This is part two of the three part study of The Lord Jesus vs The Roman Catholic Church. CLICK HERE to read part 1.
- God's Priesthood vs. the Priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church
Do you think this man (Cardinal Egan of New York) is holier than you are? Do you think God holds him in higher regard than you? He doesn't. In fact, God will exact His judgment on Egan unless he repent of his sins and be saved by the Lord Jesus. That's besides the point. :)
Why is the RCC set up with a Pope, Bishop, and all sorts of priests in a hierarchy? Why are they adorned like they are something special, set apart from others? Of course, this isn't Biblical. Are you surprised I'm saying this by now? All born again Christians are the priesthood of God, and Jesus Christ is our High Priest. It's that simple. There is no need for this system - it doesn't even teach God's Biblical truth!
Examples of Christ as our high priest:
Hebrews 2:
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 4:
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5:
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 9:
[11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
The Body of Christ as a priesthood:
1 Peter 2:
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Remind me why we need a Roman Catholic priesthood again? We have Jesus as the High Priest, and we believers are a royal priesthood, so there is no need for that system. The RCC priesthood doesn't even teach the truth! They are a bastardized version of the truth! They delete commandments, pervert God's word, teach strange doctrines, and lead people away from the real Jesus!
There is no other mediator to the Father other than Christ Jesus. We do not need a system of priests to connect us to Him, we have The Lord! We all have the right to come before His throne!
Examples of Christ as our high priest:
Hebrews 2:
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 4:
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5:
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 9:
[11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
The Body of Christ as a priesthood:
1 Peter 2:
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Remind me why we need a Roman Catholic priesthood again? We have Jesus as the High Priest, and we believers are a royal priesthood, so there is no need for that system. The RCC priesthood doesn't even teach the truth! They are a bastardized version of the truth! They delete commandments, pervert God's word, teach strange doctrines, and lead people away from the real Jesus!
There is no other mediator to the Father other than Christ Jesus. We do not need a system of priests to connect us to Him, we have The Lord! We all have the right to come before His throne!
- God the Father vs. The Roman Catholic "Holy Father"
As I'm sure you already know, the Popes of the RCC have the title of "Holy Father" among other things. What does Jesus, the Son of God say about this?
Matthew 23:
[8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
[9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
[10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
God Himself tells us not to call anyone on earth our father! How much clearer can this be? Note the Rabbi and Master context here. We can know that Jesus is referring to the word "father" as meaning a godly figure. There is one Rabbi, one Master, one Father. The God of Israel is our one and only Father! Not some man-appointed pope who has zero of the characteristics of Christ! Jesus lived a humble, simple life, and told the Truth given to Him by His Father. The popes exalt themselves and sit on a throne as a god while millions of people worship him! Can't you see the audacity of this? How do you think this makes the Holy One feel?
2 Thessalonians 2:
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
God's Holy Word is calling out the pope system to be the man of sin. One of the pope's titles is "Vicarius Filii Dei," which means Vicar of Christ. What does Vicar mean? SUBSTITUTE! The pope has the unimaginable audacity to call himself a substitute for Christ! If this doesn't reek of antichrist I don't know what else does. Please think about it. Look how this man adorns himself and eats up the glory. Look at how the RCC claims that popes are without sin. The Bible says all have sinned. Who is telling the truth? God or a man?
Maybe you're confused. Maybe you're thinking "but Peter was the first pope and Jesus gave him authority!" Allow me to expose this lie that the RCC has been feeding their millions of followers.
Matthew 16:
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Please pay very close attention, because this verse debunks the entire foundations of Catholicism alone. The RCC was not the first church, and Peter was not a pope.
When Jesus mentions Peter, the original Greek word here is "Petros." Here is the definition:
Πέτρος
Petros
pet'-ros
Apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037); as a name, Petrus, an apostle: - Peter, rock. Compare G2786.
A piece of rock. Extremely clear.
Now, which "rock" is Jesus referring to next? The Greek:
πέτρα
petra
pet'-ra
Feminine of the same as G4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively): - rock.
Ooh, Jesus is using a different version of the English word "rock" here! He says His church will be built on a mass of rock! It's clear to see that Jesus is using a little play on words here. He calls Peter a little rock, and then states that He (Jesus) will build His church on a massive rock, himself. Let's get other examples of Christ being called the Rock.
Matthew 7:
[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
"Rock" in this passage is petra.
Luke 6:
[48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Petra again.
Romans 9:
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Again, petra. Let's lock this in with absolute certainty, shall we?
Matthew 23:
[8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
[9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
[10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
God Himself tells us not to call anyone on earth our father! How much clearer can this be? Note the Rabbi and Master context here. We can know that Jesus is referring to the word "father" as meaning a godly figure. There is one Rabbi, one Master, one Father. The God of Israel is our one and only Father! Not some man-appointed pope who has zero of the characteristics of Christ! Jesus lived a humble, simple life, and told the Truth given to Him by His Father. The popes exalt themselves and sit on a throne as a god while millions of people worship him! Can't you see the audacity of this? How do you think this makes the Holy One feel?
2 Thessalonians 2:
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
God's Holy Word is calling out the pope system to be the man of sin. One of the pope's titles is "Vicarius Filii Dei," which means Vicar of Christ. What does Vicar mean? SUBSTITUTE! The pope has the unimaginable audacity to call himself a substitute for Christ! If this doesn't reek of antichrist I don't know what else does. Please think about it. Look how this man adorns himself and eats up the glory. Look at how the RCC claims that popes are without sin. The Bible says all have sinned. Who is telling the truth? God or a man?
Maybe you're confused. Maybe you're thinking "but Peter was the first pope and Jesus gave him authority!" Allow me to expose this lie that the RCC has been feeding their millions of followers.
Matthew 16:
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Please pay very close attention, because this verse debunks the entire foundations of Catholicism alone. The RCC was not the first church, and Peter was not a pope.
When Jesus mentions Peter, the original Greek word here is "Petros." Here is the definition:
Πέτρος
Petros
pet'-ros
Apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037); as a name, Petrus, an apostle: - Peter, rock. Compare G2786.
A piece of rock. Extremely clear.
Now, which "rock" is Jesus referring to next? The Greek:
πέτρα
petra
pet'-ra
Feminine of the same as G4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively): - rock.
Ooh, Jesus is using a different version of the English word "rock" here! He says His church will be built on a mass of rock! It's clear to see that Jesus is using a little play on words here. He calls Peter a little rock, and then states that He (Jesus) will build His church on a massive rock, himself. Let's get other examples of Christ being called the Rock.
Matthew 7:
[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
"Rock" in this passage is petra.
Luke 6:
[48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Petra again.
Romans 9:
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Again, petra. Let's lock this in with absolute certainty, shall we?
1 Corinthians 10:
[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Rock, the foundation we are all built on, that nothing in the world can prevail over. Peter is a small rock, a fragment of the foundation we are all a part of through Christ. Christ is the cornerstone, Peter is like you and me!
With that being said, Peter was not a pope and he had no more authority then every true born again believer of Christ has! The RCC is lying to you.
I could go on further about the atrocities of the popes, but I have much more to write, and I want to maintain your attention!
Part 3 coming soon!
[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Rock, the foundation we are all built on, that nothing in the world can prevail over. Peter is a small rock, a fragment of the foundation we are all a part of through Christ. Christ is the cornerstone, Peter is like you and me!
With that being said, Peter was not a pope and he had no more authority then every true born again believer of Christ has! The RCC is lying to you.
I could go on further about the atrocities of the popes, but I have much more to write, and I want to maintain your attention!
Part 3 coming soon!
