual benefits. Likewise we can say that in some real way they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative among them with His sanctifying power. Some indeed He has strengthened to the extent of the shedding of their blood. In all of Christ's disciples the Spirit arouses the desire to be peacefully united, in the manner determined by Christ, as one flock under one shepherd, and He prompts them to pursue this end. (17*) Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work that this may come about. She exhorts her children to purification and renewal so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earth. - Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church)

    * The Catechism and Merit

2006
    The term "merit" refers in general to the recompense owed by a community or a society for the action of one of its members, experienced either as beneficial or harmful, deserving reward or punishment. Merit is relative to the virtue of justice, in conformity with the principle of equality which governs it.
     
2007
    With regard to God, there is no strict right to any merit on the part of man. Between God and us there is an immeasurable inequality, for we have received everything from him, our Creator.
     
2008
    The merit of man before God in the Christian life arises from the fact that God has freely chosen to associate man with the work of his grace. The fatherly action of God is first on his own initiative, and then follows man's free acting through his collaboration, so that the merit of good works is to be attributed in the first place to the grace of God, then to the faithful. Man's merit, moreover, itself is due to God, for his good actions proceed in Christ, from the predispositions and assistance given by the Holy Spirit.
     
2009
    Filial adoption, in making us partakers by grace in the divine nature, can bestow true merit on us as a result of God's gratuitous justice. This is our right by grace, the full right of love, making us "co-heirs" with Christ and worthy of obtaining "the promised inheritance of eternal life."60 The merits of our good works are gifts of the divine goodness.61 "Grace has gone before us; now we are given what is due. . . . Our merits are God's gifts."62
     
2010
    Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life. Even temporal goods like health and friendship can be merited in accordance with God's wisdom. These graces and goods are the object of Christian prayer. Prayer attends to the grace we need for meritorious actions.
     
2011
    The charity of Christ is the source in us of all our merits before God. Grace, by uniting us to Christ in active love, ensures the supernatural quality of our acts and consequently their merit before God and before men. The saints have always had a lively awareness that their merits were pure grace.

        After earth's exile, I hope to go and enjoy you in the fatherland, but I do not want to lay up merits for heaven. I want to work for your love alone. . . . In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you with empty hands, for I do not ask you, Lord, to count my works. All our justice is blemished in your eyes. I wish, then, to be clothed in your own justice and to receive from your love the eternal possession of yourself.63

 

    * Scriptural Foundations

This brings us to a much needed in depth look at the doctrines of salvation.

Salvation in the Catholic Church, in the Christian religion is about a relationship. It is about family. You will often hear Protestants claim "Christianity is not a religion it is a relationship". Often they do not realize how right they are. God works in family like an artist in paints.

Genesis 2:18
Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."

Genesis 2:21-25
So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. [22] And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. [23] Then the man said,
"This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man."
[24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. [25] And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Family starts with God himself. God by nature is Triune. That means he is one God with three persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These are not three separate Gods or Persons, but one God. God is in essence a family. This family though is extended to his creation.

John 1:1-5 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Go to the first human family. Adam and Eve. They were made for each other and are incomplete without each other. And for a time they were in perfect communion with God. God dwelt with them and they with God. Sinless, they were able to be in the holy presence of God.

Adam and Eve ruptured their relationship with God when they came to know the knowledge of good and evil. With this knowledge and through disobedience Adam was imputed with a sin nature, which is passed down for all generations forever.

Genesis 3:17-19
And to Adam he said,
"Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
'You shall not eat of it,'
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
[18] thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
[19] By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return."

Romans 5:14 (KJV)
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

The next step in history is the family of Adam and Eve. They began having children, all who were tainted by the original sin Adam committed so they also could not be before God's perfect presence. For God cannot be in the presence and commune with anything imperfect or unholy.

Rev. 21:27
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

God however still desired communion with his people on earth. It is through a covenant that God choose to reunite his creation to Him. First we see Noah, and his family, saved on the Ark. We see the covenant with Moses and the exodus from Egypt under the hand of pharaoh. We see the covenant God makes with Abraham. And we see the fulfillment of the Old Testament with the New Covenant in Jesus' blood.

And just as the old covenants were all about family, whether with only a few people or an entire nation, we see the New Covenant is about family, but unconditional. A covenant for all of humanity. Jews and Gentiles. And through this New Covenant, we are made adopted sons of God.

Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 9:26
"And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
there they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "

Galatians 3:26
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

And it is only through the New Covenant that one can be redeemed.

Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 14:24
And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Luke 22:20
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Acts 3:25
You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'

1 Cor. 11:25
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

2 Cor. 3:6
who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Cor. 3:14
But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.

Galatians 3:15
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified.

Galatians 3:17
This is what I mean: th