FROM A CHRISTIAN TO A CATHOLIC

[JimM1228]

i in no way mean any harm by this. but as you would tug on me and challenge me i use this to challenge you guys as brothers and sisters in christ. I pray that this reading will encourage your minds.
A key distinction between Catholics and Christians is the view of the Bible. Catholics view the Bible as having equal authority with the Church and tradition. Christians view the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and practice. The question is, how does the Bible present itself? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Scripture, of itself, is sufficient for the Christian to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. This text tells us that Scripture is not “just the beginning,” or “just the basics,” or the “foundation for a more complete church tradition.” On the contrary, Scripture is perfectly and fully sufficient for everything in the Christian life. Scripture can teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us, and equip us. Bible Christians do not deny the value of church tradition. Rather, Christians uphold that for a church tradition to be valid, it must be based on the clear teaching of Scripture, and must be in full agreement with Scripture. Catholic friend, study the Word of God for yourself. In God’s Word you will find God’s description of, and intention for, His Church. 2 Timothy 2:15 declares, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

A second key difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians” is the understanding of how we can approach God. Catholics tend to approach God through intermediaries, such as Mary or the saints. Christians approach God directly, offering prayers to no one other than God Himself. The Bible proclaims that we ourselves can approach God’s throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The Bible is perfectly clear that God desires us to pray to Him, to have communication with Him, to ask Him for the things we need (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 7:7-8; 1 John 5:14-15). There is no need for mediators or intermediaries, as Christ is our one and only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and both Christ and the Holy Spirit are already interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 7:25). Catholic friend, God loves you intimately and has provided an open door to direct communication through Jesus.
The most crucial difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians” is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view salvation as both a completed status and a process. Catholics see themselves as “being saved,” while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.” 1 Corinthians 1:2 tells us, “…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy…” The words “sanctified” and “holy” come from the same Greek root. This verse is declaring that Christians are both sanctified and called to be sanctified. The Bible presents salvation as a gift that is received the moment a person places faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16). When a person receives Christ as Savior, he/she is justified (declared righteous – Romans 5:9), redeemed (rescued from slavery to sin – 1 Peter 1:18), reconciled (achieving peace with God – Romans 5:1), sanctified (set apart for God’s purposes – 1 Corinthians 6:11), and born again as a new creation (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Each of these are accomplished facts that are fully received at the moment of salvation. Christians are then called to live, practically (called to be holy), what is already true, positionally (sanctified).

The Catholic viewpoint is that salvation is received by faith, but then must be “maintained” by good works and participation in the Sacraments. Bible Christians do not deny the importance of good works or that Christ calls us to observe the ordinances in remembrance of Him and in obedience to Him. The difference is that Christians view these things as the result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation, or a means of maintaining salvation. Salvation is an accomplished work, purchased by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2). God offers us salvation and assurance of salvation because Jesus’ sacrifice was fully, completely, and perfectly sufficient. If we receive God’s precious gift of salvation, we can know that we are saved. 1 John 5:13 declares, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
We can know that we have eternal life and we can have assurance of our salvation because of the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered or re-presented. Hebrews 7:27 says, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Hebrews 10:10 declares, “…we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” 1 Peter 3:18 exclaims, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” Christ’s once for all sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient. Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was the full payment for all of our sins (1 John 2:2). As a result, all of our sins are forgiven and we are promised eternal life in Heaven the moment we receive the gift God offers us – salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Catholic friend, do you desire this “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:6)? If so, all you must do is receive it (John 1:12), through faith (Romans 5:1). God loves us and offers us salvation as a gift (John 3:16). If we receive His grace, by faith, we have salvation as our eternal possession (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once saved, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing can remove us from His hand (John 10:28-29). If you desire this salvation, if you desire to have all your sins forgiven, if you desire to have assurance of salvation, if you desire direct access to the God who loves you – receive it and it is yours. This is the salvation that Jesus died to provide and that God offers as a gift.

 

[JimM1228]

please take time to read this i promise its good stuff

 

[Crazy4GODword]

huh I think CATHOLIC is Christian......just another denomination of the Christian belief.....or another faith. I do not think that there is a separation between them, I am a baptist and a Christian. Catholic is the denomination and Christian is the religion

 

[Crazy4GODword]

and I also think Catholic was one of the first beliefs of Christianity back then. Before there was a Baptist faith there was a Catholic faith....actually i think the apostles were Catholic.

 

[Crazy4GODword]

sorry for the posts above i meant to say Christianity is the faith and Catholic is the belief......there is no separation between there belief and the Christian faith



Shalom to you friend and GB

 

[Slepsog4]

The Roman Catholic Church is the apostasy foretold by the apostles.

 

[dan1el]

Whoever talks smack about Catholics is disobeying the Lord Jesus. God doesn't require perfect doctrines, just that you are totally convinced in your own mind (re: Romans 14) - and that that faith keeps you in connection with God, seeing Him face-to-face.. if you don't see Him, you're believing wrong; if you DO see Him, you're believing right. THAT is the test of true faith.

 

[JimM1228]

The Roman Catholic Church is the apostasy foretold by the apostles.

correct, but if i may say....the protestant reformation. i am a protestant, most people are technically if they do not consider themselves catholic. and you cannot say they are the same because they do not believe in the same things.


Christianity is properly defined by certain doctrines that are revealed in the Bible. It is not defined by simply saying that as long as you believe in Jesus, you're a Christian. Mormons believe in Jesus, but their Jesus is a brother of the devil in the pre-existence. The Jesus of the Jehovah's Witnesses is Michael the Archangel. So, just saying you believe in Jesus doesn't make you a Christian. This is why the Bible tells us who Jesus really is, God in flesh, creator of the universe. Likewise, there are essential doctrines, and if any of those essential doctrines are violated, then a church would only appear to be Christian but not really be Christian. What are those doctrines? The Bible tells us. Let's take a look.

1. There is only one God and you are to serve no other gods (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8)
2. Jesus is both God and man (John 1:1,14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4)
3. Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
4. Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
5. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
6. God is a Trinity (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14)
7. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary (Matt. 1:25)

So, someone who is a true Christian will believe these things and not violate them. Roman Catholicism violates two of them. First of all, by its practice of promoting Mary (and the Saints) to the level of God-like capabilities, they break the commandment to have no other gods before the true and living God. In Roman Catholicism, they say that Mary is the mediatrix (Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 969); Mary made atonement for the sins of man (Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, page 213); Mary is the subject of preaching and worship ((Vatican Council II, p. 420); etc.
Also, Catholicism violates the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone. Paul the apostle, for example, tells us in Romans 4:5, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness." But Roman Catholicism denies that and says, "...so that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments," (CCC, par 2068). Also, consider this:
"If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema" (Council of Trent, Canons on Justification, Canon 9).
So, even though Roman Catholicism claims to be Christian and that it is the one true church, it violates the essentials of the Christian faith. It goes beyond what is written in God's word (1 Cor. 4:6). It denies the sole and true sovereignty of the living God by promoting prayer to and the worship of Mary. Also, it denies justification by faith alone in Christ alone. It is not a Christian church.

 

[Crazy4GODword]

I think friend that Christian means your a follower of Jesus, so if they follow Jesus then why should we treat them as something else? my grandmother is a Christian and she Catholic. I think that they have extra books.....to the bible.

 

[JimM1228]

I think friend that Christian means your a follower of Jesus, so if they follow Jesus then why should we treat them as something else? my grandmother is a Christian and she Catholic. I think that they have extra books.....to the bible.

if they were the same why do they believe different things. Jesus is my center. Jesus is my life. my salvation relies on my relationship with Him. Catholics do not have Jesus as their center, they also worship mary and the saints. people who they say have godly powers like God. that's idolatry. please read my last post with a very detailed description of this. what you're saying is almost the same as saying all religions are equal, because if that's what you think, then you haven't been listening or studying as much as you should.

 

[trust_in_the_name]

Here's an instructive article about the Roman Cathoilc Church from a biblical perspective:

[SIZE=+3]Roman Catholicism Leads To Hell[/SIZE]

Its total membership in the early 1990s was about 958.4 million (about 17 percent of the world population). The church has its greatest numerical strength in Europe and Latin America but also has a large membership in other parts of the world. ("Roman Catholic Church," Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000.)
​

As the above quote depicts, masses of people are in the grip of the Roman Catholic Church. This is a death grip. If it is not broken by coming "to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4), it will lead them to unending torture in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone where unbelieving idolaters go (Revelation 21:8). On the inside dust jacket of Pope John Paul's book, Crossing The Threshold Of Hope (copyright 1994, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York), the Pope's message is, "Be not afraid!" Catholics have much to fear (Luke 12:4-5; Mark 9:42-48).

Whether or not a Catholic is familiar with Catholicism's destructive heresies, the Catholic is nonetheless following a "stranger" (i.e. Catholicism) and not Christ (John 10:5). Roman Catholicism is a false religion with deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3), a false gospel, a false Jesus, idolatry, and ****ing lies.

[SIZE=+2]I. Deceiving Spirits and Doctrines of Demons[/SIZE]

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
​

In this text that describes those who have departed from the faith and given heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, there are only two teachings given ("forbidding to marry" and "to abstain from foods") by which to identify the ones to whom this text applies. The Roman Catholic Church practices both identifying marks.

[SIZE=+1]A. Forbidding To Marry[/SIZE]

In the official Catechism of the Catholic Church (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, copyright 1994, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA) on page 395 under #1580, speaking in the context of "priests" it states:

In the East as in the West a man who has already received the sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry.
​

It is well known that both priests and nuns are forbidden to marry. Yet, Scripture condemns such a practice in 1 Timothy 4 and identifies those who practice this as ungodly wicked people (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Despite this clear declaration of the Word of God, Catholic Answers (a Catholic apologetic ministry, P. O. Box 199000, San Diego, CA 92159; 619-387-7200; Catholic Answers: Catholic Apologetics, Catholic Evangelization, Catholic Teachings, Catholic Radio, Catholic Publishing, Catholic Truth) has produced a tract entitled "Celibacy and the Priesthood" in which they attempt to justify the unholy ways of the Catholic Church. In this tract, they write, ". . . the Catholic Church does not forbid anyone to marry." But then, "speaking lies in hypocrisy" (1 Timothy 4:2) in the next paragraph they state,

It is true that Catholic priests in the West may not be married, but no one is obliged to become a priest.
Marriage is not forbidden to them as human beings, but as priests.
​

It is still forbidden! 1 Timothy 4:3 simply says, "forbidding to marry", not "forbidding to marry as human beings." Earlier (in the first paragraph of the tract) they admit (speaking in the context of the "Eastern Rites"),

Once ordained, though, an unmarried priest may not marry, and a married priest, if widowed, may not remarry.
​

[SIZE=+1]B. To Abstain From Foods[/SIZE]

Jovian P. Lang, OFM, in his book entitled Dictionary of the Liturgy (copyright 1989, Catholic book publishing Co. N.Y.) on page 11 writes under "Abstinence,"

Refraining from eating meat or food prepared with meat on certain days as commanded by the church, to remind us of Jesus' redeeming Death (on a Friday), to prepare for the celebration of certain feasts, to win heavenly graces, and to practice the virtue of penance (to atone for sin and for help in the firm purpose of amendment). "Days of abstinence" in the United States include Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent." On other Fridays of the year, all are exhorted to perform acts of devotion, self-denial, and charity in the spirit of piety and penance, and particularly for peace; abstinence from meat is especially recommended but under no obligation by law. Canon Law for the world prescribes abstinence on all Fridays (Canon 1251).
​

Mr. Lang acknowledges here that the Catholic Church does command to "abstain from foods" (1 Timothy 4:3). Catholic "Canon Law" (the official law of the Catholic Church) makes such a prohibition.

Canon 1251 - Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. (The Code Of Canon Law: A Text And Commentary, p. 854, copyright 1985 by the Canon Law Society of America, published by Paulist Press, Mahwah, N. J.)
​

Catholics are "bound" by this law of abstinence.

Canon 1252 - All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; (ibid., p. 855).
​

In other words, they are commanded to not eat meat ("or another food") on certain days. Worldwide, these days include Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent, Good Friday, and every other Friday of the year. For those in the United States, every Friday of the year is no longer obligatory.

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops in their pastoral statement of November 18, 1966 determined the following:
Catholics in the United States are obliged to abstain from the eating of meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during the season of Lent. They are also obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Self-imposed observance of fasting on all weekdays of Lent is strongly recommended. Abstinence from flesh meat on all Fridays of the year is especially recommended to individuals and to the Catholic community as a whole. (ibid., p. 855)
​

[SIZE=+2]II. A False Gospel[/SIZE]

Besides rejecting the gospel of God (Romans 9:6-22) in regards to predestination ("God predestines no one to hell;" CCC, p. 270, #1037), the Catholic Church has created their own gospel of "sacraments." In this also they speak lies in hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2). They deem Muslims as having salvation (see below), but Muslims do not practice these sacraments. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) on page 292 under #1129 the following is written:

The Church affirms that for all believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. (italics in original)
​

What are these "sacraments" that are necessary for salvation?

There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. (CCC, p. 289, #1113; see also p. 311, #1210)
​

This is the tradition of men (Matthew 15: 8-9; Colossians 2:8-10), not the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). Scripture nowhere teaches any such sacraments necessary for salvation. What is necessary for salvation is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (the Word, John 1:1; Revelation 19:13). As John 3:36 says,

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)
​

In the case of baptism, indeed Biblical "baptism now saves us" (1 Peter 3:21), but it is "not the removal of filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21). Catholic baptism profits no one (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

[SIZE=+2]III. A False Christ[/SIZE]

One of the above "sacraments" "necessary for salvation" is the Eucharist, a false Jesus.

In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist "the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained." (italics in original, CCC, p. 346, #1374)
​

In other words, the bread literally becomes Jesus' body and the wine literally becomes his blood.

It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ's body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament. (CCC, p. 346, #1375)

At the heart of the Eucharist 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. (CCC, p. 336, #1333)

The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ; (CCC, p. 336, #1333)
Only validly ordained priests can preside at the Eucharist and consecrate the bread and the wine so that they become the Body and Blood of the Lord. (CCC, p. 355, #1411)
​

The Catholics call this "transubstantiation" (CCC, p. 347, #1376), and claim it is the "true Body" and "true Blood" of Christ.

"That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that 'cannot be apprehended by the senses,' says St. Thomas, 'but only by faith, . . . (CCC, p. 348, #1381)
​

What is meant by the "true Body" and "true Blood" of Christ? The same literal body and blood that was hung on the cross some 2000 years ago!

In the Eucharist Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which he "poured out for man for the forgiveness of sins." (CCC, p. 344, #1365)
The Eucharist is most important in the life of the Church because it is Jesus Christ. It is the incarnation continued in space and time. (Question and Answer Catholic Catechism, question 1212, p. 244, by John A. Hardon, copyright 1981)
​

Catholic Answers goes so far as to say,

After the consecration of the bread and wine, no bread or wine remains on the altar. Only Jesus himself, under the appearance of bread and wine, remains. (Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth, p. 17)
​

As should be seen from the above, the wafer and the wine is the Catholic Jesus. And this Catholic Jesus (a piece of bread and some wine) is worshipped. This is idolatry. God is not a piece of bread (Isaiah 46:5). Bread should not be worshipped (Deuteronomy 5:7). Catholics believe otherwise.

Is Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist as long as the species remain? Yes, Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist as long as the species remain. Therefore, we worship the Blessed Sacrament as we would worship the person of Jesus Himself. (Question and Answer Catholic Catechism, question 1227, p. 246-247, John A. Hardon)
Worship of the Eucharist. In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by, among other ways, genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord. (CCC, p. 347, #1378)
The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, . . . (CCC, p. 348, #1380)
​

This false god and false Christ is the result of some serious twisting (2 Peter 3:16) and adding (Proverbs 30:5-6) to the words of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul wrote,

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
​

This bread and "drink" is for "remembrance", not "substantial presence" as the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) proclaims.

. . . it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present. (CCC, p. 346, #1374)
​

Scripture nowhere says what the Catholics teach. Nowhere does the Word of God say anything about the bread (or wine) becoming anything. In fact, in John 6:53 where Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you," even here, Jesus lets us know He is not speaking of His literal body and blood.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63; see also Matthew 4:4)
​

Nonetheless, this Eucharistic worship (worship of a piece of bread) is the centerpiece of the Catholic way.

The Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church's life, . . . (CCC, p. 355, #1407)
In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: "Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking." (CCC, p. 334, #1327)
​

Furthermore, in the celebration of this Eucharist (the Mass), the Catholic false Christ is continually offered up as a sacrifice.

The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, . . . (CCC, p. 344, #1366)
The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." "In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the alter of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner." (CCC, p. 344, #1367)
​

This is completely contrary to Hebrews 7:26-27; 9:25-28; and 10:11-14.

Moreover, according to Catholics, forgiveness of sins (for both the living and the dead) comes through this false Christ (the Eucharist) and this false sacrifice (the Mass).

Holy Communion separates us from sin. The body of Christ we receive in Holy Communion is "given up for us," and the blood we drink "shed for the many for the forgiveness of 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: (CCC, p. 351, #1393)

The Eucharist sacrifice is also offered for the faithful departed who "have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified," (CCC, p. 345, #1371)
​

This is in opposition to Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus," Hebrews 9:12, ". . . with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption", and Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."

(continued)

 

[trust_in_the_name]

[SIZE=+2]IV. Idolatry[/SIZE]

Besides the idolatry of a false god/Christ (the Catholic god being reduced to a piece of bread), Catholicism is further entrenched in idolatry in the veneration of the saints. Their idolatry is found both in giving homage to images (idols), and praying to angels or "saints" (many of whom are Catholic people who have died in their sins, thus they are praying to dead people who are presently burning in hell, e.g. Luke 16:19-31).

[SIZE=+1]A. Prayer To Saints[/SIZE]

Prayer is a form of worship. Biblically, it is either wrongfully used in the worship of false gods (idols, e.g. Isaiah 44:17; 45:20) or the worship of the one true God (directly to Him, e.g. Psalm 17). Therefore, despite the Catholic denial that they are worshipping those they are praying to (angels and saints), they are nonetheless worshipping them.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, speaking in the context of the saints it says,

"We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world." (p. 645, #2683).
​

Catholic Answers writes,

Our prayer to the saints in heaven, asking for their prayers for us, and their intercession with the Father do not undermine Christ's role as sole Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). (Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth, p. 21)
​

Here again, they speak lies in hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2). Yes it does "undermine Christ's role as sole Mediator." It completely denies that "there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Prayers to the saints to make "intercession" creates many mediators (intercessors) in the heavens between God and men, which the Bible nowhere teaches. In truth, for those who follow the true Christ, we have the Son of God Himself. We need (nor want) no other (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 2:8-10; 2 Peter 1:3).

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34)
​

[SIZE=+1]B. Images[/SIZE]

The official Catholic teaching on images reads as follows:

2131 Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word, the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts the veneration of icons - of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints. By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new "economy" of images.

2132 The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, "the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype," and "whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it." The honor paid to sacred images is a "respectful veneration," not the adoration due to God alone:

Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things, but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate. The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image, but tends toward that whose image it is. (CCC, 516-517; see also p. 299-300 under "Holy Images")
​

Indeed, they are "speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2). What is described above is classic idolatry. God strictly forbade the Israelites from doing this exact thing (i.e. making an image that would represent Himself or something else and paying homage to it).

Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female. (Deuteronomy 4:15-16).
You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me. (Deuteronomy 5:8-9).
​

When Aaron made a golden calf for the Israelites, the golden calf represented Yahweh (translated, "the LORD" in the NKJV), the true God. The Israelites identified this golden calf as the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt (Exodus 32:4), which was Yahweh (Exodus 3:14-17).

And Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD." (Exodus 32:5).
​

God's response to the Israelites idolatry was severe anger (Exodus 32:7-35).

[SIZE=+1]C. Mary Worship[/SIZE]

"The Churches devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship." (CCC, p. 253, #971)
​

Although Catholics may deny they worship Mary, they nonetheless do worship her (1 Timothy 4:2). And, being that she is not God, this is therefore idolatry (worship of someone or something other than God, Deuteronomy 5:7; Psalm 96:5) and demonic (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; Revelation 9:20). Pope John Paul II epitomized this Mary worship. In the book, Crossing The Threshold Of Hope, by "His Holiness John Paul II," the chapter entitled, "The Mother of God" begins and ends with these two paragraphs.

The renewal of Marian Theology and devotion - in continuity with Catholic tradition - is another distinctive characteristic of the teaching and pastoral activity of John Paul II. Totus Tuus ("I am completely yours, O Mary") is the motto you chose for your papacy. (p. 212)

I think what I have said sufficiently explains the Marian devotion of the present Pope and, above all, his attitude of total abandonment to Mary - his Totus Tuus. (p. 215)
​

Mary is given the title of "Advocate" (CCC, p. 252, #969), a title only Christ is given in Scripture (1 John 2:1), and she is stated to be one who not only intercedes, but also brings "gifts of eternal salvation" (ibid.). Acts 4:12 says,

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
​

What is this name? It is Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 4:10; Philippians 2:9-11), not Mary (Mark 3:31-35; Luke 11:27-28).

[SIZE=+2]V. More ****ing Lies[/SIZE]

In addition to the ****ing lies already spelled out, other heresies (Galatians 5:20) can be found throughout Catholic doctrine on a variety of subjects. A few examples are given below.

[SIZE=+1]A. "Father"[/SIZE]

Jesus said,

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)
​

The Catholic Church completely refuses to obey Christ's command. Besides calling the Pope "the Holy Father" (e.g. Crossing The Threshold Of Hope, p. v), it is well known among Catholics and non-Catholics that Catholic priests are called by the name of "Father." Instead of promoting the fear of God (Isaiah 66:2), this blatant disregard for the words of Christ leads the masses to repudiate His Words. If they disregard the Word of God, they cannot be saved (James 1:21).

[SIZE=+1]B. Homosexuals[/SIZE]

Catholics graphically turn the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 4) in their teaching on homosexuality.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.(CCC, p. 566, #2358)
​

There is no such thing as a Christian homosexual ("if they are Christians"). 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, "and such were some of you", not "such are some of you." (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

[SIZE=+1]C. Infant Baptism[/SIZE]

The Catholic Church teaches that infants become children of God once they are baptized. This is a hellish and ****ing lie. This encourages a trust in a ritual rather than a trust (an on going faith, 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 3:14) in the living Savior for re-birth (Romans 3:21-22; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 3:21).

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. (CCC, p. 319, #1250)
​

Infant baptismal regeneration (the above quote) is nowhere taught in the Word of God. Becoming a child of God takes an act of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3). As the Jews of old, Catholics teach "as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).

[SIZE=+1]D. Muslims[/SIZE]

The Churches relationship with Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." (CCC, p. 223, #841)
​

Muslims are in a false religion (Islam) that believes Jesus was created from dust (see the Quran, Surah 3:59; see also John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:1) and rejects the concept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for all mankind (Surah 4:157, 171; 5:17; 9:30; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:6). I John 2:23 says,

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
​

The Catholic church attributes salvation to the Muslims. This denies the words of Christ (John 14:6), and makes the Catholic way very broad (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:24). They accept (as saved) even those who reject the Son of God (1 John 5:10).

[SIZE=+1]E. Purgatory[/SIZE]

Contrary to Luke 16:19-31; Colossians 2:13-14; and 1 John 1:7 & 9, the Catholic Church teaches that there is a temporary place of suffering (due to a lack of a complete cleansing of sin) for those who die "in Christ."

All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (CCC, p. 268, #1030)

The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the ****ed. (CCC, p. 268, #1031)

Purgatory is a state or condition on which the souls of the just, who die with the stains of sins, are cleansed before they are admitted to heaven. (Question and Answer Catholic Catechism, p. 82, Question 316)

Stains of sin means the temporal punishment still due to venial or forgiven mortal sins. If the punishment has not been satisfied before death, a person must suffer in purgatory to pay this debt which is owed to the divine Majesty. (ibid., Question 317)

The sufferings of purgatory are more intense than any suffering on earth. (ibid., Question 320)
​

Catholics attempt to justify this teaching, which is nowhere taught in the Word of God, with 1 Corinthians 3:15. But, here one's "work" is being burned, not the person. Plus, sin is not in view, but rather attempts in building the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 3:12-17).

The Catholic's fable of purgatory rejects true faith (and trust) in God's forgiveness (Psalm 103:11-18). Hebrews 4:11 says, "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest." Catholics do not enter His rest (Hebrews 4:9-10; 1 Peter 1:13), because they render not the blood of Christ sufficient to completely cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). A supposed purgatory awaits them for a final cleansing. For those whose faith is in the finished work of Christ (John 19:30), the Lord Jesus "has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

F. Suicide

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives. (CCC, p. 550, #2282 & 2283)
​

This goes directly against Matthew 24:13; John 15:1-6; Romans 11:22; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 14; 12:25; and 1 John 5:4. Committing suicide is not enduring to the end (Matthew 24:13). It is not abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6). It is not continuing in His goodness (Romans 11:22). It is not holding fast the word (1 Corinthians 15:2). It is definitely being moved away from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). It is not holding fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6). It is not holding the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (Hebrews 3:14). It is refusing and turning away from Him who speaks from heaven (Hebrews 12:25). And, it is not overcoming the world (1 John 5:4), but rather being overcome by the world and the devil (1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:18).
Besides being a comforting lie for those still living, this Catholic teaching on suicide opens wide the door of death and Hades (Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15) to those in despair. This is certainly a ****ing lie.

[SIZE=+2]VI. Ignorance[/SIZE]

Many Catholics claim ignorance (and are often ignorant) of what their Catholic Church teaches. This is not to their advantage as they may think. Ignorance is not an asset, but a deficit, as Ephesians 4:17-18 illustrates.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.
​

What alienates the ungodly Gentiles from the life of God? It is "the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." Catholics are blind. Some to their own religion, and all to the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Their only hope is to repent from not loving the truth, and to turn to the Truth, Christ, the Word of God, i.e. the Scripture (Hebrews 4:12-13).

 

[Scotth1960]

[SIZE=+2]IV. Idolatry[/SIZE]

Besides the idolatry of a false god/Christ (the Catholic god being reduced to a piece of bread), Catholicism is further entrenched in idolatry in the veneration of the saints. Their idolatry is found both in giving homage to images (idols), and praying to angels or "saints" (many of whom are Catholic people who have died in their sins, thus they are praying to dead people who are presently burning in hell, e.g. Luke 16:19-31).

[SIZE=+1]A. Prayer To Saints[/SIZE]

Prayer is a form of worship. Biblically, it is either wrongfully used in the worship of false gods (idols, e.g. Isaiah 44:17; 45:20) or the worship of the one true God (directly to Him, e.g. Psalm 17). Therefore, despite the Catholic denial that they are worshipping those they are praying to (angels and saints), they are nonetheless worshipping them.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, speaking in the context of the saints it says,

"We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world." (p. 645, #2683).
​

Catholic Answers writes,

Our prayer to the saints in heaven, asking for their prayers for us, and their intercession with the Father do not undermine Christ's role as sole Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). (Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth, p. 21)
​

Here again, they speak lies in hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2). Yes it does "undermine Christ's role as sole Mediator." It completely denies that "there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Prayers to the saints to make "intercession" creates many mediators (intercessors) in the heavens between God and men, which the Bible nowhere teaches. In truth, for those who follow the true Christ, we have the Son of God Himself. We need (nor want) no other (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 2:8-10; 2 Peter 1:3).

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34)
​

[SIZE=+1]B. Images[/SIZE]

The official Catholic teaching on images reads as follows:

2131 Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word, the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts the veneration of icons - of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints. By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new "economy" of images.

2132 The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, "the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype," and "whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it." The honor paid to sacred images is a "respectful veneration," not the adoration due to God alone:

Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things, but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate. The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image, but tends toward that whose image it is. (CCC, 516-517; see also p. 299-300 under "Holy Images")
​

Indeed, they are "speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2). What is described above is classic idolatry. God strictly forbade the Israelites from doing this exact thing (i.e. making an image that would represent Himself or something else and paying homage to it).

Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female. (Deuteronomy 4:15-16).
You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me. (Deuteronomy 5:8-9).
​

When Aaron made a golden calf for the Israelites, the golden calf represented Yahweh (translated, "the LORD" in the NKJV), the true God. The Israelites identified this golden calf as the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt (Exodus 32:4), which was Yahweh (Exodus 3:14-17).

And Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD." (Exodus 32:5).
​

God's response to the Israelites idolatry was severe anger (Exodus 32:7-35).

[SIZE=+1]C. Mary Worship[/SIZE]

"The Churches devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship." (CCC, p. 253, #971)
​

Although Catholics may deny they worship Mary, they nonetheless do worship her (1 Timothy 4:2). And, being that she is not God, this is therefore idolatry (worship of someone or something other than God, Deuteronomy 5:7; Psalm 96:5) and demonic (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; Revelation 9:20). Pope John Paul II epitomized this Mary worship. In the book, Crossing The Threshold Of Hope, by "His Holiness John Paul II," the chapter entitled, "The Mother of God" begins and ends with these two paragraphs.

The renewal of Marian Theology and devotion - in continuity with Catholic tradition - is another distinctive characteristic of the teaching and pastoral activity of John Paul II. Totus Tuus ("I am completely yours, O Mary") is the motto you chose for your papacy. (p. 212)

I think what I have said sufficiently explains the Marian devotion of the present Pope and, above all, his attitude of total abandonment to Mary - his Totus Tuus. (p. 215)
​

Mary is given the title of "Advocate" (CCC, p. 252, #969), a title only Christ is given in Scripture (1 John 2:1), and she is stated to be one who not only intercedes, but also brings "gifts of eternal salvation" (ibid.). Acts 4:12 says,

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
​

What is this name? It is Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 4:10; Philippians 2:9-11), not Mary (Mark 3:31-35; Luke 11:27-28).

[SIZE=+2]V. More ****ing Lies[/SIZE]

In addition to the ****ing lies already spelled out, other heresies (Galatians 5:20) can be found throughout Catholic doctrine on a variety of subjects. A few examples are given below.

[SIZE=+1]A. "Father"[/SIZE]

Jesus said,

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)
​

The Catholic Church completely refuses to obey Christ's command. Besides calling the Pope "the Holy Father" (e.g. Crossing The Threshold Of Hope, p. v), it is well known among Catholics and non-Catholics that Catholic priests are called by the name of "Father." Instead of promoting the fear of God (Isaiah 66:2), this blatant disregard for the words of Christ leads the masses to repudiate His Words. If they disregard the Word of God, they cannot be saved (James 1:21).

[SIZE=+1]B. Homosexuals[/SIZE]

Catholics graphically turn the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 4) in their teaching on homosexuality.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.(CCC, p. 566, #2358)
​

There is no such thing as a Christian homosexual ("if they are Christians"). 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, "and such were some of you", not "such are some of you." (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

[SIZE=+1]C. Infant Baptism[/SIZE]

The Catholic Church teaches that infants become children of God once they are baptized. This is a hellish and ****ing lie. This encourages a trust in a ritual rather than a trust (an on going faith, 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 3:14) in the living Savior for re-birth (Romans 3:21-22; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 3:21).

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. (CCC, p. 319, #1250)
​

Infant baptismal regeneration (the above quote) is nowhere taught in the Word of God. Becoming a child of God takes an act of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3). As the Jews of old, Catholics teach "as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).

[SIZE=+1]D. Muslims[/SIZE]

The Churches relationship with Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." (CCC, p. 223, #841)
​

Muslims are in a false religion (Islam) that believes Jesus was created from dust (see the Quran, Surah 3:59; see also John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:1) and rejects the concept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for all mankind (Surah 4:157, 171; 5:17; 9:30; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:6). I John 2:23 says,

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
​

The Catholic church attributes salvation to the Muslims. This denies the words of Christ (John 14:6), and makes the Catholic way very broad (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:24). They accept (as saved) even those who reject the Son of God (1 John 5:10).

[SIZE=+1]E. Purgatory[/SIZE]

Contrary to Luke 16:19-31; Colossians 2:13-14; and 1 John 1:7 & 9, the Catholic Church teaches that there is a temporary place of suffering (due to a lack of a complete cleansing of sin) for those who die "in Christ."

All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (CCC, p. 268, #1030)

The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the ****ed. (CCC, p. 268, #1031)

Purgatory is a state or condition on which the souls of the just, who die with the stains of sins, are cleansed before they are admitted to heaven. (Question and Answer Catholic Catechism, p. 82, Question 316)

Stains of sin means the temporal punishment still due to venial or forgiven mortal sins. If the punishment has not been satisfied before death, a person must suffer in purgatory to pay this debt which is owed to the divine Majesty. (ibid., Question 317)

The sufferings of purgatory are more intense than any suffering on earth. (ibid., Question 320)
​

Catholics attempt to justify this teaching, which is nowhere taught in the Word of God, with 1 Corinthians 3:15. But, here one's "work" is being burned, not the person. Plus, sin is not in view, but rather attempts in building the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 3:12-17).

The Catholic's fable of purgatory rejects true faith (and trust) in God's forgiveness (Psalm 103:11-18). Hebrews 4:11 says, "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest." Catholics do not enter His rest (Hebrews 4:9-10; 1 Peter 1:13), because they render not the blood of Christ sufficient to completely cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). A supposed purgatory awaits them for a final cleansing. For those whose faith is in the finished work of Christ (John 19:30), the Lord Jesus "has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

F. Suicide

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives. (CCC, p. 550, #2282 & 2283)
​

This goes directly against Matthew 24:13; John 15:1-6; Romans 11:22; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 14; 12:25; and 1 John 5:4. Committing suicide is not enduring to the end (Matthew 24:13). It is not abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6). It is not continuing in His goodness (Romans 11:22). It is not holding fast the word (1 Corinthians 15:2). It is definitely being moved away from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). It is not holding fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6). It is not holding the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (Hebrews 3:14). It is refusing and turning away from Him who speaks from heaven (Hebrews 12:25). And, it is not overcoming the world (1 John 5:4), but rather being overcome by the world and the devil (1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:18).
Besides being a comforting lie for those still living, this Catholic teaching on suicide opens wide the door of death and Hades (Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15) to those in despair. This is certainly a ****ing lie.

[SIZE=+2]VI. Ignorance[/SIZE]

Many Catholics claim ignorance (and are often ignorant) of what their Catholic Church teaches. This is not to their advantage as they may think. Ignorance is not an asset, but a deficit, as Ephesians 4:17-18 illustrates.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.
​

What alienates the ungodly Gentiles from the life of God? It is "the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." Catholics are blind. Some to their own religion, and all to the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Their only hope is to repent from not loving the truth, and to turn to the Truth, Christ, the Word of God, i.e. the Scripture (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Friend, You must do more than merely bash Roman Catholicism. You must show that your Bible-only Protestant view was taught by any of the early Christians. The fact is, YOU CAN"T. You, TOO, are twisting and MISINTERPRETING the Scriptures, to your own destruction. If you do not see your view is also faulty. Only by returning to the same views as the early Christians taught will we find Christ's Church (Matthew 16:18). What
Church on earth today teaches the same doctrines as the apostles taught in the NT?
It is NOT some Protestant, man-made denomination. And there are at least 30,000 different ones of them! In Erie PA For love of Christ's truth, Scott R. Harrington PS Your use of the swear word "****-ing" shows you do not have a Biblical argument.

 

[MaggieMye]

SOME Catholics ARE Christians. But those that pray to the 'saints' are decieved. That is idolatry and If a person does not read the Word of God to be able to understand GOD, then they will perish in their sin, per HOS. 4:6

There are many pagan practicies in the RCC even though their basic doctrine (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, three in One God, God in the Flesh) is Biblical. But God does not turn a closed eye to those who practice what the RCC promotes. He WILL hold each person accountable to the obedience of His word.
Maggie

 

[trust_in_the_name]

Friend, You must do more than merely bash Roman Catholicism. You must show that your Bible-only Protestant view was taught by any of the early Christians.

Since the early Christians are the ones who wrote the Bible, and since I'm using the Bible, that is what I'm doing.

The fact is, YOU CAN"T. You, TOO, are twisting and MISINTERPRETING the Scriptures, to your own destruction. If you do not see your view is also faulty. Only by returning to the same views as the early Christians taught will we find Christ's Church (Matthew 16:18). What Church on earth today teaches the same doctrines as the apostles taught in the NT? It is NOT some Protestant, man-made denomination.

Denominations are ungodly and the church is not man-made.

And there are at least 30,000 different ones of them!

And none of them are in the truth.

Your use of the swear word "****-ing" shows you do not have a Biblical argument.

Like I said, I didn't write the article, but "d a m n i n g" is not a swear word anyway, it refers to teachings and actions that are contrary to the word of God.

However, since you are interested in the "early church fathers," there's an article about them too:

 

[trust_in_the_name]

[SIZE=+3]"Early Church Fathers" were Catholic[/SIZE]

In the several volume set entitled The Ante Nicene Fathers edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (WM B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan), we have a record of the writings of "early church fathers" who are revered by many as godly men. If this record is accurate, in other words, if what is found in these writings is truly what these men believed, then they were deceivers, ungodly men, who in no way should be honored. In the first volume of this set, in the preface of the 1885 edition this boast is found:

This volume, containing the equivalent of three volumes of the Edinburgh series of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, will be found a library somewhat complete in itself. The Apostolic Fathers and those associated with them in the third generation, are here placed together in a handbook, which, with the inestimable Scriptures, supplies a succinct autobiography of the Spouse of Christ for the first two centuries. No Christian scholar has ever before possessed, in faithful versions of such compact form, a supplement so essential to the right understanding of the New Testament itself. It is a volume indispensable to all scholars, and to every library, private or public, in this country. (p. v, first paragraph quoted in its entirety, bold added)
​

"Ante-Nicene" means "before Nicene" and refers to those "Fathers" that lived before the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). This preface claims the writings of these early church fathers are "essential to the right understanding of the New Testament." Such language Paul warned against in Colossians 2:8 ("tradition of men"), and such thinking denies the words of 1 John 2:27.

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
​

What is "essential to the right understanding of the New Testament" is "the anointing" (i.e. the Holy Spirit, John 16:13), not any man or men or "Church Father."

From this first volume, it is clear from their own writings that Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus were Catholic false teachers (see below, IV. Ignatius, VI. Justin Martyr, VII. Irenaeus). The Martyrdom of Polycarp reveals Polycarp to likewise be a Catholic (see below, III. Polycarp). For the rest, you can note the false doctrine propagated. The context of this volume is indeed Catholic. The following records some of the false teaching found in this first volume of those "early church fathers."

[SIZE=+2]I. Clement[/SIZE]

The first writing in this first volume of The Ante Nicene Fathers is entitled, "First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians." In the introductory note, it claims that Clement lived about 30-100 AD and he is believed to be the Clement found in Philippians 4:3. The problem with this is, the Clement who purportedly wrote this epistle did not know God. In this epistle, this Clement writes,

. . . let us look stedfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassing great gifts and benefactions of peace. Let us contemplate Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all His creation. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 10, chap. XIX)
​

God is not "free from wrath" towards all His creation. "God is angry every day." (Psalm 7:11). "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18).

For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. (Psalm 90:7-11)
​

To know God, is to know and understand His wrath. "For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath" (Psalm 90:11). God is not free from wrath towards all His creation. He is very much occupied with wrath and anger on a daily basis (Psalm 7:11; John 3:36; Romans 13:4).
Clement continues in this lie as he speaks of the natural world:

The very smallest of living beings meet together in peace and concord. All these the great Creator and Lord of all has appointed to exist in peace and harmony; (ibid., p. 11, chap. XX)
​

Not only did Clement not know God, but he was also blind to the reality around him. Indeed, there are many moments of peace and harmony in the natural world, but there is also much turmoil and disharmony. Death reigns over plants and animals (Ecclesiastes 3:19). They even fight, kill, and eat each other, which is all a result of the wrath and curse of God. Paul wrote,

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:20-22)
​

The earth has been cursed (Genesis 3:17; 5:29). It is not free from wrath, and the Lord has not appointed the very smallest of living beings to exist in peace and harmony. The Lord does not appoint such peace and harmony until He returns (Isaiah 11:1-9; 65:25).
Besides the above folly, Clement promotes a fable (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Chap. XXV. - THE PHOENIX AN EMBLEM OF OUR RESURRECTION.

Let us consider that wonderful sign [of the resurrection] which takes place in Eastern lands, that is, in Arabia and the countries round about. There is a certain bird which is called a phoenix. This is the only one of its kind, and lives five hundred years. And when time of its dissolution draws near that it must die, it builds itself a nest of frankincense, and myrrh, and other spices, into which, when the time is fulfilled, it enters and dies. But as the flesh decays a certain kind of worm is produced, which, being nourished by the juices of the dead bird, brings forth feathers. Then, when it has acquired strength, it takes up that nest in which are the bones of its parent, and bearing these it passes from the land of Arabia into Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis. And, in open day, flying in the sight of all men, it places them on the altar of the sun, and having done this, hastens back to its former abode. The priests then inspect the registers of the dates, and find that it has returned exactly as the five hundredth year was completed. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p12)
​

This is a fable. Here we have a story of a bird that lives 500 years, dies, has a worm out of its carcass which turns into the same kind of bird, and then this bird flies off to an idolatrous altar carrying with it the nest and bones of its parent, places the nest and bones of the parent on the altar of the Sun; and then the priests (no doubt, of the Sun) inspect the dates and say, "Yep, it's been 500 years." Paul said to Timothy,

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia - remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables . . . (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
​

[SIZE=+2]II. Mathetes, or a "disciple of the apostles"[/SIZE]

In the work entitled, "The Epistle to Diognetus," dated 130 AD, we have one who claims to be a "disciple of the apostles." If he was, he fell away. In this epistle he writes,

Let your heart be your wisdom; and let your life be true knowledge inwardly received. Bearing this tree and displaying its fruit, thou shalt always gather in those things which are desired by God, which the Serpent cannot reach, and to which deception does not approach; nor is Eve then corrupted, but is trusted as a virgin; and salvation is manifested, . . . (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 30, chap. XII)
​

This is filled with lies. Deception has approached and salvation is not manifested, and Eve has indeed been corrupted (via this quote). Eve has not been a virgin for thousands of years (Genesis 4:1), and she is not to be trusted. Besides the fact that she was deceived, she has been dead thousands of years and dead people are not to be trusted (Isaiah 8:19-20).

Moreover, if anyone lets their own heart be their wisdom ("Let your heart be your wisdom"), they will never "gather in those things which are desired by God" (Ephesians 5:10) and the "Serpent" has "reached" them (1 Peter 5:8); because, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool" (Proverbs 28:26; 3:35). And, "cursed is the man who trusts in man" (Jeremiah 17:5).

[SIZE=+2]III. Polycarp[/SIZE]

Polycarp is reported to have lived from 65-155 AD and to have been the bishop of the Catholic Church in Smryna.

Polycarp was one, having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. (ibid., p. 42, in the "Martyrdom of Polycarp", chap. XVI).
​

Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words (2 Peter 2:18). The "Catholic Church," in the context of this volume, means exactly that, the unholy Roman Catholic Church (e.g., see below, VII Iranaeus).

In Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians, Polycarp promotes a false gospel. In this epistle he writes,

When you can do good, defer it not, because "alms delivers from death". (ibid., p. 35, chap. X)
​

This fits not with the gospel of God (John 3:16). Wicked people, who are without God (i.e. without love, 1 John 4:8, 16), can give alms and it will profit them nothing. It will not deliver them from death. Paul said,

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:3)
​

Even those who have love, believers in Christ, may give alms, but Scripture nowhere teaches that such an act or acts delivers anyone from death (Proverbs 30:5-6). God is the One who delivers from death (Psalm 33:18-19; 68:20). His overall righteousness delivers from death, not simply acts of giving (Proverbs 10:2; 11:4-6, 18-19; 12:28; Psalm 119:172/Proverbs 12:17; Psalm 16:2; Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16; John 16:10; Romans 3:22). God's alms, His gift, is what delivers from death (Romans 6:23).

Polycarp's false gospel mirror's the same false message found in the Apocrypha in the book of Tobit.

It is better to give alms than to lay up gold: for alms delivers from death, and shall purge away all sin. (Tobit 12:8-9; see also Tobit 4:8-10)
​

This is a lie. The only One who purges away sin is the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 John 1:7).

 

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[SIZE=+2]IV. Ignatius[/SIZE]

Ignatius reportedly lived somewhere between 30 - 107 AD, and it is said that he was a bishop in Antioch, that is, a Catholic bishop. In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius writes,

Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 90, chap. VIII, entitled "LET NOTHING BE DONE WITHOUT THE BISHOP")
​

Let no one deceive you with empty words (2 Peter 2:18), when Ignatius writes "Catholic Church" he means just that, the unholy Roman Catholic Church (e.g., see below, under VII. Irenaeus). Ignatius taught the false gospel and false Christ of the Eucharist (see our report Roman Catholicism Leads To Hell, III. A False Christ). In his epistle to the Ephesians, Ignatius writes,

. . . so that ye obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but [which causes] that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ. (ibid., p. 58, chap. XX)
​

In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius likewise writes,

They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again. Those, therefore, who speak against this gift of God, incur death in the midst of their disputes. But it were better for them to treat it with respect, that they also might rise again. (ibid., p. 89, chap. VII)
​

The above is classic Roman Catholic Eucharistic false doctrine. In the two quotes above, Ignatius makes the Eucharist out to be the Savior and that which will save a soul and grant eternal life. The only bread and blood that can save the soul and grant eternal life is the spiritual bread and blood of the real Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:35, 53, 63). Despite the false claim of the hocus-pocus of Catholic mystical incantations (transubstantiation), fleshly bread (flour and water) and literal wine will save no one ("the flesh profits nothing," John 6:63).

Furthermore, Ignatius promoted a serious submission to the Catholic bishop. In his epistle to the Trallians (shorter version), Ignatius writes,

He that is within the altar is pure, but he that is without is not pure; that is, he who does anything apart from the bishop, and presbytery, and deacons, such a man is not pure in his conscience. (ibid., p. 69, chap. VII)
​

In his epistle to the Philadelphians he writes,

Do nothing without the bishop; . . . (ibid., p. 84, chap. VII)
​

In his epistle to the Magnesians he writes,

As therefore the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to Him, neither by Himself nor by the apostles, so neither do ye anything without the bishop and presbyters. (ibid., p. 62, chap. VII, entitled, "DO NOTHING WITHOUT THE BISHOP AND PRESBYTERS")
​

In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans he writes,

It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid. (ibid., p. 90, chap. VIII)
​

Scripture nowhere dictates who may baptize or who may celebrate a love-feast (Proverbs 4:20-27; 30:5-6). Plus, Ignatius exalts the bishop here to Pope-like status claiming "whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God."

Ignatius further writes,

It is well to reverence both God and the bishop. He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does [in reality] serve the devil. (ibid., chap. IX)
​

Scripture indeed teaches that believers are to give honor to and be subject to those who rule over them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a; ;1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17). But, Ignatius takes this way beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) and adds to the Word of God (Proverbs 30:5-6).
Earlier in the epistle to the Magnesians, Ignatius writes,

. . . your bishop presides in the place of God . . . (p. 61, chap. VI)
​

In his epistle to the Ephesians he writes,

Now the more any one sees the bishop keeping silence, the more ought he to revere him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself. (ibid., p. 51, chap. VI)
​

This is idolatry! Believers look to the Lord in worship (Isaiah 45:22; John 20:28; Hebrews 12:2). To look to any man as "we would upon the Lord Himself" is idolatry. Therefore, in this alone, Ignatius promotes a ****ing lie (Revelation 21:8).
Finally, in his epistle to the Smyrnaeans (shorter version), Ignatius confuses faith in the blood of Christ with the angels.

Let no man deceive himself. Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation. (ibid., p.88, chap. VI)
​

Scripture nowhere says the above, and the blood of Christ is not for the angels. Hebrews 2:14-16 declares,

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.
​

[SIZE=+2]V. The Epistle of Barnabas[/SIZE]

This is a letter written by someone who claimed to know what Christ did not even know.

Attend, my children, to the meaning of this expression, "He finished in six days." This implieth that the Lord will finish all things in six thousand years, for a day is with Him a thousand years. And he Himself testifieth, saying, "Behold, to-day will be as a thousand years." Therefore, my children, in six days, that is, in six thousands years, all things will be finished. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I., p. 146, chap. XV)
​

Jesus said,

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32)
​

[SIZE=+2]VI. Justin Martyr[/SIZE]

Justin Martyr is recorded in the introductory note to have probably lived from 110-165 AD. Because he was a Catholic, he also promoted the false gospel and false Christ of the Eucharist. In his "Dialogue With Trypho," Justin writes,

He then speaks of those Gentiles, namely us, who in every place offer sacrifices to Him, i.e. the bread of the Eucharist, and also the cup of the Eucharist, . . . (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 215, chap. XLI, entitled "THE OBLATION OF FINE FLOUR WAS A FIGURE OF THE EUCHARIST")
​

This is classic Roman Catholic Eucharistic false doctrine. As the Catholic Catechism today says,

The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, . . . (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], Libreria Editrice Vaticana, copyright 1994, p. 344, #1366)

The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." "In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the alter of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner." (CCC, p. 344, #1367)
​

This is completely contrary to Hebrews 7:26-27; 9:25-28; and 10:11-14.

In "The First Apology Of Justin," Justin writes,

And this food is called among us Euvcaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, p. 185, chap. LXVI, entitled, " - OF THE EUCHARIST," the prior chapter is entitled, "ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS")
​

This is more Roman Catholic Eucharistic false teaching. Roman Catholicism teaches the Eucharist (i.e. "bread and drink") is the flesh and blood of Jesus.

At the heart of the Eucharist 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. (CCC, p. 336, #1333; see further our report on Catholicism)
​

These words are directly against Christ's words. For He said,

For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. (John 6:55)
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
​

Nowhere does Scripture say that bread and drink become the body and blood of Christ. In Matthew 26:26 Christ broke real bread and said, "Take, eat; this is My body" while His body was yet physically before them, as they ate the bread that He handed them. It never says the bread changed into His flesh. Moreover, in Matthew 26:27-28 Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and said,

Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
​

Now notice the next verse.

But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom. (Matthew 26:29)
​

Jesus still called the drink "this fruit of the vine." It was still wine (or grape juice), after He gave it to the disciples.
Now, besides Justin's false doctrine of the Eucharist, Justin also writes against the words of Paul. In Justin's "Dialogue With Trypho," he writes,

"But if, Trypho," I continued, "some of your race, who say they believe in this Christ, compel those Gentiles who believe in this Christ to live in all respects according to the law given by Moses, or choose not to associate so intimately with them, I in like manner do not approve of them. But I believe that even those, who have been persuaded by them to observe the legal dispensation along with their confession of God in Christ, shall probably be saved." (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 218, chap. XLVII)
​

These words go directly against Galatians 5:1-4.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
​

[SIZE=+2]VII. Irenaeus[/SIZE]

It is reported in the introductory note that Irenaeus lived from 120-202 AD and was a bishop at Lyons. It can be seen that he was a Roman Catholic bishop in book three of "Irenaeus Against Heresies". On page 415 he writes,

Since, however, it would be very tedious, in such a volume as this, to reckon up the successions of all the Churches, we do put to confusion all those who, in whatever manner, whether by evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, assemble in unauthorized meetings; [we do this, I say,] by indicating that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the successions of the bishops. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its preeminent authority, . . . (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, book III, chap. III)
​

Soon after this quote, Irenaeus lists off the bishops (Popes) of the Church of Rome, and the first sentence in the title of his next chapter is,

CHAP. IV. - THE TRUTH IS T0 BE FOUND NOWHERE ELSE BUT IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE SOLE DEPOSITORY OF APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE.
​

Being Catholic, Irenaeus promotes the Eucharist.

When, therefore, the mingled cup and the manufactured bread receives the Word of God, and the Eucharist of the blood and the body of Christ is made, from which things the substance of our flesh is increased and supported, how can they affirm that the flesh is incapable of receiving the gift of God, which is life eternal, which [flesh] is nourished from the body and blood of the Lord, and is a member of Him? (ibid., p. 528, book V, chap. II, 3.)
​

The footnote for this passage, for "body of Christ is made," reads,

The Greek text, of which a considerable portion remains here, would give, "and the Eucharist becomes the body of Christ."
​

Besides emphasis on the one true church in Rome, a listing of the bishops (Popes), and Eucharistic theology, Maryology can also be found in the writing of Irenaeus. Speaking in the context of Eve and Mary, he writes,

And if the former did disobey God, yet the latter was persuaded to be obedient to God, in order that the Virgin Mary might become the patroness (advocata) of the virgin Eve. And thus, as the human race fell into bondage to death by means of a virgin, so is it rescued by a virgin; virginal disobedience having been balanced in the opposite scale by virginal obedience. (ibid., p. 547, book V, chap. XIX, 1.)
​

This is garbage. Mary is no "advocata" (advocate) of Eve. The only advocate is Christ, the Lord (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1). Scripture nowhere says Eve was still a virgin when she was deceived (Proverbs 30:5-6), and the human race did not fall via Eve, but rather through Adam (Romans 5:12-19). Moreover, the human race is not rescued by a virgin, that is, Mary (she is not a virgin anymore, Matthew 1:25; Matthew 12:46; 13:55; John 7:3-5; 1 Corinthians 9:5). The human race is rescued by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; Revelation 5:1-9).

Finally, Irenaeus adds to the Word of God (Proverbs 30:5-6) by saying that Adam's sin was on the sixth day (ibid., p. 551, book V, chap. XXIII, in the title), and that Adam was saved.

All therefore speak falsely who disallow his (Adam's) salvation, shutting themselves out from life for ever, in that they do not believe that the sheep which had perished has been found. For if it has not been found, the whole human race is still held in a state of perdition. False, therefore, is that man who first started this idea, or rather, this ignorance and blindness - Tatian. (ibid., p. 457, book III, chap. XXIII, 8.)
​

So, according to Irenaeus, you're ****ed if you don't believe something Scripture never says! This is foolishness.

[SIZE=+2]VIII. Conclusion[/SIZE]

Don't be fooled by men who claim the "early church fathers" were godly men. They were not. According to what is written, they were Catholic liars.

 

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Also, here's an article which shows that Protestants and other denominations are not in the truth:

[SIZE=+3]The Unity Of The Saints[/SIZE]​

It is an amazing phenomenon (Psalm 118:22-23), yet a present reality (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3), that so many who claim to believe the Bible (and claim to love the truth) also conveniently find room for so much error (contrary to Psalm 119:104 & 128) and completely disregard the commands of Ephesians 4:3 ("keep the unity of the spirit"); 1 Corinthians 1:10 ("speak the same thing", "no divisions", "same mind", "same judgment"); 2 Corinthians 13:11 ("be of one mind"); Philippians 1:27 ("stand fast in one spirit, with one mind"); 2:2 (be "like-minded", "one accord, of one mind"); 3:16 ("be of the same mind"); and 1 Peter 3:8 ("be of one mind"). It is as if 1 John 4:6 was never penned:

We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
​

Christianity is the one and only true religion (John 14:6). Any and every other religion is false and leads to hell (Psalm 9:17; Revelation 22:15). Anyone with at least somewhat of a Biblical understanding recognizes this. Yet, when it comes to the myriad of denominations within what is called "Christianity," people typically hail many, most, or all of these denominations as legitimate assemblies of the church of God. Yet, the very reason they exist, is because they cannot agree about doctrine (i.e. what the Bible teaches). They are not of the same mind (1 Peter 3:16). They are not like-minded (Philippians 2:2). They do not speak the same thing (1 Corinthians 1:10). There are divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10). They do not hear one another (1 John 4:6).

For an example of the many "Christian" denominations, we have - American Baptist Churches, Apostolic Churches, Assemblies of God churches, Association of General Baptist churches, Association of Reformed Presbyterian churches, Baptist Bible Fellowship churches, Berean Fundamental Churches, Brethren in Christ churches, Brethren churches, Calvary Chapel churches, Christian Churches, Christian Reformed Churches, Church of Christ churches, Church of God churches, Church of the Brethren churches, Church of the Living God churches, Church of the Nazarene churches, Church on the Rock churches, Community Churches, Congregational Christian Churches, Congregational Methodist churches, Conservative Baptist Association churches, Conservative Congregational Churches, Evangelical Congregational Churches, Evangelical Covenant Churches, Evangelical Free Churches, Evangelical Methodist Churches, Faith Christian Fellowship churches, Fellowship of Grace Brethren churches, Free Methodist Church of North America churches, Free Will Baptist churches, Friends (Quakers) churches, Full Gospel Churches, Fundamental churches, General Association of Regular Baptists churches, General Association of Separate Baptists churches, Independent Baptist Churches, Independent Bible Churches, Independent Charismatic churches, Independent Fundamental Churches, International Foursquare Gospel churches, Maranatha Christian Churches, Mennonite Churches, Methodist churches, Missionary Churches, National Baptist churches, Open Bible Standard Churches, Pentecostal churches, Plymouth Brethren churches, Presbyterian churches, Presbyterian Church in America churches, Presbyterian Churches (USA), Primitive Baptists churches, Primitive Methodist Churches, Progressive National Baptists churches, Protestant Reformed Churches, Reformed Church in America churches, Southern Baptist Convention churches, Southwide Baptist Fellowship churches, Union of Messianic Jewish Congregation churches, United Baptists churches, United Brethren in Christ churches, Vineyard Churches, Wesleyan Churches, World Baptist Fellowship churches, . . . and on and on it goes, churches upon churches who are not of the same mind, who do not speak the same thing, and cannot "hear" one another (1 John 4:6). And, if and when they do "cooperate" (in some form), they set their differing doctrines off to the side, rather than come to any kind of a Biblical solution (see below). Such is the making of ecumenism with its varying degrees and manifestations.

Contrary to any ecumenical mindset, Jude writes in Jude 3,

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
​

What is to be contended (fought) over? Jude says "the faith". Paul gets more specific and says,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
​

"Every thought" is to be fought over. Every thought, every doctrine, every teaching, all of it, is to be subjected to and taken captive to the "obedience of Christ" (i.e. obedient to the Word of God; Christ being the Word, John 1:1; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 19:13). This is what Jude exhorts every saint to do ("Beloved", Jude 3).

But how can this be done? There are so many differing views on what the Bible says! How could there be any unity in any assembly of believers, or any unity between assemblies (churches), if "every thought" is fought over? Left to the false Christian world, we could not have such a unity and therefore "know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (1 John 4:6). But, those outside the camp (Hebrews 13:13) can and do, by the power of the Spirit of God.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Paul writes,

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
​

Ephesians 4:4 further states,

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
​

God is in every true believer, and every true believer has "been made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13). His Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17), resides within every single follower of Christ. Because of this, those who have the Spirit of God (the Spirit of truth) are taught by God and they know the truth. As John says,

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, (1 John 2:20-21)
​

And,

These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:27)
​

This "anointing" (the Holy Spirit who teaches us "all things" - 1 John 2:27/John 14:26) is in every true believer. And, it is because of this, that there can be, and is, a unity of the saints in doctrine (i.e. what the Bible teaches), even unto "every thought" (2 Corinthians 10:3 5).
Jesus, speaking of Himself and those who follow Him, said,

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. (John 10:4-5)
​

And,

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27)
​

Jesus says that His sheep (i.e. true believers) will follow Him (i.e. will follow the truth, John 14:6), and they will not follow a stranger (i.e. someone speaking contrary to the truth). When the truth is present and a lie also, the sheep will follow the truth. Why is this? Because they know His voice (they know the one they are following), and they have His Spirit residing in them teaching them "all things" ("every thought", 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

This does not mean that perfect knowledge is ever attained (1 Corinthians 13:9), nor does it mean that believers will never be "tossed to and fro" by the winds of doctrine that abound (Ephesians 4:14). But, what it does mean, is that those who know their God, those who have the Spirit of truth in them, will be taught by God, and will take heed (as a pattern of their life, 2 John 9; 1 John 2:3-4) to the truth. They may struggle with issues. They may grope and cry out for wisdom (Proverbs 2). But, the Lord will hear (James 1:5). The Lord will direct them into all truth (John 14:26/1 John 2:27 - "all things"). As Proverbs 3:5-6 states,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.
​

So, why all these denominations then? Why all the confusion within "Christianity" about doctrine and what the Bible teaches? Why does it appear that "Christians" cannot agree on what the Bible says? Because not all are "of God" (1 John 4:6).

Satan deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9), and he is fast at work within the camp of "Christianity" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Divisions do not come from those with the Spirit of truth in them. Divisions come from those who are devoid of the Spirit, as Jude exemplifies. Speaking of ungodly men, he writes,

These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. (Jude 19).
​

If all people who claimed to be Christians (1 Peter 4:16) were truly Christians (and therefore had the Spirit of God within them, Romans 8:9/Ephesians 1:13 14), there would be no divisions. There would be no denominations. There would be no sustained differing doctrines. But such is not the case.
The world is filled with false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26) and false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). In fact, the Lord told us beforehand that this would be the case. That is, that "Christians" would prefer false teachers. As He says in 2 Timothy 4:3,

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
​

Because of this, and because of the "heap" of teachers that scratch the ears, Peter wrote that "the way of truth will be blasphemed" (i.e. spoken evil of). In other words, the way of truth will be looked at NOT as the way of truth, but as the way of error (or evil). As Paul wrote in his own day, "as deceivers, and yet true" (2 Corinthians 6:8; Such is the perception of most who view us).

Yet, for those who are in the way of truth (who have the Spirit of God, the Spirit of truth in them), for them 1 John 4:6 is very much alive. Why is this? Because they live in and walk in the truth of God's Word. For them, they live, trust, and depend upon "every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Their authority and trust is in the revealed Word of God, and they follow it, and live it, and speak it. Those who also have the Spirit of God in them and live likewise, "hear" (1 John 4:6). Those devoid of the Spirit and who do not have their trust in "every word" (Matthew 4:4) don't hear (i.e. they don't agree). Therefore, those who are in the truth can know "the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

The crux of the issue on any controversy is always this: Who is speaking the truth? Who is Biblical, and who is not? On any controversy, either one person (or position) is in the truth and the other is not. Or, they are both in error.

No doubt, anyone could be temporarily wrong (in error) on a subject. But, who do they listen to when such is the case? Those in error (or their own understanding, their own self-made deceit), or those in the truth (1 John 4:6). The one who does not consent to "wholesome words" (1 Timothy 6:3) is the one who is proud and destitute of the truth (1 Timothy 6:4-5).

Furthermore, there may also be a controversy that is based upon something the Bible does not even give information on. Thus Paul told Timothy to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes" (2 Timothy 2:23). To argue (contend) over issues that the Bible does not even give the answer to is foolish and ignorant. Such men who insist on contending over such issues are to be warned twice, and if they don't take heed they are to be rejected (Titus 3:9-11).

Now, there are those who desire to give the impression that the truth cannot be known on what the Bible teaches on what some call "secondary issues" (e.g. limited atonement, election, eternal security, etc.). In other words, issues that the Bible does address, but there are many varying opinions from scholarly "godly" men. Many contend that such subject matters should not be a distinguishing mark between true and false brethren. In fact, to do so is "dangerous" in most "Christians" eyes.

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, . . . destitute of the truth . . . from such withdraw yourself.
​

You cannot be saved, if you do not love the truth. See 2 Thessalonians 2:10. The Lord condemns those who do "not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

Therefore, "every thought" IS important (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)! Not because we are saved because we have all of our theology perfected, but, we are saved because our trust is in God (in His Word, in Christ). Thus, we speak the truth, and we cannot only know the truth, but "know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" by whether they "hear us" or not (1 John 4:6). And, by the grace of God, we are hereby also protected from being led away into the "error of the wicked" (2 Peter 3:17) via a zealous love for God and His Word ("every word", Matthew 4:4).

By the way, if someone is led into the "error of the wicked", which is simply being led away from the truth (note 2 Peter 3:16-17), which is simply being lead away from Christ (Christ being the Truth), then such a one would be found to be among those who do not remain in Him (2 John 9). Those who do not remain in Christ will be burned (John 15:6). Knowing and loving the truth (all that can be known and loved) is important (Isaiah 66:1-2; Philippians 2:12)!

Now, Scripture does indeed depict some matters are more important than other matters. Jesus made this clear to the Pharisees when He said,

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. "Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (Matthew 23:23-24)
​

Here Jesus speaks of "weighter matters." He compares the gnat to paying "tithe of mint and anise and cummin" with the camel of neglecting "justice and mercy and faith." Though the gnat is light weight, and the camel is quite heavy, Jesus does not discard the gnat (paying tithe of mint and anise and cummin) as unimportant. No, He actually says the justice and mercy and faith ought to have been done, "without leaving the others undone." In other words, the paying "tithe of mint and anise and cummin," the gnat, the much lighter matter, was to be done as well.

Man is to live "by every word of God" (Matthew 4:4). It is all to be believed and obeyed. The Pharisees error was not that they strained out the gnat, but that they swallowed the camel.

With the above in mind, it should be seen that those who love God, those who love His people, do (and will) consider it a serious matter to contend for the faith and bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". Because they love His Word (Psalm 119:97), and they love His people (1 John 3:14), those who are the saints of God Most High (Genesis 14:20; Daniel 7:27) will not only have a true and blessed unity (doctrinal indeed), but will endeavor to keep this unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

The unity is there, because the Spirit is there. Without the Spirit, doctrinal unity would be impossible. But since He does reside in every true believer, there is unity. What muddies these waters are the false brethren who are devoid of the Spirit. But, nonetheless, the reality is there, just as Jesus prayed it would be.

​

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21).
​

 

[Scotth1960]

Since the early Christians are the ones who wrote the Bible, and since I'm using the Bible, that is what I'm doing.



Denominations are ungodly and the church is not man-made.

And none of them are in the truth.



Like I said, I didn't write the article, but "d a m n i n g" is not a swear word anyway, it refers to teachings and actions that are contrary to the word of God.

However, since you are interested in the "early church fathers," there's an article about them too:

Dear friend,
Well, If ****ing is not a swear word, why *** it out and treat it like it is? Anyway, your view is not shown to be the same as that of the Bible. The each of us alone with the Bible alone will not lead us to unity. We need to know how the early Church interpreted the Bible. He have the first 900 years of Church history. By 900 AD, everything major in doctrine had already been accomplished by the Greek-speaking Church. Everything after 1054 is just a comment on what the early Greek Church taught.
Ignorance of history will lead a man to have ignorant trust in a Protestant version of the Bible. These are late, man-made translations. To know what they mean, we need the Church. We should turn to people who know Greek, and who knows Greek better than the Greek people themselves? They have had the Greek NT for 2000 years, and they are the Greek Orthodox Church. Not a creation of man, but the Body of Christ, the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). In Erie PA Scott Harrington PS If you want a Bible you can trust, read the OSB (Orthodox Study Bible, Nashville Thomas Nelson, 2008), and the ONT (Orthodox New Testament, 2000, Buena Vista CO, Holy Apostles Convent). These Orthodox brothers and sisters did a good job translating God's holy Word. Especially in Matt. 1:25 and Hebrews 6:6 in the ONT.

 

[Scotth1960]

[SIZE=+2]IV. Ignatius[/SIZE]

Ignatius reportedly lived somewhere between 30 - 107 AD, and it is said that he was a bishop in Antioch, that is, a Catholic bishop. In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius writes,

Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 90, chap. VIII, entitled "LET NOTHING BE DONE WITHOUT THE BISHOP")
​

Let no one deceive you with empty words (2 Peter 2:18), when Ignatius writes "Catholic Church" he means just that, the unholy Roman Catholic Church (e.g., see below, under VII. Irenaeus). Ignatius taught the false gospel and false Christ of the Eucharist (see our report Roman Catholicism Leads To Hell, III. A False Christ). In his epistle to the Ephesians, Ignatius writes,

. . . so that ye obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but [which causes] that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ. (ibid., p. 58, chap. XX)
​

In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius likewise writes,

They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again. Those, therefore, who speak against this gift of God, incur death in the midst of their disputes. But it were better for them to treat it with respect, that they also might rise again. (ibid., p. 89, chap. VII)
​

The above is classic Roman Catholic Eucharistic false doctrine. In the two quotes above, Ignatius makes the Eucharist out to be the Savior and that which will save a soul and grant eternal life. The only bread and blood that can save the soul and grant eternal life is the spiritual bread and blood of the real Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:35, 53, 63). Despite the false claim of the hocus-pocus of Catholic mystical incantations (transubstantiation), fleshly bread (flour and water) and literal wine will save no one ("the flesh profits nothing," John 6:63).

Furthermore, Ignatius promoted a serious submission to the Catholic bishop. In his epistle to the Trallians (shorter version), Ignatius writes,

He that is within the altar is pure, but he that is without is not pure; that is, he who does anything apart from the bishop, and presbytery, and deacons, such a man is not pure in his conscience. (ibid., p. 69, chap. VII)
​

In his epistle to the Philadelphians he writes,

Do nothing without the bishop; . . . (ibid., p. 84, chap. VII)
​

In his epistle to the Magnesians he writes,

As therefore the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to Him, neither by Himself nor by the apostles, so neither do ye anything without the bishop and presbyters. (ibid., p. 62, chap. VII, entitled, "DO NOTHING WITHOUT THE BISHOP AND PRESBYTERS")
​

In his epistle to the Smyrnaeans he writes,

It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid. (ibid., p. 90, chap. VIII)
​

Scripture nowhere dictates who may baptize or who may celebrate a love-feast (Proverbs 4:20-27; 30:5-6). Plus, Ignatius exalts the bishop here to Pope-like status claiming "whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God."

Ignatius further writes,

It is well to reverence both God and the bishop. He who honours the bishop has been honoured by God; he who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop, does [in reality] serve the devil. (ibid., chap. IX)
​

Scripture indeed teaches that believers are to give honor to and be subject to those who rule over them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a; ;1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17). But, Ignatius takes this way beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) and adds to the Word of God (Proverbs 30:5-6).
Earlier in the epistle to the Magnesians, Ignatius writes,

. . . your bishop presides in the place of God . . . (p. 61, chap. VI)
​

In his epistle to the Ephesians he writes,

Now the more any one sees the bishop keeping silence, the more ought he to revere him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself. (ibid., p. 51, chap. VI)
​

This is idolatry! Believers look to the Lord in worship (Isaiah 45:22; John 20:28; Hebrews 12:2). To look to any man as "we would upon the Lord Himself" is idolatry. Therefore, in this alone, Ignatius promotes a ****ing lie (Revelation 21:8).
Finally, in his epistle to the Smyrnaeans (shorter version), Ignatius confuses faith in the blood of Christ with the angels.

Let no man deceive himself. Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation. (ibid., p.88, chap. VI)
​

Scripture nowhere says the above, and the blood of Christ is not for the angels. Hebrews 2:14-16 declares,

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.
​

[SIZE=+2]V. The Epistle of Barnabas[/SIZE]

This is a letter written by someone who claimed to know what Christ did not even know.

Attend, my children, to the meaning of this expression, "He finished in six days." This implieth that the Lord will finish all things in six thousand years, for a day is with Him a thousand years. And he Himself testifieth, saying, "Behold, to-day will be as a thousand years." Therefore, my children, in six days, that is, in six thousands years, all things will be finished. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I., p. 146, chap. XV)
​

Jesus said,

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32)
​

[SIZE=+2]VI. Justin Martyr[/SIZE]

Justin Martyr is recorded in the introductory note to have probably lived from 110-165 AD. Because he was a Catholic, he also promoted the false gospel and false Christ of the Eucharist. In his "Dialogue With Trypho," Justin writes,

He then speaks of those Gentiles, namely us, who in every place offer sacrifices to Him, i.e. the bread of the Eucharist, and also the cup of the Eucharist, . . . (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 215, chap. XLI, entitled "THE OBLATION OF FINE FLOUR WAS A FIGURE OF THE EUCHARIST")
​

This is classic Roman Catholic Eucharistic false doctrine. As the Catholic Catechism today says,

The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, . . . (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], Libreria Editrice Vaticana, copyright 1994, p. 344, #1366)

The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." "In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the alter of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner." (CCC, p. 344, #1367)
​

This is completely contrary to Hebrews 7:26-27; 9:25-28; and 10:11-14.

In "The First Apology Of Justin," Justin writes,

And this food is called among us Euvcaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, p. 185, chap. LXVI, entitled, " - OF THE EUCHARIST," the prior chapter is entitled, "ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS")
​

This is more Roman Catholic Eucharistic false teaching. Roman Catholicism teaches the Eucharist (i.e. "bread and drink") is the flesh and blood of Jesus.

At the heart of the Eucharist 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. (CCC, p. 336, #1333; see further our report on Catholicism)
​

These words are directly against Christ's words. For He said,

For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. (John 6:55)
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
​

Nowhere does Scripture say that bread and drink become the body and blood of Christ. In Matthew 26:26 Christ broke real bread and said, "Take, eat; this is My body" while His body was yet physically before them, as they ate the bread that He handed them. It never says the bread changed into His flesh. Moreover, in Matthew 26:27-28 Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and said,

Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
​

Now notice the next verse.

But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom. (Matthew 26:29)
​

Jesus still called the drink "this fruit of the vine." It was still wine (or grape juice), after He gave it to the disciples.
Now, besides Justin's false doctrine of the Eucharist, Justin also writes against the words of Paul. In Justin's "Dialogue With Trypho," he writes,

"But if, Trypho," I continued, "some of your race, who say they believe in this Christ, compel those Gentiles who believe in this Christ to live in all respects according to the law given by Moses, or choose not to associate so intimately with them, I in like manner do not approve of them. But I believe that even those, who have been persuaded by them to observe the legal dispensation along with their confession of God in Christ, shall probably be saved." (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 218, chap. XLVII)
​

These words go directly against Galatians 5:1-4.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
​

[SIZE=+2]VII. Irenaeus[/SIZE]

It is reported in the introductory note that Irenaeus lived from 120-202 AD and was a bishop at Lyons. It can be seen that he was a Roman Catholic bishop in book three of "Irenaeus Against Heresies". On page 415 he writes,

Since, however, it would be very tedious, in such a volume as this, to reckon up the successions of all the Churches, we do put to confusion all those who, in whatever manner, whether by evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, assemble in unauthorized meetings; [we do this, I say,] by indicating that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the successions of the bishops. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its preeminent authority, . . . (The Ante Nicene Fathers, vol. I, book III, chap. III)
​

Soon after this quote, Irenaeus lists off the bishops (Popes) of the Church of Rome, and the first sentence in the title of his next chapter is,

CHAP. IV. - THE TRUTH IS T0 BE FOUND NOWHERE ELSE BUT IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE SOLE DEPOSITORY OF APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE.
​

Being Catholic, Irenaeus promotes the Eucharist.

When, therefore, the mingled cup and the manufactured bread receives the Word of God, and the Eucharist of the blood and the body of Christ is made, from which things the substance of our flesh is increased and supported, how can they affirm that the flesh is incapable of receiving the gift of God, which is life eternal, which [flesh] is nourished from the body and blood of the Lord, and is a member of Him? (ibid., p. 528, book V, chap. II, 3.)
​

The footnote for this passage, for "body of Christ is made," reads,

The Greek text, of which a considerable portion remains here, would give, "and the Eucharist becomes the body of Christ."
​

Besides emphasis on the one true church in Rome, a listing of the bishops (Popes), and Eucharistic theology, Maryology can also be found in the writing of Irenaeus. Speaking in the context of Eve and Mary, he writes,

And if the former did disobey God, yet the latter was persuaded to be obedient to God, in order that the Virgin Mary might become the patroness (advocata) of the virgin Eve. And thus, as the human race fell into bondage to death by means of a virgin, so is it rescued by a virgin; virginal disobedience having been balanced in the opposite scale by virginal obedience. (ibid., p. 547, book V, chap. XIX, 1.)
​

This is garbage. Mary is no "advocata" (advocate) of Eve. The only advocate is Christ, the Lord (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1). Scripture nowhere says Eve was still a virgin when she was deceived (Proverbs 30:5-6), and the human race did not fall via Eve, but rather through Adam (Romans 5:12-19). Moreover, the human race is not rescued by a virgin, that is, Mary (she is not a virgin anymore, Matthew 1:25; Matthew 12:46; 13:55; John 7:3-5; 1 Corinthians 9:5). The human race is rescued by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; Revelation 5:1-9).

Finally, Irenaeus adds to the Word of God (Proverbs 30:5-6) by saying that Adam's sin was on the sixth day (ibid., p. 551, book V, chap. XXIII, in the title), and that Adam was saved.

All therefore speak falsely who disallow his (Adam's) salvation, shutting themselves out from life for ever, in that they do not believe that the sheep which had perished has been found. For if it has not been found, the whole human race is still held in a state of perdition. False, therefore, is that man who first started this idea, or rather, this ignorance and blindness - Tatian. (ibid., p. 457, book III, chap. XXIII, 8.)
​

So, according to Irenaeus, you're ****ed if you don't believe something Scripture never says! This is foolishness.

[SIZE=+2]VIII. Conclusion[/SIZE]

Don't be fooled by men who claim the "early church fathers" were godly men. They were not. According to what is written, they were Catholic liars.

Dear friend, What do you mean by Catholic? Which of these church fathers supported the 1870 AD doctrine of papal infallibility? That is years later down the road. These church fathers were Latin and Greek speaking Orthodox Christians, and they are in the same church of the GOC (Greek Orthodox Church) of today.
You talk like you are some kind of Protestant. I was too. When I was in error. I am slowly recovering from my immorality, my sins, my heresies. In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington