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Biblical Examination of RomanCatholicism.

To motivate and equip believers to sharetheir faith regularly.

Please note that the material contained in this presentation maybe freely distributed but no part of it is to be used for sale.

Understanding Roman Catholicism

Purpose Of The Seminar

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Increasing Ecumenism. Leading Evangelicals claiming that Roman Catholics

are Christian. ECT Accord of May 1994 claims that Roman

Catholics are equal partners with Evangelicals in thegreat commission to evangelize the world.

“All who accept Christ as Lord and Savior are brothers and sisters in Christ. Evangelicals and Catholics are brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Obtained from: http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html

Motivation For Seminar

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Authority- The church, The word of God, Tradition, Sola Scriptura

Mary

The Mass

Salvation- Biblical examination of RC Sacraments- RC Gospel vs. Gospel According to Jesus- Doctrine of Justification by faith alone - Doctrine of Sanctification- How to share the gospel with a Roman Catholic

Answering Common Objections

Topics Planned For Seminar

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The Holy Bible (Authorized KJV)

Council of Trent (1545-1563)

Vatican Council II (1962-1965)

Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

Primary Sources of Information

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“12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, butthe spirit which is of God; that we might know the thingsthat are freely given to us of God.13 Which things also we speak, not in the words whichman's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;comparing spiritual things with spiritual.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of theSpirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither canhe know them, because they are spiritually discerned.15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himselfis judged of no man.” (1 Cor. 2:12-15)

Do we have the right to compare ?

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“3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

There is one Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, Eph. 4:5)

There is one Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:4)

There is one Gospel that saves. (Galatians 1:8-9)

One Faith

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Roman Catholic Authorityversus

The Holy Bible

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Foundation of The ChurchRCC: R.C.C. is built on Peter, the head of the apostles.

“Our Lord then declared to him “You are Peter, and on this rock Iwill build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevailagainst it." Christ, the "living Stone", thus assures his Church,built on Peter, of victory over the powers of death.” [552]

Bible: Jesus is the head of the apostles (John 13:13) and the rock upon which the church is founded.

“19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, butfellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ” (Eph. 2:19-20)

See also: 1 Peter 2:5-8, Psalm 18:2, Col. 1:18

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Keeper of Divine RevelationRCC: God entrusted revelation to the R.C. Church.

“As a result the Church, to whom the transmission andinterpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive hercertainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scripturesalone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted andhonoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence."[82]

Bible: God has entrusted revelation to the saints.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of thecommon salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, andexhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith whichwas once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3)

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Interpreter of RevelationRCC: The Magisterium alone has the right and ability to interpret the Word of God. [85, 100]

“The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God,whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has beenentrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone… Thismeans that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishopsin communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome. ” [85]

Bible: Every believer can and should interpret the scripture.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needethnot to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ( 2 Tim. 2:15)

See also: John 8:31, 1 Cor. 2:12-15, Matt. 13:23

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Infallible TeacherRCC: The Pope and Magisterium enjoy infallibility in matters of faith and doctrine. [890-892]

“When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes adoctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed," and as theteaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with theobedience of faith." This infallibility extends as far as the depositof divine Revelation itself.” [891]

Bible: The Holy Spirit is the infallible Teacher.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide youinto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever heshall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things tocome.” (John 16:13)

See also: John 14:26, 1 John 2:27

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Definition of The Word of GodRCC: Consists of Scripture and Tradition. [81-82, 95]

“As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation ofRevelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealedtruths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition mustbe accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion andreverence.” [82]

Bible: Scripture is the church’s rule of faith.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all goodworks.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

See also: John 12:48, Psalm 19:7-11, 2 Peter 1:3-4, Matthew 4:4

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Definition of Tradition

Oral Tradition Spoken words of Jesus Christ and the Apostles

passed on to the next generation. [76-78]

Written Tradition Writings of early church fathers who sat under the

teaching of the apostles. [76-78]

The transmission of beliefs held to be true by the Roman Catholic Church in each generation. [78]

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Apocrypha1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith,Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, Letter ofJeremiah, Susanna (in Daniel), The Prayer of Azariah, The Prayerof Manasseh, Bel and the Dragon (in Daniel).

Reasons for Rejecting Apocrypha from the Canon.

1) Jesus and apostles never quoted from them.2) Apocrypha writers never claimed inspiration.3) Not recognized in Hebrew Canon (Jewish Bible).4) Jesus did not recognize it. (Luke 24:44, Luke 11:50-51)5) Apocrypha contradicts teachings in the rest of the Bible.

“ Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that puttheir trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprovethee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

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Support For Tradition in the Bible

2 Thessalonians 2:15:Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions whichye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 3:6:Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our LordJesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brotherthat walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which hereceived of us.

Tradition is acceptable so long as it is consistent with,and does not contradict the scriptures.

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Warnings Regarding TraditionContradicting the Word of God:“…Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by yourtradition?” (Matt 15:3)

Elevating tradition above the scriptures:“…Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye maykeep your own tradition.” (Mark 7:9)

Nullifying the Word of God:“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition….”(Mark 7:13)

Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in thefaith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments ofmen, that turn from the truth. (Titus 1:13-14)

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Traditions Contrary To The Bible

Papacy as the church’s authority [883]

Indulgences [1471]

Penance [980]

Purgatory [1479]

Prayers to the saints [2683]

Prayer for the dead [1032]

Church Treasury of good works [1476-1477]

The Mass [1393-1394]

Marian Doctrines [969, 508, 510, 2030]

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Sola Scriptura Christians have never been without the scriptures

(Matthew 19:4, 22:29, Acts 17:11, 2 Tim. 3:15)

Scripture is more reliable than an eye witness account (2 Peter 1:16-21, Luke 1:1-4)

The Holy Spirit gave us the Bible not the Church (John 16:12-14, 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Tim. 3:16)

The real issue is the authority and veracity of tradition! (Matthew 4:4, 1 Thess. 5:21, Prov. 30:5-6, Rev. 22:18-19)

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The Sufficiency Of Scripture God’s word is able to save man

(Psalm 19:7, 2 Tim. 3:15, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 5:13)

God’s word instructs, corrects and perfects men for allgood works. (2 Tim. 3:16-17, Psalm 119:11, 105)

God’s word cleanses, nourishes, builds up and equipsbelievers (Eph. 5:26, 1 Tim. 4:6, 1 Peter 2:2, Acts 20:32, Eph. 6:17)

God’s word will judge man (John 12:48, Romans 2:2)

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The Bible : God’s Word ?

1. Unity of the Bible

2. Testimony of Jesus

3. Fulfilled Prophecy

4. Archaeology

5. Scientifically accurate

6. Contrary to Human Thought

7. Highest Moral Standards

8. Self-Witness of Scripture

9. Timeless Message

10. Witness of Changed Lives

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Mary of Roman Catholicism

"You saw hell where the souls of poor

sinners go. In order to save them, God

wishes to establish devotion to my

Immaculate Heart in the world.

If people do what I ask, many souls

will be saved and there will be peace.”

(Our Lady of Fatima)

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5)

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Mary : A Biblical Analysis

• Marian Doctrines

• Miracles and Messages

• Prayer and Devotion

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Which Mary?

Catholic Church Bible

ConceptionMary was conceived without

sin. [490-492]Every human is conceived with

a sin nature (Psalm 51:5)

All HolyMary lived a sinless life.

[411, 493]All are sinners. (Romans 3:23)

VirginityMary was a Perpetual Virgin

[499]Virgin until birth of Jesus

(Matthew 1:25, Psalm 69:8)

MediatorMary is Mediatrix, Advocate

[969] Jesus is the only mediator

(1 Tim. 2:5, 1 John 2:1)

RedeemerMary aided in the work of redemption. [964, 969]

Christ is the only Redeemer (1 Peter 1:18-19)

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Which Mary? Continued...

Catholic Church Bible

MotherMother of God [963, 971] Mother of Church [975]

Mother of Jesus (John 2:1) Member of church (Acts 1:14)

Queen of Heaven

Queen over all things; a preeminent in the church

[966-967]

Ancient pagan deity whom God hated (Jer. 44:17-25)

AssumptionMary ascended bodily into heaven without dying [966]

Mary died because she was a sinner (Romans 6:23)

CaregiverEntrust ourselves to Mary.

[971, 2677]Entrust ourselves to Jesus.

(Matt. 11:28, Romans 10:13)

AdorationMary is prayed to and

praised with special devotion. [971, 2679, 2682]

God alone is to be prayed to and praised. (Matthew 4:10)

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New Catechism Quotes Re. Mary

Mary Cooperated in the work of salvation

[494] …As St. Irenaeus says, "Being obedient shebecame the cause of salvation for herself and forthe whole human race." Hence not a few of theearly Fathers gladly assert. . .: "The knot of Eve'sdisobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: whatthe virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Maryloosened by her faith." Comparing her with Eve,they call Mary "the Mother of the living" andfrequently claim: "Death through Eve, life throughMary."

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New Catechism Quotes ...

Mary Cooperated in the work of salvation

[968] Her role in relation to the Church and to allhumanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular wayshe cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, andburning charity in the Savior's work of restoringsupernatural life to souls. For this reason she is amother to us in the order of grace."

see Acts 4:12, Hebrews 1:3

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New Catechism Quotes ...

Mary Given Divine Titles

[969] "This motherhood of Mary in the order of gracecontinues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyallygave at the Annunciation and which she sustained withoutwavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfilment ofall the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside thissaving office but by her manifold intercession continues tobring us the gifts of eternal salvation .... Therefore theBlessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles ofAdvocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix”

see 1 John 2:1, John 14:16, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Tim. 2:5

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New Catechism Quotes ... Mary our Protector

[971] "All generations will call me blessed": "TheChurch's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic toChristian worship." The Church rightly honors "theBlessed Virgin with special devotion. From the mostancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honoredwith the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protectionthe faithful fly in all their dangers and needs....

See Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 46:1

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New Catechism Quotes ... Mary The Church’s Example

[967] By her complete adherence to the Father's will,to his Son's redemptive work, and to every promptingof the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church'smodel of faith and charity. Thus she is a "preeminentand . . . wholly unique member of the Church";indeed, she is the "exemplary realization" (typus) ofthe Church.

See Colossians 1:18, 1 John 2:6

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Apparitions of Mary ??? Lourdes (France), Medjugorje (former Yugoslavia),

Fatima (Portugal), Conyers (Georgia, U.S.A.)

Messages from heavenly visions.

Documented healings at apparition sites.

Mass gatherings of people from all over the world fromdifferent faiths.

Hollywood have made movies of this phonemena. “Song of Bernadette” (Lourdes) “Miracle of Fatima” (Fatima)

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Messages from Mary ???Medjugorje Message of September 25, 2005 "Dearchildren! In love I call you: convert, even though you are farfrom my heart. Do not forget, I am your mother and I feelpain for each one who is far from my heart; but I do notleave you alone. I believe you can leave the way of sin anddecide for holiness. Thank you for having responded to mycall."

Medjugorje Message of August 25, 2005 "Dear children!Also today I call you to live my messages. God gave you agift of this time as a time of grace. Therefore, little children,make good use of every moment and pray, pray, pray. I blessyou all and intercede before the Most High for each ofyou. Thank you for having responded to my call."

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Messages from Mary ???

Fatima Messages…

"You saw hell where the souls of poor sinners go. In order tosave them, God wishes to establish devotion to myImmaculate Heart in the world. If people do what I ask,many souls will be saved and there will be peace."

"In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The HolyFather will consecrate Russia to me and she will be convertedand a period of peace will be granted to the world."

"Only I can help you. My Immaculate Heart will be yourrefuge and the way that will lead you to God."

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Apparition Messages : A Biblical Response Test the spirits against God’s word. (1 John 4:1, 1 Cor. 2:13, 15)

God cannot contradict His word. (Heb. 6:18, John 10:35)

Satan comes as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14-15)

Apparition messages contradict God’s word (1 John 2:21)

Satan is the father of lies and of these apparitions (John 8:44)

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

“Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4)

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Can Satan Do Miracles?

Satan’s lying signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2:8-10)

Satan can duplicate some of God’s miracles. Magicians turned their rods into serpents (Exodus 7:10-12)

Magicians turned water into blood (Exodus 7:22)

Magicians caused frogs to cover the land (Exodus 8:7)

Antichrist will bring peace to the Middle East (Daniel 9:27)

Antichrist will bring economic prosperity (Daniel 8:23-25)

Antichrist will emulate the resurrection of Christ (Rev. 13:3, 14)

False prophet will bring fire down from heaven (Rev. 13:13)

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Can Satan Do Miracles?

Satan can cause calamity, sickness and suffering. Satan caused disasters to come upon Job, his family and his business (Job 1:12-19, Job 2:4-7)

Footnote: {The Lord also makes the deaf, dumb and blind (Exodus 4:11) that man would glory in God: 1 Cor. 1:27-28, Rom. 8:28-29}

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Warnings of Deception(Matthew 24:4-5, 24)

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Takeheed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I amChrist; and shall deceive many.

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and falseprophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceivethe very elect.

See also: 2 Thess. 2:3, 2 Tim. 3:13, 2 Tim. 4:2-4 2 Peter 2:1-3

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Purpose of Miracles

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Ex. 20:3)

Source of Miracles

God Satan

Purpose of Miracles

To bring people to salvation in the true God. Confirm message/messenger. (John 5:15-16, 36, 40, John 9:7, 35-38, 10:37-38, Acts 3:7-9, 4:4, Acts 8:6-12, Acts 9:34-35, 9:40-42)

To deceive people into following another god. (Matthew 4:9, Deut. 13:1-5, 2 Thess. 2:8-10)

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Results of God’s Miracles

Source of Miracles

God

Results of Miracles

(Response of worshippers)

People glorify God alone for the miracle!

Repentance toward the true God by the people.

People walk in the truth and walk by faith in the true God.

(John 4:29, 39-42, Acts 3:12-16, 4:4, 4:21, Acts 19:11-12, 17-20)

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Results of Satan’s Miracles

Source of Miracles

Satan

Results of Miracles

(Response of worshippers)

People glorify a god of their own creation or some other being for the miracle.

Departure from the true God by the people into idolatry.

People walk in error and walk by faith in glorified god/being.

(Rom. 1:21-25, Acts 8:9-11, Rev. 13:3-6)

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Results of Marian Apparitions

Devotion to the Eucharist, praying the Rosary, Penance(Promotes a false gospel, Hebrews 1:3, 7:25, 10:14)

Elevation of Mary and the visionaries (Isaiah 42:8)

People seeking signs and wonders (Matthew 16:4)

Ecumenism (fulfillment of Revelation 17)

Matthew 7:15-20, John 10:27

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Catholic Prayer and Devotion

• Prayer for the dead.

• Prayer to Mary, the Saints and Angels.

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Prayer is Only For The Living

• No salvation after death (Hebrews 9:27)

• Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2)

• No purgatory (Luke 23:43, 1 John 1:7)

• Soul passes from earth to heaven or hell

upon death (Luke 16:22-23, 2 Cor. 5:7)

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Catholics Encouraged to Pray to Mary

[2679] Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), afigure of the Church. When we pray to her,we are adhering with her to the plan of theFather, who sends his Son to save all men.Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus'mother into our homes, for she has become themother of all the living. We can pray with andto her. The prayer of the Church is sustainedby the prayer of Mary and united with it inhope.

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Catholic Requests For Intercession

[2683] The witnesses who have preceded us into thekingdom, especially those whom the Churchrecognizes as saints, share in the living tradition ofprayer by the example of their lives, the transmissionof their writings, and their prayer today. Theycontemplate God, praise him and constantly care forthose whom they have left on earth. When theyentered into the joy of their Master, they were "put incharge of many things." Their intercession is theirmost exalted service to God's plan. We can andshould ask them to intercede for us and for thewhole world.

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Only God Can Accept Prayer

Omnipresence – only God can hear every prayer.

Omniscience – only God knows our thoughts, our past, present and future!

Omnipotence – only God can process and answer every request. To pray to or request intercession from the dead is: idolatry!

“It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

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Why Do We Pray? We are commanded to pray (Matt. 7:7-11, 1 Thess. 5:17).

We are in relationship with God. (Matthew 6:9, 1 John 1:3)

To move the hand of God. (Ex. 32:9-14, 1 Kings 17:20-22)

To receive from the Lord. (Psalm 34:17, James 1:5)

To align ourselves with God’s will. (Matthew 6:10, 26:39)

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

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Why Do We Pray? Continued...

To show our love for God. (John 14:15, 15:9-10)

To show our love for the brethren. (Phil. 1:3-7)

To show our dependence on God (2 Chron. 20:12)

To show our faith in God (John 14:13-14, 15:7, 15:16)

“Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.” (Psalm 27:7)

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Roman Catholic Mass

• Transubstantiation

• Mass as a sacrifice

• Eucharist

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Transubstantiation

Requires a priest to perform the Mass. Holy Spirit transforms the bread and the wine into

the actual body and blood of Christ. [1353, 1357] Recipient of Eucharist must respond with Amen.

“If any one denieth, that, in the sacrament of the mostholy Eucharist, are contained truly, really, andsubstantially, the body and blood together with the souland divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequentlythe whole Christ; but saith that He is only therein as in asign, or in figure, or virtue; let him be anathema.”Council of Trent, CANON I, Session 13.

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The Last Supper - A Eucharistic Meal

“ Jesus gave the supreme expression of his freeoffering of himself at the meal shared with thetwelve Apostles "on the night he was betrayed".On the eve of his Passion, while still free, Jesustransformed this Last Supper with the apostlesinto the memorial of his voluntary offering to theFather for the salvation of men: "This is my bodywhich is given for you." "This is my blood of thecovenant, which is poured out for many for theforgiveness of sins." ” [610]

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Mass is a Sacrifice

The Mass is a propitiatory sacrifice.

If any one saith, that the sacrifice of the mass isonly a sacrifice of praise and of thanksgiving; or,that it is a bare commemoration of the sacrificeconsummated on the cross, but not a propitiatorysacrifice; or, that it profits him only who receives;and that it ought not to be offered for the living andthe dead for sins, pains, satisfactions, and othernecessities; let him be anathema.Council of Trent, CANON III, Session 22.

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Mass is a Sacrifice continued...

A perpetuation of the sacrifice of the cross untilChrist’s second coming. [1323]

One and the same as Calvary’s sacrifice. [1367]

Applies the fruit of Calvary’s sacrifice. [1366]

Sacrifice is re-presented by the priest to God theFather. [1366]

Sacrifice is offered for the living and the dead.[1371, 1414]

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Eucharist

Focal point of Roman Catholic worship.

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of theChristian life…For in the blessed Eucharist iscontained the whole spiritual good of the church,namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” [1324]

Must be in a state of grace before partaking of the Eucharist. [1415]

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Eucharist continued...

As a sacrament, it imparts grace and spiritual life.[1324, 1392]

Wipes away venial sins. [1394]

Preserves one from future mortal sin. [1395]

Worship of the Eucharist. [1378, 1418]

Mortal sin if Mass is missed without valid excuse.[2181]

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Eucharist continued...

Necessary for salvation. [1129]

Pledge of glory to come. (John 6:54)

“There is no surer pledge or dearer sign of thisgreat hope in the new heavens and new earth "inwhich righteousness dwells," than the Eucharist.Every time this mystery is celebrated, "the work ofour redemption is carried on" and we "break theone bread that provides the medicine ofimmortality, the antidote for death, and the foodthat makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ."” [1405]

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Transubstantiation Is A Hoax

Nowhere in the Bible are people expected tobelieve that a miracle has occurred when neitherthe outward reality nor the inward substance haschanged; e.g. lameness, cancer, John 2

Faith is believing God’s promises even when theoutward evidence is contrary to what is promised.

Faith and truth (reality) are independent.

God asks us to believe the truth. (John 8:32)

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Context of John 6 vs Last Supper

John 6 Last Supper

To Whom

Unbelievers (John 6:24, 64-67)

Believers only (Luke 22:15)

Unbelievers are excluded

(1 Cor. 11:27-32)

Where

Publicly in a synagogue in Capernaum

(John 6:59)

Privately in an upper room

(Mark 14:15)

WhenOne year before the Last Supper

Night before crucifxion (1 Cor. 11:23)

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John 6:4Passover was nigh

Passover : 14th day of 1st month (Lev. 23:5)

“Bread of Life” Sermon : one day after feeding of 5,000 (John 6:22)

Feast of Tabernacles 15th day of 7th month (Lev. 23:34)

6 MONTHS

John 7:1-2 Feast of Tabernacles at hand

TIME

John 13:1-2 Before the Passover; the Last Supper

Passover : 14th day of 1st month (Lev. 23:5)

TIMELINE OF JESUS’ LAST YEAR

6 MONTHS

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Context of John 6 vs Last Supper continued...

John 6 Last Supper

ElementsBread only (John 6:35)

Fruit of the vine not mentioned!

Bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29)

Message

Believe on me for spiritual life & everlasting life

(John 6:29, 35, 40,47)

"…this do in remembrance of me"

(Luke 22:19)

Disciples already believed in Jesus!

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Figurative Interpretation of John 6:35

The “I am” statements in John’s Gospel are figurative. They reveal Jesus as the source of spiritual direction and spiritual life. e.g. John 6:35, 8:12, 10:9, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1

Jesus is not a literal lamp, nor a literal door, nor a literalshepherd, nor a literal pathway, nor a literal vine. Therefore,Jesus cannot be a literal piece of bread in John 6:35.

Just as bread is important for physical nourishment to ourbodies, so Jesus uses bread to illustrate that He is importantfor spiritual nourishment to our souls. (John 6:35)

Jesus always spoke figuratively in parables to the multitudes.(Matthew 13:34-35)

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Literal or Spiritual Eating And Drinking ?

COMPARING PARALLEL VERSES

John 6:40 John 6:54 … every one which whoso seeth the Son eateth my flesh and and believeth on him drinketh my blood may have everlasting life hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day and I will raise him up at the last day

For both verses to end in eternal life and resurrection, the only logical conclusion that can be drawn is that :

Eating and Drinking = Seeing Jesus and Believing on Him.

Thus John 6 refers to spiritual eating and drinking.

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Literal Interpretation Causes ProblemsLiteral interpretation makes no sense.

“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.” (John 6:50)

Applying the Literal interpretation consistently:

“This is the literal bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may literally eat thereof, and not literally die.”

Applying the Spiritual interpretation consistently:

“This is the spiritual bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may spiritually eat thereof, and not spiritually die.”

Spiritual interpretation is consistent with the rest of John 6 and the rest of the Bible!

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Drinking Blood ??? Jesus would have broken the law if He asked men to

drink his blood.

Jesus said He came not to abolish, but to fulfill thelaw. (Matthew 5:17)

Leviticus 17:10-14 forbids the eating/drinking of anymanner of blood.

Neither Peter nor James were eating/drinking anyblood. Peter said he had never eaten anythingunclean and James advised others to abstain fromblood. (Acts 10:14,15:20, 29)

64

The Mass : A Biblical Examination Mass is not a propitiatory sacrifice. (Heb. 9:22, Lev. 17:11)

Christ’s one-time offering on Calvary was sufficient! (Isaiah 53:11, Hebrews 7:25-27, 9:24-28, 10:12-18)

Christ’s sacrifice is to be remembered (1 Cor. 11:24-25), not re-enacted, nor made present, nor re-presented! The debt of sin has been paid (John 19:30)!

Christ’s sacrifice is applied by faith (Acts 10:43, Rom. 3:25)

Christ’s sacrifice can only benefit the living (Heb. 3:7-8)

The Mass is a pagan sacrifice unto devils (1 Cor. 10:14-22)

65

The Eucharist : A Biblical Examination

Focal point is worshipping God in spirit and in truth,and not in the flesh (John 4:24, Phil. 3:3, John 6:27)

Self-examination prior to communion (1 Cor. 11:28)

Bread and fruit of the vine are symbols and so donot impart grace (Matthew 26:26-28)

God’s word and Spirit in the believer’s heart keepsthe believer from sin (Psalm 119:11, Romans 8:2,Phil. 2:13)

66

The Eucharist : A Biblical Examination

All sin is mortal (Mark 9:43-48, Rom. 6:23, Ezek. 18:4)

God does not dwell in man made temples (Acts 17:24)

Receiving Christ’s Spirit is necessary for salvation(John 1:12, Romans 8:9, Gal. 6:8)

The Holy Spirit is our pledge of the glory to come(Ephesians 1:13-14)

67

Roman Catholic Salvation

68

Sacraments of Roman Catholicism

“If any one saith, that the sacraments of the New Law are not necessary unto salvation, but superfluous; and that, without them, or without the desire thereof, men obtain of God, through faith alone, the grace of justification;-though all (the sacraments) are not indeed necessary for every individual; let him be anathema.”

Council of Trent : CANON IV, Seventh Session

Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Penance,Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, Holy Orders.

Contain grace and are not merely symbolicexpressions of grace. [1127-1128]

Are a channel of God’s grace through the act of thesacrament. [1084, 1128]

Are necessary for salvation. [1129]

69

Sacrament of Baptism

“If any one saith, that baptism is free, that is, not necessary unto salvation; let him be anathema.”

Council of Trent: CANON V, Seventh Session

Frees one from original sin. [1213] Justifies and infuses sanctifying grace into the soul.

[1266] Makes one born again and a child of God. [1213] Gives the gift of divine life. [1212] Makes one a temple of the Holy Spirit. [1265] Welcomes one into the R.C. Church. [1267]

70

Baptism : A Biblical Response Public profession of one’s belief of the gospel. (Acts 2:41)

By immersion : type or symbol of the gospel (Romans 6:4)

Belief of the gospel saves. (Romans 1:16, Acts 10:43)

John’s gospel teaches only faith is needed for salvation. (John 3:16, 18, 36, 5:24, 6:40, 47, 11:25-26, 20:31)

People saved without baptism. (Luke 7:48-50, 23:42-43)

Must believe the gospel before baptism. (Acts 8:37)

Important command for believers to obey. (Mark 16:16)

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach thegospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross ofChrist should be made of none effect.” (1 Cor. 1:17)

71

Sacrament of The Eucharist Provides the body and blood of Christ as spiritual food

to strengthen charity and preserve from sin. [1392-1395] Unites Catholics more closely to God. [1391] Preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace

received at Baptism. [1392] Is to be worshipped. [1378, 1418] Is a sacrifice offered for the sins of the living and of

the dead. [1371, 1393]

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life…For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” [1324]

72

The Eucharist : A Biblical Response Bread and the fruit of the vine are symbols of Christ’s

body and blood. (Mark 14:22, 24-25)

Christians draw nearer to God by faith, prayer andobedience to the word of God. (2 Cor. 5:7, Matt. 5:8)

God does not impart any grace or power to believers when they participate in Communion. (1 Cor. 11:26)

Christians are not to worship objects. (Ex. 20:4-5)

The Lord’s Supper remembers Jesus’ one-time death forour sins and looks ahead to his 2nd coming. (1 Cor. 11:26)

73

Sacrament Of Confirmation Special strengthening of the Holy Spirit to spread and

defend the Roman Catholic faith. [1303] Necessary for the completion of baptismal grace and

Christian initiation. [1285] Unites the baptized more firmly to Christ and to the

Church. [1285, 1303] Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit within. [1303]

“If any one saith, that the confirmation of those who have been baptized is an idle ceremony, and not rather a true and proper sacrament; or that of old it was nothing more than a kind of catechism, whereby they who were near adolescence gave an account of their faith in the face of the Church; let him be anathema.” Council of Trent. CANON I, Seventh Session.

74

Confirmation : A Biblical Response Believers are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to contend

for and spread the Christian faith through prayer, Biblestudy, obedience and the preaching of God’s word.

(1 Peter 3:12-15, 1 Cor. 1:21)

Repentance and faith in Jesus are the only requirementsfor Christian initiation. (Luke 13:3, John 1:12)

Believing the gospel unites one to Christ. (Gal. 3:26)

Obedience to God’s word through the Holy Spirit makesone more like Christ. (2 Cor. 3:17-18, Phil. 2:12-13)

The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts at salvation anddivides these gifts to whom He wills. (1 Cor. 12:11-13)

75

Sacrament Of Penance Offered for grave sins committed after baptism and

allows one to recover the grace of justification. [1446] Sins must be confessed to a priest. God grants pardon

and peace by the priest’s absolution. [1424] The penitent must make satisfaction for his own sins

and pay their temporal penalty. [1459, 1496] Reconciles the sinner with the Church. [1469]

“It (penance) must correspond as far as possible with the gravity and nature of the sins committed. It can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of neighbor, voluntary self-denial, sacrifices, and above all the patient acceptance of the cross we must bear. Such penances help configure us to Christ, who alone expiated our sins once for all. They allow us to become co-heirs with the risen Christ, provided we suffer with him.” [1460]

76

Penance : A Biblical Response Satisfaction for all sin is in Christ’s one-time sacrifice.

(1 John 1:7, 2:2, Hebrews 10:12-14)

Sins are to be confessed directly to God. (1 John 1:9)

Reconciliation is to God and to the brethren, not to thechurch. (2 Cor. 5:20, Matthew 5:24)

Repentance is a work of God convicting and empoweringa sinner to forsake his sins. (Acts 11:18, 2 Tim. 2:25)

Pardon and peace result from repentance and believingthe gospel. (2 Cor. 7:11, Luke 7:50, Romans 5:1)

77

Sacrament of The Anointing of The Sick Provides peace, and courage to endure the sufferings of

illness or old age in a Christian manner. [1532] Provides forgiveness of sins if the sick was unable to

obtain it through the sacrament of Penance. [1532] Provides restoration of health, if it is conducive to the

salvation of his soul. [1532]

“Thus, just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity called "the sacraments of Christian initiation," so too it can be said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life "the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland" or the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.“ [1525]

78

Anointing of The Sick : A Biblical Response Jesus is our peace and He gives lasting peace to those

who belong to him. (Eph. 2:15, John 14:27)

Through His reconciling death, Jesus Christ is able topresent His children who have believed the gospelwith saving faith, holy and faultless in God’s sight.(Col. 1:20-23, Jude 24-25)

God responds to the prayer of faith by the elders ofthe church (Tit. 1:5-9) to heal the sick. (Jam. 5:14-15)

Sins are remitted only through trusting in the one-timedeath of Jesus Christ. (Heb. 9:22, Romans 3:25)

79

Requirements For Catholic Salvation Baptism [1257] Sacraments [1129] Faith in God - V.C. II p. 378, section 24. Obedience to the commandments - V.C. II p. 378, section 24. Church membership [846] Good works – V.C. II p. 68 Prayer [2744] Die in a state of grace. [1023, 1035]

“The bishops … receive from the Lord… the mission of teaching all peoples, and of preaching the Gospel to every creature, so that all men may attain to salvation through faith, baptism, and the observance of the commandments.”

(Vatican Council II, Vol. 1, p. 378, section 24)

80

Increased Justification

FAITHCooperates with grace

GOOD WORKS

MERIT Stored

up

1st Confession

and

1st CommunionMortal Sin ?

Justification through

sacrament of Baptism

Repents of sin?

End of Life ?

End of Life ?

Died in a state of Grace.

SIN

Dejustification:Sanctifying Grace Lost

Rejustification through Sacrament of Penance

Temporal Punishment Stored Up

Acts of Penance

Eucharist + other sacraments

Y

YDied in a state

of Sin.

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

Salvation According To The Roman Catholic Church

N

Y

81

RC Church BibleSins cleansed Baptism [1257, 1263] Jesus' blood (1 John 1:7)

Sins confessed To priest through penance [1424]

Directly to God (Psalm 51, 1 John 1:9)

Atonement for sin

Penance [1460] and the Mass [1366]

Christ’s one time death (Heb. 10:12-18)

Mediator, Co-Redeemer

Mary [969, 494] Only Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5)

GraceMerited [2010]. Through

sacraments. [1128]

Unmerited (Eph. 2:8-9). Dispensed directly by Jesus. (Rom. 5:15)

Source of Spiritual life

Eucharist [1324, 1405]

Jesus and His word (John 6:35, 6:63)

Keeping unto eternal life

Catholic to keep himself in a state of grace.

Jesus keeps his own (John 6:39, Jude 24-25)

Roman Catholic Substitutions For Christ

82

Saving Faith• Believing God’s word about the person and work

of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 6:37-40, 2 John 9)

• Placing one’s total confidence solely in the LordJesus Christ to save one’s soul, to the exclusionof everything and everyone else. (Phil. 3:7-9)

• Faith that is expressed by obedience to Jesusas Lord. (James 2:18, Luke 6:46, Hebrews 5:9)

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)

83

Biblical Gospel

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

84

Proclaim Forgiveness Of Sins

John 20:21-23:

“21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

85

Preach Salvation Only Through Faith In Christ

Mark 16:15-16:

“15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

86

Preach Repentance

Luke 24:46-47:

“46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

87

Teach Obedience To God’s Word

Matthew 28:19-20:

“19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

88

Gospel According To Jesus

Proclaim Forgiveness of sins.

Preach Salvation only through faith in Christ.

Preach Repentance.

Teach Obedience to God’s Word.

89

Doctrine of Biblical Justification

“Justification: a divine act whereby an infinitely Holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before Him because Christ has borne the sinner's sin on the cross and has become "to us . . . righteousness” (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24.)” From New Unger's Bible Dictionary: Moody Press of Chicago, 1988.

RESULT OF JUSTIFICATION Justification delivers the believer from the penalty of sin and forever changes his relationship from one of enmity to one of peace with God. (Romans 5:1, 9-10)

90

Deriving The Doctrine of Biblical Justification

Rom. 3:19-20 Man’s righteousness is condemned.

Rom. 3:21: Righteousness of God without the law.

Rom. 3:22: External righteousness – received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Rom. 3:24: Justified freely by God’s grace.

Rom. 3:25: God declares the believer righteous instead of guilty in his sight.

Rom. 3:26: God remains just, and justifies the one who believes in Jesus.

91

Rom. 3:27: No boasting – God gets all the glory!

Rom. 3:28: Justified by faith without deeds of law.

Rom. 4:2-4: If one were justified by works: - person can glory in self. - merited reward instead of grace.

Rom. 4:5: God justifies the ungodly who does not work but believes.

Rom. 4:9: Takes place the moment of believing.

Rom. 4:17-25: Righteousness imputed to believer.

Deriving The Doctrine of Biblical Justification

92

Justification : Conflicting Anathemas

“If any one saith, that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ's sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified; let him be anathema.” Council of Trent, CANON XII, Sixth Session

“If any one saith, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened (to him); let him be anathema.” Council of Trent CANON XXX, Sixth Session. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

93

All false gospel preachers condemned. (Gal. 1:8-9)

Need to guard the truth of the gospel. (Gal. 2:3-5, Gal. 2:11-16, 3:1, 4:16, 5:7, 5:9)

Law and Faith mutually exclusive as a means of justification. (Gal. 3:10-14, Gal. 5:1-4)

Impossible to be justified by the law (Gal. 3:10): - man needs to keep the whole law (James 2:10).

- man is under God’s curse as a lawbreaker. (Deut. 27:26) - offence of the cross (Gal. 5:11) – man’s utter depravity.

The Law is designed to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith. (Gal. 3:24)

Defending The Doctrine of Biblical Justification

94

Justification According to James

2:14 : Validating a man’s profession of faith?

2:17 : Genuine faith has associated works.

2:18 : Genuine faith is shown by works.

2:21 : How was Abraham justified by works? - not by works of merit (Rom. 4:2-5) - not by works of faith (Rom. 10:9-10, 13)

Abraham believed God was able to raise the dead (Heb. 11:18-19). By his works Abraham’s faith was validated to be genuine.

95

Justification According to James

2:22 : Works perfect genuine faith

2:23 : Believing the gospel is fulfilled in our works 2:24 : By works a man is justified (in saying he has genuine faith) and not by faith only (i.e. not by mere profession)

2:25 : Rahab justified by works (hid the spies) in claiming to believe in God (Joshua 2:11)

By works a man is justified in saying (James) that he is justified before God by faith alone. (Paul)

96

The Faith of Abraham

~10 yrs.

God calls Abraham

(Gen. 12:1-4)

POINT OF JUSTIFICATION

Abraham believed God. His faith counted for righteousness (Gen. 15:6)

Age of Abraham (years)

75 85

Abraham in Canaan for 10 yrs. (Gen. 16:3)

Abraham circumcised (Gen. 17:24)

99

Isaac born (Gen. 21:5)

100

Abraham offers Isaac on Mt. Moriah (Gen. 22:7-12)

~110+

Romans 4:3-5 Galatians 3:6 James 2:23

Romans 4:9-11 James 2:21

97

Paul and James on JustificationPaul James

Who is addressedPerson relying on works

for salvation (Rom. 3:9-20)Person professing to have

faith (James 2:14)

Type of worksWorks of merit (Rom. 4:2-5)

Works resulting from faith (James 2:17-18, 22)

What is condemnedWorks done to earn

salvation (Gal. 3:10-11)Faith not demonstrated by works (James 2:17, 20, 26)

What justifies God (Rom. 3:26) Works (James 2:24)

Who is justifiedUngodly who believe in Jesus (Rom. 3:26, 4:5)

Person in his profession of faith (James 2:17-18, 22)

DeclarationGod declares the believer

righteous in His sight (Rom. 3:25-26)

Works declare person

(professing to have faith) to have genuine or dead faith (James 2:17, 21, 24)

98

Progressive process beginning at justification and ending at death whereby the believer cooperates with the Spirit of God to become Christ-like (Phil. 1:6, 2:12-13, 2 Cor. 3:18, Romans 8:29)

God sets the believer apart from sin unto holiness (Rom. 12:1-2).

The believer is sanctified by the Spirit (1 Peter 1:2) to obey the truth (John 17:17).

Through the Spirit the believer mortifies the deeds of the body (Rom. 8:13) to walk in holiness (1 Pet. 1:15-16) and produce the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23)

Doctrine of Sanctification

99

Delivers from the power of sin (Romans 6:14)

1) God gives the believer a new heart so that he has new purpose, priorities, preferences and pattern in life. (Ezek. 36:26-27, 2 Peter 1:4)

2) God joins the believer to a new master (Christ) (Rom. 6:3) - delivered from serving sin unto righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18) - believer is dead to sin to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4-6)

3) God gives the believer the Holy Spirit to reprove (John 16:8), guide (John 16:13) and empower (2 Cor. 3:6) him to live a life pleasing to God (Heb. 13:20-21).

Believer will receive or lose rewards at the judgment seat of Christ based on his faithfulness and obedience to Christ (1 Cor. 3:11-15, 2 Cor. 5:10, Rev. 3:11)

Doctrine of Sanctification continued...

100

Delivers from the presence of sin (Romans 8:18, Rev. 21)

Act of God to take the believer’s spirit to heaven (Acts 7:55-56, 59)

Believer’s body will be raised incorruptible on the day of resurrection by Christ and changed into a glorified body like his (Phil. 3:21, 1 Cor. 15-51-54)

Those whom God justifies, he glorifies (Rom. 8:30)

Verses that refer to glorification and not justification: - Rom. 8:24: “we are saved by hope” - Rom. 13:11: “salvation nearer than when we believed”

Glorification

101

How to Witness to

Roman Catholics

102

Pray for God’s power in your life and in the lives of the lost (2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Study and remember God’s word (Eph. 5:18-19, Col. 3:16) to be filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8)

Live a godly example (Matthew 5:16, Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 51:10-13) Expect trials and persecution (Matthew 5:10-11, Luke 6:22, 2 Cor. 6:4-5)

Preparation to Witness

103

Don’t be in denial – Paul feared, but learnt the secret of overcoming fear (2 Cor. 7:5, 1 Cor. 2:3-5)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of

power and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

Power: God has give us the Holy Spirit! (Acts 1:8, Phil. 4:13, 2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Love God and love others more than self. (John 3:30, 1 John 4:18, 2 Cor. 5:14)

Sound mind: Trust God and His word, not your feelings (Prov. 29:25, 2 Cor. 5:11)

Overcoming Fear

104

Stimulate thought (Matthew 21:24-25, 22:42)

Questions to stimulate thought regarding a person’s beliefs:

- What do you mean by _______?

- How do you know it’s true?

- What practical difference does it make?

- What if you are wrong and you die?

Principles for Sharing Your Faith

105

Listen carefully to discern where the person is spiritually (Prov. 15:28, 16:1)

Conduct yourself with integrity (2 Cor. 4:2, 6:3)

Allow a Christ-like spirit and attitude to prevail (2 Tim. 2:24-26, Eph. 4:15)

Teach/preach the Word (Jer. 23:29, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12)

Trust God to work in hearts (John 16:7-8, Matthew 28:20)

Principles for Sharing Your Faith continued...

106

Authority is a combination of: RC Church, culture & tradition, the Bible, worldly conventional wisdom, human reasoning (Col. 2:8, Prov. 14:12)

Does not understand how seriously God views

sin and does not understand how God views a person’s own righteousness (Isaiah 59:2, 64:6)

Taught to trust in one’s own righteousness.

(Luke 18:9-14, Romans 10:1-4)

The Problem for the Roman Catholic

107

The Importance of Correct Foundation

CULTURE& TRADITION

RC CHURCH

BIBLE

Worldly wisdom

Human Reasoning

SELF

ROMAN CATHOLIC LIFE

BIBLE

CHRIST

CHRISTIAN LIFE

GROUND

Luke 6:46-49

Col. 2:8

Romans 10:1-4

Eph. 2:20

108

To define righteousness (Romans 7:12)

To define sin (1 John 3:4, Romans 7:7)

To make man aware of sin within him (Romans 7:9)

To measure sin so that man sees that he is exceedingly sinful before God (Romans 7:13)

To silence man’s protests and to show him he is justly condemned before God (Romans 3:19, 7:9)

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:24)

The Purpose of the Law

109

Man’s Sinfulness

SinLaw Explained / Examples of sin

Commandment broken Punishment

Stubborness 1 Sam. 15:23 No other gods Gal. 5:20-21

Evil Thoughts Mark 7:21-23 No idols Rev. 21:27

Idle Words Eph. 4:29-32 God's name in vain Matthew 12:36-37

Rebellious to parents Ephesians 6:1 Honour parents Ephesians 6:3

Hateful attitude Matthew 5:21-22 No killing 1 John 3:15

Lustful Eyes Matthew 5:27-28 No adultery 1 Cor. 6:9

Stealing Eph. 5:28; 6:5-6 No stealing 1 Cor. 6:10

Lying Ephesians 4:25 No bearing false witness Rev. 21:8

Failing to Love Mark 12:30-31 No other gods, last 5 Romans 1:31-32

Covetousness Heb. 13:5 No coveting Ephesians 5:5-6

Use of Time & Money 2 Tim. 3:4 No idols Rev. 21:8

110

Christ’s Righteous Example

Man's Sin Christ's Righteous ExampleSupporting Scriptures

Stubborness "Not my will but thine be done" Matt. 26:39

Evil Thoughts Knew no sin 2 Cor. 5:21

Idle Words Had the words of life John 6:63

Rebellious to parents Was subject unto his parents Luke 2:51

Hateful Attitude Came not destroy but to save Luke 9:56

Lustful Eyes Had omniscient eyes Rev. 2:18

Stealing Gave himself for others Matt. 20:28

Lying He is truth John 14:6

Failing to Love Loved the Father completely John 8:29, 14:31

Covetousness Became poor that we might be rich 2 Cor. 8:9

Use of Time & Money Rendered to God and to man Matt 22:21

111

Testimony of Man’s Sinfulness

Person Passage ConfessionJob Job 40:4 "Behold, I am vile..."

Isaiah Isaiah 6:5"...Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips..."

Ezra Ezra 9:6

"...O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens."

Peter Luke 5:8"Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

Paul Romans 7:14 "I am carnal, sold under sin."

112

God is a consuming fire that cannot look on sin and will not acquit the wicked (Heb. 12:29, Hab. 1:13, Nah. 1:3)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Prov. 1:7, 9:10)

By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil (Prov. 3:7, 16:6)

Jesus commanded men to fear God. God has the power to cast body and soul into hell (Matthew 10:28)

Present the demands of the law prior to warning of Judgment to produce “tearful converts” instead of just

“fearful converts” (Romans 7:12-14, Acts 24:24-25)

The Fear of God

113

Problem of sin is not properly defined to the unbeliever. (Romans 3:20, 7:7)

Unbeliever has a wrong view of God (holy) and self (sinful). (Isaiah 59:2, 64:6)

Unbeliever cannot appreciate the love of God in Christ. (Romans 5:8, Luke 7:47)

Unbeliever turns the grace of God into a license to sin. (Jude 4)

Very high chance of producing a false convert who is inoculated against the true gospel. (Luke 8:13) They either lack the fruit of repentance or they wrongfully believe salvation is by faith plus works.

Failure to Use the Law

114

Principle: Offer Law to the proud and self-righteous

Offer Grace to the repentant (James 4:6)

Defining righteousness & sin and illustrating the impossibility of saving oneself (Matthew 19:16-26) Exposing the folly of self-justification (Luke 10:25-37)

Moving the sinner to the point of grace (John 4:9-29) Offering grace to the repentant (John 8:1-11)

Observing the Master Soul Winner

115

The Importance of Correct Foundation

CULTURE& TRADITION

RC CHURCH

BIBLE

Worldly wisdom

Human Reasoning

SELF

ROMAN CATHOLIC LIFE

BIBLE

CHRIST

CHRISTIAN LIFE

GROUND

Luke 6:46-49

Col. 2:8

Romans 10:1-4

Eph. 2:20

116

“…he that winneth souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30b)

Determine what they are trusting in for their salvation. (Expose self-righteousness – Isaiah 64:6)

Use the law to contrast man’s sin with Christ’s righteousness to accurately define what “good” is in God’s sight. (Matthew 19:17) {use inclusive language}

Confirm their understanding that they have sinned against God many times; and that they rightly deserve God’s eternal punishment. (Romans 3:9-19)

Proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ and that they will face him either as Judge or Saviour! (Acts 17:31, Romans 2:16, 1 Tim. 2:4-6, Acts 4:12)

Strategy for Witnessing

117

Only focus on the message of God’s grace and forgiveness when the person gives evidence that they admit their guilty condition before God and their need for His mercy. (Luke 5:32, 18:13, Matthew 5:3)

Call for repentance from sin & dead works to trust in Christ alone as Lord! (Luke 9:23, Heb. 6:1, Rom. 10:1-4) Call for repentance from human philosophy to trust in the Bible alone as one’s authority (Matthew 4:4) Build one’s life on Jesus Christ and His word (Eph. 2:20)

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1. What would you say if God asked you: “Why should I let you into heaven?” 2. If God used the 10 commandments to determine if you or I were a good person, how do you think you would do? 3. Suppose you are before God and you were asked: Have you lied, stolen, lusted, hated, rebelled against parents, etc… (walk them through the law) {Amplify each commandment} 4. Based on your own admission, you have broken the following commandments – list them!

Witnessing Outline

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5. Do you think God would find you innocent or guilty?

6. Would you be sentenced to heaven or hell?

7. If their response is one of self-justification or a refusal to acknowledge their guilt, then use an example from civil law to illustrate the concept of “justice”. Challenge them to measure themselves against Matt.12:36-37 or Rom. 2:16 to get them to see their sin.

8. If their response is “Hell” and they are concerned, then Preach the gospel – (1 Cor. 15:3-4, Eph. 2:8-10) Call for repentance from sin and self-righteousness. Lay foundation with Christ as Lord! Build upon Christ with the Bible – refute doctrinal errors!

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Meet regularly with Roman Catholic loved one to pray and discuss spiritual things. Share personal testimony and what God is saying and doing in your life.

Promote Personal and Group Bible Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (e.g. use Firm Foundations, Christian Mentoring From A – Z)

Encourage attendance at a solid Bible Believing Church (Heb. 10:24)

Don’t force a premature sinner’s prayer. When ready, let them pray in their own words. (Acts 16:30)

After they have received Christ, encourage a clean break from the Roman Catholic Church (Rev. 18:4, 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Romans 16:17, 2 John 9-11)

Principles For Discipleship

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Authority - The church, The word of God, Tradition, Sola Scriptura

Mary - RC doctrines, Apparitions, Miracles, Prayer

The Mass - Transubstantiation, Sacrifice, Eucharist

Salvation - Biblical examination of RC Sacraments - RC Gospel vs. Gospel According to Jesus - Doctrine of Justification by faith alone - Doctrine of Sanctification - Doctrine of Glorification - How to share the gospel with a Roman Catholic

Summary of Seminar

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The Roman Catholic Church is not a Christian Church. It presents a false Christ and a false gospel and gives a false hope to its members. (Gal. 1:8-9, 2 Cor. 11:4)

Know your Bible to discern truth and error. (Heb. 5:12-14, Eph. 4:14-15)

Pray for and witness to the lost.

Appreciation for Christ’s work in salvation.

Appreciation for Biblical Evangelism.

Practice Biblical Separation: oppose ecumenism (2 John 9-11, Rom. 16:17, 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Rev. 18:3-4)

Application For Seminar

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1. Is it in dying that we are born to eternal life? (John 5:24, 6:35-40, 2 Cor. 5:6-8) 2. How does the RC Church rationalize removing the second commandment? When did they do this?

Questions

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Questions

A Traditional Catechetical Formula 1. I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.