Why should we pray to Virgin Mary? The reasons are many.
Why do Catholics pray to Mother Mary? Is Rosary really powerful?
The intercession of Mother Mary is very powerful as Jesus cannot neglect His mothers commands.This can be proved by the first miracle Jesus did at the wedding at Cana. – (John 2:1-11). Mother Mary told Jesus “They have no more wine.” And what was the final result? He turned water into wine.
In “The Poem of the Man-God” by Maria Valtorta, she says that Jesus told her about this incident as “I did it for Mary”. This proves that the intercession of Mother Mary is very very strong.
Mother Mary was blessed with Holy Spirit abundantly. We can see this as we read “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:39-41) ; just by Virgin Mary’s greeting.
Listen to the talk from Apologetics on Mary, Purgatory and The Bible
What the angels thought on this matter:-
When angel appeared before Zechariah,father of John, angel just greets him by his name ,nothing more although he was “upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” – (Luke 1:6)
When angel appeared before Joseph, the greeting was like this: “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – (Matthew 1:20). Angel greeted him ‘son of david’, thats all.
Now let us see how did the angel greet Virgin Mary. It goes like this: “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). See the difference….
Also read the article Mary, The Mystical Rose
Have you not read the first commandment ?
“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:1-5
Sadly, all of you are deceived by Satan’s tricks, please avoid your presence in hell fire, repent ! Mary was just a woman that GOD used to come into this world.
ALSO SEE:
for more details.
To Moses Daniel (#1261):
Nice analogy you have used. We have to praise the painter for his creation (the painting). Likewise we submit ourselves to God(Jesus) – as He is the Creator, author and sustainer of life. However, Majority of people today end up praising, honoring, worshiping the creation rather than the creator. The Hindu religion is an example. The Catholic religion is another.
First of all, a christian is not the one who knows scripture
Wrong … Jesus said otherwise in Mark 12:24 -“Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God?”
Jesus is very clear in Mark 12:24 that the scriptures is important. I am afraid your are misled exactly what Jesus says.
In Hosea 4:6 – God said – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hosea is a serious warning from God. We will perish if we don’t seek to learn the truths of God’s Word in scriptures.
Please don’t come up with your personal interpretation just because your human feelings and thinking are misleading you to drink abundantly from the from the fresh waters of the Living water that Jesus pours out by his great love and Mercy.
Jerome said – “Ignorance of the scripture is ignorance of Christ”.
I don’t think that Jesus lives and loves the people who knows only scripture. Those people who opened heart for him, Jesus will live with them irrespective of Catholic, Protestant or any other one, even belong to other religion. He is searching for the true heart and mind where the Holy Spirit can stay and guide.
There is a BIG difference between Knowing Scriptures and Understanding Scriptures.
Very few among those who know scriptures by heart does really understand scriptures.
So before you start quoting scriptures, think whether you really understand what that means, and it is not always the word by word meaning.
To Sir Alan, to date they were already four postings in your name. The first three (#1211, 1228, & 1229) is centered to our Blessed Mother of which I believe was already been answered or refuted sufficiently by other posters before and after your posting. Maybe that is why no one cared to reply and address your interest on the subject matter.
Latest posting (#1263, July 2nd, 2012) had a different agenda you are now attacking the Catholic Church and other religion (Hindu) as well.
You seemed ready to a court battle, preparing meticulously your well rehearsed texts accusing us Catholics of something we do not practice.
You even quoted part of our saint writings to justify your cause of action.
Sir, before someone else would stand to oppose you maybe you will be kind enough to express to us what denomination you belong. In that way you give us equal footing to defend our Church position you are fond of accusing practicing false religion. I am not well verse in the Bible as I am only on my teen years but I believe there will be others among Catholics willingly to engage you in sound discussion after you express what faith or denomination you are proud holding on.
An affront to our church where I belong is an affront to my faith. I hope you consider my request sir to give us a chance to defend Our Catholic Faith.
Ave Maria!
Sheeja (#1264)
Christians learn the scriptures because God Commands it (2 Timothy 2:15). The Scriptures of the Bible is God’s love letter to mankind. It educates us about God, who is he and his Holy attributes. Besides it contains instructions how we should lead our life that is pleasing to him and according to his perfect will. Christians learn the scriptures because it has the power to transform lives, makes us wise and to make us holy and acceptable in God’s sight. Without the scriptures we would not know how the instructions God gives us to follow in order to enter heaven and to avoid hell. So at least basic knowledge and total obedience of the scriptures is important.
From your post it is apparent you are a catholic who has been taught to have a scant dis-respect towards Gods Holy Word the scriptures. It looks like you want to find your own self-righteous prideful way to God. This is impossible because God considers such actions as “filthy rags” (See Isaiah 64:6). We can only get to heaven through Jesus (John 14:6).
I am following Jesus not after learning each scripture from all chapters of Holy Bible. I listen the words of priests – who studied and understand the scriptures in depth and translate the exact and broad meaning of each scripture. I saw how my Parents are living with scriptures. Also identified how the scriptures are in the suffering people, who are living with God, Jesus and Ave Maria. But at the same time I know a lot of people in other religion living under the protective and loving care of Jesus. They don’t know the exact wordings or location of verses but they know the principles of Jesus, which they are following and are living as the beloved children of God & Jesus.
Christine Marie (#1266)
Hello,
First and foremost, peace be with you and its very much appreciated you don’t get over excited.
Sir, before someone else would stand to oppose you maybe you will be kind enough to express to us what denomination you belong. In that way you give us equal footing to defend our Church position you are fond of accusing practicing false religion. I am not well verse in the Bible as I am only on my teen years but I believe there will be others among Catholics willingly to engage you in sound discussion after you express what faith or denomination you are proud holding on.
I am a Bible believing Christian so denomination is something which is not important to me because Jesus did not come to earth 2000 years ago to create denominations but to save the “lost sinners” (Matthew 18:11).
I don’t have the intention of attacking anyone personally (Catholic, Protestant or others). I do have though a sacred duty as a soldier of Christ to defend the truth Satan has blinded people through man made religious systems. I engage the Jehovah’s witnesses, Mormons, for the distortions they preach. As far as the Catholic church is concerned, I and like minded people have the intention of sharing the truth on this forum because that’s what this blog has been set up for in the first place inviting posters like me and you to share views on the topic “Should we pray to Mary?”
Now it all depends if you are a truth seeker or simply having a blind faith that you have lived with innocently to this day. If I am attacking anyone .. then I have been misunderstood, but I am also doing a sacred duty as said earlier to expose the devils lies and show the false teachings of any denomination that blinds its faithful members. The primary intention is that everyone like ourselves should live happily ever after in heaven when we pass away from this world.
I can imagine how zealous you are. I was once upon a time myself just like you. But I realized my folly and foolishness. So I pray for you too, that you overcome the sentimentalism that has over-shadowed you.
God Bless.
Alan.
God has given only ten commandments, which is again consolidated into just two commandments by Jesus.
Rest of the scriptures were written by his followers and disciples who are humans.
Understand the broader meaning of what is written before quoting single sentences out of context.
As you might know, Jesus targeted those who were staunch ‘literal’ followers of the scriptures and that is why they had him crucified.
@ Sir Alan,
I beg to disagree to your posting # 1267:
And I quote; “Christians learn the scriptures because God Commands it (2 Timothy 2:15). The Scriptures of the Bible is God’s love letter to mankind. It educates us about God, who is he and his Holy attributes. Besides it contains instructions how we should lead our life that is pleasing to him and according to his perfect will. Christians learn the scriptures because it has the power to transform lives, makes us wise and to make us holy and acceptable in God’s sight. Without the scriptures we would not know how the instructions God gives us to follow in order to enter heaven and to avoid hell. So at least basic knowledge and total obedience of the scriptures is important.”
2Tim.2:15 (KJV). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Sir, how did you know that you rightfully divided the word of the truth? By taking up verses of 2Tim.2:15 and then jumping back to Is.64:6; and then applying coup d grace (John 14:6) as your final clincher to win the argument?! Is that the way rightly dividing the word of truth?
Your first paragraph has many confusing ‘twist and turns, I’ll show you numerous denominations that claims the same way as you claimed on your first paragraph.
The Lutheran church –1517 AD. Founded by a man, Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Roman Catholic Church, who violated his sacred vows of both obedience and celibacy. Luther created a brand new protestant bible by throwing out 7 books of the bible he personally didn’t agree with, and added the word “alone” after the word “faith”, in Romans 3:28, in order to make the verse agree with his view of what it should have said (faith alone). This alteration of sacred scripture directly contradicts James 2:24. Luther also called the Catholic Church “the whore of Babylon”, and he said that the Pope was the antichrist (someone who denies that Jesus is God).
The Anabaptist church – 1520 AD. Founded by a man, Nicholas Storch, and Thomas Münzer, former Lutherans. The Anabaptists rejected infant baptism and were denounced by Martin Luther. This “reformation of the reformation” is proof positive that the doctrine of “scripture alone” is false. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been more than one interpretation of scripture and no need for an anabaptist church that totally ignores Luke 18:15-17.
The Mennonite church – 1525 AD. Founded by men, Grebel, Mantz, and Blaurock, in Switzerland, as an offshoot of the Anabaptists. It derived its name from Menno Simons, a former Catholic priest.
The Baptist church – 1606 AD. Founded by a man, John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam, as an offshoot of the Mennonites
The Amish church – 1693 AD. Founded by a man, Jacob Amman, a Swiss Bishop. Also a breakaway from the Mennonite church. His followers were called the “Amish.” While similar to the Mennonites, they differ in language, dress, and interpretation of the Bible.
The Anglican Church – 1534 AD. Founded by a man, King Henry VIII, as a direct result of the Pope not granting him a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Many a Catholic priest was tortured and killed as a result of the very aroused Henry trying to find another young maiden for his pleasure. The Queen of England is the current head of the Anglican Church.
The Presbyterian church – 1560 AD. Founded by a man, John Knox, inScotland. Based on the personal beliefs of a man, John Calvin, which include predestination, no free will in humans, & total depravity in mankind
The Congregationalist church (The Puritans) – 1583 AD. Founded by a man, Robert Brown, in Holland. Broke away from the Church of England. Brown rejected, among other things, the authority of bishops. One Puritan, named Oliver Cromwell, got involved in the English Civil War, and overthrew Charles I in 1646. Cromwell and the British government were also responsible for the subjugation and killing of hundreds of thousands of Irish Catholics, who were also forbidden to say Mass, wear green, and sing patriotic songs.
The Unitarian church – 1568 AD. Started in Poland, but died out. It was soon replaced by a man, John Biddle, in 1645 AD. The Unitarians do not believe in the Trinitarian God.
The Episcopalian church – 1784 AD. Founded by a man, Samuel Seabury in the American Colonies & is an offshoot of the Church of England. They believe in women priests and bishops, artificial birth control, and they accept homosexuality as being normal and good in spite of Romans 1:26-27. The Episcopalian Church is currently undergoing a 21rst Century reformation of itself, with individual congregations breaking away from their own hierarchy over the question of scriptural inerrancy concerning homosexuality. Another proof that the doctrine of “scripture alone” without an infallible Magesterium to interpret it based on sacred Tradition is false. It seems that the Episcopal Church is more concerned with going along with the current trend of society than it is in being true to what scripture actually says about homosexuality.
The Quakers – 1647 AD. Founded by a man, George Fox, in England. Also called The Society of Friends, although they originally called themselves “Children of Light”. They acknowledge absolutely no authority higher than what Fox called the “inner light” of personal revelation.
The Methodist church – 1739 AD. Founded by men, John and Charles Wesley, in England. The Wesley brothers were originally Anglican ministers who started a revival movement that eventually became Methodism. Yet another reformation of the reformation.
The Evangelical church – 1803 AD. Founded by a man, Jacob Albright, originally a Methodist, who broke away and founded his own church.
The Mormon church – 1829 AD. Also call themselves “Latter Day Saints”, was founded by a man, Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York, in 1829. They are polythesists who someday hope to become a god of their own planet. after death. They believe that God the Father was a good mormon on another planet and was so great that he became the god of our planet. They also believe that Jesus and lucifer were brothers on that former planet.
The Seventh Day Adventists – 1831 AD. Founded by a man, William Miller in New York. Based on his study of the prophecy of Daniel 8:14, Miller calculated that Jesus would return to earth sometime between 1843 and 1844. This prediction is in spite of the fact that the bible says that no one will be able to predict when the Second Coming of Jesus will be (Matthew 24:36).
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 1872 AD. Founded by a man, Charles Taze Russell, as the “Millennial Dawnists.” In 1931, Judge Rutherford, his successor, decided that henceforth they would be called, Witnesses of Jehovah, or Jehovah’s Witness. The JWs deny the divinity of Christ, the resurrection of the body, and refuse to take blood transfusions.
The Christian Scientists – 1879 AD. Founded by a woman, Mary Baker Eddy in Massachusetts. They also refuse blood transfusions and medical care, in spite of the fact that the gospel writer Luke was a physician.
Assemblies of God – 1901 AD. Founded by a man, Charles Parham, in Topeka Kansas. They believe in the Baptism of the Spirit, miracle healings, and speaking in tongues.
Not counting thousand more who all professed they know scriptures because of their doctrine of “scripture alone,†which denominations are rightfully dividing the word of truth? All of these Christian denominations were holding the same scriptures you said “God’s love letter to mankind†but have different doctrinal faith contrary to what you have believed.
Sir, did you know that our Lord Jesus Christ had been crucified and put to death because of the connivance of the scribes (Pharisees & the Sadducees) belief and knowledge of the scriptures? How will you reconcile your argument to the glaring truth that had transcribed in the old days and the active denominations in this present day?
I am not saying that we should discount the scriptures, what I am trying to stress is who should rightfully interpret the word of God so that we should not be in a dilemma of who must we to follow and believe. With so many preachers and ministers of different congregation sprouting nowadays who should we believe? Remember that Christ Himself forewarned us of these false teachers and false Christ that will mingle with us in later day time. Can you say with conviction and without doubt that your interpretation of the word of God is correct and true to His meaning? Maybe you will say “yes’ to justify your own foolishness because ‘word for word’ you quoted the scriptures just like what you did in your article # 1265; but how about the others who quoted the same way you did but have different doctrinal matters on some point in the doctrine of faith? I am sure you are not all the same in the doctrine of faith! Each one is claiming they hold the true doctrine of faith and correct interpretation of the word of God.
Your second paragraph in its context (address to Sheeja) was bereft of the knowledge of the true word of the scriptures. God would not wish us to be wise of the scriptures. He does not want us to be scattered because we do not know the scriptures, He wants all His sheep (children) to be in one flock (Church) and one faith through Jesus name. I’ll give you three interesting point as examples:
Point one:
On one occasion, James and John, the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), desired to call down fire from heaven to obliterate an entire village of Samaritans. Jesus admonished them for failing to perceive the spirit they must to possess and display toward others (Luke 9:54-55).
Point two:
On another occasion, John came to Jesus and reported that there was someone preaching in His name. “And we tried to prevent him, because he was not one of us” (Mark 9:38; cf. Luke 9:49). Just because this individual was not in John’s group of disciples, he viewed him as opposition, someone whose actions needed to be stopped. Again, Jesus had rebuffed John’s spirit of rejection and condemnation. He had to stave off one of the Lord’s own sheep who was guilty of nothing other than being in a different fold. But with God’s grace he can possible to be part of the one flock without being in the same fold as what had happened to St. Paul, meaning through conversion. A perception very much needed by us today!
Point three:
Although our Lord Jesus has other lost sheep all over this world, located in many different pens, there should only be one flock (the universal church), just as there is only one Shepherd (Jesus Christ). This is Jesus wanted to convey to His apostles and disciples in the following narration: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and they shall be one flock with one shepherd.†(John 10:16) And this is what we earnestly prayed for!
Here is another faulty interpretation in your article!
This is taken in part to your posting # 1263 addressed to Moses Daniel, July 2nd, 2012: And I quote.
“Wrong … Jesus said otherwise in Mark 12:24 -â€Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God?â€
Jesus is very clear in Mark 12:24 that the scriptures is important. I am afraid your are misled exactly what Jesus says.
In Hosea 4:6 – God said – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hosea is a serious warning from God. We will perish if we don’t seek to learn the truths of God’s Word in scriptures.â€
These two verses, Mark 12:24 & Hosea 4:6 are again taken out of context by your own interpretation. Sadly I cannot imagine the one who claimed to be knowledgeable and not ignorant of the scriptures are now the one eating up his very words. These two verses you cited Mark 12:24 is addressed to the Sadducees and the Pharisees, and not to the public or for us to know methodically all what was written in the scriptures. Likewise, Hosea 4:4-6 is addressed to the Priests and Prophets; Theme: Against the Priests; “4.) But let no man denounce, no man rebuke; it is you, priest, that I denounce. 5.) Day and night you stumble along, the prophet stumbling with you, and you are the ruin of your people. 6.) My people perish for want of knowledge. As you have rejected knowledge, so do I reject you from priesthood; you have forgotten the teaching of your God. This is a clear manifestation of the role of the Priests to teach his people to the commandment of the Law and to guide properly to the teaching of their God.
Sir, I am sorry to say your basic knowledge of interpreting the scriptures is not enough to carry you to a sound discussion. It doesn’t have a chance to stand on its own.
Ave Maria!
Sheeja (#1268)
I am following Jesus not after learning each scripture from all chapters of Holy Bible.
Are you 100% sure you are following the right Jesus given there are many counterfeit Jesus’s floating around?? – See Mark 13:21-23 was Jesus cautioned for a hint.
How are you sure that the scriptures are interpreted to you by man are correct and not in error?? If I as a man told you that Jesus said “something” would you simply accept is blindly without verifying the facts.
If I told you that Catholic Church modified the Ten Commandments by dubious means – wouldn’t you check the facts or just remain blind. Question: Why is the Ten Commandments in the Catechism not the same as the Catholic Bible? Check it for yourself if you have a least an average intelligence.
God Bless.
Roy (#1270)
Alan.
God has given only ten commandments, which is again consolidated into just two commandments by Jesus. Rest of the scriptures were written by his followers and disciples who are humans.
Does that mean we need to only follow the Ten Commandments and throw out the rest of the scriptures? Are you and myself capable keeping with absolute perfectness the Ten commands without even breaking one?
As you might know, Jesus targeted those who were staunch ‘literal’ followers of the scriptures and that is why they had him crucified.
No you are wrong .. Read and pay close attention John Chapter 3 as to what he advised the hard-core pharisee Nicodemus that he must be “spiritually born-again” to enter heaven.
Christine Marie (#1271)
2Tim.2:15 (KJV). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.†Sir, how did you know that you rightfully divided the word of the truth? By taking up verses of 2Tim.2:15 and then jumping back to Is.64:6; and then applying coup d grace (John 14:6) as your final clincher to win the argument?! Is that the way rightly dividing the word of truth?
You have forgotten completely one key element word of 2 Tim 2:15 – and that is “study”. So are we now on this blog “studying” a bible course to learn the entire scriptures? No … we are debating on the topic – “Should we pray to virgin mary? Right??
I see you are simply taking verses of out context. Incidentally for your edification, The King James Bible is the only Bible that God has purely preserved his Holy infallible word, while many Catholic Bible versions are “corrupt”. The word “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15 is only found in the KJV, and has very important significance for persons with average intelligence as God commands us to study.
I have quoted Isaiah 64:6, Mark 12:24 and Hosea 4:6 not of out context, but because it has relevancy and meaning right in this very present age and times we are living in and is rightfully applicable to us also.
As I have told Roy to read what Jesus told Nicodemus the Pharisee in Gospel of John chapter 3. Now the question to you: What Jesus advised Nicodemus … is it only applicable to Nicodemus only? Look a Matthew 7:21 – does it apply to everyone or just to those Jesus spoke?
Not counting thousand more who all professed they know scriptures because of their doctrine of “scripture alone,†which denominations are rightfully dividing the word of truth? All of these Christian denominations were holding the same scriptures you said “God’s love letter to mankind†but have different doctrinal faith contrary to what you have believed.
I agree there are “doctrinal errors” with other Protestant denominations too, likewise how do you know the Roman Catholic Church is preaching the truth?. why did the Bereans search the scriptures daily to compare “new teachings” against what they were taught by St.Paul? Because since biblical times there were plagued with heresies and false teachings and that is why most of the New Testament writings clearly indicate the Apostles were battling with false teachers constantly who sneaked their false teachings in the early christian churches. That is why God says in 2 Timothy 2:15 – Study…!!” so you should not get fooled with by blind obedience. Remember man’s teachings (including priests, popes, you and me) are not “infallible” only Gods Holy Word is infallible.
Now let’s look what Roman catholicism teaches in the Official teachings found in the Catechism also know as the Catechism of The Catholic Church (CCC for short). Now if you are a faithful catholic, what have you been taught in respect to the title of this post – “Should we pray to virgin Mary”? Now can you tell me what is the “official” teaching of the Roman Catholic church on whether catholics must pray or not to the virgin Mary – which is the subject of this post? I will upfront say that majority of catholics are woefully ignorant of what the CCC teaches and this is apart from the scriptures.
I await your response.
Gd Bless
Roy (#1270)
As you might know, Jesus targeted those who were staunch ‘literal’ followers of the scriptures and that is why they had him crucified.
I forgot to add one more question in response to you above statement. Did Jesus target Nicodemus? Or was it Nicodemus who sought Jesus at night?
An again i can debunk the errors in your statement above. Jesus is the Son of God incarnate in the flesh, so he came to earth to “save” lost sinners like you, me and the rest of the human race as per Matthew 18:11 – “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” – So he didn’t come target persons who only know the scriptures as you allege. Sorry you are in the dark about the purpose of why Jesus came 2000 years ago. I wonder where you got your story from. Truly amazing and thanks for the laugh :)
@ Sir Alan,
I appreciated your reply, you sound evangelizing us of the true words of God.It would be much better if all Christian avoid upsetting others people’s faith. After all we call and profess our faith with the same name ‘Jesus Christ’ our Lord and Savior.
When you posted your article addressed to me I have already sent my second posting as well.If I had known of your reply ahead of my second posting I have not included unnecessary references about the Christian denominations. My apology I did not wait of your reply!
Sir it is not my intention to test your knowledge about the scriptures but i hope you understand i only reacted to your posting # 1263. I felt something on your letter that threatened my belief and i feel i have to defend my faith when it was been belittled publicly. Pardon me if thou also feel threatened by my remarks.
If you find necessary to correct me on some important points to enhance my faith it would be my pleasure to receive such instruction from you.
I’ll pray for you too, sir. God Bless!
Christine Marie (#1271)
In regards to 2 Timothy 2:15 – the other half that says – “rightly dividing the word of truth”. Off course apart from only interpreting the scriptures contextually, we need to rightly divide the truth. So rightly dividing the word of truth means – time periods how God chose to communicate his message throughout the scriptures and whether those truths are applicable to everyone or just to the nation of Israel. For Instance God saved Noah from the flood by instructing him to build the boat with specific length and breath. So Noah’s salvation came by obeying God’s instruction. In the New Testament God’s plan of salvation is given to all who believe in Jesus Christ through faith and God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and hence the New Testament salvation plan is the final fulfillment God gives us today through his Son Jesus. However imagine if someone teaches you that in order to get Gods free gift of salvation in this present time, you must build a boat like Noah, than this person is speaking the biblical truth, but it is a “truth misplaced” because Noah’s salvation plan was specific to Noah and not presently applicable to us under the New Testament covenant. This is how one rightly divides the word of truth. The correct term is called “dispensations” and its expounded by St.Paul in Ephesians 1:10. There are 7 dispensations, but it is another subject altogether.
Now lets see whether the Roman Catholic church actually rightly divides the word of truth according to 2 Timothy 2:15. There are many errors that the Roman Catholic church teaches the lay faithful, so lets take the “Roman Catholic Mass” as an example of one of the many errors that is abomination in the eyes of God and violates scripture – the Holy Word of God.
According to the Roman Catholic church, the Mass has been instituted as an “un-bloody sacrifice” of Calvary to remove sin. Is this true in light of the scriptures?
The answer is NO. Because a sacrifice without shedding of blood cannot wash away sins (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). Where as Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a memorial not a sacrifice (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24).
Jesus Christ became a sin offering for us as he became the fulfillment of the law (John 1:17) in the New Testament as he offered himself as a sacrificial lamb shedding his blood to wipe away our sins and to reconcile us back to God. That was a once for all perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (Hebrews 10:10). So there is no more any offering of sin needed and that is why the Catholic is in error and does not rightly divide the word of truth. It is an abomination in the eyes of God.
Hebrews 10:11 says – And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: In view of this verse, the role of Catholic priesthood becomes obsolete in the New Testament dispensation. Catholics argue on Hebrews 10:11 saying it is only applicable to the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood and cannot be applied to the Catholic Priesthood. Is this true? Again I say No, because whether it is Levitical or Catholic Priesthood – they are one and the same. A priest (levitical or Catholic) are ordained to offer sacrificial worship. But Hebrews 10:11 says IT IS OVER. Jesus Christ became to chief priest who atoned with his blood the sins of the whole world once and for all. AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Alan (#1273)
God has given many commandments at various times and to different people. The 10 Commandments were given to the Jews through Moses and they were NOT consolidated in to 2. The 2 are what all the others “hang on” which is to say that they are the greater and the 10 are a lesser and more limited version given under a limited covenant made with the Jewish nation.
As Christians we are not under the Law because it no longer applies to us since we have died and our life is hid in Christ. The Law only affects the living.
Instead we live under the unlimited covenant of grace wherein we are commanded to “love one another even as I have loved you” and “do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith”. There is now no way to use a loophole to get out of performing what God requires, which is what the Jewish nation did on many occasions, because the commands we are given are absolute not conditional like those given to the Jews under Moses.
So there are 2 questions to ask then:-
1) Can we sin as much as we like and still be saved since grace is unlimited?
2) If grace is unlimited why isn’t everyone saved?
The answer to the first is “God forbid!” because if we are truly following Christ we see sin as wicked and bad and try to avoid it and repent when we fail to do so. But because grace is unlimited we know that “though he stumble 7 times yet shall he arise” “for God is able to make him stand”.
The second is that God will save every single person who calls upon and believes on the name of Jesus Christ, but if they will not call for salvation then God will not give it. Sadly not one single person naturally seeks after God “there is none righteous, no, not one…..there is none that seeketh after righteousness” and so God has chosen, in His infinite mercy, to use the poor and despised ones of this world to show how great the salvation of God is. In this he shows not only that He is truly merciful but also that if even the weak, poor and worthless of this world can follow Christ then all the rest have no excuse for not following Christ and deserve the wrath of God.
It is sad to see people praying to Mary, praying to saints, praying to Jesus even. We are instructed to pray like this “Our Father, who art in heaven….”
Pray to God the Father by the power of the Spirit and in the Name of Jesus you shall have what you ask for according to your faith and the will of Almighty God. Or you can pray to someone else and trust to luck?
It is also sad to see so called Protestants attacking the Catholics over this issue and allowing divorced remarried people to act as if they are not in a state of sin and even to be ministers! How can people who allow such wickedness dare to point the finger at anyone?
I suggest that before we attack each other we all very carefully amend our own behaviour and then, when we can see clearly, we may be able to help our brothers and sisters remove the speck from their eyes.
May the Lord bless and keep you
Phil
Christine Marie (#1276):
If you find necessary to correct me on some important points to enhance my faith it would be my pleasure to receive such instruction from you. I’ll pray for you too, sir. God Bless!
No problem Christine! God Bless you abundantly to give you strength to seek the truth. Our ultimate goal is to seek the truth to be in heaven with Jesus. The scriptures will reveal that truth.
I never have the slightest intention of attacking people or their faith, but we have to rightfully address and attack the false teaching that is surely going to keep out of heaven. It is detrimental to our eternal destiny. We have to be in a church that is not plagued with doctrinal errors.
I am available on alanalmeida777@yahoo.com. Ever since I became a Christian (born-again) I am at “peace” my heart fully assured that I am right with God. I want to share the excitement with everyone of how my Saviour Jesus Christ redeemed me by his precious blood. I “honor” Mary the Mother of Jesus, the Apostles and All the saints in the body of Christ, but the strong conviction of the Holy Spirit guides me to look only to Jesus because only He is the truth, the Way and the Life (John 14:6)
God Bless to all including Roy and Sheeja. Do seek the truth and have peace and rest for your souls. Cast you heavy burdens on the Lord Jesus and he only will give you complete peace of mind and rest, by you becoming the adored children of the true living God – The Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Ghost.
Phil Saunders (#1278)
It is also sad to see so called Protestants attacking the Catholics over this issue and allowing divorced remarried people to act as if they are not in a state of sin and even to be ministers! How can people who allow such wickedness dare to point the finger at anyone?
Yes we have to tackle these issues and address them head on. No need to feel sad about it and compromise with the truth. Its even a nightmare for parents who children have been abused by pedophiles.
God Bless you too.
All of issues facing in my life, are resolving with the help of God, Jesus and Mother Mary. As I Mentioned earlier doors to my heart are opened for God, Jesus and Mother Mary. Am too living with PEACE in my mind – even if I know I am going to die on next moment, I am not afraid of anything, not even death because Jesus is living in my heart. The Father, the Son (Jesus),the Holy Spirit, Mother Mary and all Saints who are helping to resolve small to critical issues in my life will DEFINITELY there with me during my death too. God will not ask me the exact verses in Bible to test am a Christian or not, but definitely will ask whether I given shelters to shelter-less ones, dressed the needy people, forgive brother’s evilness, live and spread Christianity through life, lived liked a poor even having wealth and other teaches given by Jesus.
GOD bless all of us irrespective of Catholic, Protestant or ‘Born Again’ or any man in this world with true heart and mind. Jesus is searching for the true heart and mind where the Holy Spirit can stay and guide and even the illiterate can speak the verses with the help of Holy Spirit.
May God bless all of us !!!
Sheeja (#1281)
I admire your determination. but how can you be 100% sure that you will be in heaven with Jesus and others in heaven when you die? True.. God will not ask you exact verses in the Bible, but can you explain what is the ASSURANCE you have that you will be in heaven. HINT: The true Living God of The Bible will surely give you the answer.
God Bless
Alan.
Does that mean we need to only follow the Ten Commandments and throw out the rest of the scriptures?
I did not say that. Don’t put words into my mouth.
So he didn’t come target persons who only know the scriptures as you allege.
I didn’t say that either. You conveniently ignored the words “literal follower of the scriptures†and added the word “only†to suit your interpretation.
See how different the meaning becomes when a couple of words are omitted in a sentence? So how can you interpret scriptures by taking sentences and phrases out of the entire passage?
All I said was the scriptures in the Bible are stories and anecdotes given under specific context. Picking out sentences and phrases out of that will not help you gain proper understanding.
Walking in all stages of life – difficult situations or happy moments – is along with Jesus. Holding God’s finger, just like a kid hold’s his father’s hand on watching ocean waves. Lovely parents never throw their Kids to Ocean, The FATHER never throw the beloved ones to HELL. God’s interest in my life,the guidance provided by Holy Spirit and the loving care from Jesus, Mother Mary and blessings from Saints, which I am feeling in all walks of life, is the right way to lead the life that Jesus likes.
May the Jesus stay with all of us, who are ready to hand-over their life’s key to him!!!
Roy (#1283}
See how different the meaning becomes when a couple of words are omitted in a sentence? So how can you interpret scriptures by taking sentences and phrases out of the entire passage?
The same as one can see a different version of the Ten Commandments in the Catechism than the version found in the Catholic Bible, right? eh?
All I said was the scriptures in the Bible are stories and anecdotes given under specific context. Picking out sentences and phrases out of that will not help you gain proper understanding.
Scriptures in the Bible are “stories”?. Wow!! can you be more specific. You mean they are concocted fable stories like “jack and the bean stalk”? or “Snow white and the seven dwarfs?