I was baptized in the Catholic Church when I was only a baby

warrior · Growing Guppy Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Posts: 41

I am not very happy with these long posts & this is a English board,
Other people use a line once in a while, I've never said anything, but I can't have this. "Read the Boards rules"
I'm going to let you keep the one typed in english!

Note: If you remove this post it will remove the whole thread.

warrior · Growing Guppy Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Posts: 41

I was baptized into the Catholic church as an infant, made my First
Communion and Confirmation as a child and attended Mass and religious
instructions classes weekly. I confessed my sins to a priest, and tried my
best to obey the Ten Commandments. In general, I was a good Catholic.

My wife, who was instrumental in the preparation of this book, was
also born and raised in a Roman Catholic home, in addition to being
educated in Catholic schools. She, too, faithfully performed all the required
Catholic rituals.
Despite all our Catholic training, though, neither of us ever fully understood
the true doctrines of the Catholic church, or how those doctrines related to
the Holy Bible. As a result, our faith in the Catholic church suffered.

I believe with all my heart that most Catholics are in the same position.
This book was designed to remedy that problem. After reading it, you will
have a full understanding of the major doctrines of the Catholic church and
how they relate to the Holy Scriptures.
In addition, you will learn many truths you never knew before, and be
much better prepared for the coming day when you will stand before God
for judgment.
May God bless you as you read.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened..." Ephesians 1:17 18

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a merging of Roman Catholicism with
traditional Protestantism. Many on both sides now claim those in the other
camp as their Christian brothers and sisters. This was unheard of several
years ago, but today:
Roman Catholic clergy appear regularly on Christian television,
promoting unity between Catholics and Protestants. Christian radio stations broadcast Roman Catholic programs.
Christian bookstores carry a variety of material appealing to Roman
Catholics.
Have the two sides, in fact, merged? Are they both now preaching the same
message? Do both hold the same cardinal doctrines?
To discover the answer to these questions, I began an exhaustive study of
the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this particular
Catechism was important for two reasons:
1. This catechism is the official source for all Roman Catholic doctrine. No
one can deny that it contains the actual teachings of the Roman Catholic
church.
2. Published in 1994, this is the first new catechism in over 400 years.
Therefore you can be assured that you are reading the current teachings of
the Roman Catholic church, not what it may have taught three hundred
years ago.
In this book, we will examine 37 of the most critical Roman Catholic
doctrines, then let the facts speak for themselves.
You will not find personal opinions or philosophies presented here. This is
strictly a declaration of true Roman Catholic doctrine and how those
doctrines compare with the Bible. You must draw your own conclusions and
make your own decisions.
Neither is this a book of judgment or condemnation. It's sole purpose is to
help you better understand Catholic doctrine so you will be prepared when
you stand before God for judgment, as we all must do after death:

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27

My heart breaks at the thought of anyone hearing Jesus proclaim the
following words to them on that day:
"I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity." Matthew 7:23

Yet the Bible reveals that the Lord will proclaim those very words to many
religious people. Knowing this, it is vital that you not blindly follow anyone.
Learn these Roman Catholic doctrines for yourself so you will be able to
face God with confidence. As you read, my sincere prayer is that God will reveal His truth to your
heart and mind. God bless you.

Who is The Final Authority?

Before we begin our examination of specific Roman Catholic doctrines, we
must determine who will be the final authority.
Here we encounter our first major discrepancy. The Bible maintains that it
is the one and only final authority, while Catholicism teaches that three final
authorities exist. The 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church declares:

"It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise
arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred
Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so
connected and associated that one of them cannot
stand without the others. Working together, each in its
own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they
all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls." (Pg.
29, #95)

According to this passage, the Scriptures, church tradition (teachings handed
down through the ages), and the Magisterium (the task of giving an
authentic interpretation of the Word of God) are all equal in importance.
(See also Pg. 25, #82.)
According to Catholic doctrine, church tradition and the magisterium are just
as much the Word of God as are the written Scriptures:
"Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down
in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And
(Holy) Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of
God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ
the Lord and the Holy Spirit. " (Pg. 26, #81)

The obvious question is, what happens when these three "final authorities"
disagree with each other? The Catechism gives this answer:
"The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the
Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form
of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching
office of the Church alone. This means that the task of
interpretation has been entruste d to the bishops in
communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of
Rome." (Pg. 27, #85)
It is important to note that when the Catechism explains that the task of
interpreting the Word of God was entrusted to the "Church," it is referring
exclusively to the Roman Catholic church. Such is the case throughout the
Catechism. "The Church" always refers to the Roman Catholic church.

The Catechism repeats the same doctrine using different words:

"For, of course, all that has been said about the manner
of interpreting Scripture is ultimately subject to the
judgment of the Church which exercises the divinely
conferred commission and m inistry of watching over
and interpreting the Word of God." (Pg. 34, #119)

Therefore, the Catechism concludes that the one final authority is not the
Bible, but the current teaching of the Catholic church, since she is the only
one qualified to provide an "authentic in terpretation" of God's Word.

Does the Bible agree?
If the Bible, tradition and the teachings of the Catholic church are all, in fact,
the Word of God, then the Bible will concur with this teaching.
Unfortunately for Catholicism, it does not . In fact, quite the contrary is true.
God declares in the Bible that His written Word always has been, and
always will be perfect:
"Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of
thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." Psalm
119: 160
"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried
in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt
keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from
this generation for ever." Psalm 12:6 7

The Bible boldly declares that it is the only final authority:

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
John 17:17

In the book of Revelation, God delivers this blistering warning about
tampering with His written Word:
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of
the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto
these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book: And if any man shall take
away from the words of the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and
out of the holy city, and from the things which are
written in this book." Revelation 22:18 19

The Apostle Paul advises Bible readers how they should react to those who
teach doctrines contrary to God's written Word:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which
ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are
such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the
hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17 18

Paul admonishes true believers to avoid anyone who teaches doctrines
contrary to the written Scriptures. He also reveals the consequences of
believing such false teachings:
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any
other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians
1:8

Then Paul immediately repeats himself:
"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:9

Thus, when Catholic doctrine contradicts God's written Word, those who
side against the Holy Scriptures will be "accursed."
The writer of Proverbs delivers the same stern warning to anyone who
would dare change the written Word of God:
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them
that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his
words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
Proverbs 30:5 6

God's Word is settled forever
God pronounces that His Word was written once and has been forever
settled:
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
"But the word of the Lord endureth for ever..." 1
Peter 1:25
"... the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah
40:8
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23

God's Word is perfect
God's Word can't change because it's perfect just the way it is:

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the
soul..." Psalm 19:7

Catholicism claims that only the leadership of the Catholic church can
properly interpret the written Word, but the Bible disagrees:

"... no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time
by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21

Where does God want people to obtain their doctrine... from a priest or
from the Bible?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16

Paul is not alluding to the magisterium or church tradition here because the
previous verse reads:
"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." 2
Timothy 3:15
Since the Catholic church was not yet in existence when Paul penned these
words, he could not have been referring to the teachings of Catholicism.

Did God give away His authority?
As these and hundreds of other scripture verses make plain, God never gave
anyone the authority to add to or change His Word. It's perfect and
complete, just as He wrote it.
One of the first questions you must answer for yourself is, "Did God violate
all these Scriptures by giving the pope and the Catholic church the right to
change His Word, though He said He never would?"
The Pharisees
While Jesus walked the earth, He publicly rebuked the Pharisees, the
religious leaders of his day:
"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside
the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of
men..." Mark 7:7 8

Jesus was upset that the Pharisees had elevated their tradition above God's
Word because He knows that the Word of God leads people to eternal life,
while the traditions of men lead people to eternal destruction.

Though these religious leaders obeyed all the rules of their religion, look
what Jesus said awaited them:
"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye
escape the damnation of hell?" Matthew 23:33

When the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples transgressed the
traditions of the elders, Jesus answered them with a question of His own:

"Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God
by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3

Jesus always elevated the Scriptures above traditions:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not
knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
Matthew 22:29

God's unchanging Word has always been the final authority, never the
traditions of men:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Colossians 2:8

Christians in New Testament times knew what the final authority was:

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those
things were so." Acts 17:11

To determine if what they had heard was true, these people went to the final
authority, the written Scriptures. Jesus says of His Words:
"... If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and
make our abode with him. He that loveth me not
keepeth not my sayings..." John 14:23 24

Consider these words from the Apostle Paul:
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,
because, when ye received the word of God which ye
heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but
as it is in truth, the word of God..." 1 Thessalonians
2:13

When Paul preached the Word of God to these people, it was not Catholic
doctrine because Catholicism didn't exist yet.
Conclusion
God doesn't change (Malachi 3:6) because He is perfect. His Son, Jesus,
doesn't change (Hebrews 13:8) because He is perfect. Why, then, should
God's perfect Word keep changing?
As you read the remainder of this book, you will be forced to decide which
you believe is the final authority: God's written Word, or the teachings and
traditions of the Catholic church.
Your decision will become critical as you discover that God's Word and the
teachings of Catholicism are diametrically opposed on every doctrine we will
examine.
Will you side with the words of God or the traditions of men?

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall
not pass away." Matthew 24:35

Note: Since the written Scriptures plainly state that they alone are the Word
of God, for the remainder of this book, all references to the Word of God or
God's Word will refer to the written Scriptures only, not the traditions of the
Catholic church or the magisterium.
Salvation Through The Church

Roman Catholicism teaches that salvation is available only through the
Catholic church:
?The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism
explains: `For it is through Christ's Catholic Church
alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that
the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.?
Pg. 215, #816

Here, the official source of Catholic doctrine boldly declares that salvation
cannot be obtained except through the Roman Catholic church. You may be
thinking, ?The Catholic church doesn't believe that anymore!? But the
Catechism's position is unmistakable:
?...all salvation comes from Christ the Head through
the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture
and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a
pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: ...
Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the
Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God
through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to
remain in it.? Pg. 224, #846

If that isn't clear enough, here it is again:
?It is in the Church that `the fulness of the means of
salvation' has been deposited. It is in her that `by the
grace of God we acquire holiness.'? Pg 218, #824
?In her subsists the fulness of Christ's body united with
its head; this implies that she receives from him the
fulness of the means of salvation...? Pg. 220, #830

When checking God's Word on this subject, two critical facts leap out:

1. The Bible never remotely indicates that one must go through a church to
obtain salvation.
2. Literally hundreds of Scriptures proclaim that salvation is a free gift from
God, readily available to anyone, but only through Jesus Christ:

?For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.? Romans
6:23

No other name (or group) can offer salvation, except Jesus:
?Neither is there salvation in any other (except Jesus):
for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.? Acts 4:10,
12

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the full and complete price for the
sins of all mankind and made it possible for anyone to come directly to Him
for salvation. Jesus Himself announced that:
?He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and
he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him.? John 3:36

Jesus also preached:
?He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.? John
5:24

Again and again, Jesus proclaimed this blessed truth:
?He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.? John
6:47

(Also read John 6:40, John 3:16, John 3:18, John 3:36, John 1:12.)

In John 20:31, we discover why the gospels were written:
?But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.? John 20:31

Never does Jesus require the use of a church to provide salvation. This free
gift is available to anyone who will believe in Him:
?To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that
through his name whosoever believeth in him shall
receive remission of sins.? Acts 10:43

According to the Bible, redemption is in Christ, not in a church:

?Being justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus:? Romans 3:24

Christ alone can offer the gift of eternal life because He willingly shed His
blood for us:
?In whom we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his
grace;? Ephesians 1:7

Again, the only requirement for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ:

?For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is
the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth...? Romans 1:16

Many Scriptures repeat this theme:
?For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,? 1 Thessalonians
5:9

While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He showed that salvation is through
Him, not through a church. The thief who was on the cross next to Him
cried out:
?...Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy
kingdom.? Luke 23:42
When that dying sinner uttered those words of faith, Jesus responded by
saying:
?To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.? Luke 23:43

A church doesn't save... Jesus does:
?For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
the world; but that the world through him might be
saved.? John 3:17
?Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through him.? Romans 5:9

If salvation was only available through the Catholic church, would God have
intentionally misled us in His Word, knowing that our eternal destinies were
at stake?
Would Peter have openly stated the following words in the Holy Scriptures?

?But we believe that through the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ we shall be saved...? Acts 15:11

Conclusion
God's Word declares that salvation is obtained through faith in the shed
blood of Jesus Christ, while the Catechism maintains that salvation is only
available through the Catholic church.
You must now decide who you will believe?the traditions of men, or the
Word of God? You can't say ?both? because each insists that the other is
wrong:
?... God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him.? 1 John 4:9

Remember, someday you will stand before God and explain to Him why you
made the decision you did. Are you willing to risk rejecting the Word of God
to follow the traditions of men?
?For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the
tradition of men...? Mark 7:8

Salvation Through Good Works

To be saved, Catholic doctrine teaches that one must continually perform
good works.
"Even though incorporated into the Church, one who
does not however persevere in charity is not saved."
Pg. 222, #837

To be saved, one must also perform works like baptism (See pg. 320,
#1257), plus various sacraments (See pg. 292, #1129) and many additional
works.
Once again the teachings of Catholicism oppose God's Word, which states
that salvation cannot be earned, it is a free and undeserved gift of God:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest
any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 9
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing
of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus
3:5

The Bible repeatedly states that salvation comes through faith never by
good works:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify
the heathen through faith..." Galatians 3:8

How do we become God's children?:
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ
Jesus." Galatians 3:26

The Pharisees and good works
The religious Pharisees were convinced that performing good works would
earn them salvation, but Jesus set them straight. In Mark's gospel, the
Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus:
"Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition
of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"
Mark 7:5

In response, Jesus chastised them:
"Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye
may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:9

What a tragedy! By elevating tradition above God's Word, the Pharisees had
actually rejected the commandment of God. Jesus also accused the
Pharisees of:
"Making the word of God of none effect through your
tradition..." Mark 7:13

Is this not exactly what the Catholic church does by elevating church
tradition above the Word of God?
The Pharisees were convinced that salvation was obtained by performing
good works, but Jesus knew that good works could never save anybody.

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of
the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have
believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by
the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for
by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
Galatians 2:16
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1

Good works aren't enough
Consider these sobering words from Jesus about the value of good works:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven... Many will say to
me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in
thy name done many wonderful works?" Matthew
7:21 22

This multitude will be eternally disappointed when they hear Jesus say:
"I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity." Matthew 7:23

How lamentable that many will not learn that their good works could not
save them until after they die and are sentenced to an eternity in hell.

The Apostle Paul makes another important statement concerning good
works:
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness
come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians
2:21

In other words, if you could earn heaven through your good works, then
Jesus suffered that horrible death on the cross for nothing.

But He didn't die in vain. Scripture declares that Jesus gave His life because
there was no other way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins.

The only way to become a child of God is through faith in Christ. Good
works will never do the job:
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ
Jesus." Galatians 3:26

The Bible repeatedly makes God's position clear:
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he
that believeth not is condemned already, because he
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son
of God." John 3:18

Jesus Himself declares the same truth:
"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have
everlasting life..." John 6:40

Conclusion
Roman Catholic friend, you must make another decision. Either you will
believe God's Word and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus
Christ, or you will believe the traditions of the Catholic church, that salvation
must be earned through good works. You cannot choose Catholic doctrine and God's Word because both
disagree with each other.
My prayer is that you will make the right choice. If you choose to receive
the free gift of salvation from God, we will explain how you can do that in a
little while:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that
ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:29

The Church Forgives Sins

Catholicism teaches that it has the power and authority to forgive people's
sins. Here are a few quotes from the Catechism. (Please note that
whenever the Catechism mentions the "Church," it is referring to the
"Roman Catholic church"):
"There is no offense, however serious, that the Church
cannot forgive." Pg. 256, #982

"By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to
forgive the sins of the baptized..." Pg. 257, #986
"The Church, who through the bishop and his priests
forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ..." Pg. 363 364,
#1448

Does the Catholic church have power to forgive sins? Let's see what the
Scriptures say:
"Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can
forgive sins but God only?" Mark 2:7
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
According to Scripture, God wants His children to come straight to Him for
forgiveness of sins, not to a church: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

This verse loudly proclaims that forgiveness of sins comes from God's
throne, not from a church. Still, Catholicism teaches a contrary doctrine:
"Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of
Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins 'in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.' " Pg. 367, #1461
"The Church must be able to forgive all penitents their
offenses, even if they should sin until the last moment of
their lives." Pg. 255, #979

However, this man made doctrine contradicts God' s written Word. Many
Bible characters freely approached God's throne for forgiveness of sins.
The psalmist went straight to God: "I acknowledged my sin unto thee... I said, I will confess
my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest
the iniquity of my sin..." Psalm 32:5

King David went directly to God to ask forgiveness for his sins:
"Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all
my sins." Psalm 25:18
In Psalm 51, David asks God for forgiveness again: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and
done this evil in thy sight..." Psalm 51:2,4
King Solomon was also aware that he and all the children of Israel could go
straight to God to receive forgiveness for their sins: "Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant,
and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward
this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from
heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive." 2 Chronicles
6:21
God tells people to come to Him for forgiveness: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from
their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and
will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2
Chronicles 7:14
God never requires anyone to go through a church to receive forgiveness for
their sins. "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and
plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
Psalm 86:5
"... if any man have a quarrel against any: even as
Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13
Why then would the Catholic church insist that forgiveness of sins is only
available through her? The following Catechism quote provides the answer:
" Were there no forgiveness of sins in the Church, there
would be no hope of life to come or eternal liberation. Let
us thank God who has given his Church such a gift." Pg.
256, #983
Rather than looking to Jesus for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, Roman
Catholics are taught that their sins can only be forgiven through the Catholic
church. Whether intentional or not, this doctrine keeps people in bondage to
the Catholic church.
Conclusion
Once again, God' s Word stands on one side, while the traditions of men
stand on the other. God says He alone forgives sins, while Catholic tradition
contends that the Catholic church has the power to forgive sins. Which side
will you choose?
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his
benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities..." Psalm
103:2 3

The One True Church

Does Catholicism still teach that it is the one true Church founded by Christ?
Many think not, but there is no denying the church's official position:

"This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed
we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic." Pg.
214, #811

Referring to the Catholic church, the Catechism pronounces:
"In fact, in this one and only Church of God..." Pg. 216,
#817
"First, the Church is catholic because Christ is present
in her. Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the
Catholic Church." Pg. 220, #830

This "one true church" doctrine can be traced to one verse of Scripture,
which, when compared with other Scriptures, is found not to teach this
doctrine at all. When Jesus asked his disciples who He was, Peter
responded:
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:16"

Then Jesus answered Peter:
"... thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:18

Catholicism contends that the Lord was referring to Peter as the rock, and
has since built the entire Catholic religion upon that premise. But all other
pertinent Scriptures declare that Jesus was referring to Himself as the rock,
not Peter:
"... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed
them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4

Jesus is not only the rock, He is the chief cornerstone of the church:

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone;" Ephesians 2:20

Back in the Old Testament, it was prophesied that Jesus, whom men
rejected, would become the cornerstone of the church:
"The stone which the builders refused is become the
head stone of the corner." Psalm 118:22

Even Peter, allegedly the first pope, confesses that Jesus Christ is the
cornerstone of the church:
"...by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... This is
the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner." Acts
4:10 11
"... the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is
made the head of the corner," 1 Peter 2:7

According to Scriptures, Peter is NOT the rock:
"For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock
save our God?" Psalm 18:31 "... I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye
greatness unto our God. He is the Rock..."
Deuteronomy 32:3 4
"Truly my soul waiteth upon God... He only is my
rock..." Psalm 62:1 2
"But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the
rock of my refuge." Psalm 94:22

Who is the head of the church
Despite all these Scriptures, Catholicism still claims that Peter was the rock
and his successors are the head of the church:
"The sole Church of Christ (is that) which our Savior,
after his Resurrection, entrusted to Peter's pastoral
care, commissioning him and the other apostles to
extend and rule it... This Church, constituted and
organized as a society in the present world, subsists in
(subsistit in) the Catholic Church, which is governed by
the successors of Peter and by the bishops in
communion with him." Pg. 215, #816

But the Bible declares that Jesus Christ, not Peter or his successors, is the
head of the church:
"And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that
in all things he (Christ) might have the preeminence."
Colossians 1:18
"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him
(Christ) to be the head over all things to the church,"
Ephesians 1:22
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in
all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Ephesians
4:15

The biblical "church"
When the Bible uses the words "the church," it always refers to all those
who trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, not just to members of the
Catholic church:
"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them
that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all that in every place call upon the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord..." 1 Corinthians 1:2

The Apostle Paul wrote:
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved
the church, and gave himself for it;" Ephesians 5:25

Paul was not a Catholic, yet he knew that Christ loved him and died for him.
Certainly, no one would dare say that Paul was not a Christian because he
was not a Catholic.
Would anyone suggest that God only loves Catholics?... or that He only died
for Catholics? Such would be the case if the Catholic church was the only
church.
Paul also proclaimed:
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us..." Ephesians 5:2

Can non Catholics be Christians?
As the "one true church," Catholicism claims the right to determine who is or
is not a Christian:
"All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are
incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to
be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted
as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic
Church." Pg 216, #818

In other words, if you have not been baptized into the Catholic church, you
are not a Christian. These are not my words, but the words of the official
Catholic Catechism.
But according to Scripture, it doesn't matter if the Catholic church has
accepted you or not. If your faith is in Jesus Christ alone, then He has
already accepted you:
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he
(Jesus) hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Ephesians 1:6
Conclusion
At this point, you must make a few decisions:
Is Peter really the rock? The Catechism says he is, but God's Word
says he is not. Is the Catholic church the one true church? The Catechism says yes,
but the Bible says no. Do you really believe that all non Catholics will burn in hell?

Once again, the answers to each of these questions will be determined by
which you choose to believe... the traditions of men, or God' s Word. Jesus
asked the Pharisees a question which all Roman Catholics should ponder:

"Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God
by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3

Baptism Saves

The Catholic church contends that baptism is necessary for salvation:

"The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary
for salvation." Pg. 320, #1257

All Catholics should be aware that the Lord does not agree with this
statement. The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift that works can
never buy. This doctrine was devised by Catholicism:
"The Church does not know of any other means other
than Baptism that assures entry into eternal
beatitude..." Pg. 320, #1257

"The faithful are born anew by Baptism..." Pg. 311,
#1212
"Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as
sons of God; we become members of Christ, and are
incorporated into the Church..." Pg. 312, #1213

The Bible could not disagree more:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:" John 1:12
Despite Bible verses like these, the Catechism teaches that:

"Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes
the neophyte 'a new creature,' an adopted son of God,
who has become a 'partaker of the divine nature,'
member of Christ and co heir with him, and a temple of
the Holy Spirit." Pg. 322, #1265
"By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all
personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin." Pg.
321, #1263 (See pg. 257, #985)

All these doctrines violate a host of Scriptures. The Bible teaches that only
Christ can forgive our sins, performing a "good work" like baptism will
never do it:
"In whom we have redemption through his (Christ's)
blood, the forgiveness of sins..." Ephesians 1:7

If baptism is necessary for salvation, would the Apostle Paul have
proclaimed:
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel..." 1 Corinthians 1:17

Or would this same great man of God have stated:
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus
and Gaius;" 1 Corinthians 1:14

John the Baptist's message was:
"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 3:2

After people repented, then they were...
"... baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
Matthew 3:6

Listen to what the Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip as they discussed the
subject of baptism:
"And as they went on their way, they came unto a
certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water;
what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And
he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God." Acts 8:36 37

The Bible teaches that baptism should occur after salvation, not as a
requirement for salvation. When the Philippian jailer asked, "Sirs, what must
I do to be saved?" Paul answered:
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house... And he took them the same
hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was
baptized, he and all his, straightway." Acts 16:30, 31, 33

First, they believed, then they were baptized. Baptism always follows
salvation! Here's another example:
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue,
believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of
the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
Acts 18:8

In Acts chapter two, Peter, the supposed first pope, preached. When he
finished:
"... they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about
three thousand souls." Acts 2:41

Again, they were baptized, not to become sons of God, but because they
already were sons of God.
When Philip preached to the people of Samaria, first came salvation, then
baptism:
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12

Soon after in that same passage, Simon, a deceiving sorcerer, followed the
same path: "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was
baptized, he continued with Philip..." Acts 8:13

The Catechism states:
"All the sacraments are sacred links uniting the faithful
with one another and binding them to Jesus Christ, and
above all Baptism, the gate by which we enter into the
Church." Pg. 248, #950

Just before his death, the thief on the cross next to Jesus put his faith in
Jesus Christ. Obviously, he was never baptized, but he still went to paradise.
Why? Because salvation is through faith in Christ, not through baptism.

The Catechism also contends that when a person is baptized, it is really
Jesus Himself who is doing the baptizing:
"By his (Christ's) power he is present in the sacraments
so that when anybody baptizes, it is really Christ
himself who baptizes." Pg. 283, #1088

Simply stated, this is another Catholic tradition not found in God's Word.

Another Contradiction
Here is another Catholic doctrine:
"Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life." Pg. 324,
#1274

But the Bible disagrees again, stating that the eternal destiny of God's
children has been sealed with the Holy Spirit:
"... in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed
with that holy Spirit of promise," Ephesians 1:13
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

Conclusion
Is baptism necessary for salvation? Catholic tradition and God's Word are at
odds. The Catechism says "yes." God's Word says "no."
Who will you believe?

The Pope: Vicar of Christ

Is the pope the vicar (substitute) of Christ on the earth, wielding universal
power over the whole church? If you believe the catechism, he is:

"For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as
Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has
full, supreme, and universal power over the whole
Church, a power which he can always exercise
unhindered." Pg. 234, #882
"The Roman Pontiff... as supreme pastor and teacher
of all the faithful..." Pg. 235, #891

While the Catholic church elevates the pope to the position of "supreme
pastor and teacher of all the faithful," God's Word reveals that someone else
already fills that position:
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth..." John 16:13

Jesus promised that this infallible teacher would abide with us forever:

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for
ever;" John 14:16

The pope has clearly assumed a position reserved for the Holy Spirit of God.
It is a position no man can fill:
"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the
spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God
knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." 1 Corinthians
2:11

The Apostle Paul reiterates that the Holy Spirit of God, not a man, is the
infallible teacher of all true Christians: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but
the spirit which is of God; that we might know the
things that are freely given to us of God. Which things
also we speak, not in the words which man' s wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth..." 1
Corinthians 2:12 13

Similarities?
If the pope is Christ' s substitute on earth, there should be many similarities
in their lives. Let' s see:
While on earth, Jesus never controlled great wealth. The pope
controls one of the wealthiest corporations in the world.
Jesus dressed like a common man. The pope, on the other hand, is
never seen in anything but regal apparel. Jesus lived in simple surroundings, but the pope views opulence at
every turn. Jesus tirelessly served the multitudes, while the pope travels the
world on his private jet, meeting with world leaders from every
nation. Most people eventually rejected and hated Jesus because He told the
truth. The pope is worshipped and adored by millions worldwide.
The pope gladly welcomes the praise of men, but Jesus directed all
worship to the Father, and said of Himself: "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one,
that is, God." Mark 10:18

Should popes accept the worship of multitudes? Look how "Pope" Peter
reacted when Cornelius tried to worship him:
"And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and
fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter
took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man."
Acts 10:25 26

Pope: head of the church?
The Catechism claims that:
"The Pope enjoys, by divine institution, supreme, full,
immediate, and universal power in the care of souls"
Pg. 246, #937

According to God's Word, the pope is not the head of the true church of
Jesus Christ. That position is reserved exclusively for the Lord Jesus:

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church..." Ephesians 5:23

Concerning the pope' s title of "Holy Father," Jesus Himself instructed us to:

"...call no man your father upon the earth: for one is
your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:9

Yet, the pope not only accepts the title "Father," but "Holy Father" as well, a
title reserved for God alone:
"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
for thou only art holy..." Revelation 15:4

It is not wise to assume a name reserved for God, for He will not share His
glory with anyone:
"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I
not give to another..." Isaiah 42:8

More Nagging Questions
Once again, Catholic doctrine and Scriptures could not disagree more. As a
result, you must choose sides on each of the following questions:

Why didn' t God tell us in the Bible that He was sending the pope as
the Vicar of Christ? Why does the Bible insist that Jesus is still the head of the church, if
He isn't? Why does the Catholic church want the pope to be the final authority
instead of Jesus? Why does the Catholic church want the pope to be your teacher
instead of the Holy Spirit of God?
Conclusion
Only you can answer these questions for yourself. And only you can decide
which side you will believe Catholic traditions of men... or God's Word?

"And ye are complete in him (Jesus), which is the head
of all principality and power:" Colossians 2:10
"And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church..."
Colossians 1:18

The Pope: Infallible

According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope is infallible in matters of doctrine,
faith and morals.
"In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the
faith handed on by the apostles, Christ who is Truth
willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility.
By a supernatural sense of faith the People of God,
under the guidance of the Church's living magisterium,
unfailingly adheres to this faith." Pg. 235, #889

The Catechism restates the same belief this way:
"The Roman Pontiff... enjoys this infallibility in virtue of
his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all
the faithful who confirms his brethren in the faith he
proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to
faith or morals... This infallibility extends as far as the
deposit of divine Revelation itself." Pg. 235, #891

Sadly, this doctrine is but another tradition of men that contradicts Scripture.
The Bible declares that all people are sinners. No one is perfect or infallible
in anything:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God;" Romans 3:23
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:10

Notice, you didn't read, " no one, except the pope." Jesus is the only infallible
person who ever lived:
"For he (God) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us,
who knew no sin..." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Are other Catholics infallible too?
The Catechism further alleges that other Catholic leaders have also
somehow achieved this state of infallibility:
"The pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at
seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth
that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ endowed the
Church' s shepherds with the charism of infallibility in
matters of faith and morals." Pg. 235, #890
"The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors
extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral
doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith
cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed." Pg. 495,
#2051

It is important to understand that God did not declare these people to be
infallible, other sinful men did.
Scriptures overflow with stories of sinful people. Even those whom God
used the most were sinners. God referred to King David as "a man after
mine own heart" (Acts 13:22), yet David was a murderer and an adulterer,
among other things.
The Apostle Paul and all the other apostles were sinners. Paul said of
himself:
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is
this grace given, that I should preach among the
Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;" Ephesians
3:8

Nobody in Scripture, except Jesus, was infallible.
More questions
Aside from being unscriptural, this far reaching doctrine raises other
important questions which you must answer for yourself:
When the pope and other Catholic leaders, who claim to be infallible,
disagree with God' s Holy Word, then God must be wrong. Are you
willing to accept this? Why does the Catholic church want you to believe that the pope and
other Catholic leaders are infallible in matters of doctrine? Is it to
bring members into further bondage and obedience to the Catholic
church? Where do fallible men obtain the authority to declare other men
infallible? Why does the Catholic church refuse to honor Jesus Christ by
acknowledging Him as the only infallible One, as the Holy Scriptures
teach? Conclusion
Here is another tradition of men that raises more questions than it answers.

Please don't blindly accept this Catholic doctrine as truth. Look to God's
Word for answers to these questions, then settle this issue in your own
heart:
"And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the
author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
Hebrews 5:9

The Sacraments Save

Are the sacraments necessary for salvation?
"The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments
of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation." Pg.
292, #1129

What are the sacraments?:
"There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism,
Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance,
Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony."
Pg. 289, #1113

These seven sacraments are nothing more than a series of good works. As
we have already seen in previous chapters, the Bible states repeatedly that
good works will never save anybody:
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh
be justified in his sight..." Romans 3:20

Here is what God thinks of our good works:
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." Isaiah 64:6

Must one be a Catholic to be saved?
Since the sacraments are supposedly necessary for salvation, and since the
sacraments are only available through the Catholic church, then obviously,
one must be a faithful member of the Catholic church to be saved.
Though you will never hear a spokesperson for Catholicism admit it, this is
exactly what this Catholic doctrine purports.
I ask you again, can you accept that everyone outside the Catholic church
will burn forever in hell?
Traditions of men
Please understand, these sacraments, which the Catholic church contends
are necessary for salvation, did not even come from God. They are
man made rules which have been handed down through generations.

So when you perform them, you are not obeying God, you are obeying the
traditions of men.
One must wonder, under such conditions, if these sacraments are really
necessary, or if the Catholic church is using man's traditions to scare people
into lifelong obedience to the church, under the threat of eternal damnation.

Salvation: through Christ or sacraments?
If sacraments are necessary for salvation, why does God's Word proclaim
the following?
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name." John 20:31

Paul, the Apostle, delivered these sobering words on the subject:

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power
of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Catholic friend: do you believe that good works like the sacraments are
necessary for salvation? Do you consider it foolishness to believe that
salvation can only be obtained through faith in Christ' s work on the cross?
If so, God's Word warns that you will perish in hell.
When Jesus declared that salvation came only through Him, not only was
He telling the truth, He was repeating what He heard from the Father:

"But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you
the truth, which I have heard of God..." John 8:40

To suggest that Jesus is wrong is to suggest that the Father is wrong, as
well. Jesus goes on to explain why people refuse to believe His Words:

"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore
hear them not, because ye are not of God." John
8:47

To accept this Catholic doctrine, you must refuse to hear God's Words.
Jesus said that if you can do this, then you are not of God.

Are you sure, beyond any shadow of a doubt, Roman Catholic friend, that
you are of God?
Are you willing to turn your back on God's Word to accept man's words. If
you can, you have reason for grave concern:
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

The Sin of Presumption

Catholicism maintains that believing you are assured of going to heaven
when you die is to commit the sin of presumption:
"There are two kinds of presumption. Either man
presumes upon his own capacities, (hoping to be able to
save himself without help from on high), or he
presumes upon God's almighty power or his mercy
(hoping to obtain his forgiveness without conversion
and glory without merit." Pg. 507, #2092

By taking this position, the Catholic church once again lines itself up against
written Scripture:
"These things have I written unto you that believe on
the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye
have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name
of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13

Stop and reason for a moment. If there is a place called heaven, a paradise
wonderful beyond imagination, and if there is a place of eternal torment
called hell, wouldn't a loving God tell us how to obtain one and avoid the
other?
Would God make us endure an entire lifetime, never knowing how we could
escape the flames of hell and be assured of enjoying paradise with Him?

Would a loving God say, "Do as many good works as you can, then keep
your fingers crossed and hope for the best when you stand before Me
someday."
No, that's not love, that' s torture! That' s cruelty of the highest sort. A God
of love would give us a clear, simple plan spelling out how to miss this awful
place of torment and be assured of heaven. And He has:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The Bible declares that those who receive Christ by faith and put their trust
in Him can know right now that they have eternal life:
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but
the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36
"He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John
5:24

It's not a sin to presume you are going to heaven if you have been born into
God's family through faith in Christ. It is a Biblical fact and a precious
promise from the Lord Jesus. It is never presumptuous to take God at His
Word. In fact, He loves it when we do:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they
shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out
of my hand." John 10:27 28

God wants His children to rest in the fact that they have been born into His
family and that their eternal destiny is settled:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me
hath everlasting life." John 6:47

Notice, the promise is not that you may have it someday if you do enough
good works. You may have it right now. This is God's will. Jesus said:

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have
everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:40

Paul didn't consider it presumptuous to declare that he was on his way to
heaven:
"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to
depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:"
Philippians 1:23

Precious Roman Catholic, can't you see that this doctrine keeps you in
bondage? The church doesn't want you to know your eternal destiny is
settled because you' d no longer need the church.
How tragic that Catholics remain in bondage, serving the church in hopes of
earning heaven, when God's desire is for you to be assured of heaven right
now:
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie,
promised before the world began;" Titus 1:2
"And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even
eternal life." 1 John 2:25

You must be born again
To have this assurance, you must be born again:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God." John 3:3

To be born again, you must receive Jesus Christ by faith as your personal
Savior and trust Him alone for your salvation. When you do this, you will be
born into God's family:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:" John 1:12

Once in God's family, you become a co heir with Jesus Christ:

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs
with Christ..." Romans 8:17
As an heir, you don't have to wonder about your destiny. You are promised:

"...an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you," 1
Peter 1:4

Isn't that beautiful? An eternal inheritance in heaven is already reserved for
all those who become a child of God. Jesus reminded those who trusted in
Him that:
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place
for you." John 14:2

Are you seeing the true nature of God? He loves you and wants you to
know that it is not presumptuous to believe His Word and rest in His
goodness. God loves you and wants you to know that you have eternal life...
right now!
The bondage can be broken
God doesn't want you in bondage to a religion of works. He wants to have a
personal relationship with you based on His wonderful grace. God doesn't
want you to be tortured, wondering where you will spend eternity.

Ask God to open your eyes so you can see this awesome truth. Then
receive Jesus by saying a prayer like this from your heart:
Dear Heavenly Father:
I admit that I have put my faith in a religion and not in
you. I have been trying to earn heaven by obeying the
good works of my church. But now I see that good
works will never get me to heaven. Only by accepting
Jesus will I gain eternal life.
Right now, I ask Jesus Christ to come into my heart
and save me. I repent of my sins and I repent of having
put my faith in the Roman Catholic church. From now
on I will trust in Jesus Christ alone.
Thank you for showing me the truth and for saving my
soul. Thank you for giving me the assurance of heaven.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you just prayed a prayer like this and meant it with all your heart, God has
promised that you are now His child and are guaranteed of going to heaven
when you die.
Presumption or Faith?
It is not presumptuous to take God at His Word. This is called faith. When
Jesus walked the earth, He gave all who put their faith in Him this
wonderful promise:
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also." John 14:3

Trust Christ right now. You' ll be glad you did:
"For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his
saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of
the wicked shall be cut off." Psalm 37:28

Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism is one of the most critical doctrines of the Catholic church:

"Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original
sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism
to be freed from the power of darkness and brought
into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to
which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of
the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant
Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a
child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God
were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth."
Pg. 319, #1250

The Catechism tells us where this cornerstone doctrine originated:

"The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial
tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to
this practice from the second century on..." Pg. 319,
#1252 (Emphasis author's)

Here, the Catechism admits that this doctrine is not based upon Scripture. It
is a man made tradition. Paul's warning might fit well here:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Colossians 2:8

Baptism in the Bible
What makes this practice especially disturbing is that the Bible does not
record a single occurance of an infant being baptized. On the contrary,
every mention of baptism involves people old enough to hear and receive the
gospel.
Jesus was an adult when he was baptized:
"... Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway
out of the water..." Matthew 3:16

Throughout the Bible, baptism always followed salvation. The Ethiopian
eunuch who was led to salvation by Philip was an adult when baptized:

"... they went down both into the water, both Philip and
the eunuch; and he baptized him." Acts 8:38

Others were baptized after they believed:
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue,
believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of
the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
Acts 18:8

After people heeded John the Baptist's message to "repent," they were:

"... baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
Matthew 3:6

Obviously, newborn infants can not repent, believe or confess their sins.
Therefore, they are never qualified to be scripturally baptized.

The Philippian jailer
When the Philippian jailer who guarded the Apostle Paul asked, "What must
I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30), Paul answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ (v. 31)." After the jailer believed, Paul baptized him (v. 33).

When Peter preached in Acts, chapter two:
"... they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about
three thousand souls." Acts 2:41

When Philip preached to the people of Samaria, men and women were
baptized, but no infants were baptized:
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12

If God's Word is so explicit that only those old enough to hear and receive
God's Word should be baptized, then why does Catholicism demand that
newborn infants be baptized? Is it to bring people into bondage to the church
from shortly after their birth? You must settle this question in your

warrior · Growing Guppy Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Posts: 41

You must settle this question in your own
heart.
Conclusion
When you were baptized as an infant, were you really baptized, or did you
just have some water sprinkled on you? It all depends on which side you will
believe in the Word of God or the traditions of men. Please keep in mind
the words Jesus spoke to the religious leaders of His day:
"Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye
may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:9

Degrees of Sin

The Catechism indoctrinates Catholics with the notion that there are varying
degrees of sin:
"Sins are rightly evaluated according to their gravity."
Pg. 454, #1854

First are venial sins:
"One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter,
he does not observe the standard prescribed by the
moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a
grave manner, but without full knowledge or without
complete consent." Pg. 456, #1862

Then there are mortal sins:
"Mortal sin... results in the loss of charity and the
privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of
grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God's
forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ' s kingdom
and the eternal death of hell..." Pg. 456, #1861 (See
also Pg. 264, #1014, Pg. 269, #1033, Pg. 270, #1035
and Pg. 270, #1037.)

With the threat of "the eternal death of hell" hanging over your head, several
important questions need answers, like:
What specifically constitutes a mortal sin? How much repentance does it take to get one forgiven? How do I know when one is forgiven? Why is the Bible silent on the subject?
Tragically, the Catechism does not provide answers to any of these
questions.
What does the Bible teach?
When we turn to God's Holy Word, we get a totally different picture:

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:
for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4

Since we have all broken a command of God, the Bible declares that we are
all sinners.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God." Romans 3:23

Because of sin we all deserve to die and suffer the punishment of hell:

"The wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23

God's Word makes no distinction as to the gravity of certain sins. It simply
states that the wages of sin is death.
But God in His great grace and love, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on
the cross to pay the price for all sin once and for all:
"But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one
sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of
God;" Hebrews 10:12

True salvation is only available through Jesus Christ because only He could
shed sinless blood to pay the penalty for all sin:
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins:" Colossians 1:14

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is
shed for many for the remission of sins." Matthew
26:28

While God does expect His children to confess their sins to Him, once sins
are confessed and forgiven, God makes a wonderful promise:
"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."
Hebrews 10:17

Jesus is demoted again
Here again, honor is stolen from Jesus Christ. Because of the Lord's selfless
act of love on the cross, He alone deserves credit for remitting the sins of all
mankind.
Catholicism, though, demotes the Lord and robs Him of the honor and glory
that He alone deserves, by declaring that lowly sinners can help pay for
varying degrees of sins through their good works.
Conclusion
Again you must choose. Will you remain in bondage to Catholicism by
believing that some sins are worse than others and that continual good
works are needed to pay for these various degrees of sin?
Or will you trust God's Word, that Jesus died to pay the price for all sin,
once and for all?
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according
to the scriptures;" 1 Corinthians 15:3

Transubstantiation

During the mass, priests allegedly have the power to supernaturally turn the
bread and wine into the actual and literal body and blood of Jesus Christ:

"The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by
declaring: "Because Christ our Redeemer said that it
was truly his body that he was offering under the
species of bread, it has always been the conviction of
the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares
again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine
there takes place a change of the whole substance of
the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our
Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the
substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic
Church has fittingly and properly called
transubstantiation." Pg. 347, #1376.

This Catechism quote reveals that the Catholic church still adheres to this
doctrine which was defined at the Council of Trent:
"At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the
bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the
invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ's Body and
Blood." Pg. 336 # 1333

The Catechism even specifies when Christ comes into the eucharist and
how long He stays:
"The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the
moment of the consecration and endures as long as the
Eucharistic species subsist. Christ is present whole and
entire in each of the species and whole and entire in
each of their parts, in such a way that t he breaking of
the bread does not divide Christ." Pg. 347 #1377

Since Catholicism is teaching members to partake in literal cannibalism, this
doctrine requires serious examination. To begin with, we must determine this
doctrine's origin. Is it from God, or is it a tradition of men? Catholicism
insists it is scriptural, citing the words of Jesus in John 6:

"Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my
flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will
raise him up at the last day." John 6:53 54
Though this one verse does appear to teach cannibalism, if you read the
entire passage in context, the meaning becomes clear. Right before making
that statement, Jesus said:
"... For the bread of God is he which cometh down
from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said
they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that
cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth
on me shall never thirst." John 6:33 35

This teaching is consistent with the rest of Scripture. Eternal life comes
through believing in Jesus Christ, not eating His body. The Lord goes on to
further clarify:
"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have
everlasting life..." John 6:40

Again, Jesus points out that eternal life comes through believing in Him.
When the Lord's disciples murmured at His words, Jesus explained:

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth
nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

Jesus was talking spiritually, not physically. He was explaining that
spiritually, all life comes through faith in Him, not eating His body.

Nowhere else in the Bible does God endorse cannibalism. In fact, God
forbids the practice:
"But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood
thereof, shall ye not eat." Genesis 9:4
"... No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any
stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood."
Leviticus 17:12

God would never command His children to do something He had already
forbidden.
The Biblical purpose
Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 shed even more light on this matter:
"For I have received of the Lord that which also I
delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night
in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he
had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is
my body, which is broken for you: this do in
remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:23 24

When Jesus said, "Take, eat: this is my body," He was not suggesting that
they reach out and begin eating His literal body. To even suggest such is
ridiculous. He was speaking spiritually about what He was about to
accomplish on the cross.
Notice how that verse ends: "...this do in remembrance of me." Observing
the Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's work at Calvary, not a
reenactment. The same is true of Christ's blood:
"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he
had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in
my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:25

Jesus Himself taught the same lesson to his disciples at the Last Supper:

"And he (Jesus) took bread, and gave thanks, and
brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body
which is given for you: this do in remembrance of
me." Luke 22:19

Conclusion
Since transubstantiation is another unscriptural Catholic tradition of men,
several more intriguing questions await an answer:
Why does the Catholic church deliberately take one verse of
Scripture out of context and build a doctrine the Bible obviously does
not teach? Why would the Catholic church rather have you eating God than
placing your faith in Him? Most importantly, can you knowingly partake in this practice now that
you know the truth?
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him
it is sin." James 4:17

Eucharist: Preserves from Sin

Does partaking of the Eucharist have power to cleanse Catholics from past
sins and preserve them from future sins?
"For this reason the Eucharist cannot unite us to Christ
without at the same time cleansing us from past sins
and preserving us from future sins:" Pg. 351, #1393

"By the same charity that it enkindles in us, the
Eucharist preserves us from future mortal sins." Pg.
352, #1395

Once again, God's Word and Catholic tradition couldn't be farther apart.
Regarding cleansing from past sins, the Bible declares that all sins are
washed away through the blood of Jesus Christ:
"...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin." 1 John 1:7

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from
our sins in his own blood," Revelation 1:5

The Catechism strips away from Christ the credit He alone deserves for
cleansing people from their sins, and credits instead a wafer with
accomplishing that task. Why is Jesus demoted again?
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but
ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1
Corinthians 6:11

Preserving from future sins
There is no scriptural evidence that eating a piece of bread will preserve
anyone from future sins. This doctrine's only practical function is to keep
members returning to the Catholic church to receive the Eucharist, in hopes
that it will help preserve them from sin.
Aside from holding people in bondage to the church, there is little else such a
practice can accomplish.
Though God's Word does not endorse this practice, it does suggest a way
you can protect yourself from sin:
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not
sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by
taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm
119:9

To preserve yourself from sin, God suggests that you read, memorize and
obey the Bible. Curiously, the Catholic church disagrees. It seems that the
Catholic leadership would rather have you looking to the church for help
than to God's Word.
You must decide why:
"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil..."
Psalm 121:7

"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me
from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs
of deliverance. Selah." Psalm 32:7
"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,
and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to
whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Timothy
4:18

Conclusion
To cleanse you from past sins and protect you from future sins, Catholicism
demands that you look to a piece of bread.
It is imperative that you understand that this tradition of men directly
contradicts God's Word. To obey this Catholic doctrine, you must reject
Holy Scriptures.
Do you really want to do this?
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen. " Jude 1:24 25

Eucharist: Helps the Dead

Partaking of the Eucharist purportedly gives Catholics who are still alive an
opportunity to help the dead:
"The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithful
departed who 'have died in Christ but are not yet
wholly purified, so that they may be able to enter into
the light and peace of Christ.'" Pg. 345, #1371

"In the Eucharist, the Church expresses her efficacious
communion with the departed..." Pg. 420 #1689

This heart tugging doctrine indoctrinates Roman Catholics with the belief
that regularly receiving the Eucharist will help their departed loved ones
reach heaven faster.
If this doctrine is of God, then you should obey it. But if it' s a tradition
devised by men to keep people in bondage to a church, then it is a cruel and
heartless method of controlling people. Let's see what God says about it.

Never mentioned
You can search the Scriptures from beginning to end, but you will not find
the Eucharist helping a single dead person. And not one Bible character
ever received the Eucharist on behalf of a departed loved one.

As you may suspect, this Catholic tradition is not only absent from God's
Word, it directly violates it as well. The Bible teaches that we will each give
account for our own life:
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself
to God." Romans 14:12

Jesus did all the work
People enter heaven solely because of the good work Jesus Christ did on
the cross. Salvation is a gift from God, not an item earned by our
righteousness or the righteousness of friends and loved ones.

Death, then judgment
The Bible declares that after death, everyone faces God for judgment.
There are no more chances:
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27

Those who do not put their faith in Christ while they are alive are already
condemned to hell:
"He that believeth on him (Jesus) is not condemned: but
he that believeth not is condemned already, because
he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God." John 3:18

The wrath of God abides on those who die without Christ:
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and
he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36

The Bible says nothing about God's wrath being pacified because someone
received the Eucharist on behalf of departed loved ones. The only way to
avoid the condemnation of God is by placing your faith in Jesus Christ while
you are alive. Jesus declared:
"... He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
John 5:24

Conclusion
Once again, you are left with several questions which must be answered:

Why is this tradition of the Catholic church so diametrically opposed
to God's Holy Word? Why does the Catholic church want members performing rituals for
the dead, when God's Word says such practices are useless?
Is this but another method of keeping people in bondage to the
Catholic church?
Most importantly, you need to understand that to continue practicing this
man made tradition, you must reject the very words of Jesus Christ. Are
you sure you want to do this?
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Colossians 2:8

Mary Saves

Does Mary, the mother of Jesus, play a role in the salvation of mankind?:

"Taken up to heaven she (Mary) did not lay aside this
saving office but by her manifold intercession continues
to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation..." Pg. 252,
#969

"Being obedient she (Mary) became the cause of
salvation for herself and for the whole human race."
Pg. 125, #494

Is this doctrine scriptural? According to God's Word, Mary has never had
anything to do with the salvation process. Scripture reveals that Jesus is the
ONLY One who can provide salvation:
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is
none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Jesus Himself declared that He is the ONLY way to heaven:
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John
14:6
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be
saved... " John 10:9

Still the Catechism insists:
"She (Mary) is inseparably linked with the saving work
of her Son." Pg. 303, #1172

Once again, it comes down to who you will believe, the Bible or church
tradition. The Bible is unmistakably clear:
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no
saviour." Isaiah 43:11
"Yet I am the LORD thy God... there is no saviour
beside me." Hosea 13:4
"The God of my rock he is... my saviour..." 2 Samuel
22:3

Before Jesus was born, an angel announced that He would be the Savior:

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his
name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their
sins." Matthew 1:21

After Jesus' birth, the angel repeated himself:
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Over and over, we read that Jesus is the Savior:
"... we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is
indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." John
4:42
"Him (Jesus) hath God exalted with his right hand to be
a Prince and a Saviour..." Acts 5:31
"Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise
raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:" Acts 13:23
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our
Saviour Jesus Christ..." 2 Timothy 1:10
"Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus 1:4
"Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ
our Saviour;" Titus 3:6
"... the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the
world." 1 John 4:14

Look at the words of Peter, recognized as Catholicism's first pope:

"... through the righteousness of God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ:" 2 Peter 1:1
"... into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11
"... through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ..." 2 Peter 2:20

Certainly, Peter knew that Jesus, not Mary, was the Savior. Peter glorified
Jesus as the Savior, not Mary:
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

This same Peter declares that:
"... ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot:" 1 Peter 1:18 19

Without question, Jesus is the Savior, not Mary.
Conclusion
The facts of this chapter leave several questions needing answers:

Why does the Catholic church want people looking to Mary instead
of Jesus for salvation? Why is glory stolen from Jesus and given to Mary? If Mary plays a role in salvation, why didn' t God tell us so in His
Word? Most importantly, who will you trust to save you? The Mary of
church tradition, or the Jesus of God' s Word?
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also
we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Philippians 3:20

Mary: Saved from Birth

Catholicism asserts that Mary never sinned and, hence, was redeemed
(saved) from the moment of her birth:
"By the grace of God Mary remained free of every
personal sin her whole life long." Pg. 124, #493

"Espousing the divine will for salvation whole heartedly,
without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself
entirely to the person and to the work of her Son..." Pg.
124, #494
"Mary is the most excellent fruit of redemption (SC
103): from the first instant of her conception, she was
totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she
remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life."
Pg. 128 #508 (See also Pg. 191, #722)

If you are wondering if this doctrine is taught in God's Word, it isn't. The
Catechism admits that it is another church tradition:
"Through the centuries the Church has become ever
more aware that Mary, 'full of grace' through God, was
redeemed from the moment of her conception." Pg.
123, #491

But the Bible identifies Jesus as the sinless One, not Mary:

"For he hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who
knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness
of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Aside from the Lord Jesus, the Bible is quite clear that nobody else has ever
been sinless:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God;" Romans 3:23

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:10
"They are all gone out of the way, they are together
become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,
no, not one." Romans 3:12

Notice, none of these verses say "all have sinned, except Mary."

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin..."
Galatians 3:22

Mary knew she needed a Savior In Luke's gospel, Mary herself admits that she was a sinner. Otherwise she
would never have concluded that she needed a Saviour:
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And
my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." Luke
1:46 47

Yet, the Catholic church demands that members worship Mary:
"The Church' s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is
intrinsic to Christian worship." Pg. 253, #971

Did Jesus exalt Mary?
Here's how Jesus referred to His mother when Mary asked to see Him one
day:
"Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he
stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said,
Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is
my brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12:48 50
Jesus did not say, "Usher in this blessed woman."Rather, He replied that
anyone who obeys God' s Word is equal with Mary. Jesus refused to exalt
her.
When Others Exalted Mary
When a woman came to Jesus and attempted to exalt Mary, look how the
Lord responded:
"... a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice,
and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee,
and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea
rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and
keep it." Luke 11:27 28

Jesus announces that those who hear and obey the Word of God are blessed
above Mary. Perhaps the Lord inserted these verses for those today who
choose to ignore the Word of God so they can follow church traditions.

A Pattern
True to the pattern we have seen throughout this book, Jesus is again robbed
of glory and honor that He alone deserves. Rather than recognizing Him as
the only sinless One, Catholicism contradicts Scripture and insists that Mary
was also sinless. Why?
Conclusion
Was Mary sinless from birth? Catholic tradition wants you to believe she
was, but God' s Word says she wasn' t. Who will you believe?

"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good,
and sinneth not." Ecclesiastes 7:20

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned:" Romans 5:12

Mary: Perpetual Virgin

The Catechism records that Mary remained a virgin throughout her entire
life:
"Mary remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin
in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in
nursing him at her breast, always a virgin." Pg. 128
#510

"And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as
Aeiparthenos, the 'Ever virgin.'" Pg. 126, #499

Either Mary remained a virgin or she didn't. The position you will take
depends upon who you believe... the traditions of men, or God's Word.

The Bible states that after giving birth to Jesus, Mary bore other children:

"Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called
Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon,
and Judas? Matthew 13:55
"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother
of James, a