What does the Bible say about the pope/papcy?

Question: "What does the Bible say about the pope / papacy?"

Answer : The Roman Catholic Church's teaching about the Pope (“pope” means “father”) is built upon and involves the following Roman Catholic teachings:

1) Christ made Peter the leader of the apostles and of the church (Matthew 16:18-19), and in giving him the “keys of the kingdom,” Christ not only made him leader but also made him infallible when he acted or spoke as Christ's representative on earth (speaking from the seat of authority or ex cathedra). This ability to act on behalf of the church in an infallible way when speaking ex cathedra was passed on to Peter's successors, thus giving the Church an infallible guide on earth to lead the Church unerringly.

2) Peter later became the first Bishop of Rome. As Bishop of Rome, he exercised authority over all other bishops and church leaders. The teaching that the Bishop of Rome is above all other bishops in authority is referred to as the “primacy” of the Roman Bishop.

3) Peter passed on his apostolic authority to the next Bishop of Rome, along with the other apostles who passed on their apostolic authority to the bishops that they ordained. These new bishops, in turn, passed on that apostolic authority to those bishops that they later ordained and so on. This “passing on of apostolic authority” is referred to as “apostolic succession.”

4) Based upon what they claim is an unbroken chain of Roman bishops (along with other support), they teach that the Roman Catholic Church is the true church and that all churches that do not accept the primacy of the Pope have broken away from them, the original and one true church.

Having briefly reviewed some of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church concerning the papacy, the question is whether those teachings are in agreement with Scripture. The Roman Catholic Church sees the Papacy and the infallible teaching authority of “mother Church” as being necessary to guide the Church and use that as logical reasoning for God's provision of it. But in examining Scripture, you find the following: Read GOD's Word

1) While Peter was central in the early spread of the gospel (part of the meaning behind Matthew 16:18-19), the teaching of Scripture, taken in context, no where declares that he was in authority over the other apostles or over the Church (having primacy) (see Acts 15:1-23; Galatians 2:1-14; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Nor is it ever taught that the Bishop of Rome was to have primacy over the Church. Rather there is only one reference in Scripture of Peter writing from “Babylon,” a name sometimes applied to Rome, found in 1 Peter 5:13; primarily upon this and the historical rise of the influence of the Bishop of Rome comes the Roman Catholic Church teaching of the primacy of the Bishop of Rome. However, Scripture shows that Peter's authority was shared by the other apostles (Ephesians 2:19-20) and the “loosing and binding” authority attributed to him was likewise shared by the local churches, not just their church leaders (see Matthew 18:15-19; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Titus 2:15; 3:10-11).

2) Nowhere does Scripture state that in order to keep the church from error, the authority of the apostles was passed on to those they ordained (apostolic succession). Apostolic succession is “read into” those verses that the Roman Catholic Church uses to support this doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2-5; Titus 1:5; 2:1; 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:19-22). Paul does NOT call on believers in various churches to receive Titus, Timothy, and other church leaders based on their authority as bishops, having apostolic authority, but rather based upon their being fellow laborers with him (1 Corinthians 16:10; 16:16; 2 Corinthians 8:23). What Scripture DOES teach is that false teachings would arise even from among church leaders and that Christians were to compare the teachings of these later church leaders with Scripture, which alone is cited in the Bible as infallible. The Bible does not teach that the apostles were infallible, apart from what was written by them and incorporated into Scripture. Paul, in talking to the church leaders in the large city of Ephesus, makes note of coming false teachers, and to fight against such error does NOT commend them to “the apostles and those who would carry on their authority”, but rather he commends them to “God and to the word of His grace...” (Acts 20:28-32).

Again, the Bible teaches that it is Scripture that is to be used as measuring stick to determine truth from error. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul states that it is not WHO teaches but WHAT is being taught that is to be used to determine truth from error. And while the Roman Catholic Church continues to pronounce a curse to hell upon those who would reject the authority of the Pope, Scripture reserves that curse for those who would teach a different gospel than what had already been given in New Testament times (Galatians 1:8-9). Read GOD's Word

4) While the Roman Catholic Church sees apostolic succession as logically necessary in order for God to unerringly guide the Church, Scripture states that God has provided for His church through:

(a) infallible Scripture, (Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; Acts 17:10-12; Isaiah 8:20; 40:8; etc.) Note: Peter speaks of Paul's writings in the same category as other Scripture (2 Peter 3:16),

(b) Christ's unending high-priesthood in heaven (Hebrews 7:22-28),

(c) the provision of the Holy Spirit Who guided the apostles into truth after Christ's death (John 16:12-14), Who gifts believers for the work of the ministry, including teaching (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-16), and Who uses the written word as His chief tool (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17).

The Roman Catholic Church teaching about the office of the Pope should be rejected because it is not “in continuity” with the teachings of the original church, that related to us in the New Testament. This comparison of any church's teaching is essential, lest we miss the New Testament's teaching concerning the gospel and not only miss eternal life in heaven ourselves but unwittingly lead others down the wrong path as well (Galatians 1:8-9).

Religions Of The World The 2nd Death (Sermon Text) The Eternity Of Hell's Torments (Audio) (MP3)

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COMMENTARY REGARDING REV 17:1-19:5

    Rev 17:1 - 19:5 consists of several items on the same subject. Most should not be difficult to understand; however, it is a challenge to convey the different items under the various subjects, as many pertain to other subjects as well.
    This may be the most difficult chapter in the Revelation to explain on paper.
    There are certain main topics (or headings) that need to be understood in advance to aid one in their study. Some of these should be listed next.
    1. The "great whore" is the Roman Catholic Church. During at least the first part of the Tribulation, the entire world apparently becomes allied with this church, except those that repent and follow Jesus.
    2. The "woman" is the city of Rome.
    3. The "beast" may refer to the Antichrist or to the empire of the Antichrist, which includes ten kings.
    4. Miscellaneous. The woman (the city of Rome) and the great whore (the Roman Catholic Church) are depicted as being allied together or closely united, even as one. The city of Rome has on its forehead the name denoting the church. In the hand of the woman (which is the city) is the golden cup full of abominations.
    5. Babylon, as used in Rev 17:5; 18:2,10,21, may refer to the "great whore" or to the "woman."

Rev 17:1. AND THERE CAME ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN VIALS (or bowls), A ND TALKED WITH ME, SAYING UNTO ME, COME HITHER. John is instructed to come. Then he is told,
I WILL SHOW UNTO THEE THE JUDGMENT (or punishment)
OF THE GREAT WHORE (or prostitute). Rev 19:3 says, HER SMOKE ROSE UP FOR EVER AND EVER.
    The "great whore" is the wicked, religious system (false church) during the Tribulation. This religious system is portrayed as a woman or bride: the followers of Jesus are also portrayed as a woman. Jesus is the Bridegroom. The saints are the bride-ref Rev 19:7-9.
    This great whore is shown to be an unfaithful woman. She has become a whore and prostituted herself with another, mainly the devil. She has left the true teachings of Christ and turned aside to many false doctrines. She is not only portrayed as a whore, but a "great" whore
THAT SITTETH UPON (or by)
MANY WATERS. As has already been pointed out, the great whore is the Roman Catholic Church . At some point during the Tribulation, she will be judged and destroyed. She will be burnt with fire-ref Rev 17:16.
    The many waters ARE PEOPLES, AND MULTITUDES, AND NATIONS, AND TONGUES-Rev 17:15. The Roman Catholic Church encompasses many peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. This shows it has tremendous influence upon people.
    The message of Jesus to the church of Thyatira was clear. Those that do not repent of this deceptive, intoxicating teaching of the Roman Catholic Church will most certainly be CAST… INTO GREAT TRIBULATION-Rev 2:22. The Roman Catholic Church itself will not repent, but will continue her false teachings. Once the true church is removed in the Rapture, she will even experience revival and flourish for a time. The people of the world will flock to this false religion.

17:2. (And) WITH WHOM THE KINGS OF THE EARTH HAVE COMMITTED FORNICATION (or adultery, or went whoring with her). The kings of the earth have allied themselves with this "great whore." They have committed spiritual fornication with her. They have rejected Jesus Christ.

Religions Of The World The 2nd Death (Sermon Text) The Eternity Of Hell's Torments (Audio) (MP3)

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Question: "Is papal infallibility Biblical?"

Answer : The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is infallible when he speaks from his position of authority on a particular issue or doctrine (speaking ex cathedra ). According to the Roman Catholic Church, this infallibility of the Pope, when speaking ex cathedra , is part of the Roman Catholic Church's Magisterium , or the “Teaching authority of the Church” which God gave to the “mother Church” to guide her infallibly. This “Teaching authority of the Church” is made up of the Pope's infallible teaching ability, the infallible teaching ability of church councils assembled under the authority of the Pope, and the “ordinary” Magisterium of the bishops. This “ordinary” Magisterium involves, among other things, bishops in various places beginning to teach the same particular doctrine (for instance the teaching that Mary was conceived without sin), and that if this teaching gains acceptance throughout the church as a whole, it is an indication that the Holy Spirit is working through the bishops and that this teaching is from God. The Pope may later recognize this and proclaim infallibly that it comes from God and is to be accepted by all of the faithful (all Roman Catholics). The Roman Catholic Church sees this “teaching authority of the church, ” with its infallible ability to identify which books constitute Scripture and then to infallibly interpret Scripture, as being inseparably linked with the authority of Scripture and states that this teaching authority of the church is a servant of Scripture.

The question is whether this teaching is in agreement with Scripture. The Roman Catholic Church sees the Papacy and the infallible teaching authority of “mother Church” as being necessary to guide the Church and uses that as logical reasoning for God's provision of it. But in examining Scripture, you find the following:

2) No where does Scripture state that in order to keep the church from error, the authority of the apostles was passed on to those they ordained (the Roman Catholic Church teaching of "apostolic succession"). Apostolic succession is “read into” those verses that the Roman Catholic Church uses to support this doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2-5; Titus 1:5; 2:1; 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:19-22). Paul does NOT call on believers in various churches to receive Titus, Timothy, and other church leaders based on their authority as bishops, having apostolic authority, but rather based upon their being fellow laborers with him (1 Corinthians 16:10; 16:16; 2 Corinthians 8:23). What Scripture DOES teach is that false teachings would arise even from among accepted church leaders and that Christians were to compare the teachings of these later church leaders with Scripture, which alone is cited in the Bible as infallible. The Bible does not teach that the apostles were infallible, apart from what was written by them and incorporated into Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:18-21). Paul, in talking to the church leaders in the large city of Ephesus, makes note of coming false teachers, and to fight against such error he does NOT commend them to “the apostles and those who would carry on their authority”, but rather he commends them to “God and to the word of His grace...” (Acts 20:28-32).

3) Nowhere in Scripture is the “teaching Magisterium” or mastery of bishops taught and treated as of equal weight with Scripture. What history has shown is that when any other source of authority is treated as being of equal weight with Scripture, that second authority always ends up superseding Scripture (such is the case with the Mormons' other accepted writings and the Jehovah Witnesses' Watchtower). So, it is with the Roman Catholic Church; repeatedly Catholic Catechisms state that many of their doctrines are not found or based in Scripture (Mary being Co-redemptress and Co-mediator, sinless, conceived without sin; her ascension; praying to saints and venerating them and images of them; etc.). For Roman Catholics, it is the “mother Church” that is the final authority, not Scripture, no matter that they say that the Magisterium is the “servant of Scripture.” Again, the Bible teaches that it is Scripture that is to be used as measuring stick to determine truth from error. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul states that it is not WHO teaches but WHAT is being taught that is to be used to determine truth from error. And while the Roman Catholic Church continues to pronounce a curse to hell upon those who would reject the authority of the Pope, Scripture reserves that curse for those who would teach a different gospel than what had already been given and recorded in the New Testament (Galatians 1:8-9).

4) While the Roman Catholic Church sees apostolic succession and the infallible magisterium of the church as logically necessary in order for God to unerringly guide the Church, Scripture states that God has provided for His church through:

( a) infallible Scripture, (Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; Acts 17:10-12; Isaiah 8:20; 40:8; etc.) Note: Peter speaks of Paul's writings in the same category as other Scripture (2 Peter 3:16),

(b) Christ's unending high-priesthood in heaven (Hebrews 7:22-28),

In summary, the Bible speaks of only one abiding, "tangible," infallible guide left by God for His church. It is the written word of God, not an infallible leader (2 Timothy 3:15-17). And as He gave the Holy Spirit to bear holy men along in the writing of those Scriptures (2 Peter 1:19-21), so He has given His Holy Spirit to indwell, fill, guide, and gift members of His church today for the purpose of directing His church through the proper interpretation of that written word (1 Corinthians 12; 14; Ephesians 4:11-16). That there are schisms and false teachings today should be no surprise, for the Bible also warns us that there would be false teachers who would twist the written word (2 Peter 3:16) and that these false teachers would arise from within the churches (Acts 20:30), therefore the believers were to turn to God and the "word of His grace" for their guidance (Acts 20:32), determining the truth not by WHO said it, but by comparing it with the gospel already received by the early church, the gospel recorded for us in Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9; see also Acts 17:11).

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John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

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

Romans 10:9,10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Praying to any "person, place or thing" other than Jesus is idol worship. Nowhere in the bible does GOD teach us to
pray to dead saints, the pope in rome or the mother of Jesus. Rituals, tradition and good works are not going to pay the price for your sins. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matthew 15: He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16: And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

:21: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22: Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

:23: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

(Peter was not infalliable but a sinner saved by grace. This verse shows
Peter sinned by rebuking the Lord. Don't base your salvation on Peter or the catholic church.)

(Only base your salvation on knowing you have called on the name of the Lord.)

Romans 10:9,10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Ephesians
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Acts
10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

(Peter himself knew GOD did not respect him any more than any one else and he said so.)

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What is Catholicism?