Las Indulgencias vs la Fe

Las Indulgencias vs La Fe

Seis monedas de plata era el precio que deberías pagar para hacerte creedor de un certificado de indulgencia. Sin embargo para que esta indulgencia surtiese efecto se requería no solamente adquirirla sino también emprender una peregrinación a siete iglesias reverenciados seleccionadas por el tesoro de reliquias que albergaban la catedral de Wittenberg el 31 de octubre Día de todos los Santos exhibía un asombroso conjunto de 1000 reliquias prometiendo reducir la pena del purgatorio en 3 millones de días si eran veneradas correctamente sumado a esto entre las calles de aquella multitud de fieles desfilaban alzando pendones tocando trompetas y alardeando con júbilo los renombrados predicadores de indulgencias que con una retórica sofista infundían el temor en las almas para que se acercasa a adquirir el codiciado obsequio papal la indulgencia plenaria de la porción básicamente lo que los alejaba del cielo era solamente una moneda cayendo al cofre.

Tan pronto la moneda cayera en el cofre tanto para ellos como para sus seres queridos saldrían del purgatorio. No obstante, según las palabras del dominico Hugo de Salat Chear: las penitencias realizadas en esta vida probablemente no compensaban más que una parte de esas tarifas necesarias para la salvación y un periodo de Purificación en el purgatorio aseguraría el resto y era necesario para todos aquellos que se acercaban era, en efecto, como el agua del pozo de Jacob que aunque bebida continuaba generando sed. No existía confianza en los méritos de Cristo, ni fe en el sacrificio de la Cruz.

La curia Romana parecía haber sellado el cielo ni entraban ellos ni dejaban que otros entrasen.

Entre Cristo y el pueblo se alzaban el papa, los santos, las vírgenes, reliquias, indulgencias, purgatorios. Imágenes que intentaban ser definidas y defendidas con intrincado sofisma de sus predicadores. 

La mayoría de las veces la muerte la persecución y los ostracismo era el precio a quien se negase a aceptar esta religión sincrética y pagana. Sin embargo el 31 de octubre de 1517, proximadamente a las 3 de la tarde, un monje agustino formado entre los claustros de la curia romana, se abrió paso entre la muchedumbre congregada en la capilla de la catedral Wittenberg, que estaba ahí para adorar las reliquias del sabio de sajonia, y obtener así, la dispensa al favor papal mediante las indulgencias y este monje, según el testimonio de Philip Melanchton, quien se convertiría en su discípulo posterior, clavó 95 tesis en las puertas de la catedral invitando, a quienes lo desearan, a un debate intelectual sobre el tema.
Este acto, sin duda, cambiaría el mundo para siempre. Este acto fue coronado años después por Juan Calvino con la frase Post tenebras lux (de las tinieblas a la luz).

En medio del conflicto contra un gigante que se oponía a esta liberación, se forjaron lemas que inspiraron un pueblo:

Ante la arrogancia un papa corrupto que se alzaba por encima del trono de Dios - SOLO CRISTO

Ante las falsas promesas de perdones papales y la veneración de huesos y cadáveres - SOLO CRISTO

Ante el temor al purgatorio, los sufrimientos necesarios para alcanzar el cielo - SOLO CRISTO

Ante la retórica belicista un imperio que sometía a sus seguidores por la fuerza - SOLO CRISTO
Ante el imaginario tesoro de buenas obras de santos mediadores, vírgenes, reliquias y cuerpos cadavéricos - SOLO CRISTO
Desde monasterios iglesias, hogares, calles Dios comenzó a levantar a sus Ungidos para proclamar con voz en cuello la Buena Nueva.

Lutero en Alemania, Calvino en Ginebra,  Swinglio en Zurich, Knox en Escocia, y otros tantos que
esparcieron el fuego por cada ciudad, por cada pueblo, por cada monasterio, por cada abadía, por cada calle. Como caballos galopando a toda carreta por toda Europa, la frase:  At Fontes, se convirtió en el lema de los reformadores. Un llamado a volver a las fuentes verdaderas frente a las invenciones de la curia romana.

Con el tiempo esta frase mutó y se transformó en Sola Escritura: 

Ante la proliferación de doctrinas y enseñanzas - SOLA ESCRITURA
Ante las falsas doctrinas que amenazaban la vida espiritual - SOLA ESCRITURA

Ante las artimañas de una curia ávida de poder y riqueza - SOLA ESCRITURA

Ante la pretensión de erigirse como soberano y rey de los cristianos - SOLA ESCRITURA 

Obviamente hubo conflictos, hubo debates, hubo persecuciones, muertes, ostracismo.

Frecuentemente el Mar Rojo se alzaba ante ellos con los carros del faraón. 

Al acho a las espaldas sin embargo la inquebrantable fe de un pueblo, que surgió entre las tinieblas de una iglesia corrupta, prevaleció ante un imperio en decadencia corrupto, violento, engañoso, asesino.

La Reforma había comenzado. 

El Éxodo está en pleno apogeo, y nada ni nadie podría detenerlo.

Hoy, tras más de 500 años de aquel evento, más de 800 millones de personas han sido liberadas de la Cautividad Babilónica, y miles y miles y miles siguen siendo rescatados cada año.

Los Defensores de la Fe siguen surgiendo entre iglesias, seminarios, hogares, calles, de entre todas partes y a través de libros, sermones, programas, escritos, canciones continúan arrebatando a miles de almas a aquél, que por odio, ha cegado las mentes para que no brille la luz del Evangelio: eruditos, laicos, presbíteros, mujeres, hombres, jóvenes, niños, han replicado la lucha que dio inicio formar el 31 de octubre 1517, y sin temor a la persecución y sin temor a la crítica y sin temor a los ostracismos, sin temor a la a la corrección política que intenta dominarlos y marcarles la línea de batalla, siguen yendo por aquellos a los que el propio Señor les ha dicho: "salid de ella pueblo mío," y hoy: 31 de octubre, yo me sumo a la voz de Cristo que dice: "salid de ella pueblo mío." Salíd de esa curia perversa, que ha sido asesina perseguidora, que ha sido cruel, que se ha embriagado de la sangre de los Santos, que ha pervertido el derecho y ha negado la justicia de los méritos del Salvador. Salíd de aquella, que se ha alzado sobre sus hermanos queriendo dominarlo todo, imponiendo un hombre como "vicario infalible" "sumo líder y padre de los creyentes."  Vosotros tenéis un solo Padre, vosotros tenéis un solo Maestro. Venid a Cristo y recibiréis descanso. Pronto la luz de Cristo empezó a brillar, pronto la luz de Cristo empezó a resplandecer en toda su potencia a esclarecer la mente embotada por la mentira romana. Depurados de la superstición de acercarse a santos, vírgenes, cadáveres, reliquias, papas, imágenes, brilló con excelsa magnificencia lema de Soli Deo Gloria (Solo a Dios la gloria), porque solo Él la
merece. Cristo, el Cristo de las Escrituras, por el que indagaron los Profetas, el que fue manifestado con
poder por sus Apóstoles, vencía por medio de Su rebaño pequeño, al imperio de tinieblas, que se había impuesto a sangre y fuego sobre ellos Aquél que había sido tipificado en las páginas del Antiguo Testamento, expresara en su culmen en la Nueva Alianza, lideraba con brazo de poder a los suyos. Este remanente que, en ocasiones, tuvo que enfrentarse a cruentos debates, tuvo que enfrentarse en luchas escarnecidas.

La la Jerusalén Celestial lejos del Vaticano, la sede de la Gran Babilonia. A su madre, la Jerusalén de Arriba, que no es esclava, a la muchedumbre de fieles que habían confiado en los méritos de Cristo, lanzando sus coronas Aquél que ha vencido por ellos:  Solo Cristo, Soli Deo Gloria.

Hoy la lucha sigue hasta que el número de gentiles se cumpla, hasta que Dios envíe tiempos de refrigerio del cielo y aparezca la señal del Hijo del Hombre en las nubes.

No somos perfectos, pero confiamos en la gracia, somos perseguidos y atribulados pero no derrotados. pues aún si nuestra casa terrenal se deshace, tenemos la promesa de una casa hecha no por mano de hombre, allá en los Cielos, en donde reunió la multitud de ángeles. Un día cantaremos: Sublime Gracia del Señor que a un pecador salvó.

Dos cosas sé: que muy grande es mi pecado y muy grande es mi Salvador. ¿Si Dios es conmigo quién contra mí? N hay papa, no hay vírgenes, no hay santos, purgatorios, mártires, cadáveres o poderes de este tiempo, o el futuro que puedan apartarnos del amor de Dios.
Manifestado en Cristo Jesús a los que creen. Gracias Dios por Martín Lutero.
Gracias Dios por tus Ungidos porque no haces nada sin comunicárselo a tus siervos los profetas y porque venido el tiempo le diste palabras y sabiduría a aquellos que escogiste para vencer con fe verdadera la impostura romana 

Post tenebras lux.

Edgar Pacheco

Roman Catholicism vs The Holy Scriptures

 

Overview of how Catholic faith contradicts the Bible

1. Calling the Priests "Father" is forbidden

FACT: Catholics are taught to call their priest, "Father", as a religious title of respect. Christians in the first century never called their leaders, "father". This first happened hundreds of years later.

Question #1: Does Jesus approve of calling the leaders of the church, "Father"?

Answer: Matthew 23:9 

"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Matthew 23:9

2. Praying repetitive words using Rosary beads is forbidden.

FACT: Catholics pray repetitive words with Rosary Beads that were first invented in 1090 AD, by "Peter the Hermit" and made popular by St. Dominic in 1208 AD. Catholics believe that Mary appeared to St. Dominic in 1208 AD, at the church of Prouille and revealed the Rosary Beads to him. From this time, Catholics prayed 15 sets of 10 consecutive "hail Marys" in a row (150 times), in the Rosary. However, in 2003 AD, Pope John Paul added a new set of Mysteries, so now it is 20 sets of 10 "Hail Marys", (200 times in the Rosary, in total.) Catholics will vainly appeal to Psalm 136 that alternates the same phrase 26 times with 26 different blessings God gives us. It is not 26 in a row as with the rosary! This is also a song, not a prayer. Revelation 4:8 has "angels singing" not "men praying".

Click on photo for high resolution

Historical note: Roman Catholics borrowed the idea of praying with beads from the pagan religions who were already using them hundreds of years before: In 456 AD, Hindus are thought to have introduced the concept of praying with beads to the world. The earliest reference to a rosary (boberkhas) is in their "Jain Canon" (456 AD) These boberkhas had various numbers of beads 6,9,12,18,36 (any sub-multiple of 108) Islam (610 AD) uses a rosary of 99 beads, one for each of the names of God. Buddhists have 108 prayer beads on the string. The Rosary is of pagan origin and no Christian prior to 1000 AD used beads to pray.

Question #1: Did Jesus forbid repetitive prayer using Rosary Beads?

Answer: Matthew 6:7 

"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7

 

3. Virgin Mary

FACT: Roman Catholics are taught the virgin Mary never had sex after Jesus was born and that Jesus had no brothers and sisters. The Pope teaches that Mary is the mediator between God and man. Catholics also engage in more praising of Mary than Jesus Christ himself and actually pray to her to have their prayers answered. Rosary Beads graphically represent how Roman Catholics heap 10 times more praise upon Mary than God himself. Of the 59 total beads of the Rosary, 53 beads are "Hail Marys", but only 6 beads are "Our Father". The Rosary most often ends with a "Hail, Holy Queen" prayer to Mary, not God.

Question #1: Did Jesus have brothers and sisters from the womb of Mary?

Answer: Matthew 13:55-56 

"Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" Matthew 13:55-56
.

 

Question #2: Did Joseph begin normal sexual relations with his wife after Jesus was born?

Answer: Matthew 1:24-25 

"And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus." Matthew 1:24-25

Question #3: The Bible says there is only one mediator between God and man. Is mary that one mediator?

Answer: 1 Timothy 2:5

"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5

Question #4: Catholics engage in endless praise of Mary. When a woman praised Jesus' mother to his face, did Jesus commend encourage this woman to continue praising Mary?

Answer: Luke 11:27-28 

"While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed." But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."" Luke 11:27-28

 

4. Every Christian drinks of the communion cup

FACT: From 1200-1970 AD, Roman Catholics laity were forbidden to drink the blood. This is known as communion under one kind, or communion of one species. During this time, Roman Catholics are permitted to eat the bread (body) of the Lord's Supper, they are generally not allowed to drink the wine (blood) of the Lord's Supper, as any Catholic knows from his own experience from attending Mass. (Except on rare special occasions.) The laity (the people in the pews) are withheld the cup of the Lord and it is usually reserved for church leaders only. Yes there are denominations within the Roman Catholic "communion" where some RC sects actually offer the juice, but most Mass attending Catholics know they rarely drink the cup of wine.

Historical note: Two early popes condemned withholding the cup, (Pope Leo I [died 461 AD] and Pope Gelasius [died 496 Ad]; but in the 12th century the practice was begun, and formally approved by the Catholic Council of Constance in 1415 AD. So for the first 1000 years, the Catholics in the Pews drink the cup, then the Pope changed this apostolic tradition. Under the reforms of Vatican II, the laity were once again permitted to have "communion under both kinds/species". Today many Roman Catholics are unaware that for almost 900 years, the average members were forbidden to drink the blood. While Catholics have restored their practices back to the original first century tradition which they call, "communion under both kinds", it illustrates the ever shifting and changing doctrinal evolution that is present in the Roman Catholic church.

Question #1: Did Christ and the apostle Paul command that every Christian should drink of the communion cup?

Answer: Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 

To the disciples: "Drink from it, all of you" Matthew 26:27

To the whole church in Corinth: "in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:28

"While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:26-28 "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

 

 

5. All Christians are saints

FACT: The Pope says only very special dead Catholic people qualify to be called "saints". For example, Pope John Paul II could not make Mother Teresa a saint (official canonization) until after she was dead. The average Catholic in the pew is never called a "saint" dead or alive! In fact if a pew dwelling Catholic started calling himself a "saint", he would be rebuked by the parish priest!

Question #1: Was every living Christian in the church in Corinth called a saint?

Answer: 1 Corinthians 1:2 

"To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours" 1 Corinthians 1:2

Question #2: Did Paul write the book of Ephesians to dead saints?

Answer: Ephesians 1:1 

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus" Ephesians 1:1

Question #3: Was the average Christian in the church at Philippi called a saint, in distinction to bishops and deacons?

Answer: Philippians 1:1 

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons" Philippians 1:1

Question #4: Was every Christian living in Rome called to be a saint?

Answer: Romans 1:7 

"to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7

6. All Christians are priests

FACT: The Pope decided to reserve the title of "priest" to worn by church leaders only. The average pew dwelling Catholic never refer to themselves as "priests". In fact if a lay Catholic started calling himself a "priest", he would be rebuked by "the parish Priest"!

Question #1: Did Jesus make all Christians to be priests, including the average member in the pew?

Answer: 1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10

"you (all Christians) also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. " 1 Peter 2:5

"But you (all Christians) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; " 1 Peter 2:9

"Jesus has made us (all Christians) to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:6

"You have made them (all Christians) to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Revelation 5:10

7. Bishops must be Married.

FACT: In 1079 AD celibacy was first enforced for priests and bishops by Pope Gregory VII. Before this time, they were permitted to marry.

Question #1: Does the Bible teach that a bishop (overseer) must be married AND ALSO have children as one of the conditions of being qualified to be a bishop?

Answer: 1 Timothy 3:2-5

"A bishop, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)" 1 Timothy 3:2-5

Question #2: In the very next chapter of the Bible after bishops are told they must be married with children, does the Holy Spirit warn that "forbidding to marry" is a "doctrine of demons"?

Answer: 1 Timothy 4:1-3 

"But the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:1-3

8. Peter was married

FACT: Most Catholics believe that Apostle Peter was the first Pope and was not married. As one Roman Catholic leader said, "if Peter had a wife when he first met Jesus, he got rid of her quick!"

Question #1: Did Peter have a wife?

Answer: Mark 1:30 

"Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her." Mark 1:30

Question #2: Did Paul say all the apostles including Peter had a right to be married?

Answer: 1 Corinthians 9:5 

"Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?" 1 Corinthians 9:5

9. Latin Mass forbidden

FACT: For over 1000 years, the Roman Catholic church often conducts their mass services entirely in the Latin language, when no one sitting in the pews understands the Latin language. Most Roman Catholics who have sat through such a Latin Mass service have wondered what is going on. It was not until 1965 AD that the Pope finally understood 1 Cor 14:19 and allowed masses to conducted in the same vernacular language of the local people. (English in North America)

Question #1: Is Latin Mass forbidden in the Bible when no one in the pews understands Latin?

Answer: 1 Corinthians 14:19 

"in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." 1 Corinthians 14:19

10. Observance of special days condemned

FACT: The Roman Catholic church has invented an entire yearly calendar of non Biblical holy Days like Lent, Easter, Christmas.

Historical note: No one prior to 335 AD celebrated the birthday of Jesus. The word "Christmas" (Christ + Mass) was first used in 1038 AD. Before 335 AD, the pagan cult of Mithra, the Iranian "god of light", had long celebrated December 25 as Mithra's birthday. December 21, being the winter solace, marked the beginning of days with increasing amount of light, hence December 25 celebrated Mithra's triumph over darkness. Because the pagan festival that celebrated Mithra's birthday was so popular, the Roman Catholic church adopted the day, but changed the meaning from the birthday of Mithra, the "god of light", to Christ's birthday, God the son, "light of the world". The old meaning of December 25 was connected with Mithra's triumph over physical darkness. The new meaning celebrated Jesus triumph over spiritual darkness. Eventually Christmas became dominant, the Mithra cult went extinct and today this origin is not widely known among Roman Catholics. None of the apostles or the early church celebrated the birthday of Jesus.

Question #1: Did the early Christians celebrate Christmas, Lent and Easter?

Answer: Galatians 4:10-11 

"You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain." Galatians 4:10-11

Question #2: Are Christians told to remember the Lord's Death every Sunday?

Answer: Acts 20:7 

"On the first day of the week (Sunday), when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight." Acts 20:7

11. Worshipping images violates the 2nd commandment.

FACT: Catholics regularly bow down to idols, icons and images of Jesus, Mary and the apostles, kissing the feet of the statues and praying to them. Now Catholics get very upset when you accuse them of worshipping Mary. They deny they are worshipping Mary with loud illogical and irrational protests. What these need to understand, is that the Bible teaches that WE ONLY PRAY TO DEITY and Christians considers it paganism and polytheism to pray to anyone EXCEPT the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. So while Catholics pray to Mary, they fail to comprehend that only deity is to be prayed to, and this is the underlying reason why non-Catholics correctly lay the charge they worship Mary AND ALL THE SAINT, they pray to. The Bible clearly teaches that all dead humans, though conscious in the spirit world, are unable to know anything, much less hear prayers addressed to them. Bowing down to icons and kissing them etc. so closely resemble idol worship it is actually shocking that any Roman Catholic would attempt to defend the practice. But again, they simply do the practice but deny it is worship. To illustrate the point, Muslim deny they are worshipping the moon god as their "Allah" as moon worship is even condemned in the Koran. But the fact of history is that Muhammad rid the Kaaba in Mecca of the 365 gods inside the cubical building, but retained the one on the roof known as the moon god "Hubal". Muhammad simply took the moon god from the roof, denied it was the moon god and called Hubal "Allah". The historical vestage of this origin is confirmed in that every mosque in the world has a crescent moon on the roof… just like the original Hubal moon god on the roof of the Kaaba. Muslims get mad when you point out that Allah is really the moon god and Catholics get mad when you point out they are worshipping the Mary and the saints when they pray to them. When a child stands in the middle of a room and puts his hand over his eyes and says, "you can't see me", that doesn't mean they are invisible, except in the mind of the child. Roman Catholics put their hands over their eyes and say, "We do no worship idols and we do not consider praying to Mary and act of worship". Saying so doesn't make it so. Roman Catholic apologists who harshly criticize protestants who accuse them of worshipping idols and Mary need to take a close look in the mirror and be honest with reality. At the very least, they could tone down their ranting against protestants "misrepresenting Catholic faith" with a bit of self-reflection and a good history lesson.

Historical note: The Pope deleted the 2nd of the 10 commandments so they could use statues & images in worship. They split the 10th commandment on coveting into two commandments so they could still have 10 in number. Don't believe this? Look at the list of 10 commandments published by the Roman Catholic church! The issue here is not how the Ten Commandments are numbered, rather the issue is that most published lists of the 10 commandments do not include the words, "you shall not for yourself an idol". Open your Catholic Bible and look for yourself!

Question #1: Does the 2nd commandment approve of bowing down and kissing idols?

Answer: Exodus 20:4 

"You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them." Exodus 20:4-5

 

12. Baptism is full immersion in water, not sprinkling.

FACT: The Catholic church baptizes babies by sprinkling a little water on them. Historical note: Greek work for baptism literally means immersion. There are separate words in Greek for sprinkling, pouring and immersion. Only the Greek word for immersion is ever used for Baptism in the Bible. The first recorded case of sprinkling was in 257 AD to someone on a sick-bed. It was then an exception to the rule and brought about fierce opposition from the whole church. Not until 757 AD did the church accept sprinkling in such sick-bed cases of necessity. It wasn't until 1311 AD, when the Catholic council of Ravenna, declared that sprinkling was and acceptable substitute for immersion and from that time forward sprinkling replaced immersion in the Roman Catholic church. The Orthodox church refused sprinkling and still immerses to this day.

Question #1: Was Jesus baptized by full immersion in the Jordan River?

Answer: Matthew 3:16 

"After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him" Matthew 3:16

Question #2: When Philip baptized the Eunuch, did both of them go into the water?

Answer: Acts 8:38-39 

"And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away." Acts 8:38-39

Question #3: Can babies be baptized since they do not first believe?

Answer: Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36-37 

"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark 16:16

"As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." Acts 8:36-37

Question #4: Can babies be baptized since they do not first repent?

Answer: Acts 2:38 

"Brethren, what must we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38

 

13. Original sin is false doctrine

FACT: Catholics say that infants inherit their parent's sin at conception and are therefore spiritually condemned and totally wicked.

Question #1: Is the doctrine of inherited original sin found in the Bible?

Answer: Ezekiel 18:20

"The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself." Ezekiel 18:20

Question #2: Did Jesus say little children are better models of purity and conduct than adults?

Answer: Matthew 18:2-3 

"And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-3

14. Every Christian can understand the Bible by merely read it.

FACT: Catholics are taught that only the priests can understand the Bible and the common man in the pew cannot understand the Bible without the priests help.

Question #1: Do the scriptures say that when anyone reads the Bible, they can understand for themselves?

Answer: Ephesians 3:4 

"By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ" Ephesians 3:4

15. Catholics are unwilling to defend their faith

FACT: When Roman Catholics are challenged from the Bible to defend their faith, they are unwilling or unable to defend what they believe and say the priest has the answer and never search the truth out for themselves. Priests and Bishops never get permission to have open public Bible discussions with honest Bible students like ourselves. Imagine a local parish priest publicly defending infant baptism against a Christian who taught the practice contradicted the Bible! It never happens! Forget what the Bible says, just trust the priest!

Question #1: Should a Christian be unable to defend what they believe from the Bible without the help of priests?

Answer: 1 Peter 3:15 

"sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" 1 Peter 3:15

16. Human tradition and man made doctrine is apostasy

FACT: The Pope teaches that he can change what is in the Bible if he wants.

Question #1: Did Jesus say it was OK for man to change what the word of God teaches for man-made Catholic doctrine?

Answer: Mark 7:7-9 

"'But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition." Mark 7:7-9

Conclusion: How the Catholic church views the Bible

Below are the kinds of replies you can expect from a Roman Catholic priest if you ask him about the contents of this Bible study.

Yes I know Matthew 23:9, seems to condemn calling me "Father", but you are not able to understand the Bible like I do. Yes I know is appears like Jesus condemned the repetitive prayer of the Rosary beads in Matthew 6:7, but Mary appeared to St. Dominic in 1208 AD and revealed to him the Rosary Beads herself! Yes Matthew 13:55-56 seems to indicate that Jesus had brothers and sisters, but these were the children of Joseph from a previous marriage or just cousins. Yes, I agree that 1 Timothy 2:5 sounds like Jesus is the only mediator between god and man, but the Pope decided she was indeed also a mediator between God and man

Summary:

1. Yes Christ and Paul did command every Christian to drink of the communion cup in Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28. And Yes I know that two early popes condemned withholding the cup, (Pope Leo I [died 461 AD] and Pope Gelasius [died 496 Ad]; but in the 12th century the practice was begun, and formally approved by the Catholic Council of Constance in 1415 AD. Yes I know that in 1970 the pope restored the cup to the laity.
2. Was every living Christian in the church in Corinth called a saint?
3. Yes I know that in the Bible (1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Romans 1:7) every Christian was a saint and every saint was a Christian. Yes I agree, the Bible uses the word saint as interchangeably synonymous with being a Christian, but the Roman Catholic church has the power to change the Bible.
4. Yes I know that in the apostolic church (1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10), every Christian was a priest and the two terms are used interchangeably synonymous with being a Christian, but the Roman Catholic church decided that only leaders should be called priests.
5. Yes I know that the Bible appears to teach that 1 Timothy 3:2-5 bishops must be married with believing children, but you can't even understand the Bible anyway, why do you ask? Just trust me because only Catholic priests can understand the Bible.
6. Yes I have read 1 Timothy 4:1-3, and is seems to condemn forbidding the marriage of Catholic priests, but the Pope decided that unmarried men are more holy than married men.
7. Yes I know that Mark 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:5 say that Peter had a wife 23 years after Christ died on the cross (53 AD), but Pope Gregory VII decided in 1079 AD from that time onward, that church leaders cannot marry.
8. Yes I know that sitting through a Latin Mass service can be very boring for many Catholics in the pews. And yes I know that 1 Corinthians 14:19 condemns conducting a church service in a language the average member does not understand, but the Pope decided that Latin sounds real holy and has both historical and mystical qualities.
9. Yes I know the early church did not begin to celebrate Christmas until the 4th century. And yes I know that Galatians 4:10-11 condemns the keeping of such holy days not found in the Bible, but the church at Rome needed a way to convert the pagan worshippers of Mithra, the god of light... and it worked!
10. Yes I know that Acts 20:7 commands Christians to have weekly communion services and that the early church did not celebrate Easter as is done today, but having a yearly communion service was something later church leaders wanted to add to worship.
11. Yes I know that the Roman Catholic church deleted the 2nd commandment (Exodus 20:4) in order to hid from the masses God's condemnation of bowing down and kissing images of Mary and Peter, but Mary revealed herself to us in a vision.
12. Yes I know that Jesus was baptized by full immersion in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16), and that sprinkling was not officially approved until 1311 AD, but it sure is more convenient.
13. Yes I know that babies have no faith and cannot repent, and are therefor not really valid candidates for baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36-37; Acts 2:38). But the Pope invented the idea of where the faith and repentance that the infant lacks, is exchanged for the faith and repentance of a "God Parent". Yes I know none of this is in the Bible, but the Pope is the "holy see" and he must know what he is doing!
14. Yes I know Ezekiel 18:20 proves the doctrine of total hereditary depravity (inherited original sin) contradicts the Bible, but you cannot understand the Bible anyway, only the priest can correctly interpret it.
15. Yes I know that Matthew 18:2-3 teaches that children are better models of purity and conduct than adults, but the Pope teaches that infants are wicked defiled sinners condemned to hell until a Catholic priest baptizes them and removes the curse of original sin.
16. Yes I know Ephesians 3:4 plainly seems to say that when you read the Bible by yourself, you can have the same insight that the apostle Paul had into spiritual things, but we Catholic priests cannot teach all our false doctrines that contradict the Bible unless we convince you that you can't understand the Bible unless the priest helps you.
17. Yes I know that 1 Peter 3:15 teaches every Christian should be able to defend from the Bible what they believe, but isn't that what us Roman Catholic priests are supposed to do? Do you want to put us out of job and rob us of all our power and control?
18. Yes I know that human traditions that contradict the Bible are condemned in Mark 7:7-9, but all the doctrines that contradict the Bible which the Pope through up were revealed to him directly by Christ and therefore, although they contradict the Bible, they are divinely approved by Christ himself.
19. You really shouldn't be reading the Bible anyway. And while we are talking about it, what else do you want me to teach you about what the Bible says?

 

How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art

LYRICS:

Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on an original Swedish hymn entitled "O Store Gud" written in 1885 by Carl Boberg (1859–1940). The English version of the hymn and its title are a loose translation by the English missionary Stuart K. Hine from 1949.  

Origin

Boberg wrote the poem "O Store Gud" ('O Great God') with nine stanzas. It was first published in 1886.

Inspiration

The inspiration for the poem came when Boberg was walking home from church near Kronobäck, Sweden, and listening to church bells. A sudden storm got Boberg's attention, and then just as suddenly as it had made its appearance, it subsided to a peaceful calm which Boberg observed over Mönsterås Bay. According to J. Irving Erickson:


Carl Boberg and some friends were returning home to Mönsterås from Kronobäck, where they had participated in an afternoon service. Presently a thundercloud appeared on the horizon, and soon lightning flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. The thunder pealed in loud claps. Then rain came in cool fresh showers. In a little while the storm was over, and a rainbow appeared. When Boberg arrived home, he opened the window and saw the bay of Mönsterås like a mirror before him… From the woods on the other side of the bay, he heard the song of a thrush… the church bells were tolling in the quiet evening. It was this series of sights, sounds, and experiences that inspired the writing of the song.

According to Boberg's great-nephew, Bud Boberg, "My dad's story of its origin was that it was a paraphrase of Psalm 8 and was used in the 'underground church' in Sweden in the late 1800s when the Baptists and Mission Friends were persecuted."The author, Carl Boberg himself gave the following information about the inspiration behind his poem:


It was that time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest colouring; the birds were singing in trees and everywhere. It was very warm; a thunderstorm appeared on the horizon and soon there was thunder and lightning. We had to hurry to shelter. But the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared. When I came home I opened my window toward the sea. There evidently had been a funeral and the bells were playing the tune of "When eternity's clock calls my saved soul to its Sabbath rest". That evening, I wrote the song, "O Store Gud."

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Allah Had No Son

 

 Read also: Islam is Satanic

 

 

Source: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=42&ue=d