Who's In Charge?...
Have you wondered how the Catholic Church has established its authority? That's
easy right? The Catholic church
believes that their church was started by Peter and continued with every pope who
"come immediately after, occupy the
position, and perform the functions of St. Peter; they are, therefore, his
successors." (Catholic Encyclopedia). This is
called the Apostolic Succession.
In other words, the Catholic Church says its' authority comes from the popes who continues
Peter's job.
Where do these "other churches" get their authority? The Bible.
"For the Word of God (The Bible) is living and
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even
to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrew 4:12
Protestants (churches that protested against the Catholic Church) and Evangelicals
(churches that are relatively new
Bible believing churches that center on spreading the Gospel) founded their churches on an
unshakable and immovable
standard - the Bible.
The Bible tells us that the "first pope", St. Peter, was corrected by Paul. Gal 2:11-2
The Bible tells us that St. Peter was married. 1 Cor 9:5
The Bible tells us that early churches were being de-railed by lies, loss of love, and
false doctrine.
The Bible tells us that there were many churches - not one.
The Bible tells us that we are not to follow the traditions of men. Col 2:8
The Bible has not changed but the Catholic church has. It has added doctrines
throughout the years that were never
part of the Bible (see Did You Know???)
The Bible is the only standard to give us the Truth Jesus brought us. Follow THE Standard to go to Jesus.
Catholic
vs. Christian - What's the Difference?...
You'll hear Catholic verses Christian (Protestant) is just "splitting hairs" - it's just
a little difference in opinion.
It comes down to "Sola Gratia" vs. "Sola Fide" (Latin,
the Roman language used by theologians, resulted in the use of Latin).
Sola Gratia - Saved by God's Grace Alone, which the Catholic Church
states but it is also very clear that it is not by Grace alone but Grace plus
the Sacraments, plus the Catholic Church, etc.
Sola Fide - Saved by God's Grace through Faith Alone - faith plus
nothing!
In a document called Evangelicals and Catholics Together, Catholic theologians have signed the statement that we are Saved by Grace through Faith. Evangelicals signing the document truly believed that the Catholic theologians had come to see the unquestionable biblical truth of the Gospel. Unfortunately, the Catholic theologians, who created the document did not intend changing the requirement of works - even though they knew that the signing Evangelicals believed that they were making a change. Catholic apologetics will state, "Saved by Grace through Faith but you still need to have works, such as the Sacraments, and the Catholic Church."
The Bible clearly shows that you are Saved by God's Grace through Faith Alone (Rom 11:6 & Eph 2:8-9). People were so absorbed by works that they couldn't accept the radical idea that Jesus was offering - you don't have to work for it - if you did, you'll think you were good enough but your not. Only the sacrifice of Jesus was good enough to fulfill God's demand. Jesus even came down to they're level:
"Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Jesus wanted to make is so clear that there is no work - there is belief (faith) in Jesus. That's it. So when the Catholic theology falsely teaches that you must have the Catholic Church and the Sacraments (i.e. works), it is contrary to the Gospel.
Catholic doctrine (Council of Trent) states that anyone who believes they are Saved by Faith Alone is anathema (forever damned) - contrary to the Bible.
This is a fair question to ask. Are we trying to bash Catholics? Do we just have a grudge with the Catholic Church?
No. This ministry is done out of love. For the most part it is "tough love" - presenting the Truth even if it hurts. We've received unkind e-mails (some would call it hate mail) and have been sent computer viruses but we understand that the motivation is ignorance and fear. It is a fearful thing to let go of what you have been taught for so many years but it is more fearful to not go to heaven because you have followed the wrong path.
Everything written at this website is written with great consideration of the feelings of the Catholic with great attempt to "tone down" the words to avoid insult but even with great effort, the truth can be very disturbing. Most articles have been written by former Catholic laity, priests and nuns - all written in love to bring Catholics to a Saving relationship and understanding of Jesus.
Honestly, it would be easier not to have this ministry and avoid the conflict but that's not what Christ told us. He said that we would be insulted and persecuted for His name's sake and He told us to proclaim the Gospel (the true Gospel: 1 Tim 5) to all the world.
Priest's - Are they Biblical?...
Where do "priests" come from? The Old Testament had priests. They were the mediator's between man and God offering sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. Of the twelve tribes of Judah, only the Levites were allowed to be priests.
The role of a earthly priest was removed when Jesus became the sacrifice and died on the cross, "And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom."(Mark 15:38) This veil (think of it as a curtain) was in the temple of the Holy of the Holies and represented man's separation from God. Jesus changed all of that. We, who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, can approach God through the one and only Mediator needed, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5) - no priest needed.
The Catholic Church states that the priest has the ability to forgive sins - the Bible states that only Jesus can forgive our sins. The Catholic Church states the bishop gives the priest the Holy Spirit during the ceremony of priesthood and that the priest is actually Jesus on earth and that the priest, "possesses the authority to act in the power and place of the person of Christ himself."(Second Vatican II Catechism section 1548) - the Bible states that God the Father and Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit and that he is present in every believer - no priest needed.
The Catholic Church states that the priest is "Christ himself". The New Testament teaches us that we are to try to be like Christ but nowhere does it state that any of us can actually be Christ himself - not even the Apostles.
As we look throughout the New Testament, none of the church leaders were called priests. Some were apostles, some were preachers, some were deacons, some were elders, and some were teachers but none were priest - none took on the priest role.
What's It Going To Take To Leave?...
This ministry has extensive articles and links to reach out to Catholics. We have
presented how the Catholic Church has changed throughout the years and has moved away from
the Biblical Gospel. The unfortunate truth is that most Catholics are members because that
is what they're used to.
Few Catholics have ever spent the time to read the New Testament where the "Truth will set you free."(John 8:32) God wants us to read His Word (the Bible). He doesn't want the "lukewarm."(Rev 3:16) He doesn't want the "religious." He wants you to accept the free gift of Salvation that He offers through His Son - it is a relationship not a religion.
Once you die, you don't get a second chance - you either go to heaven or hell.
Anyone who wants to go to heaven must make that choice while they're living - God
is merciful to give a lifetime of chances to choose.
We all must choose now if we want a religion or a relationship. Salvation relies the
relationship that we place our faith in Jesus Christ and this act without anything else we
can do, will Save us.
Leaving the Catholic Church?...
When a person leaves the Catholic Church, they experience:
Discovery – "I didn’t know that…"
As
more is learned about God from reading the Bible, there is a discovery of learning. This is an exciting and fulfilling time – a
time that God is really speaking and an experiencing that “the word of God is living and
powerful,” Heb
Church - The church isn’t made of men declared to be holy by its
own institution but is made up of persons who are believers in Jesus Christ. The church is not made of buildings but
believers. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor
Closeness – God isn’t distant, Jesus is my Lord and my Savior but is also my brother and my friend. It’s common with Catholics that God feels distant, untouchable, and condemning because they understand God's Holiness without understanding Grace (Holiness separates but Grace shows love and allows for a relationship). After distancing from the Catholic Church, a relationship with Jesus develops – touching, loving, and tear-filled feelings are overcoming. God really does love me!
Pity - "How can I help my friends to have a personal relationship with Jesus?
They're lost and refuse to listen to Truth!"
This range of emotions are common. If you have left, you've experienced some or all of these. If you're considering leaving, expect it and pray through it. The Bible is your guide and please feel welcome to e-mail us.
www.new-light.org
updated 12/17/03