Scripture Ref List for catholic faith!

Collection of verses..on various topics essential for catholic faith

Collection of verses..on various topics essential for catholic faith

[*]Religion: Isaiah 29:13, Colossians 2:8, James 1:27, Titus 3:9.

[*]Man can be Righteousness and perfect!!![*]1 Peter 2:24, 2 Samuel 22:33, Matthew 5:48, 1 Corinthians 13:10, Psalms 18:32, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 1:28, Genesis 6:8-9, James 3:2, Psalm 106:3, Hosea 10:12, Isaiah 3:10, Psalm 34:17, Proverbs 12:5, Proverbs 12:26, Acts 10:35, 1 John 2:29, Isaiah 51:1, Zephaniah 2:3, Titus 2:12, Ephesians 6:14, Deuteronomy 6:25

[*]Sacrament of Confirmation: Rev. 9:4, Heb. 6:2, Eph. 4:30, Acts 19:5-6, Acts 8:14-17, Heb. 6:2, John 6:27

[*]Holy Water Ex. 29:4, Ex. 30:18-19, Num. 5:17, John 13:4-10

[*]Holy Oil :Mark 6:13, James 5:14,

[*]Traditions :1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15

[*]Infant Baptism :Acts 2:38-39, 1 Cor 1:16, Acts 11:13-14, Acts 16:15, Acts 18:8, Col 2:11-12, Mk 10:13-16, Jn 3:5, Mt 28:19, Mk 16:16, Acts 16:33, Act 2:39, Act 2:42, Luke 18:17,Genesis18:18,Mathew 19:29,Numbers 8;11,Luke19:9,Acts11:14,Acts 16:31,Colosians2:11-13,Romans 2:13,Romans 3:20,Romans 4:2-3,James2:21-23,mark2:3-12,Ezekiel 18 :1-4,1 Timothy 2:4,Acts 10:44-48,mark 16:16,1 Peter 3:21,Romans 6:1-11, Acts 2:38-39 , 1 Cor 7, Ezekiel 36:25, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Malachi 2:15, Ephesians 6:7-8, Matthew 15:8, Psalms 14:1-3, Ephesians 6:4, Ephesians 2:10
[*]Priests as "Father"[*] 1 Cor 4:14-16, Gen. 45:8, Is. 22:20–21, Romans 9:10, 1 Cor. 4:14–15, 2 Tim. 2:1-2, Genesis 17:4, Exodus 40:15, Leviticus 16:32, Judges 18:19, 1 Samuel 2:28, 1 Samuel 2:30, Judges 17:10, 1 Chronicles 17:13, 1 Chronicles 25:6, Hebrews 7:3, Romans 4:17, Romans 4:18, 1 Corinthians 4:15

[*]Catholic Church is biblical an 2:44, Isa 2:2-3, Joel 3:17, Hag 2:7-10, Zech 8:3, Ex 18:19-23, Isa 22:20-22, Ex 4:12, Deut 4:1, Ex 25:8, Ex 40:9, Lev 24:1-4, Ex 25:9, Ex 26:1, Ex 27:1, Ex 28:1, Ex 28, Ex 7:8-13, Mal 1:11, Gen 12:2-3, Isa 18:3, Matt 16:18, Acts 2:46, Acts 2:41, Acts 5:14, Acts 6:7, Acts 2:42, Luke 1:9-10, Rev 8:3-4, Acts 13:44, Eph 4:11, Ephesians 3:21, Psalms 127:1, Numbers 18:35, 1Corinthians 11:27-29
[*]Virgin Mary :Is 7:14, Lk 1:26-27, Luk.1:48, Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:41-43, Revelation 11:19-12:2, Revelation 12:17, Gal. 4:4, Lk. 1:16-18

[*]Why Protestantism will never last Psalms 127:1, Matthew 16:18, Mark 3:24-25, 1Corinthians 1:13, Romans 1:18, Revelation 21:27, Revelation 22:15, 2Timothy 4:3-4, Romans 13:1-2

[*]Persecution of catholic church foretold Matthew 5:11-12, Luke 6:26, Isaiah 41:10-11, Jeremiah 1:19, 2Samuel 7:12-16, Daniel 2:44, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 5:38-39

[*]There is only one GOD, one Father, one Jesus Christ, one Savior, one Shepherd, one Lord, one High Priest, one Holy Spirit to guide the one Church that Jesus Christ founded, which is the one Body of Christ. There is only one cornerstone and one foundation. There is only one visible head of Christ's Church on earth, and there is only one authority which was given to that one Church. There is only one Word, one truth, one Scripture, one infallible interpretation of that one Scripture, one hope, one faith, and one Baptism. We are to be of one mind, be one in spirit, and speak with one mouth in unity. Psalms 27:1, 1Corinthians 3:11, Hebrews 13:17, John 10:1-2, John 10:16, 1Peter 4:17, 2Peter 2:1, 1Corinthians 14:33, Luke 11:23, Acts 5:29, 2John 1:9, Romans 10:15., John 20:21, Hebrews 5:4

[*]The catholic church foundation Genesis 4:1, Genesis 2:21-24, 1Corinthians 15:45, Jeremiah 16:9, John 3:28-29, Revelation 18:23, 19:7-8, 21:9, John 19:34, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:1-47

[*]Confessing sins to man Leviticus 4:20, Leviticus 4:26, Leviticus 4:35, Leviticus 4:32, Leviticus 5:5-6, Leviticus 7:7, Leviticus 16:32, Leviticus 19:20-22, Numbers 6:11, Numbers 15:25, Numbers 15:28, Matthew 18:18, John 20:21-23, Matthew 10:40, 2Corinthians 5:17-20, 2Corinthians 2:10, Matthew 9:5-8

[*]We Kneel before our GOD 1Kings 8:54, 2Chronicles 6:13-14, Ezra 9:5, Psalm 95:6-7, Isaiah 45:24, Daniel 6:10,10:9-10, Matthew 2:11,17:14, Mark 1:40,10:17, Luke 22:41, Acts 9:40,20:36,21:5, Rom 14:11, Ephesians 3:14, Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 14:10-11

[*]The papacy is scriptural Genesis 41:39-42, Rev 3:7-8, Isaiah 22:20-24, Ex 28:3-4., 1Macc 10:20, Matt 23:2, Lev 16:2, Job 12:13-14, John 21:15-17, John 20:22-23, Exodus 18:13-26, Numbers 11:14-17, Deut 17:8-12, Ex 28:30, Prov 11:14, Prov 19:20, Isa 16:3, 1Macc 8:15-16, Prov 11:14, Matt. 10:1-2, Matt. 16:18-19, Luke 22:31-32, John 21:15-17

[*]Incense :Genesis8:20-21,Levi 2:9,psamls141:2,Luke1:9-10.

[*]Lamp stand/Candle: Hebrews9:2,2macabees 10:3,Exodus30:7-8.

[*]Intercession of the Saints: Psalm 103, Ps. 103:20–21, Rev. 5:8, Psalm 30:4, Psalm 132:16, Romans 8:27, Ephesians 6:18, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:4, 1 Kings 13:6, Ephesians 2:19

[*]Are Catholics born again: Matt 7:21,Titus3:5, Mark 11:30,John3:5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5, Num 8:5-6, Ezek 36:24-27, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16,

[*]Divisions: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Matthew 12:25, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, Romans 16:17-18

[*]Catholics worship Mary: Revelation 18:20, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:27, Luke 1:30, Acts 9:15

[*]The importance and respect for the Bread /Eucharist in Church :John 6:53-55, 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:27, 1 Samuel 21:4, Psalm 104:15, Matthew 14:19-21, Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 11:23-24, 1 Corinthians 10:17, Proverbs 4:17, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 4:14

[*]Holy Eucharist: Exodus 12:1-22, Matthew 26:26, Matthew 26:27-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:53, John 6:32-33, John 6:47, 1Cor 10:16, 1Cor 11:23, 1Cor 11:23-26, Luke 24:13-35

[*]Our Bodies are members of Christ! 1 Corinthians 6:15-18, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 3:15-17 , I Thessalonians 5:23, Ephesians 5:3,4

[*]Sickness also tends to bring people to prayer!. James 5:14, Hosea 4:6, James 5:15:, Joshua 2, Genesis 7:1, Genesis 22:17-18

[*]Praying for saints: Psalm 30:4, Psalm 52:9, Psalm 116:15, Psalm 132:16, Psalm 148:14, Psalm 149:1, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27, Romans 1:7, Romans 8:27, 1 Corinthians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 16:15, 2 Corinthians 8:4, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 3:18, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:21, Colossians 1:4, Colossians 1:12, Colossians 1:26, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4

[*]Parables [/b]:Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10

Carnal Church and its Teachings!

Many people have started false churches in the name of God.  Carnal church has created a form of entertainment that attracts carnally-minded people .Too many churches have become nothing more than social clubs, entertainment centers, activity centers of sports like Golf, etc and gossip forums. Many of the church worship services are nothing more than rock concert and have become a business for many people. Some churches even require speaking in tongues as evidence of salvation. When the Bible speaks of "tongues," is always   referring to a known earthly language never some mysterious, unknown, ununderstandable language without an of an interpreter.

 God wanted to reach the world with Godliness but today’s churches are filled with greedy wealthy carnal preachers who reach the people to lure young people to come to church with worldliness by tampering with the Word of God by strengthening the hands of evildoers, they justify their disobedience to the Word of God by twisting the Scriptures to justify their lifestyle. They preach the doctrine of devils by preaching the false gospel. “In Jeremiah 23:14 Says But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” They keep one foot in Gods word and another foot in devils world. They enjoy everything in the world like heathens yet they say they are Christians? These are the false teachers who are carnal in nature who have come into the churches with their books, music, literature, movies, psychology, and seminars, and have turned the Father's house into a den of thieves. Some of the preachers even defend such false preachers and pastors because they themselves are living in rebellion or wickedness, and they want the people to join them in their rebellion and wickedness.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's Table, and of the table of devils.1 Corinthians 10:21

Anyone who claims as a Christian yet follows world ways are not a true Christian Because 1st John 2:15 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

These carnal false preachers are living a life of luxurious, driving brand new cars, having big houses making frequent trips to Europe, Hawaii, Holy land etc on vacation in the name of preaching the gospel while most of his church members can barely afford to have a health insurance or can barely afford to drive to the next town have to finance pastor’s selfish interests in the form of donation or tithing? Philippians 3:18-19, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Some of them even teach new doctrines about tithing and add a undue financial stress to the church members by pressuring them to give what they don't have .With lesser paying jobs  , property taxes  increasing tremendously, health care premiums soaring, and a cost of  living increasing to the sky , people being laid off from the jobs . People struggle for existence and survival in this tight economy. The world today is filled with carnal apostles.. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..." (2nd Timothy 3:5). Proverb 28:4, "They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contends with them." The Bible speaks of those that are "double-minded," and warns that they are "unstable" in all their ways and receive nothing from the Lord (James 1:7, 8).

 A true Preacher will be normal person not living  wealthy like a carnal false preacher, will tell the people the truth and he stands uncompromisingly against the works of flesh, expose their sins, errors, darkness and works of Satan. Such true preachers are falsely accused of being legalistic, narrow-minded, sinner, teacher of false doctrine, judgmental, self righteous and unloving. The truth they preach with all humility is quite offensive to the people who are living in fleshy desires. Some passages of Scripture seem to forbid judging, while others clearly require it. God hates hypocritical judging. But God loves righteous judgment on the part of His children. Godly people will be ridiculed by their friends and families for their Christian beliefs & teachings. They are accused and described as Paranoids, self righteous, judgmental fanatics, narrow-minded, extreme, ridiculous, "sinners" & as teaching the "doctrine of devils.

 But a Carnal false preacher will be silent concerning the sins, wickedness, and legalizing all the evil things which god told not to do it. Some are even afraid to publicly take a stand, suppress the truth and their Gospel message never leaves the comfortable zones of their church walls. God hates lukewarm Christianity (Revelation 3:14-16).

We also know that Jesus hates wickedness in Hebrews 1:9: You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." His heart is grieved over those who sin and Jesus hates the sin within each one of us. Jesus hated sin so much that He went to the cross to do away with sin. We mustn't make excuses for our sins nor should we hide our sins (Psalm 32:5) but we should confess our sins to the Father (1 John 1:9) and remain in faith in Jesus who alone can wash our sins away.

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7) Holy Spirit convicts people of their of sin and righteousness but evil spirit justifies and defends their sin.  True Christians are led by the Spirit of God and live a life of holiness but carnal Christians claim to be saved Christians profess godliness but not practicing in actions .They do merely do lip service of repentance. .They  partly serve God yet they  do not have the fruits of the spirit but have   the evidence of works of flesh   such as adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness, drunkenness, alcohol and drugs, addictions such as smoking, pornography, gambling, sexual perversion, lying cheating , stealing using profane language etc. .Such carnal Christians have no fear of God (Matt 7:21-23) which the Bible says is a sign of an unregenerate mind (Romans 3:18) a rebellious and stiff-necked people prone to sin. They quench the Holy Spirit and listen to the evil spirit and disobey God’s commandments. There are few others who think that by saying formula of sinners prayer will save them without being genuinely repented of their sins. Some false preachers say that you can gladly receive Christ without following Him or without obeying his commandments they strengthen the hands of evildoers, comforting them in their sin rather than calling them to repentance humble themselves to turn from sin. Having a right relationship with God begins with acknowledging your sin. God is love (1 John 4:8), but God also punishes the sinner and hates all who do iniquity. To sin is to break God's Law and offend His character. Next comes a humble confession of your sin to God (Isaiah 57:15) and a determination to forsake the sin.

True repentance is that we must first acknowledge our sins or wrong doing in our heart and have sincere remorse or regret about one’s wrong doing. Then the Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus Christ by convicting us of sin which produces a life of holiness and righteousness that comes by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As a result of false teachings by carnal preachers  who are wolf in sheep's clothing, deceiving many.,  have assured people  that they have been born-again  they do not need to repent of their sins  which  has made easier for people to sin, or to explain their sin, or to excuse their sin. No truly born again Christian can live their lives in continual, habitual sin. Many of today’s churches have a false conversions, false gospels with contradictions, confusions, divisions, hypocrisy, lukewormness, false repentance which proceeds from momentary emotions and feelings. They confess that there is sin but they fail to acknowledge sins in their lives and are controlled by the sins without any grief or true repentance. People have become stiff necked materialistic and self-willed can’t deal with criticism anymore. They rationalize evil into good and are easily offended, intolerant of the truth when some one preaches against sin or rebukes their sinful lifestyle. Such carnal people say that it’s unloving to tell people that they are sinners. Such people   have no genuine faith.

If any one profess to know God, and His Son Jesus Christ. They will be busy in seeking his will in every area of their life not yielding to their personal opinion but for Gods opinion. The Bible commands men to depart from all sin, to keep God's commandments, to be holy because God is holy, and to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. The Bible teaches that all men ought to live without sin and that they can live without sin by God's grace and the power of his indwelling Holy Spirit and by the Blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible also teaches that Christians do live without sin and can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We have been commanded by God to live lives of holiness, set apart from the world. Awake to righteousness, and sin not 1 Cor. 15:34

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." -1st Timothy 6:10, 11 

We remember Jezebel in Thyatira called herself a "prophetess." she was a false prophet.  Her teachings taught that it was all right for Christians to indulge in sexual immorality and in idolatry. Do not be a lukewarm Christian rebuke the sin, judge righteously. One does not need to have lived all his life without sin in order to rebuke others. Jesus knew His disciples had committed sins, yet he still ordered them to rebuke sin (Matthew 18:15, Ephesians 5:11, John 7:24, James 5:19, 20).If we fail to rebuke others when they sin, then we ourselves have committed the sin of disobeying the above verses. We learn that the Bible forbids certain kinds of judgment, but it also requires us to rebuke sin in order to help people please God and be saved. God commands everyone to repent and believe in the true Gospel it is our duty, responsibility to obey. Failure to do so is sin .There are some Preachers quit preaching against sins and some preachers themselves live in sin henceforth allowed sinners to stop feeling like sinners which allowed the sinner to continue to live in sin and justifying their sins hence they hardly repent for their sins.

Christian churches stand guilty before Christ for perverting the Gospel, because they teach the doctrine of Balaam, putting a stumbling block of sin before people, seducing people into sin, deceiving people into believing, even with God's Spirit, it is still spiritually impossible to live one's live without breaking God's commandments, and to teach people they can continue to sin without sin's consequences, and receiving the judgment of Christ and that Rom. 6:23 does not apply to their sins. Lasciviousness is shameless conduct that breaks God's Commandments without shame, or repentance, and creates a false obedience of teaching that does not recognize sin, nor defines sin as God's Word defines sin.

True repentance is turning from sin, and turning from sin means to stop sinning, then a person must live a sinless life in order to be saved. Jesus Christ began His ministry of preaching the Gospel by teaching the doctrine of repentance (Mat. 4:17), and everyone that does not repent of his sins which is the breaking of God's commandments cannot enter His Kingdom. Christ later said and taught everyone that does not repent will perish, Luke 13: 3.

If all these Christian Preachers and members don’t repent of these sins, and begin now to teach, preach and obey the true Gospel, they all will soon come under the curse of God--the coming tribulation of the great and dreadful Day of the Lord. Mal. 4:1-4, Mat. 3:10-12, Rev. 2:14-15. I Peter 4:17, says " For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?" When you follow the desires of your Sinful Nature, your lives will produce these Evil Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[a] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. “Galatians 5:19–21.

Source: Please visit my other articles written on similar topics.God bless!

One Hundred Fifty Reasons I'm Catholic

By Dave Armstrong

1. Best One-Sentence Summary: I am convinced that the Catholic Church conforms much more closely to all of the biblical data, offers the only coherent view of the history of Christianity (i.e., Christian, apostolic Tradition), and possesses the most profound and sublime Christian morality, spirituality, social ethic, and philosophy.
2. Alternate: I am a Catholic because I sincerely believe, by virtue of much cumulative evidence, that Catholicism is true, and that the Catholic Church is the visible Church divinely-established by our Lord Jesus, against which the gates of hell cannot and will not prevail (Mt 16:1, thereby possessing an authority to which I feel bound in Christian duty to submit.
3. 2nd Alternate: I left Protestantism because it was seriously deficient in its interpretation of the Bible (e.g., "faith alone" and many other "Catholic" doctrines - see evidences below), inconsistently selective in its espousal of various Catholic Traditions (e.g., the Canon of the Bible), inadequate in its ecclesiology, lacking a sensible view of Christian history (e.g., "Scripture alone"), compromised morally (e.g., contraception, divorce), and unbiblically schismatic, anarchical, and relativistic. I don't therefore believe that Protestantism is all bad (not by a long shot), but these are some of the major deficiencies I eventually saw as fatal to the "theory" of Protestantism, over against Catholicism. All Catholics must regard baptized, Nicene, Chalcedonian Protestants as Christians.
4. Catholicism isn't formally divided and sectarian (Jn 17:20-23; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 1:10-13).
5. Catholic unity makes Christianity and Jesus more believable to the world (Jn 17:23).
6. Catholicism, because of its unified, complete, fully supernatural Christian vision, mitigates against secularization and humanism.
7. Catholicism avoids an unbiblical individualism which undermines Christian community (e.g., 1 Cor 12:25-26).
8. Catholicism avoids theological relativism, by means of dogmatic certainty and the centrality of the papacy.
9. Catholicism avoids ecclesiological anarchism - one cannot merely jump to another denomination when some disciplinary measure or censure is called for.
10. Catholicism formally (although, sadly, not always in practice) prevents the theological relativism which leads to the uncertainties within the Protestant system among laypeople.
11. Catholicism rejects the "State Church," which has led to governments dominating Christianity rather than vice-versa.
12. Protestant State Churches greatly influenced the rise of nationalism, which mitigated against universal equality and Christian universalism (i.e., Catholicism).
13. Unified Catholic Christendom (before the 16th century) had not been plagued by the tragic religious wars which in turn led to the "Enlightenment," in which men rejected the hypocrisy of inter-Christian warfare and decided to become indifferent to religion rather than letting it guide their lives.
14. Catholicism retains the elements of mystery, supernatural, and the sacred in Christianity, thus opposing itself to secularization, where the sphere of the religious in life becomes greatly limited.
15. Protestant individualism led to the privatization of Christianity, whereby it is little respected in societal and political life, leaving the "public square" barren of Christian influence.
16. The secular false dichotomy of "church vs. world" has led committed orthodox Christians, by and large, to withdraw from politics, leaving a void filled by pagans, cynics, unscrupulous, and power-hungry. Catholicism offers a framework in which to approach the state and civic responsibility.
17. Protestantism leans too much on mere traditions of men (every denomination stems from one Founder's vision. As soon as two or more of these contradict each other, error is necessarily present).
18. Protestant churches (esp. evangelicals), are far too often guilty of putting their pastors on too high of a pedestal. In effect, every pastor becomes a "pope," to varying degrees (some are "super-popes"). Because of this, evangelical congregations often experience a severe crisis and/or split up when a pastor leaves, thus proving that their philosophy is overly man-centered, rather than God-centered.
19. Protestantism, due to lack of real authority and dogmatic structure, is tragically prone to accommodation to the spirit of the age, and moral faddism.
20. Catholicism retains apostolic succession, necessary to know what is true Christian apostolic Tradition. It was the criterion of Christian truth used by the early Christians.
21. Many Protestants take a dim view towards Christian history in general, esp. the years from 313 (Constantine's conversion) to 1517 (Luther's arrival). This ignorance and hostility to Catholic Tradition leads to theological relativism, anti-Catholicism, and a constant, unnecessary process of "reinventing the wheel."
22. Protestantism from its inception was anti-Catholic, and remains so to this day (esp. evangelicalism). This is obviously wrong and unbiblical if Catholicism is indeed Christian (if it isn't, then - logically - neither is Protestantism, which inherited the bulk of its theology from Catholicism). The Catholic Church, on the other hand, is not anti-Protestant.
23. The Catholic Church accepts the authority of the great Ecumenical Councils (see, e.g., Acts 15) which defined and developed Christian doctrine (much of which Protestantism also accepts).
24. Most Protestants do not have bishops, a Christian office which is biblical (1 Tim 3:1-2) and which has existed from the earliest Christian history and Tradition.
25. Protestantism has no way of settling doctrinal issues definitively. At best, the individual Protestant can only take a head count of how many Protestant scholars, commentators, etc. take such-and-such a view on Doctrine X, Y, or Z. There is no unified Protestant Tradition.
26. Protestantism arose in 1517, and is a "Johnny-come-lately" in the history of Christianity. Therefore it cannot possibly be the "restoration" of "pure", "primitive" Christianity, since this is ruled out by the fact of its absurdly late appearance. Christianity must have historic continuity or it is not Christianity. Protestantism is necessarily a "parasite" of Catholicism, historically and doctrinally speaking.
27. The Protestant notion of the "invisible church" is also novel in the history of Christianity and foreign to the Bible (Mt 5:14; Mt 16:1, therefore untrue.
28. When Protestant theologians speak of the teaching of early Christianity (e.g., when refuting "cults"), they say "the Church taught . . ." (as it was then unified), but when they refer to the present they instinctively and inconsistently refrain from such terminology, since universal teaching authority now clearly resides only in the Catholic Church.
29. The Protestant principle of private judgment has created a milieu (esp. in Protestant America) in which (invariably) man-centered "cults" such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, and Christian Science arise. The very notion that one can "start" a new, or "the true" Church is Protestant to the core.
30. The lack of a definitive teaching authority in Protestant (as with the Catholic magisterium) makes many individual Protestants think that they have a direct line to God, notwithstanding all of Christian Tradition and the history of biblical exegesis (a "Bible, Holy Spirit and me" mentality). Such people are generally under-educated theologically, unteachable, lack humility, and have no business making presumed "infallible" statements about the nature of Christianity.
31. Evangelicalism's "techniques" of evangelism are often contrived and manipulative, certainly not directly derived from the text of the Bible. Some even resemble brainwashing to a degree.
32. The gospel preached by many evangelical Protestant evangelists and pastors is a truncated and abridged, individualistic and ear-tickling gospel, in effect merely "fire insurance" rather than the biblical gospel as proclaimed by the Apostles.
33. Evangelicalism often separates profound, life-transforming repentance and radical discipleship from its gospel message. The Lutheran Bonhoeffer called this "cheap grace."
34. The absence of the idea of submission to spiritual authority in Protestantism has leaked over into the civic arena, where the ideas of personal "freedom," "rights," and "choice" now dominate to such an extent that civic duty, communitarianism, and discipline are tragically neglected, to the detriment of a healthy society.
35. Catholicism retains the sense of the sacred, the sublime, the holy, and the beautiful in spirituality. The ideas of altar, and "sacred space" are preserved. Many Protestant churches are no more than "meeting halls" or "gymnasiums" or "barn"-type structures. Most Protestants' homes are more esthetically striking than their churches. Likewise, Protestants are often "addicted to mediocrity" in their appreciation of art, music, architecture, drama, the imagination, etc.
36. Protestantism has largely neglected the place of liturgy in worship (with notable exceptions such as Anglicanism and Lutheranism). This is the way Christians had always worshiped down through the centuries, and thus can't be so lightly dismissed.
37. Protestantism tends to oppose matter and spirit, favoring the latter, and is somewhat Gnostic or Docetic in this regard.
38. Catholicism upholds the "incarnational principle," wherein Jesus became flesh and thus raised flesh and matter to new spiritual heights.
39. Protestantism greatly limits or disbelieves in sacramentalism, which is simply the extension of the incarnational principle and the belief that matter can convey grace. Some sects (e.g., Baptists, many Pentecostals) reject all sacraments.
40. Protestants' excessive mistrust of the flesh ("carnality") often leads to (in evangelicalism or fundamentalism) an absurd legalism (no dancing, drinking, card-playing, rock music, etc.).
41. Many Protestants tend to separate life into categories of "spiritual" and "carnal," as if God is not Lord of all of life. It forgets that all non-sinful endeavors are ultimately spiritual.
42. Protestantism has removed the Eucharist from the center and focus of Christian worship services. Some Protestants observe it only monthly, or even quarterly. This is against the Tradition of the early Church.
43. Most Protestants regard the Eucharist symbolically, which is contrary to universal Christian Tradition up to 1517, and the Bible (Mt 26:26-28; Jn 6:47-63; 1 Cor 10:14-22; 1 Cor 11:23-30), which hold to the Real Presence (another instance of the antipathy to matter).
44. Protestantism has virtually ceased to regard marriage as a sacrament, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Mt 19:4-5; 1 Cor 7:14; 1 Cor 7:39; Eph 5:25-33).
45. Protestantism has abolished the priesthood (Mt 18:1 and the sacrament of ordination, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Acts 6:6; Acts 14:22; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6).
46. Catholicism retains the Pauline notion of the spiritual practicality of a celibate clergy (e.g., Mt 19:12, 1 Cor 7:8, 1 Cor 7:27, 1 Cor 7:32-33).
47. Protestantism has largely rejected the sacrament of confirmation (Acts 8:18, Heb 6:2-4), contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible.
48. Many Protestants have denied infant baptism, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Acts 2:38-39; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 1:16; Col 2:11-12). Protestantism is divided into five major camps on the question of baptism.
49. The great majority of Protestants deny baptismal regeneration, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Mk 16:16; Jn 3:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 3:5).
50. Protestants have rejected the sacrament of anointing of the sick (Extreme Unction / "Last Rites"), contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Mk 6:13; 1 Cor 12:9, 1 Cor 12:30; Jas 5:14-15).
51. Protestantism denies the indissolubility of sacramental marriage and allows divorce, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Gen 2:24; Mal 2:14-16; Mt 5:32; Mat 19:6, Mat 19:9; Mk 10:11-12; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:10-14; 1 Cor 7:39).
52. Protestantism doesn't believe procreation to be the primary purpose and benefit of marriage (it isn't part of the vows, as in Catholic matrimony), contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Gen 1:28; Gen 28:3, Ps 107:38; Ps 127:3-5).
53. Protestantism sanctions contraception, in defiance of universal Christian Tradition (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant) up until 1930 - when the Anglicans first allowed it - and the Bible (Gen 38:8-10; Gen 41:52; Ex 23:25-26; Lev 26:9; Deut 7:14; Ruth 4:13; Lk 1:24-25). Now, only Catholicism retains the ancient Tradition against the "anti-child" mentality.
54. Protestantism (mostly its liberal wing) has accepted abortion as a moral option, contrary to universal Christian Tradition until recently (sometime after 1930), and the Bible (e.g., Ex 20:13; Job 31:15; Ps 139:13-16; Isa 44:2; Isa 49:5; Jer 1:5; Jer 2:34; Lk 1:15; Lk 1:41; Rom 13:9-10).
55. Protestantism (largely liberal denominations) allow women pastors (and even bishops, as in Anglicanism), contrary to Christian Tradition (inc. traditional Protestant theology) and the Bible (Mt 10:1-4; 1 Tim 2:11-15; 1 Tim 3:1-12; Titus 1:6).
56. Protestantism is, more and more, formally and officially compromising with currently fashionable radical feminism, which denies the roles of men and women, as taught in the Bible (Gen 2:18-23; 1 Cor 11:3-10) and maintained by Christian Tradition (differentiation of roles, but not of equality).
57. Protestantism is also currently denying, with increasing frequency, the headship of the husband in marriage, which is based upon the headship of the Father over the Son (while equal in essence) in the Trinity, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22-33; Col 3:18-19; 1 Pet 3:1-2). This too, is based on a relationship of equality (1 Cor 11:11-12; Gal 3:28; Eph 5:21).
58. Liberal Protestantism (most notably Anglicanism) has even ordained practicing homosexuals as pastors and blessed their "marriages," or taught that homosexuality is merely an involuntary, "alternate" lifestyle, contrary to formerly universal Christian Tradition, as the Bible clearly teaches (Gen 19:4-25; Rom 1:18-27; 1 Cor 6:9). Catholicism stands firm on traditional morality.
59. Liberal Protestantism, and evangelicalism increasingly, have accepted "higher critical" methods of biblical interpretation which lead to the destruction of the traditional Christian reverence for the Bible, and demote it to the status of largely a human, fallible document, to the detriment of its divine, infallible essence.
60. Many liberal Protestants have thrown out many cardinal doctrines of Christianity, such as the Incarnation, Virgin Birth, the Bodily Resurrection of Christ, the Trinity, Original Sin, hell, the existence of the devil, miracles, etc.
61. The founders of Protestantism denied, and Calvinists today deny, the reality of human free will (Luther's favorite book was his Bondage of the Will). This is both contrary to the constant premise of the Bible, Christian Tradition, and common sense.
62. Classical Protestantism had a deficient view of the Fall of Man, thinking that the result was "total depravity." According to Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Calvinists, man could only do evil of his own volition, and had no free will to do good. He now has a "sin nature." Catholicism believes that, in a mysterious way, man cooperates with the grace which always precedes all good actions. In Catholicism, man's nature still retains some good, although he has a propensity to sin ("concupiscence").
63. Classical Protestantism, and Calvinism today, make God the author of evil. He supposedly wills that men do evil and violate His precepts without having any free will to do so. This is blasphemous, and turns God into a demon.
64. Accordingly (man having no free will), God, in classical Protestant and Calvinist thought, predestines men to hell, although they had no choice or say in the matter all along!
65. Classical Protestantism and Calvinism, teach falsely that Jesus died only for the elect (i.e., those who will make it to heaven).
66. Classical Protestantism (esp. Luther), and Calvinism, due to their false view of the Fall, deny the efficacy and capacity of human reason to know God to some extent (both sides agree that revelation and grace are also necessary), and oppose it to God and faith, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Mk 12:28; Lk 10:27; Jn 20:24-29; Acts 1:3; Acts 17:2, Acts 17:17, Acts 17:22-34; Acts 19:. The best Protestant apologists today simply hearken back to the Catholic heritage of St. Aquinas, St. Augustine, and many other great thinkers.
67. Pentecostal or charismatic Protestantism places much too high an emphasis on spiritual experience, not balancing it properly with reason, the Bible, and Tradition (including the authority of the Church to pronounce on the validity of "private revelations").
68. Other Protestants (e.g., many Baptists) deny that spiritual gifts such as healing are present in the current age (supposedly they ceased with the apostles).
69. Protestantism has contradictory views of church government, or ecclesiology (episcopal, Presbyterian, congregational, or no collective authority at all), thus making discipline, unity and order impossible. Some sects even claim to have "apostles" or "prophets" among them, with all the accompanying abuses of authority resulting therefrom.
70. Protestantism (esp. evangelicalism) has an undue fascination for the "end of the world," which has led to unbiblical date-setting (Mt 24:30-44; Mt 25:13; Lk 12:39-40) and much human tragedy among those who are taken in by such false prophecies.
71. Evangelicalism's over-emphasis on the "imminent end" of the age has often led to a certain "pie-in-the sky" mentality, to the detriment of social, political, ethical, and economic sensibilities here on earth.
72. Protestant thought has the defining characteristic of being "dichotomous," i.e., it separates ideas into more or less exclusive and mutually-hostile camps, when in fact many of the dichotomies are simply complementary rather than contradictory. Protestantism is "either-or," whereas Catholicism takes a "both-and" approach. Examples follow:
73. Protestantism pits the Word (the Bible, preaching) against sacraments.
74. Protestantism sets up inner devotion and piety against the Liturgy.
75. Protestantism opposes spontaneous worship to form prayers.
76. Protestantism separates the Bible from the Church.
77. Protestantism creates the false dichotomy of Bible vs. Tradition.
78. Protestantism pits Tradition against the Holy Spirit.
79. Protestantism considers Church authority and individual liberty and conscience contradictory.
80. Protestantism (esp. Luther) sets up the Old Testament against the New Testament, even though Jesus did not do so (Mt 5:17-19; Mk 7:8-11; Lk 24:27; Lk 24:44; Jn 5:45-47).
81. On equally unbiblical grounds, Protestantism opposes law to grace.
82. Protestantism creates a false dichotomy between symbolism and sacramental reality (e.g., baptism, Eucharist).
83. Protestantism separates the Individual from Christian community (1 Cor 12:14-27).
84. Protestantism pits the veneration of saints against the worship of God. Catholic theology doesn't permit worship of saints in the same fashion as that directed towards God. Saints are revered and honored, not adored, as only God the Creator can be.
85. The anti-historical outlook of many Protestants leads to individuals thinking that the Holy Spirit is speaking to them, but has not, in effect, spoken to the multitudes of Christians for 1500 years before Protestantism began!
86. Flaws in original Protestant thought have led to even worse errors in reaction. E.g., extrinsic justification, devised to assure the predominance of grace, came to prohibit any outward sign of its presence ("faith vs. works," "sola fide"). Calvinism, with its cruel God, turned men off to such an extent that they became Unitarians (as in New England). Many founders of cults of recent origin started out Calvinist (Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, The Way International, etc.).
87. Evangelicalism is unbiblically obsessed (in typically American fashion) with celebrities (TV Evangelists).
88. Evangelicalism is infatuated with the false idea that great numbers in a congregation (or rapid growth) are a sign of God's presence in a special way, and His unique blessing. They forget that Mormonism is also growing by leaps and bounds. God calls us to faithfulness rather than to "success," obedience, not flattering statistics.
89. Evangelicalism often emphasizes numerical growth rather than individual spiritual growth.
90. Evangelicalism is presently obsessed with self-fulfillment, self-help, and oftentimes, outright selfishness, rather than the traditional Christian stress on suffering, sacrifice, and service.
91. Evangelicalism has a truncated and insufficient view of the place of suffering in the Christian life. Instead, "health-and-wealth" and "name-it-and-claim-it" movements within Pentecostal Protestantism are flourishing, which have a view of possessions not in harmony with the Bible and Christian Tradition.
92. Evangelicalism has, by and large, adopted a worldview which is, in many ways, more capitalist than Christian. Wealth and personal gain is sought more than godliness, and is seen as a proof of God's favor, as in Puritan, and secularized American thought, over against the Bible and Christian teaching.
93. Evangelicalism is increasingly tolerating far-left political outlooks not in accord with Christian views, esp. at its seminaries and colleges.
94. Evangelicalism is increasingly tolerating theological heterodoxy and liberalism, to such an extent that many evangelical leaders are alarmed, and predict a further decay of orthodox standards.
95. "Positive confession" movements in Pentecostal evangelicalism have adopted views of God (in effect) as a "cosmic bellhop," subject to man's frivolous whims and desires of the moment, thus denying God's absolute sovereignty and prerogative to turn down any of man's improper prayer requests (Jas 4:3; 1 Jn 5:14).
96. The above sects usually teach that anyone can be healed who has enough "faith," contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (e.g., Job, St. Paul's "thorn in the flesh," usu. considered a disease by most Protestant commentators).
97. Evangelicalism, by its own self-critiques, is badly infected with pragmatism, the false philosophical view that "whatever works is true, or right." The gospel, esp. on TV, is sold in the same way that McDonalds hawks hamburgers. Technology, mass-market and public relations techniques have largely replaced personal pastoral care and social concern for the downtrodden, irreligious, and unchurched masses.
98. Sin, in evangelicalism, is increasingly seen as a psychological failure or a lack of self-esteem, rather than the willful revolt against God that it is.
99. Protestantism, in all essential elements, merely borrows wholesale from Catholic Tradition, or distorts the same. All doctrines upon which Catholics and Protestants agree, are clearly Catholic in origin (Trinity, Virgin Birth, Resurrection, 2nd Coming, Canon of the Bible, heaven, hell, etc.). Those where Protestantism differs are usually distortions of Catholic forerunners. E.g., Quakerism is a variant of Catholic Quietism. Calvinism is an over-obsession with the Catholic idea of the sovereignty of God, but taken to lengths beyond what Catholicism ever taught (denial of free will, total depravity, double predestination, etc.). Protestant dichotomies such as faith vs. works, come from nominalism, which was itself a corrupt form of Scholasticism, never dogmatically sanctioned by the Catholic Church. Whatever life or truth is present in each Protestant idea, always is derived from Catholicism, which is the fulfillment of the deepest and best aspirations within Protestantism.
100. One of Protestantism's foundational principles is sola Scriptura, which is neither a biblical (see below), historical (nonexistent until the 16th century), nor logical (it's self-defeating) idea:
101. The Bible doesn't contain the whole of Jesus' teaching, or Christianity, as many Protestants believe (Mk 4:33; Mk 6:34; Lk 24:15-16; Lk 24:25-27; Jn 16:12; Jn 20:30; Jn 21:25; Acts 1:2-3).
102. Sola Scriptura is an abuse of the Bible, since it is a use of the Bible contrary to its explicit and implicit testimony about itself and Tradition. An objective reading of the Bible leads one to Tradition and the Catholic Church, rather than the opposite. The Bible is, in fact, undeniably a Christian Tradition itself!
103. The NT was neither written nor received as the Bible at first, but only gradually so (i.e., early Christianity couldn't have believed in sola Scriptura like current Protestants, unless it referred to the OT alone).
104. Tradition is not a bad word in the Bible. Gk. paradosis refers to something handed on from one to another (good or bad). Good (Christian) Tradition is spoken of in 1 Cor 11:2; 2 Thess 2:15, 2 Thess 3:6, and Col 2:8. In the latter it is contrasted with traditions of men.
105. Christian Tradition, according to the Bible, can be oral as well as written (2 Thess 2:15; 2 Tim 1:13-14; 2 Tim 2:2). St. Paul makes no qualitative distinction between the two forms.
106. The phrases "word of God" or "word of the Lord" in Acts and the epistles almost always refer to oral preaching, not to the Bible itself. Much of the Bible was originally oral (e.g., Jesus' entire teaching- He wrote nothing -St. Peter's sermon at Pentecost, etc.).
107. Contrary to many Protestant claims, Jesus didn't condemn all tradition any more than St. Paul did. E.g., Mt 15:3,6; Mk 7:8-9, Mk 7:13, where He condemns corrupt Pharisaical tradition only. He says "your tradition."
108. Gk. paradidomi, or "delivering" Christian, apostolic Tradition occurs in Lk 1:1-2; Rom 6:17; 1 Cor 11:23; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Pet 2:21; Jude 3. Paralambano, or "receiving" Christian Tradition occurs in 1 Cor 15:1-2; Gal 1:9,12; 1 Thess 2:13.
109. The concepts of "Tradition," "gospel," "word of God," "doctrine," and "the Faith" are essentially synonymous, and all are predominantly oral. E.g., in the Thessalonian epistles alone St. Paul uses 3 of these interchangeably (2 Thess 2:15; 2 Thess 3:6; 1 Thess 2:9,13 (cf. Gal 1:9; Acts 8:14). If Tradition is a dirty word, then so is "gospel" and "word of God"!
110. St. Paul, in 1 Tim 3:15, puts the Church above Bible as the grounds for truth, as in Catholicism.
111. Protestantism's chief "proof text" for sola Scriptura, 2 Tim 3:16, fails, since it says that the Bible is profitable, but not sufficient for learning and righteousness. Catholicism agrees it is great for these purposes, but not exclusively so, as in Protestantism. Secondly, when St. Paul speaks of "Scripture" here, the NT didn't yet exist (not definitively for over 300 more years), thus he is referring to the OT only. This would mean that NT wasn't necessary for the rule of faith, if sola Scriptura were true, and if it were supposedly alluded to in this verse!
112. The above 11 factors being true, Catholicism maintains that all its Tradition is consistent with the Bible, even where the Bible is mute or merely implicit on a subject. For Catholicism, every doctrine need not be found primarily in the Bible, for this is Protestantism's principle of sola Scriptura. On the other hand, most Catholic theologians claim that all Catholic doctrines can be found in some fashion in the Bible, in kernel form, or by (usu. extensive) inference.
113. As thoughtful evangelical scholars have pointed out, an unthinking sola Scriptura position can turn into "bibliolatry," almost a worship of the Bible rather than God who is its Author. This mentality is similar to the Muslim view of Revelation, where no human elements whatsoever were involved. Sola Scriptura,, rightly understood from a more sophisticated Protestant perspective, means that the Bible is the final authority in Christianity, not the record of all God has said and done, as many evangelicals believe.
114. Christianity is unavoidably and intrinsically historical. All the events of Jesus' life (Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, etc.) were historical, as was the preaching of the apostles. Tradition, therefore, of some sort, is unavoidable, contrary to numerous shortsighted Protestant claims that sola Scriptura annihilates Tradition. This is true both for matters great (ecclesiology, trinitarianism, justification) and small (church budgets, type of worship music, lengths of sermons, etc.). Every denial of a particular tradition involves a bias (hidden or open) towards one's own alternate tradition (E.g., if all Church authority is spurned, even individualistic autonomy is a "tradition," which ought to be defended as a Christian view in some fashion).
115. Sola Scriptura literally couldn't have been true, practically speaking, for most Christians throughout history, since the movable-type printing press only appeared in the mid-15th century. Preaching and oral Tradition, along with things like devotional practices, Christian holidays, church architecture and other sacred art, were the primary carriers of the gospel for 1400 years. For all these centuries, sola Scriptura would have been regarded as an absurd abstraction and impossibility.
116. Protestantism claims that the Catholic Church has "added to the Bible." The Catholic Church replies that it has merely drawn out the implications of the Bible (development of doctrine), and followed the understanding of the early Church, and that Protestants have "subtracted" from the Bible by ignoring large portions of it which suggest Catholic positions. Each side thinks the other is "unbiblical," but in different ways.
117. Sola Scriptura is Protestantism's "Achilles' Heel." Merely invoking sola Scriptura is no solution to the problem of authority and certainty as long as multiple interpretations exist. If the Bible were so clear that all Protestants agreed simply by reading it with a willingness to accept and follow its teaching, this would be one thing, but since this isn't the case by a long shot (the multiplicity of denominations), sola Scriptura is a pipe-dream at best. About all that all Protestants agree on is that Catholicism is wrong! Of all Protestant ideas, the "clarity" or perspicuity of the Bible is surely one of the most absurd and the most demonstrably false by the historical record.
118. Put another way, having a Bible does not render one's private judgment infallible. Interpretation is just as inevitable as tradition. The Catholic Church therefore, is absolutely necessary in order to speak authoritatively and to prevent confusion, error, and division.
119. Catholicism doesn't regard the Bible as obscure, mysterious, and inaccessible, but it is vigilant to protect it from all arbitrary and aberrant exegesis (2 Pet 1:20, 3:16). The best Protestant traditions seek to do the same, but are inadequate and ineffectual since they are divided.
120. Protestantism has a huge problem with the Canon of the NT. The process of determining the exact books which constitute the NT lasted until 397 A.D., when the Council of Carthage spoke with finality, certainly proof that the Bible is not "self-authenticating," as Protestantism believes. Some sincere, devout, and learned Christians doubted the canonicity of some books which are now in the Bible, and others considered books as Scripture which were not at length included in the Canon. St. Athanasius in 367 was the first to list all 27 books in the NT as Scripture.
121. The Council of Carthage, in deciding the Canon of the entire Bible in 397, included the so-called "Apocryphal" books, which Protestants kicked out of the Bible (i.e., a late tradition). Prior to the 16th century Christians considered these books Scripture, and they weren't even separated from the others, as they are today in the Protestant Bibles which include them. Protestantism accepts the authority of this Council for the NT, but not the OT, just as it arbitrarily and selectively accepts or denies other conciliar decrees, according to their accord with existing Protestant "dogmas" and biases.
122. Contrary to Protestant anti-Catholic myth, the Catholic Church has always revered the Bible, and hasn't suppressed it (it protested some Protestant translations, but Protestants have often done the same regarding Catholic versions). This is proven by the laborious care of monks in protecting and copying manuscripts, and the constant translations into vernacular tongues (as opposed to the falsehoods about only Latin Bibles), among other plentiful and indisputable historical evidences. The Bible is a Catholic book, and no matter how much Protestants study it and proclaim it as peculiarly their own, they must acknowledge their undeniable debt to the Catholic Church for having decided the Canon, and for preserving the Bible intact for 1400 years. How could the Catholic Church be "against the Bible," as anti-Catholics say, yet at the same time preserve and revere the Bible profoundly for so many years? The very thought is so absurd as to be self-refuting. If Catholicism is indeed as heinous as anti-Catholics would have us believe, Protestantism ought to put together its own Bible, instead of using the one delivered to them by the Catholic Church, as it obviously could not be trusted!
123. Protestantism denies the Sacrifice of the Mass, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Gen 14:18; Ps 110:4; Isa 66:18,21; Mal 1:11; Heb 7:24-25; Heb 13:10; Rev 5:1-10/cf. Rev 8:3; Rev 13:. Catholicism, it must be emphasized, doesn't believe that Jesus is sacrificed over and over at each Mass; rather, each Mass is a representation of the one Sacrifice at Calvary on the Cross, which transcends space and time, as in Rev 13:8.
124. Protestantism disbelieves, by and large, in the development of doctrine, contrary to Christian Tradition and many implicit biblical indications. Whenever the Bible refers to the increasing knowledge and maturity of Christians individually and (particularly) collectively, an idea similar to development is present. Further, many doctrines develop in the Bible before our eyes ("progressive revelation"). Examples: the afterlife, the Trinity, acceptance of Gentiles. And doctrines which Protestantism accepts whole and entire from Catholicism, such as the Trinity and the Canon of the Bible, developed in history, in the first three centuries of Christianity. It is foolish to try and deny this. The Church is the "Body" of Christ, and is a living organism, which grows and develops like all living bodies. It is not a statue, simply to be cleaned and polished over time, as many Protestants seem to think.
125. Protestantism separates justification from sanctification, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (e.g., Mt 5:20; Mat 7:20-24; Rom 2:7-13; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Pet 1:2).
126. Protestantism pits faith against works (sola fide), which is a rejection of Christian Tradition and the explicit teaching of the Bible (Mt 25:31-46; Lk 18:18-25; Jn 6:27-29; Gal 5:6; Eph 2:8-10; Phil 2:12-13; Phil 3:10-14; 1 Thess 1:3; 2 Thess 1:11; Heb 5:9; Jas 1:21-27; Jas 2:14-16). These passages also indicate that salvation is a process, not an instantaneous event, as in Protestantism.
127. Protestantism rejects the Christian Tradition and biblical teaching of merit, or differential reward for our good deeds done in faith (Mt 16:27; Rom 2:6; 1 Cor 3:8-9; 1 Pet 1:17; Rev 22:12).
128. Protestantism's teaching of extrinsic, imputed, forensic, or external justification contradicts the Christian Tradition and biblical doctrine of infused, actual, internal, transformational justification (which inc. sanctification): Ps 51:2-10; Ps 103:12; Jn 1:29; Rom 5:19; 2 Cor 5:17; Heb 1:3; 1 Jn 1:7-9.
129. Many Protestants (esp. Presbyterians, Calvinists and Baptists) believe in eternal security, or, perseverance of the saints (the belief that one can't lose his "salvation," supposedly obtained at one point in time). This is contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible: 1 Cor 9:27; Gal 4:9; Gal 5:1,4; Col 1:22-3; 1 Tim 1:19-20; 1 Tim 4:1; 1 Tim 5:15; Heb 3:12-14; Heb 6:4-6; Heb 10:26,29,39; Heb 12:14-15; 2 Pet 2:15, 2 Pet 2:20-21; Rev 2:4-5.
130. Contrary to Protestant myth and anti-Catholicism, the Catholic Church doesn't teach that one is saved by works apart from preceding and enabling grace, but that faith and works are inseparable, as in James 1 and 2. This heresy of which Catholicism is often charged, was in fact condemned by the Catholic Church at the Second Council of Orange in 529 A.D. It is known as Pelagianism, the view that man could save himself by his own natural efforts, without the necessary supernatural grace from God. A more moderate view, Semi-Pelagianism, was likewise condemned. To continue to accuse the Catholic Church of this heresy is a sign of both prejudice and manifest ignorance of the history of theology, as well as the clear Catholic teaching of the Council of Trent (1545-63), available for all to see. Yet the myth is strangely prevalent.
131. Protestantism has virtually eliminated the practice of confession to a priest (or at least a pastor), contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Mt 16:19; Mt 18:18; Jn 20:23).
132. Protestantism disbelieves in penance, or temporal punishment for (forgiven) sin, over against Christian Tradition and the Bible (e.g., Num 14:19-23; 2 Sam 12:13-14; 1 Cor 11:27-32; Heb 12:6-.
133. Protestantism has little concept of the Tradition and biblical doctrine of mortifying the flesh, or, suffering with Christ: Mt 10:38; 16:24: Rom 8:13,17; 1 Cor 12:24-6; Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 4:1,13.
134. Likewise, Protestantism has lost the Tradition and biblical doctrine of vicarious atonement, or redemptive suffering with Christ, of Christians for the sake of each other: Ex 32:30-32; Num 16:43-8; 25:6-13; 2 Cor 4:10; Col 1:24; 2 Tim 4:6.
135. Protestantism has rejected the Tradition and biblical doctrine of purgatory, as a consequence of its false view of justification and penance, despite sufficient evidence in Scripture: Is 4:4; 6:5-7; Micah 7:8-9; Mal 3:1-4; 2 Maccabees 12:39-45; Mt 5:25-6; 12:32; Lk 16:19-31 (cf. Eph 4:8-10; 1 Pet 3:19-20); 1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 21:27.
136. Protestantism has rejected (largely due to misconceptions and misunderstanding) the Catholic developed doctrine of indulgences, which is, simply, the remission of the temporal punishment for sin (i.e., penance), by the Church (on the grounds of Mt 16:19; 18:18, and Jn 20:23). This is no different than what St. Paul did, concerning an errant brother at the Church of Corinth. He first imposed a penance on him (1 Cor 5:3-5), then remitted part of it (an indulgence: 2 Cor 2:6-11). Just because abuses occurred prior to the Protestant Revolt (admitted and rectified by the Catholic Church), is no reason to toss out yet another biblical doctrine. It is typical of Protestantism to burn down a house rather than to cleanse it, to "throw the baby out with the bath water."
137. Protestantism has thrown out prayers for the dead, in opposition to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Tobit 12:12; 2 Maccabees 12:39-45; 1 Cor 15:29; 2 Tim 1:16-18; also verses having to do with purgatory, since these prayers are for the saints there).
138. Protestantism rejects, on inadequate grounds, the intercession of the saints for us after death, and the correspondent invocation of the saints for their effectual prayers (Jas 5:16). Christian Tradition and the Bible, on the other hand, have upheld this practice: Dead saints are aware of earthly affairs (Mt 22:30 w/ Lk 15:10 and 1 Cor 15:29; Heb 12:1), appear on earth to interact with men (1 Sam 28:12-15; Mt 17:1-3, 27:50-53; Rev 11:3), and therefore can intercede for us, and likewise be petitioned for their prayers, just as are Christians on earth (2 Maccabees 15:14; Rev 5:8; 6:9-10).
139. Some Protestants disbelieve in Guardian Angels, despite Christian Tradition and the Bible (Ps 34:7; 91:11; Mt 18:10; Acts 12:15; Heb 1:14).
140. Most Protestants deny that angels can intercede for us, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Rev 1:4; 5:8; 8:3-4).
141. Protestantism rejects Mary's Immaculate Conception, despite developed Christian Tradition and indications in the Bible: Gen 3:15; Lk 1:28 ("full of grace" Catholics interpret, on linguistic grounds, to mean "without sin"); Mary as a type of the Ark of the Covenant (Lk 1:35 w/ Ex 40:34-8; Lk 1:44 w/ 2 Sam 6:14-16; Lk 1:43 w/ 2 Sam 6:9: God's Presence requires extraordinary holiness).
142. Protestantism rejects Mary's Assumption, despite developed Christian Tradition and biblical indications: If Mary was indeed sinless, she would not have to undergo bodily decay at death (Ps 16:10; Gen 3:19). Similar occurrences in the Bible make the Assumption not implausible or "unbiblical" per se (Enoch: Gen 5:24 w/ Heb 11:5; Elijah: 2 Ki 2:11; Paul: 2 Cor 12:2-4; the Protestant doctrine of the "Rapture": 1 Thess 4:15-17; risen saints: Mt 27:52-3).
143. Many (most?) Protestants deny Mary's perpetual virginity, despite Christian Tradition (inc. the unanimous agreement of the Protestant founders (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, etc.), some Protestant support, and several biblical evidences, too involved to briefly summarize.
144. Protestantism denies Mary's Spiritual Motherhood of Christians, contrary to Christian Tradition and the Bible (Jn 19:26-7: "Behold thy mother"; Rev 12:1,5,17: Christians described as "her seed.") Catholics believe that Mary is incomparably more alive and holy than we are, hence, her prayers for us are of great effect (Jas 5:16; Rev 5:8; 6:9-10). But she is our sister with regard to our position of creatures vis-à-vis the Creator, God. Mary never operates apart from the necessary graces from her Son, and always glorifies Him, not herself, as Catholic theology stresses.
145. Protestantism rejects the papacy, despite profound Christian Tradition, and the strong evidence in the Bible of Peter's preeminence and commission by Jesus as the Rock of His Church. No one denies he was some type of leader among the apostles. The papacy as we now know it is derived from this primacy: Mt 16:18-19; Lk 22:31-2; Jn 21:15-17 are the most direct "papal" passages. Peter's name appears first in all lists of apostles; even an angel implies he is their leader (Mk 16:7), and he is accepted by the world as such (Acts 2:37-8,41). He works the first miracle of the Church age (Acts 3:6-, utters the first anathema (Acts 5:2-11), raises the dead (Acts 9:40), first receives the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-4, and his name is mentioned more often than all the other disciples put together (191 times). Much more similar evidence can be found.
146. The Church of Rome and the popes were central to the governance and theological direction and orthodoxy of the Christian Church from the beginning. This is undeniable. All of the historical groups now regarded as heretical by Protestants and Catholics alike were originally judged as such by popes and/or Ecumenical Councils presided over and ratified by popes.
147. Protestantism, in its desperation to eke out some type of historical continuity apart from the Catholic Church, sometimes attempts to claim a lineage from medieval sects such as the Waldenses, Cathari, and Albigensians (and sometimes earlier groups such as the Montanists or Donatists). However, this endeavor is doomed to failure when one studies closely what these sects believed. They either retain much Catholic teaching anathema to Protestants or hold heretical notions antithetical to Christianity altogether (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox), or both, making this Protestant theory quite dubious at best.
148. Catholic has the most sophisticated and thoughtful Christian socio-economic and political philosophy, a mixture of "progressive" and "conservative" elements distinct from the common-place political rhetoric and Machiavellianism which typically dominate the political arena. Catholicism has the best view of church in relation to the state and culture as well.
149. Catholicism has the best Christian philosophy and worldview, worked out through centuries of reflection and experience. As in its theological reflection and development, the Catholic Church is ineffably wise and profound, to an extent truly amazing, and indicative of a sure divine stamp. I used to marvel, just before I converted, at how the Catholic Church could be so right about so many things. I was accustomed to thinking, as a good evangelical, that the truth was always a potpourri of ideas from many Protestant denominations and Catholicism and Orthodoxy (selected by me), and that none "had it all together." But, alas, the Catholic Church does, after all!
150. Last but by no means least, Catholicism has the most sublime spirituality and devotional spirit, manifested in a thousand different ways, from the monastic ideal, to the heroic celibacy of the clergy and religious, the Catholic hospitals, the sheer holiness of a Thomas a Kempis or a St. Ignatius and their great devotional books, countless saints - both canonized and as yet unknown and unsung, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Pope John XXIII, the early martyrs, St. Francis of Assisi, the events at Lourdes and Fatima, the dazzling intellect of John Henry Cardinal Newman, the wisdom and insight of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, St. John of the Cross, the sanctified wit of a Chesterton or a Muggeridge, elderly women doing the Stations of the Cross or the Rosary, Holy Hour, Benediction, kneeling - the list goes on and on. This devotional spirit is unmatched in its scope and deepness, despite many fine counterparts in Protestant and Orthodox spirituality.


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Jesus Explained The Eucharist The Day After Feeding The 5000
"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." John 6:53-56

Jesus Gave Us The Eucharist For All Time The Night Before He Died
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. " Matthew 26:26-28

Today Some Cannot Accept The Gift Just As It Was In The Time Of Jesus
"'But there are some of you who do not believe.' Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, 'For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.' As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, 'Do you also want to leave?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'" John 6:64-68

Jesus Explained That Eternal Life Is Gained Through The Spirit - Not Through The Flesh
Jesus' Flesh And Blood Are Of Divine Nature (Spirit) And Not Of This World (Flesh)
"It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:64-68

It's NOT Just Bread And Wine - It's NOT Just Crackers And Grape Juice
Jesus Gave Us The Eucharist To Nourish Us Until He Returns
Come Home To HIS Church And Accept HIS Holy Flesh And Blood

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." Luke 10:16


Do Not Reject HIS Church
Do Not Reject HIM

Jesus Requires YOU To Confess YOUR Sins To Him

Jesus Requires YOU To Confess YOUR Sins To Him, And Confess To Others That Jesus Is YOUR Lord.
In the Levitical Law referenced in the Holy Word of God, the High Priest was required to offer blood sacrifices as an atonement for man's sins, and confess man's sins to God.
Leviticus 5:5-6  "'When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned 6 and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.
Leviticus 16:20-21  "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites--all their sins--and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task.
On the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place, he was a fore-glimpse of Jesus Christ, the true High Priest and intercessor who sits at the right hand of God the Father.
Hebrews 9:1-14 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order. 11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 6:19-20 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
At the very moment when Jesus died, the veil of the Temple dividing common man from the Most Holy Place was torn in two "from top to bottom." The fact that the veil was torn beginning at the top revealed that God, not man had torn the veil.
Mark 15:37-38  With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
This was a declaration by God, that YOU are now allowed into the Most Holy Place through the Blood of Jesus Christ for YOUR own personal individual confession.
Hebrews 10:19-22  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Confession of YOUR sins to God is a requirement of salvation, as well as confession that Jesus Christ is YOUR God.
Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
2 Timothy 2:19  Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
2 Corinthians 9:13  Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

100 Truths About Jesus

Jesus claimed to be God - John 8:24; 8:56-59 (see Exodus 3:14); John 10:30-33
Jesus is called God - John 1:1,14; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8
Jesus is the image of the invisible God - Heb. 1:3
Jesus abides forever - Heb. 7:24
Jesus created all things - John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17
Jesus is before all things - John 1:1-3; Col. 1:17;
Jesus is eternal - John 1:1,14; 8:58; Micah 5:1-2
Jesus is honored the same as the Father - John 5:23
Jesus is prayed to - Acts 7:55-60; 1 Cor. 1:2 with Psalm 116:41; (John 14:14)
Jesus is worshipped - Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6
Jesus is omnipresent - Matt. 18:20; 28:20
Jesus is with us always - Matt. 28:20
Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves - 1 Tim. 2:5
Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant - Heb. 7:22; 8:6
Jesus said, "I AM the Bread of Life" - John 6:35,41,48,51
Jesus said, "I AM the Door" - John 10:7,9
Jesus said, "I AM the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11,14
Jesus said, "I AM the Way the Truth and The Life" - John 14:6
Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world" - John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; Luke 2:32
Jesus said, "I AM the True Vine" - John 15:1,5
Jesus said, "I AM the Resurrection and the Life" - John 11:25
Jesus said, "I AM the First and the Last" - Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
Jesus always lives to make intercession for us - Heb. 7:25
Jesus cleanses from sin - 1 John 1:9
Jesus cleanses us from our sins by His blood - Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9
Jesus forgives sins - Matt. 9:1-7; Luke 5:20; 7:48
Jesus saves forever - Matt. 18:11; John 10:28; Heb. 7:25
Jesus discloses Himself to us - John 14:21
Jesus draws all men to Himself - John 12:32
Jesus gives eternal life - John 10:28; 5:40
Jesus resurrects - John 5:39; 6:40,44,54; 11:25-26
Jesus gives joy - John 15:11
Jesus gives peace - John 14:27
Jesus has all authority - Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27; 17:2; 3:35
Jesus judges - John 5:22,27
Jesus knows all men - John 16:30; John 21:17
Jesus opens the mind to understand scripture - Luke 24:45
Jesus received honor and glory from the Father - 1 Pet. 1:17
Jesus reveals grace and truth - John 1:17 see John 6:45
Jesus reveals the Father - Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22
Jesus bears witness of Himself - John 8:18; 14:6
Jesus' works bear witness of Himself - John 5:36; 10:25
The Father bears witness of Jesus - John 5:37; 8:18; 1 John 5:9
The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus - John 15:26
The multitudes bear witness of Jesus - John 12:17
The Prophets bear witness of Jesus - Acts 10:43
The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus - John 5:39
The Father will honor us if we serve Jesus - John 12:26 see Col. 3:24
The Father wants us to fellowship with Jesus - 1 Cor. 1:9
The Father tells us to listen to Jesus - Luke 9:35; Matt. 17:5
Everyone who's heard & learned from the Father comes to Jesus - John 6:45
We come to Jesus - John 5:50; 6:35,37,45,65; 7:37;
The Father draws us to Jesus - John 6:44
The Law leads us to Christ - Gal. 3:24
Jesus is the Rock - 1 Cor. 10:4
Jesus is the Savior - John 4:42; 1 John 4:14
Jesus is the King - Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 23:3
In Jesus are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Col. 2:2-3
In Jesus we have been made complete Col. 2:10
Jesus indwells us - Col. 1:27
Jesus sanctifies - Heb. 2:11
Jesus loves - Eph. 5:25
We sin against Jesus - 1 Cor. 8:12
We receive Jesus - John 1:12; Col. 2:6
Jesus makes many righteous - Rom. 5:19
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit - John 15:26
Jesus offered up Himself - Heb. 7:27; 9:14
Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time - Heb. 10:12
The Son of God has given us understanding - 1 John 5:20
Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith - Heb. 12:2
Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession - Heb. 1:3
Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven - John 14:1-4
Jesus is the Light of the world - Rom. 9:5
Jesus has explained the Father - John 1:18
Jesus was crucified because of weakness - 2 Cor. 13:4
Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33
Truth is in Jesus - Eph. 4:21
The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ - Phil. 1:11
Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come - 1 Thess. 1:10
Disciples bear witness of Jesus Christ - John 15:27
Jesus died for us - 1 Thess. 5:10
Jesus died and rose again - 1 Thess. 4:14
Jesus was a ransom for many - Matt. 20:28
The Christian dead have fallen asleep in Jesus - 1 Thess. 4:15
Jesus rendered the devil powerless - Heb. 2:14
Jesus is able to save completely - Heb. 7:25
Jesus came to serve - Matt. 20:28
Jesus came to be a high priest - Heb. 2:17
Jesus came to save - John 3:17; Luke 19:10
Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God - Luke 4:43
Jesus came to bring division - Luke 12:51
Jesus came to do the will of the Father - John 6:38
Jesus came to give the Father's words - John 17:8
Jesus came to testify to the truth - John 18:37
Jesus came to set us free from the Law - Rom. 8:2
Jesus came to die and destroy Satan's power - Heb. 2:14
Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets - Matt. 5:17
Jesus came to give life - John 10:10,28
Jesus came to taste death for everyone - Heb. 2:9
Jesus came to proclaim freedom for believers - Luke 4:18

Jesus is God

You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me," (Isaiah 43:10).
JESUS IS GOD, "YAHWEH"
John 1:3, "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
Col. 1:16-17, "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Creator Job 33:4, "The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Isaiah 40:28, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Rev. 1:17, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’"
Rev. 2:8, "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again."
Rev. 22:13, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." First and Last Isaiah 41:4, "Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD -- with the first of them and with the last -- I am he."
Isaiah 44:6, "This is what the LORD says -- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God."
Isaiah 48:12, "Listen to me, O Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last."
John 8:24, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (NKJV)
John 8:58, "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" See Exodus 3:14
John 13:19, "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He." I AM
"ego eimi" Exodus 3:14, "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’"
Isaiah 43:10, "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
See also Deut. 32:39
2 Tim. 4:1, "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge..."
2 Cor. 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." Judge Joel 3:12, "Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side."
Rom. 14:10, "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."
Matt. 2:2, "...Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Luke 23:3, "So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied."
See also John 19:21
King Jer. 10:10, "But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath."
Isaiah 44:6-8, "This is what the LORD says -- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God."
See also Psalm 47
John 8:12,"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Luke 2:32, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
See also John 1:7-9
Light Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?"
Isaiah 60:20 ,"our sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."
1 John 1:5, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
1 Cor. 10:4, "...for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."
See also 1 Pet. 2:4-8.
Rock Deut. 32:4, "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."
See also 2 Sam. 22:32 and Isaiah 17:10.
John 4:24, "They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.’"
1 John 4:14, "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." Savior Isaiah 43:3, "For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"
Isaiah 45:21, "...And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me."
John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Heb. 13:20, "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,"
See also John 10:14,16; 1 Pet. 2:25
Shepherd Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."
Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

Different types of the baptism in the Bible!

The Baptism of John- Repentance
The Baptism of Jesus- Anointing, begins ministry of prophet and priesthood
The Baptism of Fire- Purifying or judgment
The Baptism of Moses- Deliverance of the nation Israel
The Baptism of the Cross (or Cup)- The suffering of death for our sins
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit- Being saved and put in the body of Christ also for service.
The Believers Baptism- Identification with Christ by water baptism.
Baptism
Baptism is to identify with a person, a group of people or the message.
The Baptism of John - Matt. 3:6-11.(repentance)
The water was symbolic of the Kingdom of God which John was preaching. When a person was baptized by John, he was identification with the coming Messiah and his kingdom. The new believer was "identified" with Johns message of repentance, they then became part of the believing remnant, it was the person who was the messiah they were looking forward to.
To be baptized by John was a spiritual identification a visible sign of their repentance ,Johns proclamation was the coming "Kingdom of God" and to prepare oneself by repenting to prepare their heart.
Acts 13: 24: "Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel."
All the apostles except one were baptized by John and following his ministry. (the exception is Paul who saw the risen Christ) Acts 1: 21 "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist, and began his ministry after he was consecrated Luke 3: 21
Acts 10:38 tells us that He was anointed with the Holy Spirit. As a human, He was in submission to God to fulfill all righteousness and was anointed for His ministry like all priests.. He received a special anointing of the Holy Spirit for His public mission. ( Acts 10:38 ). Jesus was divinely consecrated for the work of redemption, being an eternal priest from the order of Melchizedek. In Matt. 3:15, Jesus tells us that His baptism was 'to fulfill all righteousness." The basic action of baptism is identification, so Jesus identified with righteousness in obedience to the Mosaic Law. The Levitical Law required that all priests were to be consecrated when they began their ministry at about 30 years of age). He being a man needed, to be anointed like the prophets of old. He Identified with the believing remnant and also with sinners even though he was not one also with mankind (sinners even though he was not one) (1 Cor. 5:21; Matt.3:11 ).
Remember he was introduced as the lamb to take away the sins of the world. This was a unique baptism because it had nothing to do salvation but a submission to the will of God. He Identified himself with the preaching of the Kingdom and repentance by John the Baptizer. ( Matt. 3:1-2 ) Jesus identified with righteousness in obedience to the Mosaic Law, to fulfill all righteousness.
The Baptism of Fire
There are two views on what the baptism of fire means: There is a judgment coming at the 2nd Coming of Christ when all nonbelievers are taken from the earth. Jesus taught several parables in reference to the end of time when believers and unbelievers will be separated Mt.25 the sheep from the goats. They will join the unbelievers from all time in hell who are waiting for the Last Judgment (The Great White Throne Judgment in Rev. 20). This occurs at the end of the Millennium when they are resurrected and put back in their bodies and put in the lake of fire. The Bible teaches that this baptism is for unbelievers in judgment.
Mt. 3:11: John speaking, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor; and gather his wheat into the barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Only the Holy Spirit is for believers.
Luke 3:9"And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."17"His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire."
This certainly is a reference to Mt.25:41 (also Mt.3:10; Rev.14:10)
we know this means judgment because John and Jesus explain it: John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire."
Jesus said Acts 1:5: "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." He never baptized anyone in fire.
Fire is often symbol for judgment throughout the Bible. Examples are the fire which burned the sacrifice on the Hebrew altar, and the fire from God which burned the watered down sacrifices of Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Fire and brimstone fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. The world will be cleansed by fire as it was by the flood in the end of time 2 Pt.3:10.
Heb. 10:27: "but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries."
II Thess. 1:8: "In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The believers are to go into the millennium, the unbelievers are "cast off" into fire. These parables are analogies to the baptism of fire.
The other view is a purifying affect
1 Pet 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
1 Pet 4:12: " Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you."
1 Cor. 3:13: "Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is." meaning our work on earth will have its test in heaven to see if it accompanies us into eternity.
The baptism of fire is more applicable to judgment than fiery trials in a believers life. (Read Matt 13:24-30 and Jesus' explanation later in Matt 13:36-40)
The Baptism of Moses
1 Cor. 10:2 tells us, "all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea". This is a symbolism of Moses being a type of Christ. The water never touched them but they went across to dry land to the other side while the waters became a means of judgment on Pharaoh’s army that tried to overtake them.
The baptism of Moses was a double identification, the children of Israel are identified both with Moses as their deliverer and with the cloud ,Gods glory a visible representation of his presence, as they passed through the Red Sea. There was no water involved, when the waters were parted the Israelites walked on dry land, they went through the sea on dry land never getting wet. (1 Cor.10:1,2.) The Jews never got wet, but Pharaoh's’s army did ! When it says they were baptized into Moses it means in reference to Moses' leadership delivering them through the waters of judgment. When it says the cloud it was the glory of God leading Moses who led them into their journey.
The Baptism of the Cross/death (his Cup)
Jesus Christ "drank" the Cup filled with our sins. This was an expression of all the sins of the world put into one cup and poured out on Christ while He was on the Cross. God the Father judged our sins while they were on Christ. (similar to the bowls of judgment in Rev. on mankind) The "cup" being spoken of signifies God's wrath towards sin. Christ identified with our sin and He bore our sins on the cross being was made sin for us. (2 Cor.5:21, 1 Pet. 2:24.)
Mark 10: 38 (also Matt. 20:23 ). "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with," We are told that we are all baptized into his death Rom.6 :3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." for one to have the new life they must die in Christ first. Accepting his atonement for us personally. When we die with him we are able to walk in the new life he offers.
In Matt. 26:39, He prays to the Father to "let this cup pass from me". Nevertheless, thy will be done.. in he states John 18:11, "the cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink from it?" The "cup" being spoken of signifies God's wrath towards sin that would be poured out on him in our place.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
When a person believes accepts Christ as Savior, he is placed into the body of Christ by the Spirit and the spirit is placed in him. He is identified as a believer. 1 Cor.12:13. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Acts 1:5, Jesus said to them "For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Jesus is making a distinction between water and Spirit baptism, just as John did. John's water baptism always showed repentance. It looked forward to Christ whom they would receive. The Holy Spirit's work would be inward. This is the spiritual work of God to regenerate a believer and put them supernaturally in the body of Christ.vs.8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." the anointing gave them the boldness to be witnesses (martyrs) wherever they went.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a New Testament teaching and experience. In John 7:39, Jesus, speaking of the Spirit, stated those who believe in Him would receive the Spirit when He was glorified. This event happened when He ascended to heaven and then sent the Spirit. Its first occurrence was on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit started the body of Christ. He came with an audible sound rushing into the upper room came upon them and filled them all, so that they were endued with power to bring the gospel. This baptism was unique in that it also exhibited a dividing of fire above each ones head. This was associated with the glory of God the shekinah in the OT. tabernacle. This happened only one time never to be repeated in the NT.
Believers are place "in Christ", in their new position they now have access to privileges and blessings that come with this relationship. Ephesians 1 describes our new position in Christ "all blessings in heavenly places in Him." We are seated in heavenly places.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was prophesied by John the Baptist, Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16. by Jesus Christ who said he would send him, John 14:16,17; Acts 1:5.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all believers adopted into the family of God , It is how one enters the body 1 Cor12:13, Gal. 3:26-28. Eph. 5:18 tells us to be continually filled with the Spirit, in other words give him control of our lives, it is a daily thing.
The Baptism for Believers
Mk.16:16 "He that believeth, and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall not be saved."
There is a question whether this is speaking of water baptism or spirit baptism . Since this is Jesus discourse before his ascension and does coincide with Mt.28 it would be logical to think, it is of water.
The believer's baptism of water identifies us to the Lord Jesus Christ and symbolizes the positional truth of his dying for us and washing away our sins. The real baptism of the Holy Spirit places a believer into Christ, water baptism is a ceremony that illustrates the fact of Spirit baptism, an invisible event which actually puts one in the body.
Christians have a real identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is a symbolic identification with the person and work of Christ in his death. Rom.6:4
When one goes down in the water, they are saying, "I identify with His death and burial." They are declaring the Gospel that saved them in a physical act.
It is a representative act of identification. The individual is placed in the water, which means, symbolically, that he is identified with what the water represents. Which is cleansing. It is also a illustration of death being buried taken away from ones view.1 Pt 3:21 Denies emphatically that baptism conveys either the essence or power of grace. It is not the removal of the flesh (our carnal nature). Baptism saves through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
There is no mention of any blessing that is connected with baptism that is not also given when one exercises faith. It is a outward illustration of the real inward event.
The new covenant is ratified by the blood of Christ, his death. Its not water, baptism is the seal of the covenant but not the covenant itself. The veil of the temple was ripped open when he died not when he was baptized. There is no forgiveness without the blood of Christ, there is forgiveness without baptism.
Water baptism always comes after salvation. It does not precede salvation. When water baptism precedes salvation it becomes a religious practice, a ritual without substance. Believer's baptism is not a religious ritual in itself, but a indicates that one has a relationship with Jesus Christ.