The non-Catholics understanding of "a church" departs

from historical Christianity and the Holy Bible in 3 fundamental ways:

3. The 3rd Way the non-Catholic's view of a church departs from the historical teachings of the Apostles and that of the Holy Bible is in the belief that "The Church," the "Bride of Christ," Christ’s own “Body” is NOT protected by the Holy Spirit from teaching error in matters of faith or morals." This is believed by the non-Catholic because that is the way it is in their current church, where they are free to discount the teachings of their pastor and his/her "Statement of Faith." For in the non-Catholic churches, nothing is “Binding” and no church has any authority over him whatsoever. These modern beliefs are in gross contradiction to the teachings of the Apostles and the Sacred Scriptures and even the Protestant's own reformers in the 16th century. "And he is the head of the body, the church" Colossians 1:18 (Also Colossians 1:24, Eph 1:22)
(Click here for a deeper discussion)

Non-Catholic churches embrace their current theologies because unknowingly, they are forced to accept the unbiblical "Bible Only" theory (Sola Scriptura) as true. It is unbiblical because nowhere in the Bible does the Bible teach the "SOLA" or the "Only" in this Renaissance era idea, nowhere implied or otherwise. Many pastors quote 2 Tim 3:15-16 as a teaching of Sola Scriptura or Bible Only. But as one reads the text, the "SOLA or the ONLY" is not taught or even alluded to. It says Scripture is "profitable and useful" but that is stating the obvious, of course Scripture is profitable and useful. The text does not teach what the non-Catholic would like the passage to teach. The "Bible ONLY" idea is ironically "unbiblical and antibiblical" and it doesn't even predate the middle ages much less have its roots in the Apostolic era. See: Is Sola Scriptura Biblical? Where does the Bible teach the "Sola or the Only" in Bible Only? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html Yet non-Catholics accept this idea because they have been taught to reject the teaching authority of Christ's Church. For they have been presented with an unhistorical, unbiblical and even anti-Biblical understanding of Christ's Church: what it is, what it's for, why Christ commissioned it and how its job is to spread the Gospel of Christ and keep his fold from drifting into heresy or preaching "other gospels."

Galatians 1:8-9 "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"

As shown below, Catholic theology comprises the verses not taught in Protestant circles or underlined in the
non-Catholic's Bible.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the non-Catholic understanding of "a church"?

The non-Catholic's church is a gathering place, a building or space which provides religious services for its believers based on the pastor's personal and distinct interpretation of the Holy Bible in this modern era. Whether non-Catholics realize it or not, their church is an institution in itself because it is purposely set up with a defined hierarchy (Senior Pastor, associate/assistant pastors, elders, staff, choir, volunteers, parishioners, security, maintenance, etc.) that provide spiritual guidance and functionality for the institution. These institutional qualities are Biblical and they also resemble the early Church. Except the Apostles and the early Church's hierarchy ordained it's future clergy through a distinct ordination of "laying on of hands" (1 Tim. 5:32, 1 Tim. 4:14), and gave three offices of ordination: Bishop, Priest and Deacon which are absent in most all modern non-Catholic churches.

Bishops (episcopoi) (1 Tim. 5:19-22; 2 Tim. 4:5; Titus 1:5).
Priests (presbuteroi) (1 Tim. 5:17; Jas. 5:14-15).
Deacons (diakonoi) (Acts 6:1-6).

No Protestant church can trace the ordination orders of its clergy before the 16th century (and contrary to the Holy Bible, most do not even have an ordination of its clergy). Yet every Catholic Bishop, Priest and Deacon, by a lineage of "laying on of hands" can do this by name back 2000 years to a specific Apostle. The Holy Bible tells us that this and only this makes the ordination orders of a church's clergy valid, Biblical and Apostolic.
See: Click here: Bishop, Priest, and Deacon in the Holy Bible and in Christ's early Church http://www.catholic.com/library/Bishop_Priest_and_Deacon.asp

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Christian Reader: ask yourself the following questions about your current church and what the Holy Bible says or does not say:

• Where in the Holy Bible does it express the idea that Christians may pick and choose whatever church they want to attend, and embrace the church with the theology (or gospel) they like, and “church shop” until this is accomplished? What verse tells the Protestant that multiple gospels are authorized in Christianity as evidenced by the 1000s of gospel’s/statement’s of faith in the Protestant world? "As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed." Gal 1:8-9
• Where in the Holy Bible does it tell us that the church’s authority and teachings can be usurped or countermanded by the individual at will? Or that the Church Christ commissioned is Not a divine institution with Christ’s infallible authority to "bind and loose" doctrine? What verse supports this modern Protestant idea? "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16).
• Where in the Holy Bible does it tell the Protestant that Christ’s Church, his Holy Body (Colossians 1:18) is NOT protected by the Holy Spirit from teaching error (on matters of faith or morals)? Christ said he would send the "the spirit of truth to guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13) for his Church to "Teach all nations” until the “end of the world.”(Matt 28:20) Does not the Holy Bible call the only Christian faith in the first 1000+ years of Christianity : "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15?
• The Holy Bible is absent of any verse supporting the Protestant concept of what a church is or how it functions. Why would any Bible Believing Christian embrace unbiblical and even anti-biblical ideas on Christ's Church, which is His very Body? "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Colossians 1:24 (Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22
• It would appear to be black or white. Either one embraces the Holy Bible in its entirety or they don't. Either one believes its Holy Words or they don't. Either the "Gates of Hell" overcame Christ's Church or they didn't. Either the "Church of the Living God is the pillar and foundation of Truth" or it isn't. Either Christ sent His Church "the spirit of truth to guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13) or he didn't. It's black or white. Either a Christian "listens" to Christ's Church, the only Christian Faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity and therefore the Faith of the Holy Bible or one turns a deaf ear to it. Mt 18:17-18 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 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.
• To be a "Bible Christian" means to embraced the whole Bible, even the verses that contradict one's belief system, not just embracing the verses taught in your pastors "Statement of Faith."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The non-Catholics understanding of a church departs

from historical Christianity and the Holy Bible in 3 fundamental ways:

The same perspectives exist when Catholics and non-Catholics speak of "a church" verse "The Church".

• The Protestant "World/Secular View" of a church is that it is NOT a "divine institution" and it does NOT have the power to "Bind and Loose" (to declare and define doctrine infallibly) and it does NOT speak infallibly on matters of faith or morals. In fact, contrary to the Sacred Scriptures, the Protestant's churches nor Christ's Church has any binding authority at all, and if one disagrees with one's church, one can only "church shop" for another church, or start one of his own. (Try doing that in 1st century Christianity). This "World View" of Christ's Church parallels the "World/Secular View" of the Holy Bible.
• Conversely, the historic "Christian View" of Christ's Church is what Christians have always believed. The Holy Bible teaches that Christ's Church is a "divinely created institution" established by Christ himself, that "binds or loosens [doctrine] in Heaven and on Earth" and on Christ's authority it speaks infallibly the Word of God on matters of Faith or Morals. (Matt 16:16:19, Matt 18:17-18) This means that Christ gave His full authority to His Church to teach and preach His Gospel. Authority to define doctrine (bind) and authority to declare what is not doctrine or the Gospel of Christ (loose). That is why the Holy Bible calls this Church: "The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." 1 Tim 3:15 No other church has this authority because no other church was instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ and no other church even existed in the first 1000+ years of Christianity. In essence Christ said of His Church: "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16).
• The Catholic Faith and only the Catholic Faith existed in the 10th century, the 5th century and the 1st century starting in 33AD. If you were a Christian in any of these centuries you would embrace the Catholic Faith. Yet many out of ignorance ignore or even deny this fact. This is akin to denying the Lunar Landing or the Holocaust. It's that egregious. Read more of the history of Christ's Church and the unbroken succession of popes from St. Peter to Pope Benedict VI at: Encyclopedia.com http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/p1/popesT1A1B1L1E1.asp

Matt 16:16-19 . "And I say that thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it, I give you the keys to kingdom of Heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and what ever you loosen on earth will be loosened in Heaven."

Mt 18:17-18 "If he refuse's to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 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."

• Christ's Church, as the Holy Bible tells us, is protected by the Holy Spirit from teaching error in matters of faith or morals. That is why the Holy Bible calls it: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15." No other organization has been given this divine protection or authority because every other church is a product of modern man vice the Apostolic Church of the 1st century. This is why non-Catholics do not view their current church as a divine institution (that is the Body of Christ himself). For they unknowingly acknowledge that Christ did not start their church and therefore it is not infallible and does not posses Christ’s “binding” authority in matters of faith and morals. (MATT 16:16:19, Matt 18:17-18) They realize a mere man started their church in very recent history. Who started your church and how long ago?
• The Sacred Scriptures teach us that Christ's Church is His Holy Body, the very Body of Christ. That is how it can be infallibly in matters of faith or morals. Because it is the very Body of Christ. "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Colossians 1:24 (Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22
• Christ commanded his Church to teach all nations and he would personally be with it until the end of the world. Since the Apostles would not live forever he has kept this promise to his Church. "Teach them to observe all I have taught you and behold I am with you always until the end of the world" Matt 28:20.
• Christ's Church has but One Body, One fold, One Faith. "There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." (Eph 4:4) There are not 1000s of faiths in the Body of Christ as Protestantism offers. One Faith. One Lord, One Baptism. Just as the Holy Bible tells us.

Conversely, the Protestant view of a church is that it is NOT a "divine institution" and it does NOT have the power to "Bind and Loose" (to declare and define doctrine infallibly) and it does NOT speak infallibly on matters of faith or morals. In fact, contrary to the Holy Bible, the Protestant's church nor Christ's Church has any binding authority at all, and again, if one disagrees with one's church, one can only "church shop" for another church, or start one of his own. (Try doing that in 1st century Christianity and your would be automatically outside Christ's Universal Church).

• For the Protestant, a man started his church in recent history. His church is a vehicle to congregate and share the distinctive teachings of his pastor on the Word of God as his pastor defines it. These teachings are not binding on the parishioner nor are they infallible. Nor do they even echo the teachings of his own Protestant reformers in the 16th century! See: "3 Questions for my Pastor" https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html These teachings are unique to his particular church and differ from every other Protestant church. His church and his church alone is not viewed as the "The Body of Christ", rather in Protestant circles, somehow all Christians believing everything under the sun make up the "Body of Christ" or the unbiblical phrase "Body of believers." These unbiblical concepts would fly in the face of 1st century Christians if they were told that anyone and everyone who believed "most anything they wanted were somehow part of the 'Body of Christ!'" The Body of Christ is his Holy Church, His Bride.

"And he is the head of the body, the church" Colossians 1:18 (Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22)

• In the 1st century, you were either part of the Universal Church, the One Faith or you were outside of it.

Galatians 1:8-9 "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"
"There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." ( Eph 4:4)
Mt 18:17-18 "If he refuse's to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 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."

• There was no "church shopping" in the 1st century. For the Body of Christ is his Holy Church, not individual Christians believing anything they want as we find in modern Protestantism. And modern Protestants do believe anything they want for there is no one to stop them. Look in your phone book under "church" and see the plethora of "gospels" as the "Bible Only" theory allows, (I.E., 1000s of personal interpretations of the Bible, and a rejection of the teaching authority of Christ Church) in contradiction of the One Faith the Holy Bible repeatedly speaks of: "There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." ( Eph 4:4)

• "The Church," is from God, all others are enlightened traditions of man from the Renaissance era at the earliest and the last few months at the latest. Until the Bible believing Protestant accepts the inspired writings of the Holy Bible which teach of the Church’s divine commission and the infallibly authority Christ gave it, until this happens, the Protestant will ironically continue to reject the “Body of Christ” Colossians 1:18 (Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22) which is also called the "Bride of Christ." (Ephesians 5:32) They will continue to reject the "Body of Christ," which is His Church, (Colossians 1:24) and continue to believe "strange ideas" not of the Apostles, but of their modern pastor. Until the Protestant acknowledges these Apostolic teachings from the Sacred Scriptures, he will continue to be outside the "Body of Christ" as the very Bible defines it. For the Body of Christ is his Holy Church. The only Christian faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity. Remember, what you think the Catholic Faith believes is on average 70% incorrect. If you truly do believe in the inspiration of the Holy Bible, investigate His Holy Church. See what The Church believes from the Church itself, not from biased Protestant pastors or Internet Anti-catholicism. Visit the 12 QUESTIONS at the top of this page for more info https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/questions.html or the Library at Catholic.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2. THE SECOND WAY the non-Catholic's concept of "a church" differs from Apostolic teachings and the Holy Bible is in their acceptance of multiple gospels/salvation messages or "statements of faith." This open acceptance of a plurality of "gospels" is in dire contradiction to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures of one, and only one faith.

Galatians 1:8-9 "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"
"There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." ( Eph 4:4)

The Holy Bible teaches there is One Faith-One Gospel, which is embraced by Christ's Universal Church started in 33AD. This One Faith is derived from the teachings of Christ's Apostles and delineated in the Catechism of the Catholic Faith at: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm and is used by over 1 Billion Catholics worldwide. It was the only Christian faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity. The first Protestant faith was created in 1517 by Martin Luther: the first Protestant. See: The Authors and Origins of the Protestant Theologies at: http://www.angelfire.cohm/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

In the 1st century, the Church was called the "Universal Church," the One Church. The Greek word for Universal is "catholic." As early as 110AD we find written evidence of Christ's Universal Church being called the Catholic Church. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and wrote in 110AD:

"Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

• Yet each Protestant church finds their beliefs not in the Universal Church, the One Faith the Bible speaks of. (Eph 4:4) Non-Catholics find their particular and distinctive beliefs in their pastor's non-binding: "Statement of Faith." This statement differs from 1000s of other non-Catholic churches "Statement's of Faith” so which one is the true one if any? Yet the Holy Bible tells us that Christ's Church embraces but One Faith, One Gospel, not 1000s of competing and contradicting gospels invented in the last 400+ years as we find in the non-Catholic world.
  "There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." (Eph 4:4)

• Non-Catholics disavow, ignore or are simple not taught these verses of the Sacred Scripture because the Protestant world of 1000s of faiths and churches is incompatible with these Bible verses or the concept of ONE Faith, or ONE Bride of Christ/Church. To a Protestant, there is not "The Church" the Holy Body of Christ, which is His Bride, who has given HIS full infallible Authority to it to proclaim and teach His One Faith (Matt 16:16-19, Matt 18:17-18). No for a Protestant, his church is a fallible man-made institution started by yet another man in recent history teaching ideas not even taught by his own Protestant reformers in the 16th century! See: Three Questions for my pastor. For a Protestant, the teachings of his current church are optional. Yet nowhere in the Holy Bible do we read that Christ's Church is optional or its teachings are conditional on the Christian agreeing with them. Nowhere do we read that there was more than One Faith or that different churches in the NT were permitted to believe "different gospels" or salvation messages. The Sacred Scriptures are very clear that there is ONE Faith, One Gospel and those who preach "another gospel" are teaching "Strange ideas" (Hebrews 13:8-9) about the Gospel of Christ. And it also tells us that those who choose to believe strange ideas or other gospels are outside the universal Church, which is the Body of Christ.
  "As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed." Gal 1:8-9
  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
  Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings." Hebrews 13:8-9

• The non-Catholic's view of a church also departs from historical Christianity and the Holy Bible in the belief that "The Church," the "Bride of Christ" (Ephesians 5:32) can be regulated or subordinated to each and everyone's personal view of the Bible or one's personal view on moral and ethical issues. Non-Catholics usurp the Church's teachings at will. Even if these personal views contradict the teachings of the Apostles to Christ’s early Church. Even if this personal views contradict the teachings of their own Protestant reformers in the 16th century and even if these personal views are contrary to all of historic Christianity. The Holy Bible tells us that many will twist the Scriptures to support their novel teachings. "There are some things in scripture that are hard to understand which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:16
• Another result of the plurality of gospels in the Protestant communities, is the official embracement of the full spectrum of immoral issues. Conversely, the Catholic Faith and only the Catholic Faith has held the line on every moral issue from divorce to abortion to stem cell research. For that is the promise Christ gave it, to be with it until the "end of the World" (Matt 28:20) and never allow the "Gates of Hell" Matt 16:16-16-19 to overcome it or allow it to teach error in matters of faith or morals. Yes, the "people" in the church will always sin because we are all sinners. Christ's promise was not for the sinners but for his Body, His Church ( Colossians 1:18 Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22). Every other Christian faith has succumbed to modern norms and countermanded its doctrines in one way or another, because these churches are not the Church that Christ started. These churches are not His Body. These churches are not: "The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15 because they didn't even exist 500 years ago much less 2000.
• The Catholic Church and ONLY the Catholic Church believes everything the Apostles taught. Not once in 2000 years has it reversed its doctrines or declared what was a sin yesterday, is not a sin today as every Protestant church has done in one area or another. (E.G. divorce, abortion, homosexuality, female clergy, etc.) See: The 3rd Challenge for the non-Catholic Theologies, name one belief Christ's early Church believed, that the Church today does not embrace. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html
• Just as the Holy Spirit protects the Holy Bible from error, the same Spirit protects Christ's Holy Church from teaching error in matters of faith or morals. (Matt 16:16-19, Matt 28:20) Conversely, the non-Catholic churches are not protected by the Holy Spirit from teaching error on matters of faith and morals because these churches are from modern man and were not commissioned by Jesus Christ himself. In fact they find their only link to Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church, the only Christian Faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity. The only Church commissioned by Our Lord Jesus Christ, (Matt 16:16-19) The Universal Church of the Apostles and 1st century Christianity. Read about the use of the word "Catholic" by Christ's early Church at: http://www.catholic.com/library/What_Catholic_Means.asp
  "And I say that thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it, I give you the keys to kingdom of Heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and what ever you loosen on earth will be loosened in Heaven." Matt 16:16-19
  "Teach them to observe all I have taught you and behold I am with you always until the end of the world" Matt 28:20.

• The bottom line is that non-Catholics mistakenly believe The Church and its teachings are optional and it has no authority to define doctrine or "bind and loose" as the Bible tells us. (Matt 16-16-19, Matt 18:17-18). Therefore they accept what they cannot change in Protestantism: 1000s of faiths teaching 1000s of competing and contradictory gospels. This is why all the non-Catholic theologies should be rejected, because they are modern traditions of man, not the teachings of Christ's Apostles to his early Church. Yet some non-Catholics purposely reject the teachings of Christ's Universal Church and embrace the Protestant churches BECAUSE they have no authority over him to "Bind and Loose." And again, if he disagrees with his current church's teachings he simply "church shops" for one he does agree with or he starts one of his own. Or simply stops "going to church" and becomes his own church and authority. The early Christians did not "church shop." Either you were part of the Universal Church or you were not. Either you believed the One Gospel or you believed "another gospel."
  "As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed." Gal 1:8-9

Click here: The Great Heresies in Christian History http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp

• The Protestant churches are not the "Body of Christ" because the Holy Bible tells us there is only ONE Body of Christ, One Faith, One Bride not 1000s of Brides or 1000s of Bodies of Christ or 1000s of faiths as we find today.

Click here: "Who is the Bride of Christ? What does the Holy Bible say? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

• All non-Catholic churches are simply a man-made organizations to be counted with the 20,000+ other Protestant man-made organizations. If you were a Christian in the 1st 1000+ years of Christianity, you were of the Catholic Faith. If you were a Christian in 33AD, 100AD, 500AD or even 1000AD and beyond, you would embrace the Catholic Faith for there was no other Christian Faith. The Catholic Faith is by default,, logic and proved by history to be the faith of the Apostles and the Church of the Holy Bible. The One, Universal (catholic in Greek) Church.
• My friend, I write this not to incite anger nor to boast. In my heart it is simply a fulfillment of the commandment of the Holy Bible that all believe his One Gospel:
  “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. The 3rd Way the non-Catholic's view of a church departs from the historical teachings of the Apostles and that of the Holy Bible is in the belief that "The Church," the "Bride of Christ," Christ’s own “Body” is NOT protected by the Holy Spirit from teaching error in matters of faith or morals." This is believed by the non-Catholic because that is the way it is in their current church, where they are free to discount the teachings of their pastor and his "Statement of Faith." For in the non-Catholic churches, nothing is “Binding” and no church has any authority over him whatsoever. These modern beliefs are in gross contradiction to the teachings of the Apostles and the Sacred Scriptures and even their own reformers in the 16th century.

=>The Catholic Faith, Christ's Holy Church, His Body-His Bride, cannot error in matters of faith or morals. Just as the Holy Spirit protects the Holy Bible from error. The same Holy Spirit protects Christ's Holy Church. Christ himself proclaimed this when he stated “the Gates of Hell” will never prevail against his Church.
"And I say that thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it, I give you the keys to kingdom of Heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and what ever you loosen on earth will be loosened in Heaven." Matt 16:16-19. Or do non-Catholics contend (contrary to the Sacred Scriptures) that the "Gates of Hell" DID prevail over Christ’s Church and that in itself justifies the 1000s of Protestant theologies?

=>Christ's last words on earth were a commandment to His Church to teach all nations and that he would be with His Church "until the end of the world." Since the Apostles would not live forever this promise was to his Holy Church, the Church Hell can never prevail against:
"Teach them to observe all I have taught you and behold I am with you always until the end of the world" Matt 28:20.
Is it the contention of the non-Catholic that Christ is NOT with his Church “until the end of the world” and that necessitates the rejection of the Church of Christ?

=>The Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God calls his Bride-His Church, the "Pillar and foundation of Truth."
"The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15."
The Holy Bible does not call the only Christian Faith in the first 1000+ years of Christianity the "the pillar and foundation of lies" or "The Apostate Church of the Living God." No it is called the " pillar and foundation of truth" and Our Lord said he would send his Spirit to guide it to ALL truth.

=>Christ said he would send the "the spirit of truth to guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13) for his Church to "Teach all nations" (Matt 28:20)

=>In Matt 18:17 Christ commands his followers to "hear his Church." Why would non-Catholics reject the Church Christ himself started if Christ tells us to hear this very Church? And *what* verse in the "soon to be written" New Testament instructs Christians to "no longer hear" Christ's Church or that it is optional or that it has no authority?

Mt 18:17-18 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 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.

=> Christ calls his Church, his Body, his Bride. (Ephesians 5:32) Since Christ is Holy his Body is Holy. To reject His Church is to reject the very Body of Christ.
"And he is the head of the body, the church" Colossians 1:18 and
"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Colossians 1:24

=>And Christ gave authority to his Church by giving His Chief Apostle, St Peter, the "Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven with power to Bind and Loose." Non-Catholics disavow all authority given to Christ's Church. They disavow its power to "Bind and Loose" (to infallibly declare doctrine) and they disavow Christ's promise to protect his Church from doctrinal error against the "Gates of hell" themselves . (Matt 16:16-19) If non-Catholics believe what the Bible teaches in (Matt 16:16-19) why do they protest against reject the Church Christ created? The Church that he promised would prevail against the "Gates of Hell." Why would any sober Christian reject the "Body of Christ?" "And he is the head of the body, the church" Colossians 1:18 (Also Colossians 1:18, Eph 1:22)

=>Since the Church is HIS Body, when you hear his Church, you hear Christ, and when you reject his Church you reject Christ. "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16).

=>Christ said he would send: "the spirit of truth to guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). He was not speaking of anyone and everyone to believe anything and everything they wanted; he was speaking to his Church. Clearly Holy Scripture is replete with Christ himself giving direct commands of authority for his Church and he charges all Christians to "Hear this Church," (Matt 18:17) the "Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Foundation of Truth." (1 Tim 3:15) Either this Apostolic Church is the "pillar and foundation of Truth" or it isn't? Either he sent "the spirit of truth to guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13) or he didn't. Do we believe what the Holy Bible says? Or are we more interested in remaining in a certain denomination/nondenomination or belief system? Either we believe the Holy words of Scripture or we don't. Either we "hear his Church" or we reject it. "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16).

? Where does the Holy Bible instruct or permit non-Catholics to ignore, reject or disavow Christ’s Church? What verse gives Protestantism its mandate to “protest” the "The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15 and start new churches with new theologies and gospels unheard of before the Renaissance era? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings." Hebrews 13:8-9 Christ’s Gospel does not change over time. How did it change for your pastor?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In Conclusion

Christian reader.
If you reject Christ's historical Church, (the only Christian Faith that dates back to 33AD), if you reject this Church as the "Pillar and Foundation of Truth" (1 Tim 3:15), what Biblical command or what Biblical basis are you using to justify this? Or is this rejection Unbiblical, and you are simply embracing a "tradition of man" from the Renaissance era. Yes, the Renaissance era philosopher chose to reject Christ's Church to justify his new theology (ies). That unbiblical theology being that the Bible is the SOLE or ONLY infallible rule of faith all by itself, and the Authority that Christ gave his Church as illustrated above does not exist! I.e., the Renaissance era doctrine of "Sola Scriptura" or the "Bible Alone." This idea frees the Protestant to believe *anything he wants* about the Gospel of Christ for there is no one to stop him. Hence the 1000s and 1000s of Protestant denominations and NON denominations present today. Look up the word "church" in your yellow pages for an illustration. Search the Holy Bible, and find just One verse that teaches the “Sola” or the “Bible ONLY” idea, which mandates a rejection of the authority of Christ's Church. A rejection of the one "Bride of Christ." Click here: Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical? Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura? In 1000 AD there was ONE Belief system for all of Christianity, one Christian Church, just as there was in 500 AD and 100 AD and in 33 AD., One Faith, the Universal (Catholic in Greek) Church. The Church Christ started in Matt 16:16-19. Christ's Church, the one "Bride of Christ."

St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch and direct student of St. John the Apostles wrote in 110 AD.
"Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).
For more quotes on what "Catholic" means and how the Church was called Catholic since the 1st century
Click here: What "Catholic" Means http://www.catholic.com/library/What_Catholic_Means.asp

My friend, please reflect on the Biblical verses above in support for the authority of Christ's Church, the authority the Bible speaks of, the authority needed to "Teach all nations" with Christ's blessing for he will be with this Church "Until the end of the World" and the "Gates of Hell will never prevail against it." And contrast this with the absence of *any* verse teaching the SOLA in Sola Scripture. The absence of *any* verse stating or even implying that the Bible by itself is the SOLE or SUPREME infallible rule of faith.

What else is there, what else has Christ's Infallibly Authority??? The Holy Bible tells us that before the NT Bible was even written, there was: "The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15.

Christ's Church AND the Bible is the Authority you seek, just as the Holy Bible tells us over and over. For this Church is the institution that actually wrote and preserved the Bible. You may have been taught the opposite for many years, but just because one has believed something for years on end, doesn't mean it's true. I hope you agree. It's what the Bible tells us and what Christianity has taught for 2000 years.
"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Jesus Christ does not change and neither does his Gospel. That is the reason for his ONE Church, to spread his ONE Gospel. Yet, instead of embracing the teachings of the Apostles as written in the Holy Bible and even embraced by his own Protestant reformers, the modern Protestant will cling to the Unbiblical and Anti-Biblical idea of "many faiths" or the "body of believers" and justify his present church's theology as somehow echoing the true teachings of the Apostles. When the fact is, many of his pastor's “strange teachings” Hebrews 13:8-9 were not even embraced by his own first Protestants in the 16th century. This is the quintessential example of non-Catholics believing what their pastor tells them is "just the Bible" rather than believing what the Apostles taught to include the whole of orthodox Christianity to include the first Protestant reformers. Only when Bible Believing Protestants accept the Bible's example and the teachings of Christ's Church and embrace the Authority he bestowed on it, -- only then will Protestants reject the illogical, unhistorical, unbiblical and even anti-biblical idea of "Bible Alone" and a rejection of Christ's Church for their complete knowledge of Christ's Gospel. Only then will they embrace:
The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15
Only then will they come to the fullness of Christ's Gospel. Christ does not change, so how did his Gospel change for your pastor, or the pastor down the street teaching yet another gospel or the pastor across the street from him?

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings." Hebrews 13:8-9

God Bless you and all you do, Daniel

“If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins 27 but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries”. Hebrews 10: 26

Please email me with your questions and concerns at: INRI33AD@aol.com

(1) http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=24119

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

14 Questions for the Earnest Believer:

1. Are you a Bible Believing Christian? Does your pastor preach " Bible Only?"
Click Here: 40 Protestant Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/unbiblical.html

2. Three Questions your pastor can't answer... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html

3. Seven Reasons Christians go to church. Which one is yours? ... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/forchurch7reasons.html

4. THE ORIGINS & AUTHORS OF THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGIES.
Do you know who authored Protestantism's distinctive beliefs and in what century? You might be surprised. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

5. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development."
What stage you are in?... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/7stages.html

6. Faith Alone (Sola Fide): It is a Catholic position.
Has your pastor taught you that Catholics must "work their way to Heaven?" Another misunderstanding of Catholic theology. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/faithalone.html

7. "Who is the Bride of Christ?
What does the Holy Bible say? ...https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

8. Non-Catholics often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE?"
"What else has Christ's Infallible Authority besides the Holy Scriptures?"
Read the verses not underlined in your Bible nor taught in your seminaries or present church. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/whatelse.html

9. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical?
Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura?
Click here to read what the Bible says about God's Word and how it is to be taught... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html

10. Did the Bereans "Search the Scriptures" and thereby follow the "Bible Only" theory?
Many claim they did, but not if you read the whole chapter, i.e., the verses not taught in non-Catholic churches. Read the story again and then decide. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bereans.html

11. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for Non-Catholic Theologies: Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic?
Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith *no longer does*. Why can't the Protestant theologies make the same bold claim? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

12. Biblically, did the "official teachings or doctrines" of the Catholic Church become corrupt or apostate? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid this? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/gatesofhell.html

13. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "Hail Mary" prayer Biblical? (Read the Verses not underlined in your Pastor's Bible.) https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/saints.html

14. HOW NON-CATHOLICS ARE COMPELLED TO USE AND EMBRACE AN UNBIBLICAL AND ANTI-BIBLICAL DEFINITION AND CONCEPT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/onchurch.html

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith" at: https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges"

There is a case for the Catholic Faith. Perhaps you have just not given it a fair hearing. I can guarantee you that much of what your current pastor "says" Catholics believe, is not what they really believe. Always go to the source. One wouldn't ask the Democrats to comment on Republican ideals, and likewise, it is not fair to ask Protestant Pastors to explain Catholic theology. Ask "knowledgeable" Catholics what they believe or read it yourself on this site or the "Links" at the top of this page. Catholic theology was not invented in the last few hundred years as we find in Protestantism, it is the faith of the Apostles and that of your Christian Fathers for 2000 years.

It is the "Bride of Christ"

Click here: How to Become Catholic

Please let me hear from you.

God Bless you,
Daniel
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15

Many Protestant pastors teach their parishioners that Catholic theology is not Apostolic, that it is not the teachings of the Apostles to Christ's early Church. I would offer the following challenge to you to ask your pastor:
Click here: 3rd Unanswered Challenge for the Protestant Theologies: Is Catholic Theology Apostolic? Name one doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed, that the Catholic Faith no longer does. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

---

---

Please ask your pastor to email me with his answers/objections and please feel free to email me yourself with your questions, objections or comments.
And please, ask your pastor the 3 Questions about his theology. And test his response as the Holy Bible commands.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

mail to: INRI33AD@aol.com

Ignatius of Antioch, 110 A.D.
(Bishop of Antioch and student of St John the Apostle):

"Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

This and many other quotes from your Church Fathers can be found at the following link:
Click here for the teachings of the Students of the Apostles on the following subjects: http://www.catholic.com/library/fathers_know_best.asp

Below are the very words of our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture not underlined in your Bible on many subjects to include:
What "Catholic" Means & how from the 1st century the Church was called Catholic:
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mortal Sin and the Ability to lose one's Salvation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Baptizing Babies,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Real Presence Of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The evil in Abortion,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Existence of Purgatory in Scripture
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Antichrist,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter the Rock on which the Church was founded,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Apostolic Succession in the Church,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Praying to the Saints,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the role of Apostolic Tradition in the Word of God,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Salvation of Non-Catholics,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Sacrifice of the Mass,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Necessity of Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Astrology,

Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the evil of Birth Control,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Authority of the Pope in the Church,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Baptismal Grace and what it does,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Bishops Priests Deacons in Scripture,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Born Again in Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Confession and Confirmation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mary: "Full of Grace",
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Creation and Genesis,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Creation Out of Nothing,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Divinity of Christ,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Divorce & Remarriage,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Do Miracles Still Happen?,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Does God Have a Body?
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Eternal Son ship of Christ,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Filioque,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on God in Three Persons,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Hell,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Homosexuality,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mary: Ever Virgin Mary,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Merit and Reward,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Old Testament Canon,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on One God or Many?,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter's Successors,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter in Rome,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Primacy of Peter,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Private Revelation, Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Reincarnation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Resurrection of the Body,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Sabbath or Sunday?
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Trinity,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Trinitarian Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Women and the Priesthood

*Any reference to the phrase "non-Catholics" excludes the Eastern Orthodox Churches

"Back to top"

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments. INRI33AD@aol.com

Find out who authored each of the Protestant theologies and in what century at:
"Click here: The Origins and Authors of the Protestant Theologies."

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

1. "BIBLE ONLY" CHRISTIAN or "BIBLE BELIEVING" CHRISTIAN?
45 Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible.

2. JUST THE TRUTH: 2 Dozen Logic and Historical Facts Refuting the Apostolicity and Biblicism of the Modern Christian Belief Systems "Test Everything."

3. An Exercise in Logic, Two Logic Proofs from History 101 demonstrating how the modern Christian theologies did not even exist in the first millennium, making it impossible for Christ and His Apostles to have taught to His early Church.

4. Three uneasy questions for your pastor concerning his personal theology.

5. Seven Reasons Christians Go To Church, Which One Is Yours?

6. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development" What stage are you?

7. The Historical Origins & Authors of the Modern Christian Theologies.

8. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only" idea even Biblical? Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" or the "ONLY" in Sola Scriptura?

9. Modern Christians often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE? What else has Christ's infallible authority besides the Holy Bible?" Featuring the verses not underlined in most Bibles nor taught in modern Christian seminaries or churches.

10. FAITH ALONE (SOLA FIDE): It is a Catholic Position. Have you been taught that Catholics "work their way to Heaven?"

11. "Who is the Bride of Christ?" What does the Holy Bible say?

12. Did the BEREANS "Search the Scriptures" and therefore follow the BIBLE ONLY idea?
Or did the THESSALONIANS, who also "Searched the Scriptures?

13. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for the Non-Catholic Theologies:
Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic? Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith today *no longer does*. Why can't the modern Christian theologies make the same bold claim?

14. Biblically, did the "Official Teachings or Doctrines of the Catholic Faith" become corrupt or Apostate as your Pastor might teach? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid the "Gates of Hell" from overcoming His Church? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim :15?

15. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "HAIL MARY" Prayer Biblical? Read the verses not underlined in your pastors Bible nor taught in his church.

16. How Modern Christian are compelled to use and embrace an unbiblical and anti-biblical definition and concept of a Christian Church.

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith" at: https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges"

Have you been taught the Catholic Church became corrupt in it's theology?
Don't the Holy Scriptures say this is impossible?

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments. INRI33AD@aol.com

Christ said the "Gates of Hell" would not prevail against his Church? (Matt 16:16-19)
Do you believe what he said about this?

What I will ask you below will leave you in a quandary. You will be faced with believing what the Holy Scriptures actually say, or discounting them to justify your present theology. It is true, that if the doctrines of the Catholic Church were never corrupted, (as Protestants allege they were), there would be no need for Protestantism; for there would be nothing in the theology of Christ's Church to "reform."

Let us be clear what we are discussing here. We are not speaking of the "Sinners" in the Church or what these sinners have done, past or present. We are discussing what a Church officially teaches as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's doctrines/creeds/catechisms.

Have men in the Catholic Church committed heinous sins in the past, present or future? Unfortunately yes. But they are not alone. All churches have their fair share of sinners, even yours. During the Protestant reformation in the Anglican stream, Henry VIII executed St. Thomas Moore and many other Catholics who would not convert to the Church of England. In the Calvinist stream, Calvin executed the heretic Serventus. In the Lutheran stream, Martin Luther advocated the killing of Anabaptist leaders, the burning of Jewish synagogues and the slaughter of the peasants during the Peasants War. In the Anabaptist stream, Anabaptist seized the town of Munster in 1534, burned all the books in the city (except the Bible), and killed many before their attempt to establish a "New Jerusalem" in the town fell apart the next year. And this says nothing of the scandals of our modern day televangelists or the plague facing today's Protestant ministers with infidelity. Search "protestant pastors infidelity" in google.com and read what Protestantism's own ministers say about this epidemic problem of up to 30% of its pastors.

Yes, every church has a past and a present. That is why one should not look at the "Sinners" of a Church to see if the Church is Apostolic, but what the Church teaches, it's theology. Are its Doctrines Apostolic, i.e. what the Apostles taught the early Church? That is the question. CS Lewis wrote in “Mere Christianity” that the ONLY reason to belong to a particular faith is because it is True. Not because you like the pastor or enjoy the music or they have great activities for the kids. The ONLY reason to embrace a faith is if it is Apostolic. The teachings of the Apostles to the Bride of Christ, his early Church.

While a tree can surely be known by its fruit, we must actually see if we are judging the tree itself (i.e., the Church) and not the sinners IN the Church. For all of us are sinners and every Church (Catholic and Protestant) is guilty at one time or another of less than virtuous leaders....To include the Apostolic Church 2000 years ago.
If we were to judge the Apostolic Church by the behavior of the Apostles on Good Friday, there would be no reason to accept Christ's infant Church, for all but 1 deserted him, one denied him thrice and one betrayed him with a kiss. But we don't reject Christ's Church for the sins of the Apostles, we acknowledge their sin nature and rather accept the Gospel Christ entrusted to them and his Church.

"Teach them to observe all I have taught you and behold I am with you always until the end of the world" Matt 28:20

Yet, Protestants maintain that the Catholic Church has become corrupt, or paganized or that it teaches false doctrines. Has it? Christ started his Church in Matt 16:16-19.

"You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church, and the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it" Matt 16:16-19

Scripture and history tell us that Christ started the Catholic Church and for 1000+ years it was the ONLY Christian Church on this planet. (Unless you want to count the "Great Heresies of history," which even modern Protestants consider outside orthodox Christianity.)
It was the ONLY Christian Church for 1000+ years. It was and still is a universal Church. "Catholic" in Greek means "Universal". I.e., the Universal Church, one Church, one Faith.
"There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God." Eph 4:4-6

St. Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian Bishop and student of John the Apostle wrote 77 years after Christ ascended into Heaven:

"Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church"
(Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

So how could the Catholic Church be corrupt or teach false doctrines as non-Catholics maintain if we truly believe Christ's words? Do you believe the Holy Scriptures even though they don't conform to your present theology?

If the Church teaches an evil or false doctrine, is that church still the
"Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth?" 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Even though it teaches an evil doctrine?

1 Timothy 3:14-16 "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

But what of this Church that teaches a false/evil doctrine? Is it still "guided by the Spirit to ALL Truth?"

John 16:12-14 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

And this Church that teaches a false/evil doctrine, has Satan overcome it to make it TEACH a false/evil doctrine?

Matt 16:16-18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Did the Gates of Hell overcome it?
If you say no,,, and the Gates of Hell did NOT overcome it,,,,
how come this church is teaching the "Devils false Doctrine" yet not be over come by the Devil???
Think about that. You must resolve this contradiction.

You BELIEVE it is teaching the Devil's false doctrine, but you maintain that the Gates of Hell have not overcome it?
This is a contradiction. Either they did overcome the Catholic Church and you are wrong about the passage of scripture, or they didn't overcome it and you are wrong about the Catholic Church teaching false doctrines. Which is it?

And lastly, this Church who Protestant pastors claim are teaching the Devil's false doctrine, was told:

Matt 28: 19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Is he not with his Church until the end of the age? The Aposltes would not live for ever so this was meant for His Church. Should we believe the Protestant position that Christ is with his Church, and that he sent the Spirit of Truth, to guide it to ALL truth (John 16:13),,, but for some reason, even though he will be with it to the end of the age, he allows it to teach the *Devils Doctrine*?, i.e., something AntiBiblical....something false?
Even though it is the Pillar and foundation of TRUTH?
How can the Truth teach an evil or false doctrine?

Is this your logic? Is this the conclusion? Or is this rationalization of what one doesn't want to believe and can't believe scripture teaches?

Either Christ's Church, the "Church of the living God", the "Bride of Christ", the "Pillar and Foundation of Truth," either it's doctrine is corrupt and is teaching the false Devils Doctrine,,,
or this Protestant theory of the Renaissance era (that ONLY Protestants and Mormons adhere to), that the Church Christ started is false and corrupt is not true and not even Biblical.

Either we trust the Holy Words of Scripture and the Guarantees of Jesus Christ about his Church or we don't.

Could it be that the doctrine of Christ's Church really IS protected from "the Gates of Hell" and as Christ said,,,
*he really meant it* when he said he would send the "Spirit of Truth to Guide his Church to ALL Truth"? (John 16:13)

Could have he really have meant it when it was called the "Pillar and foundation of Truth"?
Given the fact that this is the way Christians have Always believed was he really serious when he called it that?

Perhaps the Protestant position is just that. The Protestant position,,, made up by Protestants in the Renaissance era.
And consequently NOT what the Apostles taught the Early Church.

Either Christ's Church is what he said it was:
"the pillar and foundation of the truth." to which he would send the "spirit to Guide it in ALL truth", and
he would be "with it until the end of the world" and the "Gates of Hell would NEVER prevail against it"

Or this same Church now teaches the Devils False Doctrine as modern Protestants maintain.

Who should we follow?

Just because you have believed something for years on end. Doesn't mean it's true.
Either we believe Scripture or we don't.
Christ will protect his Church from "Officially Teaching" error on matters of "Faith or Morals" until the end of time. Not on matters of science or politics or even sports, only matters of "Faith or Morals" for that is the job of Christ's Church.
The sinners IN the Church are not protected but the Doctrine of the Church itself. That is what the Bible tells us.

"the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Either we believe the Holy Scriptures or we don't.

Click here: 10 SOBERING QUESTIONS FOR THE ERNEST BELIEVER: Discover the verses most likely not underlined in your Bible and often overlooked in Protestant churches and seminaries

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

God Bless You,

Daniel

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

1. Are you a Bible Believing Christian? Does your pastor preach " Bible Only?"
Click Here: 40 Protestant Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/unbiblical.html

2. Three Questions your pastor can't answer... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html

3. Seven Reasons Christians go to church. Which one is yours? ... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/forchurch7reasons.html

4. THE ORIGINS & AUTHORS OF THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGIES.
Do you know who authored Protestantism's distinctive beliefs and in what century? You might be surprised. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

5. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development."
What stage you are in?... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/7stages.html

6. Faith Alone (Sola Fide): It is a Catholic position.
Has your pastor taught you that Catholics must "work their way to Heaven?" Another misunderstanding of Catholic theology. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/faithalone.html

7. "Who is the Bride of Christ?
What does the Holy Bible say? ...https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

8. Non-Catholics often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE?"
"What else has Christ's Infallible Authority besides the Holy Scriptures?"
Read the verses not underlined in your Bible nor taught in your seminaries or present church. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/whatelse.html

9. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical?
Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura?
Click here to read what the Bible says about God's Word and how it is to be taught... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html

10. Did the Bereans "Search the Scriptures" and thereby follow the "Bible Only" theory?
Many claim they did, but not if you read the whole chapter, i.e., the verses not taught in non-Catholic churches. Read the story again and then decide. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bereans.html

11. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for Non-Catholic Theologies: Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic?
Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith *no longer does*. Why can't the Protestant theologies make the same bold claim? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

12. Biblically, did the "official teachings or doctrines" of the Catholic Church become corrupt or apostate? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid this? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/gatesofhell.html

13. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "Hail Mary" prayer Biblical? (Read the Verses not underlined in your Pastor's Bible.) https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/saints.html

14. HOW NON-CATHOLICS ARE COMPELLED TO USE AND EMBRACE AN UNBIBLICAL AND ANTI-BIBLCIAL DEFINATION AND CONCEPT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/onchurch.html

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith" at: https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges"

3rd Unanswered Challenge for the Modern Christian Theologies:
Is Catholic Theology Apostolic?

Name one doctrine that isn't.

This last challenge is in two parts:

3a. Find one doctrine "Christ's early Church believed" that His Church today "no longer" does.

3b. The Catholic faith has "Never" countermanded or reversed any of its doctrines. Find one it has.

{Note: if the above challenge can be answered, please email the answer. And forward this site to your Pastor so he might try and answer it. Remember a theological doctrine deals with faith or morals.}

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments. INRI33AD@aol.com

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith"

Again, "Click Here" to read about:
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mortal Sin and the Ability to lose one's Salvation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Baptizing Babies,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Real Presence Of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,

What "Catholic" means & how from the 1st century the Church was called Catholic.
For example, St. Ignatius of Antioch, student of St John the Apostle wrote in 110 AD:
"Wherever the Bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The evil in Abortion,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Existence of Purgatory in Scripture
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Antichrist,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter the Rock on which the Church was founded,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Apostolic Succession in the Church,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Praying to the Saints,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the role of Apostolic Tradition in the Word of God,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Salvation of Non-Catholics,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Sacrifice of the Mass,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Necessity of Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Astrology,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the evil of Birth Control,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Authority of the Pope in the Church,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Baptismal Grace and what it does,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Bishops, Priests, Deacons in Scripture,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Born Again in Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Confession and Confirmation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mary: "Full of Grace",
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Creation and Genesis,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Creation Out of Nothing,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Divinity of Christ,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture against Divorce & Remarriage,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Do Miracles Still Happen?,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Does God Have a Body?
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Eternal Sonship of Christ,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Filioque,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on God in Three Persons,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Hell,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture against Homosexuality,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Mary: Ever Virgin Mary,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Merit and Reward,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Old Testament Canon,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on One God or Many?,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter's Successors,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Peter in Rome,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on the Primacy of Peter,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Private Revelation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture against Reincarnation,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Resurrection of the Body,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Sabbath or Sunday?
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on The Trinity,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture on Trinitarian Baptism,
Our Apostolic Fathers teaching Scripture against Women in the Priesthood

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

14 Questions for the Earnest Believer:

1. Are you a Bible Believing Christian? Does your pastor preach " Bible Only?"
Click Here: 40 Protestant Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/unbiblical.html

2. Three Questions your pastor can't answer... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html

3. Seven Reasons Christians go to church. Which one is yours? ... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/forchurch7reasons.html

4. THE ORIGINS & AUTHORS OF THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGIES.
Do you know who authored Protestantism's distinctive beliefs and in what century? You might be surprised. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

5. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development."
What stage you are in?... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/7stages.html

6. Faith Alone (Sola Fide): It is a Catholic position.
Has your pastor taught you that Catholics must "work their way to Heaven?" Another misunderstanding of Catholic theology. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/faithalone.html

7. "Who is the Bride of Christ?
What does the Holy Bible say? ...https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

8. Non-Catholics often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE?"
"What else has Christ's Infallible Authority besides the Holy Scriptures?"
Read the verses not underlined in your Bible nor taught in your seminaries or present church. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/whatelse.html

9. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical?
Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura?
Click here to read what the Bible says about God's Word and how it is to be taught... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html

10. Did the Bereans "Search the Scriptures" and thereby follow the "Bible Only" theory?
Many claim they did, but not if you read the whole chapter, i.e., the verses not taught in non-Catholic churches. Read the story again and then decide. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bereans.html

11. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for Non-Catholic Theologies: Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic?
Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith *no longer does*. Why can't the Protestant theologies make the same bold claim? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

12. Biblically, did the "official teachings or doctrines" of the Catholic Church become corrupt or apostate? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid this? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/gatesofhell.html

13. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "Hail Mary" prayer Biblical? (Read the Verses not underlined in your Pastor's Bible.) https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/saints.html

14. HOW NON-CATHOLICS ARE COMPELLED TO USE AND EMBRACE AN UNBIBLICAL AND ANTI-BIBLCIAL DEFINATION AND CONCEPT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/onchurch.html

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith"

According to the Holy Bible, Did the Bereans Practice the "Bible Only" Theory?
No, but the Thessalonians did.

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

INRI33AD@aol.com

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith: 3 Fundamental ways the non-Catholic churches depart from the Church of the Holy Bible"

Modern Christians often say:
"The Bible tells us that the Bereans checked out what the Apostles taught to make sure that their teachings were Biblical. This tells us that the Bible is all we need. " modern Christians try to use the Bereans to bolster the Renaissance era doctrine of Sola Scriptura ("Bible Only") because the Bereans "searched the scriptures."

Sola Scriptura is an unbiblical doctrine invented in the middle ages and is most commonly defined as,
"Scripture: the SOLE infallible rule of faith." Meaning that one's personal interpretation of the Holy Bible is sufficient to the exclusion of the historical teachings and interpretation of Christ' ancient Church.
(Although there is no agreed upon definition of this Protestant only doctrine because Protestantism has no central/final authority to define it for all denominations).
"Click here: If you have been taught that Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only" theory is taught in the Holy Bible"

Did the Bereans practice Sola Scriptura or "Bible Only" because they "searched the Scriptures?" No, surprisingly they didn't. The answer is no because they accepted "extra-biblical" ideas/doctrines. Case in point is that the messiah, i.e., the Christ, was he the "Jesus of Nazareth," verse the "Jesus living in Antioch" or the "Jesus of Berea" etc. Which Jesus was the Messiah? Only extra-biblical information told them that they had the correct Jesus or that it was a man "named" Jesus at all. The scriptures didn't teach them this. The Apostle Paul did. Thus they "accepted" Paul's NEW revelation to them that "Jesus of Nazareth" was the Messiah, AND more importantly, that this Jesus was "GOD!" The Jews believed (and still do) that the Messiah would just be a man. A mortal. Not the Son of God and the Second person of the Holy Trinity. In fact the idea OF a Trinity is another extrabiblcial refelation taught to the Bereans (and the Thessolionions). These are three NEW revelations not believed by the Jews of ancient Palestine. Nor even the Jews of today.

It was only through the teachings of Christ's Church that they received these revelations. When they "searched the scriptures," they found the former not there and the second two revealed to them only through Paul's teachings. It was only through the teachings of Christ's Church that they came to realized the truth in them. "Sola Scriptura" or the "Bible Alone" idea excludes the teaching authority of Christ's Church, and unbiblically, (see 2 Peter 1:20) leaves interpretation of the very Word of GOD up to each and every individual. If the Berean's had embraced this this idea, it would have left them believing (through their personal readings of the OT and a rejection of the teachings of Christ's Church) , that Christ was NOT God when the OT Scriptures actually proved he was. Hence the teaching authority of Christ's Church is again proved to be essential in echoing the Words and intent of our Lord Jesus Christ. A Biblical example of the guidance needed and afforded by Christ's Church is found in the Book of Acts: The Holy Scriptures tell us the function of Christ’s Church is to teach and guide Christ’s flock:

“ Philip ran up and heard him [an Ethiopian eunuch] reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”  Acts 8: 30-31

The purpose of Christ's Church is to teach and guide. Just as Our Lord told us commanded His Church to do in his last words of the Gospel of Matthew:

Did the Bereans embraced a primitive form of Sola Scriptura, or Bible Only? Absolutely not, and fortunately they didn't.
But who did?
The real believers of Sola Scriptura (if it were to exist in apostolic times), were the hard headed Thessalonians, who REJECTED St. Paul's message. (Acts 17). For Scripture tells us that they ALSO "searched the OT Scriptures" (as did the Bereans), only they found Paul's message wanting for their interpretation of the OT Scriptures (and their rejection of the guidance offered by Christ's Church) failed to point to Jesus "of Nazareth" as the Messiah, it failed to instruct them on the Holy Trinity and it failed to lead them to the belief that this Messiah was GOD!

 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"       They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Acts 19: 1-2

Read the chapter again my friend. Regardless of what your pastor has taught you, the Bereans embraced extra-biblical ideas/doctrines and accepted the guidance and teachings of Christ's Church over their personal interpretations of Scripture. This renders Sola Scriptura or the unbiblcial "Bible ONLY" theory, null and void because Sola Scriptura rejects the teachings of Christ's Church as authoritative. Why would Christ start His Church if He would allow you to reject it?

The Bereans upheld the words of the Apostle Paul when he said:
"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

"Click here: Acts 17, the whole chapter."

"Click here: If you have been taught that Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only" theory is taught in the Holy Bible"

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in modern Christian seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

---

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

 

14 Questions for the Earnest Believer:

1. Are you a Bible Believing Christian? Does your pastor preach " Bible Only?"
Click Here: 40 modern Christian Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/unbiblical.html

2. Three Questions your pastor can't answer... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html

3. Seven Reasons Christians go to church. Which one is yours? ... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/forchurch7reasons.html

4. THE ORIGINS & AUTHORS OF THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGIES.
Do you know who authored Protestantism's distinctive beliefs and in what century? You might be surprised. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

5. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development."
What stage you are in?... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/7stages.html

6. Faith Alone (Sola Fide): It is a Catholic position.
Has your pastor taught you that Catholics must "work their way to Heaven?" Another misunderstanding of Catholic theology. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/faithalone.html

7. "Who is the Bride of Christ?
What does the Holy Bible say? ...https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

8. Non-Catholics often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE?"
"What else has Christ's Infallible Authority besides the Holy Scriptures?"
Read the verses not underlined in your Bible nor taught in your seminaries or present church. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/whatelse.html

9. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical?
Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura?
Click here to read what the Bible says about God's Word and how it is to be taught... https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html

10. Did the Bereans "Search the Scriptures" and thereby follow the "Bible Only" theory?
Many claim they did, but not if you read the whole chapter, i.e., the verses not taught in non-Catholic churches. Read the story again and then decide. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bereans.html

11. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for Non-Catholic Theologies: Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic?
Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith *no longer does*. Why can't the modern Christian theologies make the same bold claim? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

12. Biblically, did the "official teachings or doctrines" of the Catholic Church become corrupt or apostate? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid this? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/gatesofhell.html

13. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "Hail Mary" prayer Biblical? (Read the Verses not underlined in your Pastor's Bible.) https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/saints.html

14. HOW NON-CATHOLICS ARE COMPELLED TO USE AND EMBRACE AN UNBIBLICAL AND ANTI-BIBLCIAL DEFINATION AND CONCEPT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/onchurch.html

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith: 3 Fundamental ways the non-Catholic churches depart from the Church of the Holy Bible"

Email: inri33ad@aol.com

How do Non-Catholics fit into the Body of Christ?

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith"

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

What do the Holy Scriptures say of Christ's Church, the Body of Christ?

The Holy Bible tells us that Christ started the Catholic Church in Matt 16:16-19. Christ himself said:

"And I say that thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it, I give you the keys to kingdom of Heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and what ever you loosen on earth will be loosened in Heaven." Matt 16:16-19.

Regardless of who one believes the "Rock" is or what the "keys" mean, Christ started his Church on this day. In the first century there was but one Church with one set of beliefs. Yes, the Bible speaks of many Christian Churches through out the known world, (Church in Corinth, Church in Rome, Church in Thessalonia, etc.), but they all professed the same faith and the same Universal creed. In fact the Apostle's Creed states:

"…we believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the dead and life ever lasting." Have you ever read the Apostles Creed? Click here: "The Apostle's Creed"

Have you ever read the Nicene Creed? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed The Nicene Creed which in the 4th century formally defined the doctrine of the Trinity also speaks of the "Communion of Saints" and the Holy Catholic Church. Is your parish at odds with your earliest Christian Creeds and therefore at odds with historic Christianity itself? Did Christ's Gospel change since Apostolic Christianity? Does not the Holy Bible say that: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings." Hebrews 13:8-9

How then can Christ's Gospel change if Christ himself does not change? In fact there was but one Christian Faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity, and that Faith was the Universal Faith. (Catholic in Greek means Universal).

Since the NT Bible consisted of rare scrolls and were not all combined into one book until the 4th century, if you wanted to be a Christian in the early Church, you professed belief in the "The Apostle's Creed." In the first century if you could not embrace this creed, you were outside the Church. The early Christians were Creedal Christians. They all had the same faith. They did not embrace 1000s & 1000s of contradictory doctrines/Statements of Faith as modern Christian churches do today. They believed the Catholic Faith, the same Faith the Catholic Church embraces today (the Universal Faith. In Greek Catholic means Universal). If you don't believe any of these Christian truths, do as the Bible commands us and:

"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

The first written record of Christ's Church being called "Catholic" was the year 110 AD. This means it no doubt was called Catholic orally before 110AD. St. Ignatius of Antioch, student of the Apostle John and Bishop of Antioch wrote:
"Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).
" Click here for more early Christians use of the title: Catholic Church."

 

The Greek word for "Universal" is Catholic. The Universal/Catholic Church had and still has but one Faith. One Catechism for the worlds 1 Billion Catholics. Truly a Universal Church and the ONLY Christian Church present in the first 1000+ years of Christianity. Yet many modern Christian pastors teach that the Church and the first pope was created in the 4th century. Below is a link to the Britannia encyclopedia listing the popes from St. Peter in 33AD to Pope Benedict XVI. This is from a secular Encyclopedia. The same encyclopedia that will describe the Holocaust of the Jewish people in W.W.II. and the "Lunar Landing," two other facts of history the ignorant like to deny.

The following site lists all 263 popes from 33AD-Present. Here are but 24 of them.
" Click here for the list of Catholic Popes from 33AD-present from encyclopedia Britannia" http://www.britannia.com/history/resource/popes.html

2000 Years of Catholic Popes (33AD-Present)
First Century

St. Peter (c.33-67 AD)
Linus (67-76) (see 2 TIM 4:21)
Anacletus (76-88)
Clement (88-97)
Evanstus (97-105)


Second Century


Alexander I (105-115)
Sixtus I (115-125)
Telesphorus (125-136)
Hyginus (136-140)
Pius I (140-155)
Anicetus (155-166)
Soter (166-175)
Eleutherius (175-189)
Victor L (189-199)
Zephynnus (199-217)

===*break*===

Twentieth Century

Pius X (1903-1914)
Benedict XV (1914-1922)
Pius Xl (1922-1939)
Pius Xll (1939-1958)
John XXIII (1958-1963)
Paul Vl (1963-1978)
John Paul I (1978-1978)
John Paul II (1978- 2005)
Benedict XVI (2005- )

Did Christ start the Catholic Church? He had to, for there was no other Christian Church in existence. There was no other Church at the time and there would be no other Christian Faith for the next 1000+ years. Clearly, the Catholic Church is the only Christian Church with a direct link to Jesus Christ. Every other Christian body makes their link though the Catholic Church.

This might not be what you have been taught by your pastor, but they are the facts of history and the Holy Bible. If Christ proclaimed that the "Gates of Hell" would never prevail against his Church (Matt 16:16-19) and he would be with it until the "End of Time" Matt 28:20, where is this church Christ started if it is not the Catholic Church? Since there was only one Christian Faith for the first 1000+ years of Christianity, what was the belief system of this Church if it was not Catholic? And if this church died and it no longer exists, was Christ in err when he said the "Gates of Hell" would not prevail against it? How could he be with it until the "End of the World" if it died or became Apostate? To deny Christ started the Catholic Church is no different from denying the Holocaust. It's the same denial of Christian history and common logic.

---

---

Find out who authored your particular Christian theology and in what century at:
"Click here: The Origins and Authors of the Modern Christian theologies." If this article was of interest to you, please visit the following link for 14 questions for the earnest believer:
" Click here: 14 SOBERING QUESTIONS FOR THE ERNEST BELIEVER: Discover the verses most likely not underlined in your Bible and often overlooked in non-Catholic churches and seminaries"

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

INRI33AD@aol.com

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in Protestant seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

---

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

 

16 Questions for the Earnest Believer:

1. "BIBLE ONLY" CHRISTIAN or "BIBLE BELIEVING" CHRISTIAN?
45 Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible.

2. JUST THE TRUTH: 2 Dozen Logic and Historical Facts Refuting the Apostolicity and Biblicism of the Modern Christian Belief Systems "Test Everything."

3. An Exercise in Logic, Two Logic Proofs from History 101 demonstrating how the modern Christian theologies did not even exist in the first millennium, making it impossible for Christ and His Apostles to have taught to His early Church.

4. Three uneasy questions for your pastor concerning his personal theology.

5. Seven Reasons Christians Go To Church, Which One Is Yours?

6. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development" What stage are you?

7. The Historical Origins & Authors of the Modern Christian Theologies.

8. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only" idea even Biblical? Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" or the "ONLY" in Sola Scriptura?

9. Modern Christians often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE? What else has Christ's infallible authority besides the Holy Bible?" Featuring the verses not underlined in most Bibles nor taught in modern Christian seminaries or churches.

10. FAITH ALONE (SOLA FIDE): It is a Catholic Position. Have you been taught that Catholics "work their way to Heaven?"

11. "Who is the Bride of Christ?" What does the Holy Bible say?

12. Did the BEREANS "Search the Scriptures" and therefore follow the BIBLE ONLY idea?
Or did the THESSALONIANS, who also "Searched the Scriptures?

13. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for the Non-Catholic Theologies:
Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic? Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith today *no longer does*. Why can't the modern Christian theologies make the same bold claim?

14. Biblically, did the "Official Teachings or Doctrines of the Catholic Faith" become corrupt or Apostate as your Pastor might teach? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid the "Gates of Hell" from overcoming His Church? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim :15?

15. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "HAIL MARY" Prayer Biblical? Read the verses not underlined in your pastors Bible nor taught in his church.

16. How Modern Christian are compelled to use and embrace an unbiblical and anti-biblical definition and concept of a Christian Church.

 

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith: 3 Fundamental ways the non-Catholic churches depart from the Church of the Holy Bible"

Email: inri33ad@aol.com

Faith Alone:
Have you been taught that Catholics work their way to Heaven?
Another misunderstanding.

Saint Paul the Apostle

---

Please email me with your questions, objections or comments.

---

Click here:14 SOBERING QUESTIONS:
DISCOVER THE VERSES OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN NON-CATHOLIC CHURCHES AND SEMINARIES:

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith"

---

Faith Alone (Sola Fide):
Have you been taught that Catholics
“Work their way to Heaven?”

Many modern Christians believe that Catholic theology teaches that we are saved by doing “good works”, or that Catholics “work their way to heaven.” Nothing could be further from the truth. This is another example of the misunderstandings about the apostolic Catholic Faith. The Catholic Faith teaches, as the Holy Scriptures teach, that we are saved “by grace through faith” and that salvation is a free gift. The Faith has always believed this. The Christian Faith has always taught that one cannot work one's way to heaven. In essence:

“we are NOT born by good works, we are born TO good works; once justified, we should act as justified Christians, which includes good works.”

"The Catholic Faith does not teach “works righteousness.” It teaches faith in action as a manifestation of God’s grace in one’s life. That’s why Abraham’s faith results in righteousness, only when he attempts to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God."(1) The Council of Trent in the 16th century after the Protestant separation reiterated this very fact, which was originally proclaimed 1000 years earlier at the Council of Orange in the 6th century. This has always been a teachings of the Christian Faith.

Click here: The Canons of the Council of Trent (16th century), note the first 3 canons.

The 3rd canon states:

"CANON III.-If any one saith, that without the prevenient inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and without his help, man can believe, hope, love, or be penitent as he ought, so as that the grace of Justification may be bestowed upon him; let him be anathema. "

(Anathema meaning "outside the Church")

Click here, the Canons of the Council of Orange (529 AD), note canons 5,6,7

Here is canon 7 that says we are saved by grace, and that we can do nothing of ourselves without God. This is from the 6th century which reiterates what the Catholic Faith has always believed, which BTW. is 1000 years before the Protestant reformation.

Canon XII. If anyone affirms that we can form any right opinion or make any right choice which relates to the salvation of eternal life, as is expedient for us, or that we can be saved, that is, assent to the preaching of the gospel through our natural powers without the illumination and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who makes all men gladly assent to and believe in the truth, he is led astray by a heretical spirit, and does not understand the voice of God who says in the Gospel, "For apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5), and the word of the Apostle, "Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God" (2 Cor. 3:5).

Clearly the Christian Faith teaches one cannot "work" one's way to Heaven. All Grace comes from God Almighty. We can do nothing of ourselves without his grace.

 

============================

Faith Alone or Sola Fide, is it a Catholic position?

Catholics believe in Faith Alone as long as the word “Faith” is properly understood. The Apostolic Faith does not teach that one can simply say the “Sinners Prayer” and go to heaven no matter how grievous a crime he commits afterward. (Most mainline Protestant denominations do not teach this either, although most Baptist and "non-denominational" churches do.) For the Holy Scriptures tells us of heinous crimes against God:

“They who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.'' (Gal. 5:21).
(Not without repentance that is).

Even the original Protestants did not believe such a notion as "once saved always saved" no matter what you do afterward. Catholic Theology also does not teach that a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God, i.e. mental assent, will save one’s soul; for in James 2 we are taught that MERE “Faith Alone” will not save, for Satan himself has MERE Faith Alone:

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” James 2:19

Only a saving or formed Faith as the Apostles Paul says will save. I.e. a:
"Faith that worketh by charity.” Gal 5:6

Do Catholics then condemn justification by Faith Alone? No.

Many Protestants today realize that Catholics adhere to the idea of salvation sola gratia (by grace alone), but fewer are aware that Catholics also do not have to condemn the formula of justification sola fide (by faith alone), provided this phrase is properly understood.

Whether a Catholic will condemn the idea of justification by faith alone depends on what sense the term "faith" is being used in. If it is being used to refer to unformed faith then a Catholic rejects the idea of justification by faith alone (which is the point James is making in James 2:19, as every non-antinomian Evangelical agrees; one is not justified by intellectual belief alone).

However, if the term "faith" is being used to refer to faith formed by charity then the Catholic does not have to condemn the idea of justification by faith alone. In fact, in traditional works of Catholic theology, one regularly encounters the statement that formed faith is justifying faith. If one has formed faith, one is justified. Period.

A Catholic would thus reject the idea of justification sola fide informi but wholeheartedly embrace the idea of justification sola fide formata. Adding the word "formed" to clarify the nature of the faith in "sola fide" renders the doctrine completely acceptable to a Catholic.
(From: Justification by Faith Alone) http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/faith_al.htm

(1) http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=24119

---

---

---

14 SOBERING BIBLICAL QUESTIONS
FOR THE DEVOUT CHRISTIAN
The Catholic Faith comprises the verses not underlined in your personal Bible nor taught in
Modern Christian seminaries or churches.

Read the Bible verses not underlined in your Bible.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

---

Suggested reading:

Catholic Answers: "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth" A compendium of basic Catholic beliefs and the Biblicism behind these beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/pillar.asp

FAQ on the Catholic Faith from Columbia University: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/a/faq-cc.html

1. "Bible Only" Christian or "Bible Believing" Christian?
Click Here: 40+ Modern Christian Practices and Doctrines not found in the Holy Bible...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/unbiblical.html

2. Three Questions your pastor can't answer...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/formypastor.html

3. Seven Reasons Christians go to church. Which one is yours? ...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/forchurch7reasons.html

4. THE ORIGINS & AUTHORS OF THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGIES.
Do you know who authored Modern Christianity's distinctive beliefs and in what century? You might be surprised. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/dates.html

5. "The 7 Stages of Christian Spiritual Development."
What stage are you?...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/7stages.html

6. Faith Alone (Sola Fide): It is a Catholic position.
Has your pastor taught you that Catholics must "work their way to Heaven?" Another misunderstanding of Catholic theology. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/faithalone.html

7. "Who is the Bride of Christ?
What does the Holy Bible say? ...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bride.html

8. Non-Catholics often ask: "WHAT ELSE IS THERE?"
"What else has Christ's Infallible Authority besides the Holy Scriptures?"
Read the verses not underlined in your Bible nor taught in your seminaries or present church.
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/whatelse.html

9. Is Sola Scriptura or the "Bible Only theory" even Biblical?
Where does the Bible teach the "SOLA" in Sola Scriptura?
Click here to read what the Bible says about God's Word and how it is to be taught...
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/ss.html

10. Did the Bereans "Search the Scriptures" and thereby follow the "Bible Only" theory?
Many claim they did, but not if you read the whole chapter, i.e., the verses not taught in Modern Christian churches. Read the story again and then decide. https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/bereans.html

11. The 3rd Unanswered Challenge for Non-Catholic Theologies: Is the Catholic Faith Apostolic?
Name just one Catholic doctrine that isn't. Name one doctrine the early Church believed,,,, that the Catholic Faith *no longer does*. Why can't the Modern Christian theologies make the same bold claim?
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/3challenge.html

12. Biblically, did the "official teachings or doctrines" of the Catholic Church become corrupt or apostate? Are there verses in the Holy Scriptures that forbid this? What does the Holy Bible really say about: "The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth" 1 Tim 3:15? https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/gatesofhell.html

13. Is Praying to Saints Biblical? Is the "Hail Mary" prayer Biblical? (Read the Verses not underlined in your pastor's Bible.) https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/saints.html

14. HOW NON-CATHOLICS ARE COMPELLED TO USE AND EMBRACE AN UNBIBLICAL AND ANTI-BIBLCIAL DEFINATION AND CONCEPT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges/onchurch.html

Return to Homepage "A Biblical Case for the Catholic Faith" at: https://www.angelfire.com/home/protestantchallenges"

Email: : INRI33AD@aol.com