Why Catholics honour Mary
By The Bellarmine Society.
Catholic Truth Society of Ireland No.apol107a (1963)
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The Virgin Mary was the Mother of Jesus Christ. But Jesus Christ was God, and therefore Mary was the Mother of God Incarnate (Matt. 1:18). That is the fundamental reason why Catholics honour her.
To carry out the purpose of His Eternal Wisdom to redeem mankind, God the Son came into this world as a Man Himself. In becoming Man, God chose to be born of a human mother. By His Omnipotence and Wisdom He was able to choose, from all the nations and peoples existing throughout the ages, the one woman who was to be His Mother. God's choice fell upon Mary, the Virgin Spouse of Joseph, who was living in the little village of Nazareth in Palestine.
Mary was the Mother of Jesus Christ, True God and True Man. Catholics, therefore, honour Mary because:
I. GOD CHOSE HER ABOVE ALL OTHER WOMEN.
Would one not look for the greatest perfections in the woman God chose to be the Mother of Christ, His Eternal Son? Surely, God could choose a perfect mother; it was fitting that He should do so; therefore, He did choose a perfect Mother.
The Angelic Salutation.
God Himself, through the mouth of His Archangel Gabriel, has told us that Mary was perfect. “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you: Blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:28). Catholics do but follow the Archangel's example when they repeat the prayer well-known as the “Hail Mary."
The Salutation of Elizabeth.
When Mary visited her, this same salutation was repeated by Elizabeth, “filled with the Holy Ghost" (Luke 1:41-42); and in reply Mary herself was inspired by God to make this prophecy: “For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me Blessed. Because He that is mighty has done great things to me" (Luke 1:48-49).
Mary then was perfect in the eyes of Almighty God, who is Infinite Purity Itself. She is more worthy of love and honour than any other of God's creatures. If it is wrong to love and honour Mary in a special way, then surely the words 'love' and `honour' have lost their very meaning.
II. SHE IS CHRIST'S MOTHER.
Although Jesus Christ was truly God, He was also truly Man; as a man, therefore, He depended on His Mother during His childhood and youth for nurture, training, and education. During the three years of His public life, Christ taught a doctrine which is the admiration even of those who deny His divinity. He went about healing and doing good, and showing men the way of salvation. His preparation for all this was thirty years spent with His Mother at Nazareth.
She shared in His work.
Through Mary's consent when she said to Gabriel, "Be it done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), the Redeemer came down on earth. This consent brought her the immense privilege and honour of the divine motherhood, but it involved also suffering, labour, and tremendous sacrifice. It brought joy with the visit of the shepherds, sent to the Infant Christ by angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest"; joy with the visit of the Wise Men, led from the East by the star. It brought suffering in the flight from Herod to exile in Egypt, sorrow at Calvary when all the disciples but John had fled away and “there stood by the Cross of Jesus, His Mother" (John 19:25). Then was fulfilled Simeon's prophecy to Mary: “And your own soul a sword shall pierce" (Luke 2:35). Mary, therefore, claims our love since she shared so closely in the joys and sufferings of Him who laid down His life that we might be His friends for all eternity.
III. SHE IS OUR MOTHER.
But Mary as the Mother of the Redeemer is more to us than the Mother of our dearest Friend and our greatest Benefactor; she is our Mother as well. Redeemed by the Blood of Christ, we become sons of God by adoption. So we are Mary's children since we are brethren of Mary's Son, “the first-born among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29). It was to this that Christ referred on the Cross when He said to His Mother, “Woman, behold your son," and to His disciple, Saint John, “Behold your Mother" (John 19:26).
She is our Helper.
We pray direct to Christ, the One Mediator, but since Mary is our Mother and the Mother of Christ, what wonder if we sometimes pray to her to intercede for us with her Son; for we show special love and honour to Our Lord when we approach Him through the Mother whom He loves so well, and whom He has given to us, to be our Mother also. At her request, Jesus performed the first miracle recorded in the Gospels, the changing of the water into wine at Cana (John 2:3-9). What wonder then, if the sick, the lame, and the blind go to her shrines, at Lourdes and elsewhere, in hope of cure, and when God sees fit, are cured? What wonder then, if millions of Christians daily beg of her, “Pray for us, sinners, now and at the hour of our death?”
Seeing what Mary is, how can we be surprised that all Christians of both East and West, during all the centuries the Church has been in existence, have, with the unhappy exception of the Protestant Reformers in the last four centuries or so, been jealous of her honour, and have felt that not to love Mary is to fail in love for her Son!
As [Blessed] Cardinal Newman wrote: "If we take a survey, at least of Europe, we shall find that it is not those religious communions which are characterized by devotion to the Blessed Virgin that have ceased to adore her Eternal Son... They who were accused of worshipping a creature in His stead, still worship Him; their accusers... have ceased to worship Him altogether."
This Apologetic leaflet was first issued by the Bellarmine Society of Oxford University. We are proud to reproduce it here in the hope that many more souls will benefit by its wisdom.
27 Topics on the Catholic Religion Proved by the Protestant Bible.
BEING PART of
The Catholic Religion Proved by the Protestant Bible.
There are 27 books of the New Testament. There just happen to be 27 Topics in the remainder of this Pamphlet!
TOPIC 1 - ORIGIN OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that the true Church began with Christ over 1900 years ago, not with men or women 15 to 19 centuries later. It was founded when Our Lord spoke the following and other similar words:
Matthew 28: 18-20: - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
COMMENT: History proves that the First Protestant Church was the Lutheran, founded in 1517 by the ex-priest Martin Luther; all other of 300 to 500 major Protestant sects have been created since then. (One 1953 study said that there were 33,800 separate Protestant churches, sects or ecclesial communities in the world! All have ‘founders’ more recent than Martin Luther.)
TOPIC 2 - AUTHORITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that the rulers of Christ's Church have authority which must be obeyed in matters of religion.
Hebrews 13:17: - Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Matthew 18:17: - And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Luke 10:16: - He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Matthew 16:19: - And I will give unto thee (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou (Peter) shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou (Peter) shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
COMMENT: The apostles repeatedly claimed this authority: Gal. 1:8; 2nd Letter of John 1:10; Acts 15, 23 and 28. Hence, the laws or precepts of the true Church are founded upon the same authority as the commandments of God. For the Church of Christ has authority to act in his Name.
TOPIC 3 - INFALLIBILITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH, i.e., THAT IT CAN NOT ERR IN TEACHING CHRIST'S RELIGION.
INFALLIBILITY: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that not the Bible itself, but the Holy Ghost was the teacher of the Apostles.
John 14:26: - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 16:13: - How be it when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth...
Acts 1:8: - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
COMMENT: In consequence, the true Church was necessarily infallible, being as Saint Paul said (1 Timothy 3:15) "the pillar and ground of the truth."
INFALLIBILITY: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that the Church has Christ always WITH IT and the Holy Ghost always to guide it-not only during the first century but during all future ages.
Matthew 28:20: - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END of the world. Amen.
John 14:16: - And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOREVER.
COMMENT: Hence, it is an insult to Christ and the Holy Spirit to say that God's Church fell into error and had to be reformed by Luther, Calvin and other men or women.
TOPIC 4 - PERPETUITY OF THE ORIGINAL CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that the visible Church of Christ has had and will ever have uninterrupted existence.
Matthew 28: 19-20: - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost... lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 16:18: - ... and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [My church.]
COMMENT: Hence the theory that Christ's Church, which began with Christ, failed - became non-existent for 1000 or more years - and then was revived by either Luther, Calvin, Knox or some other man or woman, is ridiculous and untrue.
TOPIC 5 - VISIBLE UNITY OF THE CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that Christ ascribed to his Church qualities and gave to it the names that proved it to be a VISIBLE organization with VISIBLE UNITY among its followers.
Romans 12:5: - So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Ephesians 4:3 to 5: - (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4). There is ONE BODY, AND ONE SPIRIT even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. (5). One Lord, one faith, one baptism, etc.
John 10:16: - And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Romans 12: 4-5: - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, etc.
John 17:21: - That they may be one, as thou Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that (as a consequence) the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.
In many places of scripture, Christ's Church is compared to a house, a body, a city built on a mountain, a sheepfold, etc.; but these are all visible things. Hence, Christ's Church besides being one spirit is also "One Body." The Catholic Church alone has this two-fold unity. The "invisible" theory is therefore false on the face of it.
COMMENT: Contrast the unity of Faith, Fold and Shepherd in the Catholic Church with the dissenting, contradictory tenets of 400 (and more) Protestant organizations and the divinity of the origin of the former becomes obvious and certain.
TOPIC 6 - SINNERS AND CHRIST'S CHURCH.
SINNERS: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that Christ died for all men, both saints and sinners; and not merely for the "saved or predestined."
2 Corinth 5:15: - And that he died for ALL, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Romans 5: 6-21: - For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, etc.
1 John 2:2: - And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:4: - Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
COMMENT: Hence to the Catholic Church the soul of the condemned criminal on the scaffold is an object of tender solicitude even as, to Our Lord, was the thief on the cross.
SINNERS: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that not only the just but sinners will always claim external membership in the true Church.
Matthew 22:2: The parable of the king who made a marriage for his son.
Matthew 13:24: The parable of the field in which grew both grain and cockle.
2 Timothy 2:20: - But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Matthew 18:15: - Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matthew 13:47: - Parable of the net that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind of fish, savoury and unsavoury.
COMMENT: Hence, that ungodly persons call themselves Catholic, but are so in name only, is no reflection upon the Church itself. It is rather a verification of Christ's prophecies.
TOPIC 7 - CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that from the beginning and in every age the true Church of Christ is all over the world or universal; the Greek word used is "Katholikos," from which the English word "Catholic" is derived.
Matthew 28: 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.
Mark 16:15: - And he said unto them, Go ye into ALL THE WORLD, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 1:8: - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea; and in Samaria, and unto the UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH.
Romans 10:18: - But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
COMMENT: Except the Catholic Church, what Christian organization has even a remote claim to universality, in point of place and in point of time? But this is what the essential nature of Christ's Church demands.
TOPIC 8 – APOSTOLICITY.
The Bible teaches that the Apostles appointed lawful successors to carry on their work.
Titus 1:5: - For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that was wanting, and ordain elders (i.e. priests) in every city, as I had appointed thee.
Acts 13: 2 and 3: - As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have recalled them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
COMMENT: Saul or Saint Paul had been selected by Christ Himself; yet he was later ordained by Apostolic authority. By what right then does a Dowie, Eddy, Russell, Calvin, Knox, Campbell, or their agents assume the role of ruler, teacher, or founder of a "Christian" Church? {Footnote: John Alexander Dowie is the founder of the Zion churches of Africa and Illinois between 1896 & 1908. Mary Baker Eddy founded the ‘Christian Science’ church in 1879. Charles Russell founded the Jehovah Witnesses in 1879. John Calvin (died 1564) is the founder of the Calvinist churches. John Knox founded Presbyterianism in 1560. Alex Campbell founded the ‘Church of Christ” in 1813.}
TOPIC 9 - THE FIRST POPE.
The Bible teaches the one (and only one) Church which Christ founded had Simon Bar-Jona or Peter for its head. (Our Lord had changed his name from Simon Bar Jona to Peter [a name which means ‘Rock’].)
Matthew 16: 18-19: - And I say also unto Thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, etc.
Later Our Lord made Simon-Peter pastor of both the lambs and the sheep, that is, His whole flock.
John 21: 15 to 17:- So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed my sheep. 17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Our Lord promised that Peter would confirm the faith of the other Apostles:
Luke 22:32: - But I have prayed for thee (Peter) that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
COMMENT: Hence only the Church having Peter and his lawful successors for its head can logically claim to be the Church of Christ.
Next, let us examine the SEVEN SACRAMENTS.
TOPIC 10 – BAPTISM.
BAPTISM: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that in apostolic times whole families were baptized.
Acts 16:33: - And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
1 Corinth 1:16: - And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides I know not whether I baptized any other.
Acts 16:15: - And when she (Lydia) was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
COMMENT: Unquestionably, there were children in these families. Moreover, the earliest records of the Church prove that children were baptized a few days after birth.
BAPTISM: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that (for grown persons to whom the Gospel can be preached) faith is a necessary condition for baptism.
Mark 16:16: - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matthew 28:19: - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
COMMENT: In this text, there is no question of children, to whom the Gospel could not be preached and who therefore could not believe. For them not faith but only baptism is required, that original sin may be washed away and supernatural grace imparted to them.
BAPTISM: Point THREE.
The Bible teaches that no one at all (hence not even an infant) can enter the Kingdom of God without baptism.
John 3:5: - Jesus answered. Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
COMMENT: The expression "a man" or "tis" in Greek means any one at all. Hence, this text applies to both babes and adults.
TOPIC 11 – CONFIRMATION.
The Bible teaches that there is such a Christian ordinance or Sacrament as confirmation or "the laying on of hands" by which we receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8: 14-15 and 17: - Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:6: - And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Hebrews 6:2: - Of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
COMMENT: In the early Church, the Sacrament of "the laying on of hands" was often attended with visible miraculous effects, which is not now usually the case. But the Sacrament itself remains the same when conferred by a lawfully consecrated Bishop as a successor of the Apostles.
TOPIC 12 - THE HOLY EUCHARIST: CHRIST ACTUALLY PRESENT THEREIN.
EUCHARIST: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that when making his last will and testament Christ gave to us his own Body and Blood.
Mark 14: 22-24: - And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: This is my body. 23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
COMMENT: Christ having said "this is my body," who shall deny it and say, "This is not your body." Christ having said "this is my blood," who shall deny and say, "This is not your blood."
EUCHARIST: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that Our Lord solemnly claimed that his Eucharist was superior to the miraculous food (John 6:11 to 13) and to the manna (Exodus 16:15).
John 6: 26 and following verses (to 32): - Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you; ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. etc. (Verse 31) Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
COMMENT: But if the Holy Eucharist were only bread and wine and not the Body and Blood of Christ, these statements would constitute gross deception.
EUCHARIST: Point THREE.
The Bible teaches that Christ's Holy Eucharist actually came down from Heaven; in other words, that it was really his own very self.
John 6: 33 and following verses (to 51): - For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 35. I am the bread of life... 38. For I came down from heaven, etc. 41. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said I am the bread which came down from heaven, etc. 48. I am that bread of life. 49. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
COMMENT: Here Our Lord sums up and confirms what He had said in Points One and Two (on the Eucharist) above; reflect also that mere bread and wine does not come down from Heaven. Nor is it Christ's flesh as He expressly states of his Holy Eucharist.
EUCHARIST: Point FOUR.
The Bible teaches that upon hearing Our Lord's claim about the Holy Eucharist, many Jews became Protestors or Protestants.
John 6: 52: - The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat?
COMMENT: If they had said, how can this God do this, there would have been no difficulty, for God can do all things.
EUCHARIST: Point FIVE.
The Bible teaches that in spite of the Jews' most strenuous objections - Christ did not correct or modify his statement (which he would have done had there been a misunderstanding); but insisted the more upon the reality of his presence in the Eucharist.
John 6: 53 and following verses (to 58): - Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58. This is that bread which came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.
COMMENT: Even taken as an isolated proof, this is unassailable, but taken as a part of a chain of proofs, it becomes as impregnable as a wall of solid granite.
EUCHARIST: Point SIX.
The Bible teaches that Jesus allowed many of his disciples to abandon Him, rather than to substitute the Protestant version of his Holy Eucharist for what He had given as his true Holy Eucharist.
John 6:60 and following verses (to 66): - Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, this is an hard saying; who can hear it? Verse 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
COMMENT: What a strange concept one must have of Christ to imagine that He would have acted in this manner if the disciples had really misunderstood Him. (See also John 3: 3 to 7 and John 8: 56 to 59).
EUCHARIST: Point SEVEN.
The Bible teaches that Jesus would have allowed his twelve Apostles also to abandon Him rather than to give them the Protestant version of his Holy Eucharist.
John 6:67 and following verses (to 69): Then said Jesus unto the twelve. Will ye also go away? 68. Then Simon Peter answered him. Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. 69. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
COMMENT: Peter as usual had the correct view. He believed and knew that Christ was God, therefore he accepted his divine word, difficult to understand, though it may have been. Catholics lovingly do the same.
EUCHARIST: Point EIGHT.
Saint Paul teaches that the unworthy reception of Holy Communion constitutes a desecration of the Body and Blood of Christ and is the cause of damnation.
1 Corinth 11:27: - Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Corinth 11:29. - For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
COMMENT: Let unbelievers in the truth of our Lord's real presence endeavour to show how the taking of a mere piece of bread or a sip of wine could be a desecration of Christ himself and a crime worthy of damnation.
TOPIC 13 - PUBLIC WORSHIP IN THE TRUE CHURCH.
The Bible teaches that there is a sacrifice and a priesthood in the new law.
Malachy 1:11: - For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering:
Hebrews 13:10: - We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle (of the Jewish temple).
COMMENT: The usual Protestant communion service is not intended to be a sacrificial act which the prophet's word "altar" connotes. Where today except in the Catholic Church do we find among Christians an altar of sacrifice and a pure offering, i.e., the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine?
TOPIC 14 - CONFESSION (PENANCE or RECONCILIATION).
CONFESSION: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that the confessing of sins is a usual requisite for obtaining forgiveness.
Numbers 5: 6-7: - Speak unto the children of Israel. When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit... Then they shall confess their sin which they have done, etc.
Proverbs 28:13: - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
2 Samuel 12:13: - After David confessed his sins to the prophet Nathan, he was given assurance of pardon.
Luke 23:43: - When the thief on the cross confessed, our Lord promised him paradise.
1 John 1:9: - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, etc.
Matthew 3:5-6: - Then went out to him (John) Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Acts 19:18: - And many that believed came (to the Apostles), and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
COMMENT: Private confession is necessarily contained in the double power which Christ gave to the Church-the power to forgive or retain sins, as the circumstances require. To do so prudently, the "minister of reconciliation" must have the required information, which the penitent supplies by confession.
CONFESSION: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that Christ gave to the validly ordained ministers of his own Church the power to forgive sins.
2 Corinth 5:20: - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
John 20:21-23: - Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so I send you. 23, Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: And whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Matthew 18:18: - Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
2 Corinth 5:18, 20: - And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the Ministry of reconciliation.
COMMENT: All purely spiritual powers which Christ conferred upon his Church were given to it perpetually except where no need of such a power remained. But who will say there is no longer any need of the power to forgive sin, that sin is no longer a live problem upon earth?
TOPIC 15 - EXTREME UNCTION (LAST ANOINTING) (Or ANOINTING OF THE SICK).
The Bible teaches that the anointing of the sick with oil and prayer by the priests of the Church (called Extreme Unction) may obtain forgiveness of sins and even refreshment of body.
James 5: 14-16: - Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (i.e., priests) of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
COMMENT: As all such spiritual ordinances derived from Christ and the Apostles were of their very nature perpetual, there is absolutely no reason for saying that Extreme Unction as here described was but a temporary institution.
TOPIC 16 - MATRIMONY AND DIVORCE.
MATRIMONY: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that lawful marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power.
Matthew 19:6: - Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
COMMENT: This doctrine is maintained at a great price by the Catholic Church. Of old, it cost her nearly the whole of England. Today she loses thousands every year because of her uncompromising stand upon this subject. But did she do otherwise, she would cease to be the true Church of Christ.
MATRIMONY: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that remarriage (during the lifetime of the former consort) is adultery.
1 Corinth 7:10-11: - And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband; but and if she depart let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Mark 10:11-12: - And he (Jesus) saith unto them, whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another she committeth adultery.
Luke 16:18: Whosoever putteth away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
COMMENT: If one party commits adultery the other party may, under certain circumstances, live separate from guilty party; but may not remarry during the former consort's lifetime. This is the real meaning of Matthew 19: 9.
TOPIC 17 - HOLY ORDERS.
HOLY ORDERS: Point ONE.
The Bible teaches that Christ has ambassadors or agents (his bishops and priests) who represent Him in this world.
2 Corinth 5:20: - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 Corinth 4:1: - Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
John 20:21: - Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
COMMENT: No wonder that the Catholic Church imposes such serious obligations upon her priests. The fact that an occasional individual may be faithless to his obligations proves nothing against Christ or his Church. The fact that many slander and vilify the priests, only makes them so much the more like their Divine Master.
HOLY ORDERS: Point TWO.
The Bible teaches that the office of the bishop, priests, etc., in the true Church comes by divine appointment; i.e., God gives individuals a special vocation to this calling.
Hebrews 5:4: - And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Hebrews 5:1: - For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
John 15:16: - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; and that your fruit should remain - that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 20:21: - Then said Jesus to them again. Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
COMMENT: Most unscriptural, therefore, is the practice of congregations ordaining, commissioning their ministers to preach the gospel to them. This authority comes from Christ, through the Apostles and their lawful successors.
HOLY ORDERS: Point THREE.
The Bible teaches that the Apostles actually appointed lawful assistants and successors to carry on their work.
Titus 1:5: - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders (i.e., priests) in every city, as I had appointed thee.
Acts 13: 2 and 3: - As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
COMMENT: Holy Orders is a special sacrament which transmits the Apostolic power and authority down through the centuries.
TOPIC 18 - WOMEN AS MINISTERS.
The Bible teaches that it is unlawful to have women ministers who speak or preach in the Churches.
1 Corinth 14:34: Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak, etc.
COMMENT: In view of this, it is difficult to see how any one can take it upon himself to nullify the word of God, by having women preachers, ministers or evangelists.
TOPIC 19 – PURGATORY.
The Bible teaches (a) that some sins are forgiven in the next world; (b) that some souls are saved in the next world "by fire"; (c) that it is useful and beneficial to pray for the dead.
Matthew 12:32: And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, NEITHER IN THE WORLD TO COME. (Some sins can therefore be forgiven after death.)
1 Corinth 3:13 and 15: - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 15. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, YET SO AS BY FIRE.
2 Machabees, 12:46: - (This is one of the Old Testament books omitted from the Protestant Bible). “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.”
COMMENT: As nothing defiled can enter Heaven (Revelation 21:27), there must necessarily exist a state of cleansing or purgation usually called "purgatory."
TOPIC 20 - PICTURES AND STATUES.
The Bible teaches that God approves the use and veneration of sacred pictures and images to stimulate religious fervour.
Exodus 25:18: - And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Numbers 21: 8-9: - And the Lord said unto Moses. Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole, and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
John 3:14: - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
1 Kings 6:29: - And he (Solomon) carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. (Also, see verses 32 and 35).
COMMENT: Hence men are not forbidden "to make to thyself a graven image," except when this is to be set up and adored as a god.
TOPIC 21 - SOME CATHOLIC CUSTOMS – ASHES and VESTMENTS.
ASHES ON ASH WEDNESDAY.
The Bible teaches the utility of ashes as a sign of penance.
Job 42:6: - Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Jonah 3:6: - For word came unto the king of Nineveh and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth and sat in ashes.
COMMENT: Hence, criticism of blessed ashes and similar Catholic sacramentals is irreverent and irreligious.
VESTMENTS AT MASS.
The Bible teaches that special vestments are worn by those exercising sacred functions.
Exodus 28:4: - And these are the garments which they shall make; a breast plate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre and a girdle, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
COMMENT: Hence Catholic vestments are by no means "superstitious," but conformable to Bible precedent.
TOPIC 22 - CATHOLIC CUSTOMS – HOLY WATER and INCENSE.
HOLY WATER.
The Bible teaches that already in ancient times, God not only permitted but commanded the use of Holy Water.
Numbers 5:17: - And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water.
COMMENT: Hence, the Catholic Church should be commended, not blamed, for following Sacred Scripture.
USE OF INCENSE.
The Bible teaches that incense symbolizing prayer can be used in churches when offering praise and worship to God.
Revelation 8:3: - And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Psalm 141:2 [Psalm 140:2 in the Vulgate]. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
COMMENT: Hence, at Catholic ceremonies, the use of incense, etc., all have Scriptural basis.
TOPIC 23 - RELICS OF SAINTS.
The Bible teaches that it is proper and beneficial to venerate the relics of sacred personages or things.
2 Kings 2:8-14: - The mantle of Elijah.
Exodus 7:10: - The rod of Aaron.
Matthew 9: 20-21; Also Matthew 14:36: - The hem of our Lord's garment.
Acts 19:12: - So that from his body (Paul’s) were brought unto the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirit went out of them.
Acts 5: 15-16: - Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
COMMENT: Hence, while the Catholic Church forbids her children to pray TO relics of Christ and the Saints, or to act towards them as if they had any power IN THEMSELVES; she rightly teaches us to honour the relics for what they represent. Similarly, Americans honour the flag because of its symbolism.
TOPIC 24 – HERESIES.
The Bible teaches that those who reject willingly the true faith are to be classified with heretics and lost souls.
Titus 3:10: - A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject.
Galatians 1:8: - 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 1:9: - As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which ye have received let him be accursed.
Romans 16:17: - Now I beseech you brethren mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John 1:10: - If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.
COMMENT: Therefore, according to the Bible, one religion is not as good as the other. It is the true religion that God demands of men and which men are bound to practice in order to save their souls.
TOPIC 25 - NECESSITY OF GOOD WORKS.
The Bible teaches that both faith and good works are necessary for salvation.
James 2: 22-26: - Seest thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? etc... so faith without works is dead also.
1 Corinth 13:1-3: - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels... and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains... and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Matthew 7:21: - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 16:16: - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned.
COMMENT: Hence the futility of saying, "I am a Christian, I am a Catholic," unless one earnestly strives to serve God. Hence, the egregious error of maintaining that the mere acceptation of Christ as one's Personal Saviour is all that is required. Christ is, will be our personal Saviour only if we exercise that necessary faith and good works. Hence also the folly of saying: "It makes no difference what you believe."
TOPIC 26 - HONOURING MARY.
The Bible teaches that God made Mary the earthly mother of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity; that true Christians of every age MUST honour her: Read Luke 1:26-35.
Luke 1:48:... for, behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. [The words of Mary uttered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.]
COMMENT: Since God honoured Mary more than other angelic or human beings, are we not allowed, EVEN OBLIGED, to do the same? But where outside the Catholic Church is this precept, this prophecy fulfilled?
TOPIC 27 - HONOURING ANGELS AND SAINTS.
The Bible teaches that the citizens of heaven take an active interest and (within limitations) intervene in the affairs of men.
Ephesians 2:19: - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but FELLOW-CITIZENS WITH THE SAINTS and of the household of God.
Acts 12:7: - And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying: Arise up quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.
Hebrews 1:14: - Are they not all ministering spirits, set forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Luke 15:10: - Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
COMMENT: Hence, the Catholic Church is most consistent in enumerating angels among men's protectors, patrons, well-wishers. The same may be said of God's saints in Heaven.