People are also scared because of the backlash since Catholicism worldwide is extremely potent in the media, religious affairs intentionally, etc. Sometimes taking the unpopular course is the most courageous stance for to hate the world and go against the grain is a sign of being of God. Usually [it happened to me] when anyone legitimately layout bible verses and other evidence that contradict the precepts of Roman Catholicism, Catholics and pro-Papist Protestants will label you as an anti-Catholic bigot or a basher. The fact of the matter is that I hate the Catholic religion and never Catholics personally. Manifesting Roman Catholicism’s deceit show care and love for deluded Catholics not hatred.
There are numerous Catholics who are trying their best to find a real relationship with God, but God in Revelation is calling them to leave. It’s not necessary to be apart of a church incorporating falsehoods for so long then expecting it to reform. Some Catholic apologists attempt to discredit Bible-believers claiming that before Luther; only the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches existed.
This is flat out false for before the Reformation, Waldensians, Anabaptists, The Celtic Church, Benegarians, the Church of the East, independent groups, and other religious Christian churches existed from the time of the Apostles to 1519 as the remnant. God said he will preserve his church forever. Other Catholic apologists claim that Protestantism is flawed because it split into 25,000 to 30,000 different denominations.
Additionally, they view that Protestants exhibit so much disagreement, that no Protestant is apart of Christ’s church. Is this a just case? No, see there is basic unity among all Protestants and Baptists for we all agree on the Foundational doctrines of Christianity (This is what makes you a Christian like the Incarnation, the Atonement, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Salvation by grace through faith alone, the authority of the Scriptures being infallible, etc.) All bible-believers subscribe to this and:
“Some things are negotiable. These include things such as the form of baptism, the kind of worship music, the form of church structure and organization, defining the relationship between free will and predestination, and eschatology (beliefs about what will happen during the End Times). These are important issues. They can affect the quality of a person's Christian life. But they do not determine whether or not a person is a Christian. These are areas in which Christians can agree to disagree. Differences among genuine Protestants occur in the second area, the negotiable items. They could be compared to flavors of ice cream. There are many kinds of ice cream, but they are all ice cream. They aren't pie, or cake, or salad. In real life, people know when they are eating ice cream, and when they are eating something else.
Some Catholic apologists say that there are 30,000 different Protestant denominations. This is not true. Dr. Eric Svendsen has made an in-depth study of this claim. There is no valid foundation for it. His book "On This Slippery Rock" has a chapter about it, which you can read on-line. Dr. Svendsen also has an on-line article about diversity in Catholic beliefs. [Note 2 gives addresses.]… Let's compare this to something in everyday life. There is a huge difference between cats and dogs and horses. Now if you narrow it down to dogs, there are many different varieties. And within each variety, there are subgroups. For example, there are different kinds of collies and different kinds of poodles.
Catholic apologists act as if differences in Protestant churches are like the huge differences between cats and horses and birds and dogs. In reality, they are like the differences between different kinds of dogs (variations in the same kind of thing.) Often, they are like the differences between different kinds of poodles or different kinds of collies (small variations in things which are essentially the same)…” (From www.jesus-is-lord.com/spiritof.htm#ch11 “The Spirit of Roman Catholicism What Lies Behind the Modern Public Image?” by Mary Collins in 2002)
It’s time to further explain Dr. Svendsen’s “On This Slippery Rock” which refutes the 30,000 Protestant demoninations claim more elaborately. Svendsen’s work has found according to Barret’s research that there are 8,196 denominations of Protestants and 223 denominations of Catholics (which Barret broke down into 2,942 Catholic separate denominations in just 1970with 3,294 Protestant denominations in the same year). Barrett also unified many names of the same Protestant group into denominations even if there are no theological differences between them.
Not to mention that there are only about less than 2 dozen main Protestant groups not 30,000. Catholicism itself are in numerous divisions like Catholic feminists, (nuns, priests, and historians who openly defy the Pope, Liberation theology Catholics, Catholic Pentecostals, Christo-Pagans [Latin American Catholic influenced by folk Catholicism with Amerindian paganism], and Evangelical Catholics. I forgot about the Spiritist Cathlics, moderates, conservatives, traditionalists, Sedevacantists, and caretaria Catholics. No Catholic apologist mentions this at all. What is the reason why Catholicism isn’t Christian?
Basically, Roman Catholicsim acquires a false base of authority which are the Pope and its tradition. Also, it teaches the wrong way of salvation. It emphasis is misplaced in the 7 sacraments to be saved instead of Christ’s blood alone. Its acceptance of Christ’s divinity is accurate, but it believes that an object transforms into God plus Christ’s death wasn’t enough for atonement. It also gives unnecessary adulation to Mary plus adds false dogma as integral of its creed like: the infallibility of the Pope in 1870, Scapular in 1521, purgatory proclaimed as a tenet in 1439, etc. You can copy this expose to assit Catholics to leave that church and believe on real concepts.
Catholicism (like Masonry) is one of the easiest religions to refute, but its supporters are one of the thoughest to get through. I guess since they’ve been so conditioned (almost cultic) in following those systems. They are involved in the Inquistion, murder of Jews and real Christians, supporting the One World Religion, the international slave trade, pedophile preists, false doctrines, and even never excommunicated Adolf Hitler.
The Priesthood
*I have over 200 verses to refute Catholicism, but this is a simple summary to simply refuted their primary doctrines. Roman Catholicism institutes a select priesthood, but priests as clergy has no basis from scripture today. Only in the Old Law were priests instrumental in religious services as performing sacrifices, etc. Now in the New Testament, The Lord Jesus Christ is the only High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, his new title. Behold this 2 verses to prove that: “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:20) and:
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.” (Hebrews 9:11). Christ Jesus is the only mediator between God the Father and man (1 Timothy 2:5), yet priests in Catholicism have a special status as a mediator to “forgive” sins. The priesthood today is extended unto all believers (1 Peter 2:5-9, Revelation 1:6). The Levitical priesthood had the old law of using the blood of animals, but now they can never atone sin, but through the precious blood of Christ alone. Catholic priests are celibate, but mandatory celibacy enforced by anyone is forbidden and a doctrine of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Elders, bishops, pastors are many titles of select clergy not priest plus even a bishop should have one wife in marriage. (1 Timothy 3:2-6).
The Papacy
The Papacy is a system whose head is the Pope and Catholics proclaim Peter as its first. According to Catholicism, Peter is the Rock, but throughout the OT and NT, Christ is the Rock and foundation not Peter: “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4), “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11), “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33)
Mt. 16:16-20 is the prime verse apologists use to justify Peter’s Papacy, but that isn’t the case. The Lord Jesus Christ said “thou art Peter [in Greek that’s Petros or a masculine word for small rock] and upon this rock [Petra, or a feminine Greek word for a large rock], I will build my church.” The Rock is Christ or his and the confession that built his church. Even John 1:42 gives the name of Cephas as meaning a stone. Cephas is Petros in Greek not Petra. Mt. 18:18 has the keys of heavens, but in the sense of opening the door of salvation to Israel first then the Gentiles, so all men can have a chance to enter in the kingdom of God. That power is also given to Christ’s apostles and disciples (John 20:23).
Let’s remember that the foundation of the apostles is connected to Christ and Christ is the head of the Church (Eph. 2:20, Col. 2:19) The Pope is proclaimed as “Holy Father”, but Holy Father is a name utilized for God alone and it’s blasphemy to call a man by God’s name. (John 7:11, Rev. 15:4, 1 Samuel 2:2). Christ forbids to call a man father in part of a spiritual teacher like a rabbi (Mt. 23:7-9). God tells us to address him not as father. Father is used in the Bible for human offspring or lineage, but not spiritual religious titles for clergy (2 Cor. 6:18, 1 Tim. 5:1, John 8:38-39).
Peter was never a Pope for Peter was married (Mt. 8:14, 15) while popes aren’t, Peter would never let a man bow before him (Acts 10:25, 26), yet people bow before Karol, and Peter never exhitied supremacy over the Church. James’ advice on the Jerusalem Council was followed not Peter’s (Acts 15:13-19), Paul rebuked Peter, and Christ exhorted the greatest to be a servant for all (Mark 9:33-35) with no special papal leadership given unto Peter. The concept of a pope yet along the word Peope is no where in the Bible. Pope comes from Papa, a title for pagan Roman Emperors. Christ is the only foundation indeed. (1 Cor. 3:10).
Mary
Mary is a great, brave woman, but she isn’t the Mother of God for God pre-existed Mary. Isaiah 43:10 quotes God as saying “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” God is from everlasting to everlasting and only Mary is the earthly mother of Jesus Christ not the mother of whole pre-existence. God has no mother. Mary does have sin for all humans including Mary are sinners, so it’s impossible for Mary to be without sin: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) and “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8). Romans 5:12 proves that more. Luke 1:28 is a verse Catholics use to justify her as sinless and superior to all women, but it only says that Mary is highly favored among women not above women or full of grace. Only God is full of Grace: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). Other people are bestowed graced, blessed, and favored as well not just Mary (Mt. 25:34, Eph. 1:6, Romans 6:15).
The Mass
“The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priest, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner." (#1367, p.381)
The tabernacle is to be situated "in church in a most worthy place with the greatest of honor. The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar." (#1183, p. 335).
This is transubstantiation or the belief that the bread and wine of the mass becomes the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ, but the appearance and texture of the bread and wine remain the same. That church gives their mass in an unbloodly manner, yet Christ had one bloodly sacrifice (Hebrew 9:22). In religious services, all believers are forbidden to eat blood, yet Romanism claims they have the same blood and body of Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:10, Acts 21:25) Eucharistic adoration violates the 2nd commandment since we are to never worship to bow religiously to anything, but only to God. The mass is just an object and isn’t God (Exodus 20:4-5) Communion is solely a remembrance and John 6 utilized metaphors to mention the method of salvation (Luke 22:19).
Throughout John 6, Christ present the belief that belief on him saved not eating his flesh. John 6:43-47, John 6:34-36, John 6:36-40 all show that eating physical bread will leave our body, but the internzlaing of him will lead to salvation. John 6:63 called the spirit of God which gives life not the flesh profiting nothing. The eating of Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood literally aren’t mentioned in John 6 for that will be cannibalism which is forbidden in the Bible. Christ ony has 2 comigs in his total physical form not multiple masses (1 Thes. 4:16). Christ’s sacfrice on the cross was an one-time event with no repeats in the mass. Even Paul said that Christ’s presence physically in communion is non-existent (1 Cor. 5:16) Christ is not contained in an Eucharistic temple (Acts 7:48-49). The mass decays, but Christ’s blood and body can’t (Pslam 16:10).
Sola Scriptura
The Scriptures are superior to tradition and here’s logic reasons how and why. The Word of God is a compass to a person’s spiritual hearth and one of the breaths that gives life to Christians. All scriptures is inspired and God’s word is place above his name not tradition: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
and
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Pslam 138:2). Sola Scriptura means simply that using the Scriptures alone is sufficient enough to derive the decrees of God. You can be reassured with the scriptures (Acts 17:1-5).
Tradition is never given as much praise and magnification as the Bible has. Here’s what is Truth: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:38). In comparision, no tradition have been propelled on such a level as the scriptures have, therefore the scriptures are superior to tradition.
Christ in Matthew 15:1-3 condemned the Pharisees’ tradition since it was contrary to the Word of God: “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” If the scriptures were equal to tradition, then no tradition would be condemned, but some verse have degatory comments about some traditions.
Christ never condemned the Word of God at all. Therefore, tradition isn’t equal to the word of God. It is the word of God alone that is living and active: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
Baptism/Confession
"The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation." (Pg. 352, #1257)
"The Church does not know of any other means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude..." (Pg. 352, #1257)
Actually, baptism is not necessary for salvation, but Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. Baptismal regeneration not only originated from pagan religions, but has no basis in scripture for belief is required before baptism. (Acts 8:36-37) Salvation is done by confessing your sins to God and believe on Christ and his burial and resurrection. This is the prime verse for believers’ baptism. Only unbelief condemns you to hell (Mark 16:16). The blood of Christ cleanses all sins not baptismal water (Mt. 26:28, James 3:25). Paul didn’t even come to baptize, but to save souls without it (1 Cor. 1:14-17, Acts 8:34).
Christ didn’t baptize a soul except his disciples and he saved people (John 4:2). Baptism comes from the Greek word “baptize” meaning immersion not sprinkle. Peter gives the perfect definition of baptism as a good answer of good conscience toward God as a figure. (1 Peter 3:21) As for confession only God can forgive sins. (Mark 2:7, Acts 8: 22, Hebrews 4:16) not priests. James only mention to confess your faults one to each other never to confess your sins to a man and expect a man to forgive all of your sins. (James 5:16) The apostles solely had the power to allow the Holy Spirit to proclaim the forgiveness of sins (John 20:22-23). Even the thief on the cross died without baptism to be in heaven (Luke 23:43). Throughout the NT, the son of man (Christ) had the power to forgive sins. John 3:16 eloquently issues the real way to be saves. So, baptism is after salvation for Paul only baptized souls after they believed (Acts 8:36-37, Acts 10:30, 31, 33, Acts 18:8, Acts 2:4, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13).
By TruthSeeker24 (Timothy)
March 22, 2005
12:26 pm. EST
SOLA SCRIPTURA
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SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS
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7 CITIES
NORFOLK
PORTSMOUTH
HAMPTON
SUFFOLK
NEWPORT NEWS
CHESAPEAKE
VIRGINIA BEACH
OTHERS:
POQUOSON
SMITHFIELD
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JAMESTOWN
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ISLE OF WRIGHT
WILLIAMSBURG
EASTERN SHORE
ALL OF NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
LANCASTER
___________________
Papacy/Peter:
1). Acts 11:26/Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16 Followers of Christ are called Christians not Catholics. The word “catholic” are not mentioned historically until the 100 Ad quote of Ignatius and Justin. They meant “catholic” as all believers universal not a subjected church to one city (Rome). There was no Pope or Papacy concept whatsoever in the early church. The first to use the word “pontifex” was Bishop Hygnius of Rome in 149 AD. And he didn’t recognize himself as Pope. Later Pope Leo I and Pope Damascus would make claims of universal primacy of Rome, but even in the 300’s and 400’s, many people dissented with that idea. The Papacy is therefore by gradual development and isn’t biblical whatsoever. In fact, there is no historical evidence whatsoever to prove Peter is the first bishop of Rome. Polycarp, Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, etc mentioned not one line of him being bishop of Rome. Only by Jerome’s literature do we see signs of people believing in the 25-year episcopate reign of Peter in Rome. Historically, Linus is the first bishop of Rome not Peter. Hippolytus and even Eusbeius mentioned Peter as dying in Rome, but Linus as the first bishop of Rome.
2). 1 John 2:26-27 You don’t need a church or men to interpret scripture for you.
3). Philippians 1:1 Throughout the NT, the early church composed of the offices of bishop (overseers), elders, and presbyter (terms used interchangeably to show the same office), deacons, and other stations without a Pope or Papacy.
4). Eph. 1:22-23 Christ is the head of all the church not Karol.
5). 1 Thes. 5:21 Individuals who are believers have a right to test the teachings of any church. God wants his people to check things out for themselves using Scripture as a yardstick. It keeps us mature, as Christians not swayed by false doctrine. The Papacy rarely has its believers to question their so-called “infallible” beliefs, decrees, bulls, etc.
6). 1 Cor. 10:4 The Rock was Christ (not Peter). Also see Ps. 94:22.
7). 1 Cor. 3:11 No other foundation exists but Christ. The Greek word for foundation in that verse is Themelios meaning of institution or system of truth or the foundation. Christ is the pure system and all order of the church originates from Jesus Christ not from the magisterium or any false Church. The foundation isn’t Peter or the church but God alone.
8). John 14:26, John 16:13, 1 Cor. 2:13 the Holy Spirit, not the magisterium of the Catholic Church will interpret scripture for God’s children and help them understand all things.
9). Romans 9:33 Christ is the foundation again. See also 2 Timothy 2:19 mentioning the foundation of God.
10). Matthew 18:18 The keys Christ gives to the disciples and apostles not Peter solely. The keys are used as a steward though.
11). Acts 8:14 Peter was sent by the other apostles along with John. If Peter were a Pope, wouldn’t he do the sending or travel without a proclamation from other Christians to adamantly do so.
12).Acts 13:9 Saul had a name change to Paul; just like Peter presenting even more equality between the 2.
13).Eph. 2:20 Christ is shown as the chief cornerstone. Also all the apostles are foundation stones of the church showing more equality. There are many instances of Rome being reminded that it wasn’t possessing full jurisdiction throughout the church. Here are a couple of examples of this:
A). In the 100’s Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, rebuked Victor, bishop of Rome over the Easter issue. He said that “We ought to obey God rather than man” to bishop Victor. Also Polycarp, disciple of John couldn’t agree with Anicetus, bishop of Rome on the issue of Easter as well.
B). Cyprian rebukes Stephen, bishop of Rome in his Council of Carthage decree saying, “No man sits himself up as bishop of bishops (or Pope)”
C). Polycarp and Ignatius used the words Bishop or elder interchangeably and even used mentioned multiple bishops existing in one city and that in no way denote a Papacy.
D). Pope Damascus and Pope Leo I makes claims of being the only successor of Peter deriving solely from Rome, yet even in the 300’s and 400’s, many people denied that claim and even in the Council of Chalcedon in 451 recognized the equal standing between Rome and Constantinople. I’m not even mentioning the immoral conduct of many Popes during the Dark Ages.
E). Many early popes denied many Catholic doctrines like Gelasius denying the Assumption of Mary, etc. The consensus for a Papacy existing in 33 AD. or 100 AD. is a myth.
F). Many early Popes even denied papal infallibility. Popes Vigilinus, Innocent III, Clement Iv, Gregory IV, Adrian VI, and Paul IV all disclaimed the attribute of infallibility.
G). Hippolytus disagreed with Bishop Callistus I of Rome’s dealing with Modalist heretics of Sabellius. As a result, Hippolytus rebuked Callistus and Callistus ended ties with Hippolytus. Catholic apologists say he had a re-uniting period before Hippolytus’ death, but even with that there’s still one bishop of Rome disagreeing with one of the greatest early church leaders, which was Hippolytus, in that span of time. Some historians even call Hippolytus an anti-pope (popes didn’t exist in Hippolytus’ age.)
H). In 664 AD. at the Synod of Whitby, the Celtic Church and the Roman Catholic also couldn’t agree on the Easter issue and Papal supremacy. The Celtic Church with Columba, Patrick, Colman, Aidan, Columbanus, and other people existed before Roman Catholicism yet again. As centuries past, the Celtic Church was forced to Scotland, while the Catholics forcibly merged their religion on the people left behind.
I). The Catholic Church also didn’t have full jurisdiction on the Church of the East. The apostles Thomas, Jude, and Bartholomew founded the Church of the East. Later as centuries past, the Church of the East and the Nestorians creates an automous structure showing God’s word to the Eastern world. Jesuits by 1599 subjugated the whole Syrian, Eastern Church. The good news is that even today, there are independent bodies of the Eastern Church that aren’t under Catholic jurisdiction that exist even today.
J). By the 14th century the papacy had become a pawn of political power. The French forced the popes to move from Rome to Avignon in what has been called the Babylonian Captivity of the papacy from 1309 to 1377. Following this episode was the Great Western Schism (1378-1418), during which opposing popes tried to rule. This ended with the Council of Constance, which deposed the popes and named Martin V (reigned 1417-31) as pope. In that time span of the early 1400’s, 3 popes were trying to reign at the same time. This and other evidences give the Roman Catholic church in an inconsistent light.
14). 1 Peter 2:68 Jesus is the head of the corner, cornerstone, rock of offense (not Peter).
15).Acts 9:10-16 Jesus said he called Paul, not Peter to go before the Gentiles and preach the gospel also to the children of Israel. Peter preached to the Gentiles and Romans, but Paul was specifically called to preach to do this command.
16). 1 Timothy 4:1-4 Mandatory celibacy for the Pope is forbidden and is a doctrine of demons.
17). Isaiah 44:8 God is the only Rock, and there is no other. See also Isa. 8:14 saying God is a rock of offense.
18). Deut. 32:31 Rock is shown as describing God alone also mentioned in Pslam 18:2.
19). Mat. 21:42 The cornerstone is Christ and Also Acts 5:29 says, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” (Magisterium, councils, decrees, Popes, etc.)
20). 2 Cor. 2:11 Paul isn’t inferior to the other apostles, but equal. Equality of the apostles is definitely conceived. See also Gal. 1:12, 2:2-8.
21).Eph. 4:5 Christ is the one Lord to be acknowledged and also see Mt. 26:72-74 showing Peter denying the Lord. (Peter is just a normal sinner in need of salvation just like all people need salvation and equal to any other human being.) The Papal denotation of Peter is therefore unnecessary.
21). 1 Peter 5:1-4 I, your fellow presbyter (not being lords over God’s heritage). Papal subjection is void as a result. See also Isaiah 22:25. That verse mentioning the kings who had those keys was fallible and broke and fell. They temporary utilized the keys, but Christ eternally possesses the keys of David forever. See also Rev. 2:7, Rev. 1:8.
22). Heb. 13:20 Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep not the Pope.
23). Mt. 23:13, Luke 11:52, Rev. 9:1-2, Rev. 20:1-2 Other beings had keys to be used not Peter alone.
24). 1 Cor. 12:12-27 The members of the church are expressed by body parts, but Christ is its total, heavenly, and earthly head not Karol.
25).Mt. 16:23 Peter is called Satan by Christ showing his frailty and sinfulness devoid of Papal power. Popes are rarely rebuked in the Roman Catholic Church. In a manner of calling a Pope Satan by Catholic flock, Catholic believers can have a risk of being excommunicated, condemned as heretics, etc. by the intensity of it.
26). John 18:36 Christ’s kingdom isn’t of this world, yet the Pope claims to be a temporal monarch of Vatican City. (It’s in heaven not in the Vatican). See also Luke 17:20 proving that the kingdom of God is in heaven being spiritual. There is no earthly headquarters of the church ruled by a human vicar. Also see Exodus 17:6 calling God the Rock.
27). John 17:11 Holy Father is used for God the Father. It’s blasphemy to call a man by God’s name. See also Rev. 15:4 and 1 Sam. 2:2.
28). Acts 10:25-26 Peter refused Cornelius to bow to him, yet many popes are benefluented or bowed to by clergy and other people within the Roman Catholic Church. One example of this is new bishops in an ordination ceremony bowing before the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica.
29). Heb. 7:26, Heb. 7:1-2, Rev. 1:5-6 Christ is the only King and High Priest. Christ paid taxes, yet the Pope is exempt from taxes. Christ is given a crown of thorns, but the Popes wear a triple crown (tiara). The contrasting actions of both individuals make the Papacy dissimilar to Christianity. In John 1:44, Gal. 2:9, 1 Cor. 9:5 Peter was not always mentioned first in the NT. In John he was named after Andrew, in Galatians, James is shown first, and in 1 Cor. He is named after the apostles, etc.
30). Rev. 3:7 The keys of David belong to Christ alone not Popes acting as supposed “successors”. See also 1 Peter 3:22 saying that Christ has full 100% authority over his church without Papal influence. In Matt. 23:10, Christ is the only Master with no Popes as masters.
31). 1 John 3:2 The Holy Spirit is our guide to bear witness to the Word of God not a pope, false church, church, or any anointed man. The Holy Spirit is enough for every single believer in Christ.
32). Mt. 20:25-26, Mark 10:42-43, and Luke 22:25-26 Servant hood is a Christian character and Popes are more in tuned with subjection plus a leadership, control-orientated influence exhibited to the followers of Romanism than servant hood.
33). Acts 15:1-22 The First Council of Jerusalem was presided over by James not Peter. In fact, Paul writes more NT books than Peter and explains the gospel more than Peter. Is Paul a Pope? No, just like Peter isn’t by tons of evidence. Also see Isaiah 42:8 that makes it’s clear that all glory is not to be given to any Pope, but God alone.
34). Mt. 28:18-20 All authority is given unto Christ and not given to Popes. In fact Catholicism had many schisms or divisions like a). Donatist (311 AD.), b). Orthodox (1054 AD.), Reformation (1517 AD.), Sedecavantists (1870 and 1965 AD.), etc
35). Galatians 2:11-14 Paul rebuked Peter for his actions (Popes are rarely rebuked today especially in the past (i.e. Bulls presented by Popes are almost impossible to rebuke. Also in history, cardinals, archbishops, or any other clergy rarely rebukes popes in Catholicism.)
36). Mt. 8:20 Christ has no place to rest his head in his first coming, yet Karol (the pope) lives in a place surrounded by wealth and pomp. Even Mt. 21:42 say that Jesus is the only Rock (stone, cornerstone).
37). Rev. 2:6-15 God dislikes the Nicolaitine spirit of extreme controlling hierarchal systems with that kind of clergy and laity similar to Romanism.
38). Acts 8:18-21 Peter would not take money, for not God would give freely. (It’s the opposite of Ropes giving and receiving tons of money by indulgences, etc) There is nothing wrong with being rich, but can the Vatican sacrifice pompous palaces in exchange to create some reasonable actions like reforming and revising their religion.
39). Acts 1:15-26 A group decision decided who were to be an apostle not Peter solely. (That isn’t Papal in most instances except in papal religious decrees or re-election of clergy).
40). 2 Samuel 22:32, Psalm 94:22, Psalm 18:31 God is the Rock not Peter.
41). Mt. 8:14, Luke 4:38, Mark 1:30, 1 Cor. 9:10 Peter has a wife (modern Popes don’t). Also see Galatians 2:1-9 saying that the apostles are called pillars recognizing their equality to each other.
42). Rev. 2:12-17 Christ condemned the Pergamos church era by adding pagan rituals of Balaam similar to the Papacy adding pagan rituals over the centuries. (i.e. Rosary, Eucharist, Confirmation, image veneration, etc.)
43). 1 Peter 5:1-2 Peter calls himself and elder (not head apostle or Pope) and also John is called “the elder” in 2 John 1.
44). 1 Peter 5:4 Christ is the Chief Shepherd only. See also Rev. 21:14making mention of the foundations of New Jerusalem being 12 named after the 12 apostles making more references of equality to all of the apostles. Also Acts 1:21-22 says that the apostles had no successors, for to succeed them, one had to be a witness to Christ’s resurrection.
45). Luke 22:24-26, Matthew 18:1 An argument occurs with the apostles about who was the greatest. (Peter didn’t expressively admit his supremacy to end the feud with the others, but Christ later called for servant-like statue among all apostles displaying even more equality.
46). John 10:11, 14-16 Jesus is the only good Shepherd. See also 2 Thes. 2:3-4. That verse says that one man like the Pope with so much exalting classifications even trying to call himself Vicar (substitute, or replacement of in Greek and Latin) Christ, which is supremely blasphemous, is like the Antichrist. Antichrist is divided into 1 prefix and 1 suffix, which are anti-, and -Christ making up just a word. Anti in Greek is Ante meaning substitute or in the place of. Add it together and Antichrist in Greek means someone who “tries” to substitute or take the place of Christ. Who is that individual? The Pope is an antichrist in that manner since he claims to be the representative of Christ and tries to takes Christ’s place (i.e. Pope Leo XIII in the l800’s said “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” How obvious is that, but the Po pe is not the Antichrist of Revelation but like an antichrist who has blasphemous titles, false beliefs, etc. That real Antichrist according to the Bible and church leaders like Tertullian Justin Marytr, Hippolytus, etc believes it’s a man who will reign for 3 ½ yrs, etc.) Many of the Reformers called the Pope “The Antichrist” because of the great immorality and degenerate religion of Catholicism. The Pope isn’t the Antichrist because he is so blatant and the Bible says he will come as one man not many men. The Pope is most probably the False Prophet in the One World Religion system.
47). Acts 20:28 To feed the sheep is exhorted to all of the church not just Peter. See also Numbers 23:19 displaying that God alone is infallible in all judgments, decisions, etc. A Pope’s decrees are always subjected to God’s word. Many of the Papal decrees have error in it. (i.e. Bull Unum Sanctum of the 1302 by Pope Boniface VIII says every people must be subject to the Pope for salvation or the Syllabus of Errors in the 1800’s condemning Bible societies, religious freedom, and even democracy.)
48). Acts 6:1-4 The leadership of the church is automous (self-governing) under no denominational hierarchy. Also see 1 Peter 1:1 classifying himself as only an apostle (no bishop, Pope, or the head apostle).
49). John 1:42 Cephas means stone not Rock by Christ’s own words. See also Titus 1:5-9 showing that the human leader of any church is a Pastor or Bishop with deacons, etc not popes.
50). Timothy 3:15 The church is the pillar and ground of truth not the truth or the foundation. See also 1 Peter 2:4-8 presenting Jesus as the rock upon which the church is founded. Nowhere in the Bible would you find the Church called the Rock or the foundation but the pillar and ground of truth. God alone is the Rock and the unbreakable foundation.
51). Eph. 1:22-23/ Col. 1:18 The Papacy is forbidden and Christ receives all preeminence not Karol. Also see Romans 11:18-22 which Paul warned the church to be in faith or cut off being fallible, but Christ’s church will never let the gates of hell prevail over it.
52). Acts 14:27, 1 Cor. 16:9, 2 Cor 2:12 Doors are being opened by God using keys. (Not solely Peter can use keys as a steward.)
53). Mt. 23:9 Call no clergy Father in the spiritual term of the word for high religious significance within the church clergy. Therefore, it is forbidden to call a priest by that title as well. Father in the NT is only called for human offspring, lineage, or an important figure in the past at the OT. Certainly no clergy such as priests were called father in the NT.
54). Eph. 5:23-26 Christ is Head over a Pope being all-powerful and having full authority on heaven and on earth.
55). 3 John 9-11 Believers are subjected church-wise to church leaders as long as they’re in submission to God. Any contradicting church leader like a Pope is rejected. The church is therefore democratic and executive only in executing the word of God not legislative adding traditions that are contrary to God’s word. The church is special and important, but no church is above God’s word and any church that tries to contradict God’s word should be rejected and rebuked until the church changes, etc.
56). Mat. 10:16, Luke 10:3, Ezekiel 34:6, 1 Peter 2:25 Sheep are mentioned showing the faithful not necessarily showing clergy or pastors. (It includes all believers).
57). John 16:7-14, Mt. 16:18, Mt. 18:18, John 20:22,23, Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 2:1-4 When reading those verses you can find that all apostles received the Holy Spirit, had the same authority, and all received the same commission. If all apostles had the same duties, that represents equality for all apostles. Nowhere in the Bible would you find Peter being called “Pontifex Maximus”, “Holy Father”, “Chief Apostle”, “Vicar of Christ”, “Pope”, etc. You can never deduce that from God’s word or in the early church, but you can find that in Catholicism as a product of gradual development and additions of tons of tradition. Roman Catholicism is an addition tradition submission religion. It’s nothing more or less.
58). Acts 11:1-30 The Church was situated in the early era of Christianity at Jerusalem and Antioch as it main headquarters not Rome. Even those 2 cities didn’t recognized themselves as being superior in religious jurisdiction to all other cities or areas at that time. Roman Catholicism believes that Rome was superior early on in papal primacy, but that isn’t the case. That’s because there was no Pope, papal primacy, cardinal, archbishops, etc even existed in Christianity in its early existence anyway.
59). Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man. (Catholic trusts the Pope to be infallible in faith and morals of his ex-cathedra declarations, etc.)