Quotes on Sola Scriptura

Sola Scriptura

God’s Word [The Bible]

“Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a child, thou have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:12-17)

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:11-17)

Polycarp [Sola Scriptura/ Scripture Access or Availability]

“For whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is antichrist; and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the cross is of the devil; and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts, and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a judgment, he is the first-born of Satan.” (The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Chapter 8)
“For I trust that ye are well versed in the Sacred Scriptures, and that nothing is hid from you; but to me this privileges is not yet granted. It is declared therein these Scriptures, Be ye angry, and sin not,” and “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Happy is he who remembers this, which I believe to be the case with you.” (The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Chapter 12)

Hippolytus [Sola Scriptura]

“There is, brethren, one God, the knowledge of whom we gain from the Holy Scriptures, and from no other source. For just as a man if he wishes to be skilled in the wisdom of this world, will find himself unable to get at in any other way than by mastering the dogmas of philosophers, so all of us who wish to practice piety will be unable to learn its practice from any other quarter than the oracles of God. Whatever things then the Holy Scriptures declare, at these let us look, and whatsoever things they teach these let us learn.” (Against the Heresy of One Noetus, 9)

Irenaeus [Sola Scriptura]

“We must necessarily appeal to the testimony of the Scriptures without which our discourses are entitled to no credit.” (Homily I on Jeremiah)

“We have learned from none others the plan of salvation than from these through whom the gospel is come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith.” (Ante-Nicene Fathers, volume I, Irenaeus, “Against Heresies” 3.1.1, p. 414)

Tertullian [Sola Scriptura]

“Let heretics be left to prove their points from Scripture alone, and they will not be able to stand.” (De Carni Christi. C. 6)

“Let the shop of Hermogenes show that it is written. If it not written, let him fear that more which destined for those who add or take from Scripture.” (ADV. Hermog. C. 22).

Basil or Basil of Caesarea [Sola Scriptura]

“Without doubt, it is a most manifest fall from faith and a most certain sign of pride to introduce anything that is not written in the Scriptures, our blessed Saviour having said ‘My sheep hear my voice and the voice of strangers they will not hear and to distract from Scripture or to add anything to the faith that is not there, is most manifestly forbidden by the Apostle, saying, ‘If it is but a man’s testament, no man addeth there to.’ (De Faith Vol. 2)

“If custom is to be taken in proof of what is right, then it is certainly competent for me to put forward on my side the custom which obtains here. If they reject this, we are clearly not bound to follow them. Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth.” (Basil of Caesarea, Letter CLXXXIX; A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983), Page 229)

“Those who are instructed in the Scriptures ought to test the things that are said by their teachers, and to receive what agrees with the Scriptures, and to reject what disagrees.” (Cont. Litt. Petilani, III. 6, Volume IX) also (Moralia. Reg. 72)

“Enjoying as you do the consolation of the Holy Scriptures, you stand in need of neither of my assistance nor of that of anybody else to help you comprehend your duty. You have the all-sufficient counsel and guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead you to what is right.” (Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (Peabody: Hendrinkson, 1995), Second Series: Volume VIII, Basil: Letters and Select Works, Letter CCLXXXIII, p. 312.)
Cyril of Jerusalem [Sola Scriptura]
“In regard to the divine and holy mysteries of the faith, not the least part may be handed on without the Holy Scriptures. Do not be led astray by winning words and clever arguments. Even to me, who tell you these things, do not give ready belief, unless you receive from the Holy Scriptures the proof of the things which I announce. The salvation in which we believe is not proved from clever reasoning, but from the Holy Scriptures.” (Catechetical Lectures, 4:17)
“12. But in learning the Faith and in professing it, acquire and keep that only, which is now delivered51 to thee by the Church, and which has been built up strongly out of all the Scriptures. For since all cannot read the Scriptures, some being hindered as to the knowledge of them by want of learning, and others by a want of leisure, in order that the soul may not perish from ignorance, we comprise the whole doctrine of the Faith in a few lines. This summary I wish you both to commit to memory when I recite it52 , and to rehearse it with all diligence among yourselves, not writing it out on paper53 , but engraving it by the memory upon your heart54 , taking care while you rehearse it that no Catechumen chance to overhear the things which have been delivered to you. I wish you also to keep this as a provision55 through the whole course of your life, and beside this to receive no other, neither if we ourselves should change and contradict our present teaching, nor if an adverse angel, transformed into an angel of light56 should wish to lead you astray. For though we or an angel from heaven preach to you any other gospel than that ye have received, let him be to you anathema57 . So for the present listen while I simply say the Creed58 , and commit it to memory; but at the proper season expect the confirmation out of Holy Scripture of each part of the contents. For the articles of the Faith were not composed as seemed good to men; but the most important points collected out of all the Scripture make up one complete teaching of the Faith. And just as the mustard seed in one small grain contains many branches, so also this Faith has embraced in few words all the knowledge of godliness in the Old and New Testaments. Take heed then, brethren, and hold fast the traditions59 which ye now receive, and write them an the table of your heart.” (Catechetical Lectures, 5:12)
Gregory of Nyssa [Sola Scriptura]
The generality of men still fluctuate in their opinions about this, which are as erroneous as they are numerous. As for ourselves, if the Gentile philosophy, which deals methodically with all these points, were really adequate for demonstration, it would certainty be superfluous to add a discussion on the soul to those speculations. But while the latter proceeded, on the subject of the soul, as for in the direction of supposed consequences as the thinker pleased, we are not entitled to such license, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and measure of every tenet; we necessarily fix our eyes upon that, and approve that alone which may be made to harmonize with the intention of those writings.” (Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises “On the Soul and the Resurrection”, p. 439. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series: Volume V.)
Jerome [Sola Scriptura]

“As we accept those things that are written, so we reject those things that are not written (in Scripture)” (Adv. Helvid.).”

“These things which they invent, as if by Apostolic tradition, without the authority of Scripture, the sword of God smites.” (In Aggari. Proph. Cap. I. II).

Athanasius [Sola Scriptura]

“Vainly then do they run about with the pretext that they have demanded Councils for the faith’s sake; for divine Scripture is sufficient above all things; but if a Council be needed on the point, there are the proceedings of the Fathers, for the Nicene Bishops did not neglect this matter, but stated the doctrines so exactly, that persons reading their words honestly, cannot but be reminded by them of the religion towards Christ announced in divine Scripture.” (De Synobis, 6)

Crysostom [Sola Scriptura]

“All things are plain and simple in Holy Scriptures; all things necessary are evident.” (Homily 3 de. Laz.)

“That may not be considered Catholic, which appears contrary to the statements of Scripture.” (Homily on Adam and Eve)

“You have an exact standard and rule of all things. I beseech you, do not regard what this or that man thinks, but enquire all things of the Scriptures.” (2 Corinthians 6 Homily 13)

Augustine [Sola Scriptura]

“This Mediator (Jesus Christ), having spoken what He judged sufficient first by the prophets, then by His own lips, and afterwards by the Apostles, has besides produced the Scripture which is called canonical, which has paramount authority, and to which we yield assent in all matters of which we ought not be ignorant, and yet know of ourselves.” (St. Augustine, City of God, Book XI, Chapter 3)

“what more can I teach you, than what we read in the Apostles? For holy Scripture setteth a rule to our teaching, that we dare not “be wise than it behoveth to be wise.” (St. Augustine, City of God, Book XI, Chapter 3)

“The mediator (Jesus Christ), first through the Prophets, then by his own lips, afterwards through the Apostles, revealed whatever he considered necessary. He also inspired the Scriptures, which is regarded as canonical and of supreme authority and to which we give credence concerning all those truths we ought to know and yet, of ourselves, are unable to learn.” (City of God, copyright 1958 by Fathers of the Church, Inc., edited by Vernon J. Bourke, ISBN 0-385-02910-1, page 207).

“For holy Scripture setteth a rule to our teaching, that we dare not be wise more than it behoveth to be wise.”…Be it not therefore for me to teach you any other thing, save to expound to you the words of the Teacher, and to treat the mass the Lord shall give me.” (Augustine, De Bono Viduitatis (On the Good of Widowhood).

Martin Luther [Sola Scriptura]

“"Daily I feel how difficult it is to divest oneself of scruples long entertained. Oh! The pain it has cost me, though with the Scriptures before me, to justify myself to myself, for daring singly to set myself up against the Pope, and hold him as Antichrist! What tribulations have I not suffered! How often have I not addressed to myself in bitterness of the spirit the arguments of the Papists: 'Art thou alone wise? Are all others in error? Can they have been so many years deceived? What if thou deceivest thyself, and draggest along with thee in thy error so many souls to everlasting damnation?' Thus I used to argue within myself until Jesus Christ with His own, His infallible Word, fortified me, and strengthened my soul against such arguments, as a rock raised above the waves laughs their fury to scorn." (Letters, Vol. 2, p. 107.)

John Knox [Sola Scriptura]
“Chapter 19
The Authority of the Scriptures
As we believe and confess the scriptures of God sufficient to instruct and make the man of God perfect, so do we affirm and avow the authority of the same to be of God, and neither to depend on men nor angels.[1] We affirm, therefore, that such as allege the scripture to have no authority, but that which is received from the kirk, to be blasphemous against God, and injurious to the true kirk, which always hears and obeys the voice of her own Spouse and Pastor, but takes not upon her to be mistress over the same.[2]
1. 1 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. John 10:27. “ (The Scottish Confession of Faith, 1560)

Cyril Lucaris [Sola Scriptura]

“Chapter2. We believe the Holy Scripture to be given by God, to have no other author but the Holy Spirit. This we ought undoubtedly to believe, for it is written. We have a more sure word of prophecy, to which you do well to take heed, as to light shining in a dark place. We believe in the authority of the Holy Scripture to be above the authority of the Chruch. To be taught by the Holy Spirit is a far different things from being taught by man; for man may through ignorance err, deceive and be deceived, but the word of God neither deceives nor is deceived, nor can err, and is infallible and has eternal authority.” (The Confession of Cyril Lucarius, Chapter II)

Quotes on Salvation

Salvation

God’s Word [The Bible]

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:21-31)

Ignatius [Salvation]

“…Let no man deceive himself. Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels,36 and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation.37 "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."38 Let not [high] place puff any one up: for that which is worth all is39 faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred. But consider those who are of a different opinion with respect to the grace of Christ which has come unto us, how opposed they are to the will of God. They have no regard for love; no care for the widow, or the orphan, or the oppressed; of the bond, or of the free; of the hungry, or of the thirsty. (Shorter Version)

Let no man deceive himself. Unless he believes that Christ Jesus has lived in the flesh, and shall confess His cross and passion, and the blood which He shed for the salvation of the world, he shall not obtain eternal life, whether he be a king, or a priest, or a ruler, or a private person, a master or a servant, a man or a woman. "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." Let no man's place, or dignity, or riches, puff him up; and let no man's low condition or poverty abase him. For the chief points are faith towards God, hope towards Christ, the enjoyment of those good things for which we look, and love towards God and our neighbour…(Portion of the Longer Version) (The Epistle of Ignatius to the Symraens, Chapter 6)

Polycarp [Salvation]

“Chapter I.-Praise of the Philippians.

I have greatly rejoiced with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example of true love [as displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith, spoken of in days long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but] "whom God raised froth the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave.” "In whom, though now ye see Him not, ye believe, and believing, rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; " into which joy many desire to enter, knowing that "by grace ye are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.” (The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Chapter 1)

Clement of Rome [Salvation]

“…Whosoever will candidly consider each particular, will recognise the greatness of the gifts which were given by him. For from him have sprung the priests and all the Levites who minister at the altar of God. From him also [was descended] our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. From him [arose] kings, princes, and rulers of the race of Judah. Nor are his other tribes in small glory, inasmuch as God had promised, "Thy seed shall be as the stars of heaven." All these, therefore, were highly honoured, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, Chapter 32)

“…These things, beloved, we write unto you, not merely to admonish you of your duty, but also to remind ourselves. For we are struggling on the same arena, and the same conflict is assigned to both of us. Wherefore let us give up vain and fruitless cares, and approach to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us attend to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the sight of Him who formed us. Let us look stedfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God, which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him. Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the Ninevites; but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they were aliens [to the covenant] of God.” (The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, Chapter 7)

Justin Marytr [Salvation]

“. And this indeed you can see for yourselves, and be convinced of by fact. For of all races of men there are some who look for Him who was crucified in Judaea, and after whose crucifixion the land was straightway surrendered to you as spoil of war. And the prophecy, "binding His foal to the vine, and washing His robe in the blood of the grape," was a significant symbol of the things that were to happen to Christ, and of what He was to do. For the foal of an ass stood bound to a vine at the entrance of a village, and He ordered His acquaintances to bring it to Him then; and when it was brought, He mounted and sat upon it, and entered Jerusalem, where was the vast temple of the Jews which was afterwards destroyed by you. And after this He was crucified, that the rest of the prophecy might be fulfilled. For this "washing His robe in the blood of the grape" was predictive of the passion He was to endure, cleansing by His blood those who believe on Him. For what is called by the Divine Spirit through the prophet "His robe," are those men who believe in Him in whom abideth the seed61 of God, the Word…” (First Apology, Chapter XXXII)
“…Now this took place in the case of both those holy men and prophets of God, that you may perceive how one of them could not bear up both the mysteries:

I mean, the type of the cross and the type of the name. For this is, was, and shall be the strength of Him alone, whose name every power dreads, being very much tormented because they shall be destroyed by Him. Therefore our suffering and crucified Christ was not cursed by the law, but made it manifest that He alone would save those who do not depart from His faith. And the blood of the passover, sprinkled on each man's door-posts and lintel, delivered those who were saved in Egypt, when the first-born of the Egyptians were destroyed. For the passover was Christ, who was afterwards sacrificed, as also Isaiah said, `He was led as a sheep to the slaughter.'423 And it is written, that on the day of the passover you seized Him, and that also during the passover you crucified Him. And as the blood of the passover saved those who were in Egypt, so also the blood of Christ will deliver from death those who have believed. Would God, then, have been deceived if this sign had not been above the doors? I do not say that; but I affirm that He announced beforehand the future salvation for the human race through the blood of Christ…(Dialogue with Typho, Chapter CXI)

Clement of Alexandria [Salvation]

And now we must look also at this, that if ever those who know not how to do well, live well;81 for they have lighted on well-doing. Some, too, have aimed well at the word of truth through understanding. "But Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith."82 It is therefore of no advantage to them after the end of life, even if they do good works now, if they have not faith. Wherefore also the Scriptures were translated into the language of the Greeks, in order that they might never be able to allege the excuse of ignorance, in as much as they are able to hear also what we have in our hands, if they only wish. One speaks in one way of the truth, in another way the truth interprets itself. The guessing at truth is one thing, and truth itself is another. Resemblance is one thing, the thing itself is another. And the one results from learning and practice, the other from power and faith. For the teaching of piety is a gift, but faith is grace. "For by doing the will of God we know the will of God." "Open, then," says the Scripture, "the gates of righteousness; and I will enter in, and confess to the Lord…(The Stromata, Book I, Chapter VII)

Cyprian [Salvation]

“…For if Abraham believed in God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, assuredly whosoever believes in God and lives in faith is found righteous, and already is blessed in faithful Abraham, and is set forth as justified; as the blessed Apostle Paul proves, when he says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Ye know, then, that they which are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. But the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, pronounced before to Abraham that all nations should be blessed in him; therefore they who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham…”(Epistle LXII, v. 4)

Martin Luther [Salvation]

“Martin Luther: Because an eternal, unchangeable sentence of condemnation has passed upon sin—for God cannot and will not regard sin with favor, but his wrath abides upon it eternally and irrevocably—redemption was not possible without a ransom of such precious worth as to atone for sin, to assume the guilt, pay the price of wrath and thus abolish sin. This no creature was able to do. There was no remedy except for God’s only Son to step into our distress and himself become man, to take upon himself the load of awful and eternal wrath and make his own body and blood a sacrifice for sin. And so he did, out of the immeasurably great mercy and love towards us, giving himself up and bearing the sentence of unending wrath and death. So infinitely precious to God is this sacrifice and atonement of his only begotten Son who is one with him in divinity and majesty, that God is reconciled thereby and receives into grace and forgiveness of sins all who believe in his Son. Only by believing may we enjoy the precious atonement of Christ, the forgiveness obtained for us and given us out of profound, inexpressible love. We have nothing to boast of for ourselves, but must ever joyfully thank and praise him who at such priceless cost redeemed us condemned and lost sinners (Martin Luther, Epistle Sermon, Twenty–fourth Sunday After Trinity (Lenker Edition, Vol. IX, #43–45. Found in A Compend of Luther’s Theology, Hugh Kerr, Ed., (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1966), pp. 52–53).

John Calvin [Salvation]

John Calvin: Let us explain what these expressions mean: that man is justified in God’s sight, and that he is justified by faith or works. He is said to be justified in God’s sight who is both reckoned righteous in God’s judgment and has been accepted on account of his righteousness. Indeed as iniquity is abominable to God, so no sinner can find favor in his eyes in so far as he is a sinner and so long as he is reckoned as such. Accordingly wherever there is sin, there also the wrath and vengeance of God show themselves. Now he is justified who is reckoned in the condition not of a sinner, but of a righteous man; and for that reason, he stands firm before God’s judgment seat while all sinners fall. If an innocent accused person be summoned before the judgment seat of a fair judge, where he will be judged according to his innocence, he is said to be ‘justified’ before the judge. Thus, justified before God is the man who, freed from the company of sinners, has God to witness and affirm his righteousness.

In the same way, therefore, he in whose life that purity and holiness will be found which deserves a testimony of righteousness before God’s throne will be said to be justified by works, or else he who, by the wholeness of his works, can meet and satisfy God’s judgment. On the contrary, justified by faith is he who, excluded from the righteousness of works, grasps the righteousness of Christ through faith, and clothed in it, appears in God’s sight not as a sinner but as a righteous man. Therefore we explain justification simply as the acceptance with which God receives us into his favor as righteous men. And we say that it consists in the remission of sins and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.Therefore, ‘to justify’ means nothing else than to acquit of guilt him who was accused, as if his innocence were confirmed. Therefore, since God justifies us by the intercession of Christ, he absolves us not by the confirmation of our innocence but by the imputation of righteousness, so that we who are not righteous in ourselves may be reckoned as such in Christ (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Found in The Library of Christian Classics (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960), Volume XIX, Book III, Chapter XI.2–3, pp. 726–728).

Thomas Crammer [Salvation]

“Thomas Cranmer: It is our part and duty ever to remember the great mercy of God; how that, all the world being wrapped in sin by breaking of the law, God sent his only Son our Saviour Christ into this world to fulfil the law for us; and by shedding his most precious blood, to make a sacrifice and satisfaction, or (as it may be called) amends, to his Father for our sins, to asuage his wrath and indignation conceived against us for the same...In our justification is not only God’s mercy and grace, but also his justice, which the apostle calls ‘the justice of God’; and it consisteth in paying our ransom and fulfilling the law. And so the grace of God doth not exclude the justice of God in our justification, but only excludeth the justice of man, that is to say, the justice of our works, as to be merits deserving of our justification...It pleased our heavenly Father, of his infinite mercy, without any our desert or deserving, to prepare for us the most precious jewels of Christ’s body and blood, whereby our ransom might be fully paid, the law fulfilled, and his justice fully satisfied. So that Christ is now the righteousness of them that truly do believe in him. He for them paid their ransom by his death. He for them fulfilled the law in his life. So that now in him and by him every true Christian man may be called a fulfiller of the law; forasmuch as that which their infirmity lacketh, Christ’s justice hath supplied (Thomas Cranmer, An Homily of the Salvation of Mankind by Only Christ Our Saviour from Sin and Death Everlasting. Found in The Library of Christian Classics (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1966), Volume XXVI, pp. 262, 264).


Theodore Beza, disciple of the infamous “John Calvin” [Salvation]

The object and power of true faith
Since Jesus Christ is the object of faith, and indeed Jesus Christ as He is held forth to us in the Word of God, there follow two points which should be noted well.
On the one side, where there is no Word of God but only the word of man, whoever he be, there is no faith there, but only a dream or an opinion which cannot fail to deceive us (Rom 10:2-4; Mark 16:15,16; Rom 1:28; Gal 1:8-9).

On the other side, faith embraces and appropriates Jesus Christ and all that is in Him, since He has been given to us on the condition of believing in Him (John 17:20,21; Rom 8:9). There follows one of two things: either all that is necessary for our salvation is not in Jesus Christ, or if all is indeed there, he who has Jesus Christ by faith has everything. Now, to say that all which is necessary for our salvation is not in Jesus Christ is a very horrible blasphemy, for this would only make Him a Saviour in part (Matt 1:21). There remains therefore the other part: in having Jesus Christ, by faith, we have in Him all that is required for our salvation (Rom 5:1).
This is what the Apostle says, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ." (Rom 8:1). (THE CHRISTIAN FAITH by THEODORE BEZA, page 17)

Cyril Lucaris ca. 1572-1638 [Salvation]

“Chapter 9. We believe that without faith no man can be saved. And we call faith that which justifies in Christ Jesus, which the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ procured, the Gospel published, and without which no man can please God.” (The Confession of Cyril Lucarius, Chapter I)

John Wesley [Salvation]

“9. This, therefore, is the general ground of the whole doctrine of justification. By the sin of the first Adam, who was not only the father, but likewise the representative, of us all, we all fell short of the favour of God; we all became children of wrath; or, as the Apostle expresses it, "judgment came upon all men to condemnation." Even so, by the sacrifice for sin made by the Second Adam, as the Representative of us all, God is so far reconciled to all the world, that he hath given them a new covenant; the plain condition whereof being once fulfilled, "there is no more condemnation" for us, but "we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ." ( Sermon 5, Justification by Faith, 1872 edition from http://gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/serm-005.stm#I)



http://www.caic.org.au/biblebase/rci/salvn2.htm

Comments on Communion

1). Hebrews 9:22 Sacrifice in a bloody manner not in an unbloody manner as utilized in mass. Christ’s body can’t possess opposite properties at the same time. It can’t be glorified in Heaven and at the same time be humbled on earth under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ is infinite and can do it if he wants to, but he can’t go against his orderly nature or against the word of God in his behavior or actions (i.e. God can’t lie, etc).

2). Luke 22:19 Do this in remembrance me is said by Christ (Communion is only a remembrance.) If Christ was actually present, then we can’t remember him as He has bid us to do. You can’t remember one who is actually physically there. You can remember one who is not physically there and who leaves token (simple objects of regular, non-divine bread and wine) that remind us of him. In fact the word communion means fellowship or memorial in Greek not Eucharist or the change of substances into the flesh and body of Christ. The stream of truth is all there.

3). Luke 23:40-43 The thief on the cross went to heaven without taking the Mass.

4). 1 Cor. 11:23-24 Do this in remembrance of me is said by Christ again to emphasis the symbolic meaning of communion.

5). John 20:30-31 You have no life in Christ without the Eucharist (or you’re not saved if you don’t take the Eucharist) is promoted if taken literally, but you have life by believing on Christ and his blood utilized on the cross for the salvation of all mankind not by drinking Christ’s blood and eating Christ’s flesh neither bread and wine.

6). Hosea 8:6 If a priest tries to create out of mere bread the physical body plus soul and divinity of God, it isn’t God. Also, the mass claims the priests can create God from physical properties since they claim the wine and bread converts to the flesh and blood of Christ being God. This is extreme blasphemy. Wow. God can’t be forced unto Earth by man or be created by man. God is unique, uncreated, and from everlasting to everlasting.

7). Hebrews 10:4 Jesus’ sacrifice was a one-time event with no repeats like the mass service. See also Heb. 9:28, 1 Peter 3:18.

8). Rev. 1:7 Christ will come down physically when every eye will see him. In mass, every human eye doesn’t witness him .See also Rev. 1:17,18.

9). Mat. 26:26-28 Jesus was present in communion. How can he be in that situation transubstantiated his flesh and blood in that area when he’s present. Cannibalism comes into play by Catholicism’s interpretation. Also what will happen if a mouse or another animal eats it. Can an animal eat God? The whole thing is revolting and ridiculous by using common sense and logic.

10). Hebrews 7:27 Not to be repeated daily involving his sacrifice and he died once for all. When a body is in parts, the parts cannot be individually separated to be equal to the whole. Not only is it declared the body of Christ is complete in each of the millions of wafers handled by the priests worldwide, but if each single wafer was broken into a 1,00 parts, each single part is declared to be a whole Christ. This cannot be said of a true human body.

11). 1 Cor. 14:9 The Bible forbids praying and teaching in an unknown tongue (i.e. Latin) Note: Until recently that Catholicism has changed this.

12). Romans 10:9/ Acts 16:30-31 Confession of faith not eating flesh and blood leads to eternal life.

13). Mark 16:19, Romans 8:33-34, Col. 3:1 Christ is presently at the right hand of God not coming physically downward to a church by a priest’s command worldwide in millions of churches.

14). Hebrews 10:12 Jesus made one sacrifice for sins and is at the right hand of God the Father.

15). John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished” making his all-sufficient, single sacrifice done and over forever. See also 1 Sam. 15:22 saying that Following the Lord is better than sacrifice (a man-made false sacrifice). Christ made his one, only sacrifice on the cross. It is finished.
16). Hebrews 9:11-15 Jesus Christ entered once for all.

17). John 13:18 Jesus referred to the communion elements as mere bread after being blessed not transformed bread and wine into flesh and blood yet alone his flesh and blood since Jesus Christ was present and he didn’t cut himself or performed any flesh and blood miracle at that scene.

18). Acts 15:10/ Acts 21:25 Forbids eating blood used in religious services. See also Leviticus 3:17, 7:26-27, Acts 15:28-29, plus Gen. 9:3-4.

19). 1 Cor. 27-29 Unbelievers shouldn’t take communion; therefore taking communion isn’t required for salvation.

20). Psalm 16:10 Corruption won’t happen to the Messiah, but that happens to the Host after the service. (Also contradicts Newton’s 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, Dalton’s Atomic Theory, etc making the Eucharist scientifically and religiously impossible). Also the early church in consensus didn’t agree with transubstantiation anyway. Examples include this:

Now here’s great and thorough history on this subject. Enjoy. Polycarp in all of his literature didn’t mention a word on transubstantiation or the Eucharist being Christ on an object. One of the earliest works outside the Bible discussing NT rules was the Didache. In chapter 9, it only calls communion “eucharistic thanksgiving” and “spiritual food and drink” not a wafer which suddenly transforming into the bread and body of Christ. Justin Marytr in First Apology Chapter 66 and 67 plus his Dialogue with Typho Chapter 41 and 70 only calls communion a remembrance or thanksgiving simply. Tertullian throughout his Against Maricon Book called the Lord’s Supper a figure and the spirit profits not the flesh. According to the Protestant scholar William Webster, the strictly symbolic view of Zwingli, which is similar to that expressed by Eusebius" (p. 122).

To the "symbolic view" list, Webster adds Theodoret, Serapion, Jerome, Athanasius, Ambrosiaster, Macarius of Egypt, and Eustathius of Antioch. Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Cyprian in his Epistle 62 , Augustine in his Reply to Fastus the Manichean at Book 20 plus Fastus 6:5 and his Fastus 20:18,20, John Chrysostom, Sedulius, Cladius Scotus, Rabanus Marus, Albert of Gaul in the 700’s, John Erigena Scotus of the 800’s, John Wycliffe, Ratrummus of the 800’s, Berengarius of the 1000’s, Paulicians of the 600’s, Petrobussians, Waldensians, Anabaptists like Michael Sattler or Menno Simons of the 1500’s, Bohemian Brethren and other people didn’t believe that bread and wine by a priest’s power could create Almighty God. They called it symbols, spiritual, or symbolic of Christ’s actions on the cross involving human’s salvation.

Many Reformers like John Knox, William Tyndale, John Laski, Ulrich Zwingli, Aonio Palerio, John Hooper, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, John Rogers, and others before and after the 1500’s for 2,000 yrs of Christianity who didn’t mention a word on it, and they conceived of the Lord’s Supper just a commemoration of Jesus Christ finishing work on the cross. They all knew it was a memorial or symbolic of what he did on the cross. That alone refutes Catholicism’s whole game plan on the Eucharist. One early person Catholics have used to validate their view of the Eucharist is a quotation by Ignatius in the 2nd century describing the Eucharist. Now that quote refers to him rebuking Gnostic heretics who denied Christ having existed in the flesh, etc. It could be a response by Ignatius to those heretics. Also the word “Eucharist” in the early church means simply thanksgiving from the Greek not transubstantiation or a transformation of the Host, etc. The usage of the object in the thanksgiving was simply bread in archaeological evidence not a circular wafer disk in the early church. It’s very possible to assume he meant thanksgiving in communion instead of a literal flesh and blood transformation ceremony.

Today in the 21st century, Catholic apologists say that Luther believed in the Real Presence, therefore the Reformation was a fluke. The truth is that Luther did believed in the so-called “Real Presence”, but he denied transubstantiation in his “Babylonish Captivity of the Church” (1520) and other literature. He did believe in consubstantiation or that Christ’s blood and body was present along with bread and wine in communion. Zwingle, Tyndale, Rogers, Peter Martyr, John Knox, and other Protestant Reformers denied both transubstantiation and consubstantiation. Luther always denied the majority of Catholic doctrines like the infallibility of the pope, purgatory, auricular confession, veneration of images, papacy, etc.

The Reformers like all humans weren’t perfect in every aspect of their doctrinal/ religious concepts and God’s word is sufficient enough to refute the Catholic lie of the transforming “Host” used in a church service. This is Catholic apologetic desperation yet again. John 6 shows no mention of the Mass or the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is mentioned after John 6 not before or during the chapter. John 6 just describes the method of salvation using metaphors like bread, light, door, etc simply. Thus, the historical record is in favor of Protestants and all Bible-believers not Catholics since the consensus of the early church all didn’t subscribe to the lying dogma of transubstantiation.

21). 2 Cor. 5:16 Paul said Christ physically isn’t here in a communion service. Paul said “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” Paul said we know him no more in the sense of his physical disappearance in heaven.

22). Romans 10:16 Don’t wish to bring Christ down from heaven in a ceremony like the Mass.

23). Mt. 15:17 Whatever comes in someone’s mouth whether if it’s the wafer or otherwise will enter the digestive system and leave out of the body. So, after eating the wafer, what would happen to it after 8 hrs? Too rough huh.

24). John 6:40/ John 6:63/ John 6:32 Spiritual meaning is displayed and belief count (No mention of communion throughout John 6).

25). 2 Samuel 23:14-25 It shows where the water poured unto the ground before the Lord is called blood. This was figurative language, which was put so forcefully to recognize the risks that had been taken to get this water in the first place. No one takes it literally just like communion elements were not literal flesh and blood.

26). Romans 6:9-10 Jesus died once, resurrected once, and is at the right hand of the Father.
27). A). John 8:35(bread of life)
B). John 11:25/ John 10:11 (I am the resurrection and the life)
C). John 8:12 (light of the world)
D). John 10:1 (I am the true vine)
E). John 10:9 (door)
F). John 14:6 (I am the way, truth, and the life)

These six metaphors show symbols Christ used to convey meanings of salvation, etc. Jesus didn’t say This has become or is turned into my body and blood, which in Greek is touto gignetai, but the Greek phrase touto esti meaning this represents or stands for. It’s figurative terms simply.


28). Luke 19:9/ Luke 22:15-20 Zaccheus was saved before communion; so taking the Eucharist isn’t required for salvation. Also, the elderly, sick, crippled, paralyzed, terminally ill, bed-ridden, etc couldn’t possibly take the Eucharist, but only have repentance to be saved without taking the Host. That is even more evidence the Eucharist not necessary for salvation.

29). Luke 22:15/ Exodus 12:4 The symbolic Jewish feast of Passover eludes to the symbolic meaning of communion in the NT and Jesus was also present in a Passover service in the NT. Jesus also in John 6 spoke in the present tense not in the future, before communion ever happened. It refers to salvation presently.

30). Romans 5:19/ Eph. 1:17 Christ alone saves and not participating in a mass ceremony. There is also Dalton’s Atomic Theory. That means that atoms can neither be created nor destroyed. If the bread and wine’s atoms can disappear, where the bread and wine go after consecration? It can’t be gone; neither can God’s flesh from heaven be placed to earth, which contradict the laws of science.

31). A). Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes (Mt. 14:17-21, 15:34-38, John 6:11-13)
B). Jesus turns the water into wine (John 2:1-11)
C). Jesus Raised Lazarus and the widow’s son from the dead. (John 11:1-44, Luke 7:12-16).
D). Jesus is raised from the dead by his own power (Mt. 28:1-10, Luke 24:14-32, 1 Cor. 15:1-8)
E). Jesus healed 2 blind men (Matthew 9:27-31).
F). Jesus walks on water (Mt. 14:22-32, Mark 6:47-52, John 6:1-4)

The following miracles have one thing in common. They have a great deal of physical evidence and many people witnessed these miracles with eyewitness proof from God’s word and other sources. In contrast, The Eucharist has no physical evidence since the contents of wine and bread stay and taste the same before and after the ritual. The contents disintegrate making it not divine or perfect. See also Luke 1:3 showing that senses are presented as furnishing infallible proofs. In Luke 16:31, miracles must be subjected to God’s word for confirmation. You test miracles by the scriptures and not vice versa. Any miracle that contradicts God’s word is rejected. The burden of proof rests on the miracle not God’s word.

32). 1 Cor. 11:24-26 Jesus said “until he come” meaning that Christ isn’t present in the Mass physically and Lord has ascended on high on 33 AD.

33). Luke 22:29 The bread and wine are symbols which help one to remember Christ. Even 2 of the greatest Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church (Cajetan and Bellarmine) both expressively confessed that the doctrine of Transubstantiation was not founded on the word of God, but received from the Church. That means it can’t definitely be taken literally.

34). I Peter 3:22 Jesus is at the right hand of God presently not repeating his sacrifice physically in man-made rituals daily.

35). Mt. 24:30/ Acts. 1:11 Rev. 1:7 The physical return of Christ will not happen repeatedly by a Host, but come while everyone will see or notice him. His whole physical body must not be presented or displayed in a wafer. Note: A different priest in different churches worldwide uses a different wafer and cup of wine for usage. Those objects are nowhere being consistent or equal making it not divine.

36). 1 Cor. 15:50 Flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s kingdom. The wafer shows later corruption and can’t influence the incorruption of Christ being divine not the Victim.

37). Leviticus 6:30 The offering of Christ upon the cross was a sin offering. According to this verse the sin offering was not to be eaten afterwards. The Mass and Christ’s sacrifice are obviously not the same.

38). Acts 7:48 Jesus, who is God, doesn’t dwell in temples or churches that issue mass ceremonies but is in heaven now in his bodily form.

39). Ephesians 4:10/Eph. 2:6 Transubstantiation contradicts the biblical doctrine of incarnation and ascension. Jesus has only one body, and it’s located in heaven. Jesus’ body is therefore not in thousands of tabernacles and churches around the world.

40). Heb. 6:6 The Mass is similar to crucifying Christ over and over again since Catholics claim Jesus is present in a wafer. That’s symbolically undoing Calvary and Christ’s resurrection.

41). Gen. 14:18 Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine. The verb “brought forth” is used hundreds of times in the OT, but never is linked to any ritual, sacrifice, especially a transubstantiated substance or object.

42). Mt. 24:23-27,30 /Luke 17:23-24 Someone claiming Christ is here whether in the Host or anywhere without biblical confirmation of every eye seeing him, biblical prophecy, etc is a liar. That (host/wafer) is a false sign and a lying wonder to claim that Christ is present in a host.

43). Exodus 20:4-5 Eucharistic adoration violates the 2nd commandment. We are to never worship or bow before religiously to anything (including the wafer which isn’t GOD but an object) but God himself only. See also Isaiah 42:8 and Acts 17:29.

44). Ecc. 5:1-2 God is in heaven and humans who are alive exist on Earth. The Eucharist cannot be God, since Christ presently resides in heaven and his 2nd coming hasn’t occurred yet.
45). 1 Thes. 4:16 This prophecy explicitly says that when Christ comes back in the physical form, the voice of the archangel will sound and the dead in Christ will rise first and the end-times will happen. There can’t be a 5 or 1,000,000,0000 comings of Christ in Mass but only 2 physical comings of Christ as simply shown from the scriptures.

46). John 6:51-53 These verses are one of the most controversial verses in the Bible. This verse says to eat Christ’s flesh and blood to have eternal life, etc. But hold on, that is a literal interpretation and in the Bible Christ used a symbolic and literal interpretation of the scriptures. Now in v. 63 he gives his true meaning along with in v. 40 and v. 35. We can only give a symbolic designation for v.51-53 because the Scriptures throughout the Bible mention salvation without eating or drinking Christ’s blood.

It’s all by his spirit not eating and drinking. That’s an action therefore a work and man is not justified by any of his/her works or deeds but by his grace through faith. Not to mention that if we follow the Catholic interpretation, it would contradiction tons of Biblical concepts of his 2nd coming, salvation, idolatry, scientific laws, etc. Christ’s blood is real flesh and real blood because he existed in the flesh. His blood was used on the cross for the remission of sins and his flesh was used on the flesh for all man’s salvation. He was using the words eating and drinking to convey meaning. He contrasts the Jewish manna and his flesh and blood to show that point. The physical manna was eaten and the Jews died yet his flesh and blood (belief or internalizing him) is eaten for our salvation. His spiritual bread and blood does that alone not normal flesh, blood, or food. Normal flesh, blood, and food will decay as time goes on, but his flesh will not see corruption and his blood is very powerful for the salvation of all men.

Note in that chapter that there is no evidence of the changing of substances in John 6 neither of his disciples eating any flesh or blood in those instances. It’s all symbolic and spiritual. Christ said to eat and drink in terms of internalizing him and his doctrine. Of course that’s true and his flesh will remain forever as God’s word said. Christ has all Life and has the right to say by eating and drinking his flesh and blood (in a symbolic way) you have eternal life.

47). John 6:64-71 Now Catholics claim that this section claims that some of the people left because they rejected the Eucharist or “literal blood and body of Christ”, but that isn’t the case at all. They just rejected of what he said in terms of our means of salvation only. Christ knew who would leave and let those who would reject him go. In those verses, there is no mentioning of the Catholic Eucharist neither of Christ showing his flesh and blood for people to eat and drink or the changing of wine and bread into his flesh and blood. Note that Catholics forgotten that in v. 68-69, Peter acknowledge that the method of salvation is by belief on Christ. Christ didn’t rebuke him at all but in the end of John 6 tells of Judas as one who is a devil. The context is spelled out by comparing scripture with scripture. Catholics distort scripture to validate their beliefs.

48). Mark 14:22-24 Jesus showed the disciples that to eat and drink wine to tell of his salvation plans and reality. Note that Christ said in v.22 “. And as they did eat, Jesus took break, and blessed it, and brake it…” Christ broke the bread throughout the verses so there is no sign of change into the flesh and blood of Christ. To see a changing of substances and Christ commanding them to eat it is cannibalism plain and simple, but that isn’t the case at all. There is no literal flesh and blood, but literal bread and wine to represent literal truths since Christ presently in that scene gave the disciples literal bread and wine. Jesus was the perfect example of this meaning. He represented himself in those simple verses. He gave his flesh by dying on the cross and his blood on the cross was for the remission of sins. Catholicism is ambiguous, because first she says you have to be baptized and you’re saved, then communion, and other procedures to receive full status. She will never in her decrees or doctrine acknowledge that Christ alone is used for salvation.

By TruthSeeker24 (Timothy)

Comments on Purgatory, Baptism, and Confession

Purgatory:

1). John 19:30 It is finished by Christ (no halfway house is mentioned).

2). John 6:47 Eternal life (no purgatory) and heaven are given to believers in Christ.

3). John 3:36 If you don’t believe in Christ, you’re going to Hell after death, no in between zone of purgatory.

4). Romans 5:19 Eternal life is through Christ not a purgatoric purification procedure.
5). Mt. 25:46 There is either everlasting punishment (hell) or eternal fire (heaven) after death. No in-between area.

6). Hebrews 10:12,14 Christ is at the right hand of God the Father and his one sacrifice saves completely not purgatory.

7). John 5:24 says To have eternal life in Christ is passed from death to life without further purification after death. Therefore, purgatory is a myth inducing bondage on the adherents of Roman Catholicism.

8). 1 John 1:7 Christ’s blood, not purgatory cleanses us from all sin.

9). Philippians 1:23 To die is to be with Christ directly if you’re saved.

10). 2 Cor. 5:8 Being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (This one verse refuted purgatory 100% completely).

11). 1 Cor. 6:11 You are sanctified by Christ without a special purification (purgatory).

12). 1 John 1:7-9,2:1-2, John 5:24, Rom. 8:1 The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin again not a purging procedure after death.

13).Ecc. 12:7 The spirit returns to God who gave it. Not purgatory. Purgatory is neither mentioned in the OT or NT.

14). Hebrews 9:27 There is one chance proclaimed and after this is judgment. Your fate is sealed after death and there is no crossing over to purgatory.

15). Luke 16:26 The gulf between heaven and hell is fixed making purgatory a fable.

16). Gen. 5:24/ 2 Kings 2:11 Enoch and Elijah are directly taken to heaven by God (not to purgatory for purification.)

17). Luke 23:24 Even the thief on the cross experienced no purgatory since Christ said “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Heaven was given to the thief and not purgatory today. He went to heaven in that event today.)

18). 2 Cor. 5:19 Reconciliation through Christ is without purgatory.

19). 2 Cor. 5:10 Purgatory is a perversion of the Judgment Seat of Christ. Works and teachings are judged by fire in heaven not purgatory. It is by grace through faith man is saved and by his works is he judged. The works are the fruits or the outcome of faith. It’s not rooted in God’s infallible scriptures but from the Apocrypha and other pagan religions.

20). Hebrews 1:3 Jesus purges our sin (no need for purification in purgatory) and Christ is in the right hand of God the Father. In fact Purgatory has pagan origins from Babylon and even Plato in his stories mentioning a purgatory concept. It’s pagan all the way through. Also the Apocrypha mythological books have concepts of Purgatory.

21). Hebrews 9:22 Christ purged his blood for the remission of sins. No biblical evidence of a halfway area in the purging of all sin after death. After death, you’re judged and you either go to heaven or hell.

22). 1 Peter 3:18 says that “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God (not to purgatory). Christ endured all of the eternal punishment for sin; Christ’s death couldn’t permanently purify us (in terms of us not sinning again after salvation or be sinless after salvation) because of Christ’s personal suffering for our sins is required enough to make believers to become pure enough to enter heaven. Catholics just deny that Christ is powerful enough to suffer for all men and it isn’t any need for any saved person to suffer after death, which Christ had already did for all human beings.

23). Eph. 1:1-14 In those verses it says we are holy and blameless before him because of Christ v. 4 not because of our achieving a holiness by our own work, but through grace. Suffering cannot purge us of all of our sin not here in the now neither in some spiritual zone of the so-called halfway house of purgatory in the afterlife (which purgatory doesn’t even exist). The suffering of Christ on the cross was definitely enough. The article of purgatory wasn’t even an article of faith of Catholicism until 1439 by the Council of Florence and later confirmed by the infamous Council of Trent in 1548. But does any intelligent person believe that such a place as purgatory is described in the Bible it would have taken the church “fathers” 600 years to discover it, and another 1,000 years to confirm it?

24). Romans 8:38-39 Paul says that nothing will separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now Paul didn’t say purgatory in word or concept, because the concept of purgatory would mean a temporary separation for a saved person to be burned by “fire” in order to see God. That’s blasphemy.

25). Romans 5:9 Christ saves us from all wrath by being saved. How simple is that truth. Purgatory will cause pain in the afterlife according to the Catholic interpretation, but biblical there is no more pain in the afterlife and there is no such thing as purgatory. Christ did it all by himself and no one who believes on Christ needs to in the afterlife but exist in paradise with God in heaven as outlined in the scriptures.

26). Revelation 1:6 Jesus Christ released us from our sins by his blood (not purgatory or a mythological, legendary purgatory-like fire cleanses us to see God). Historically, not all early church leaders ever subscribed to purgatory. It came by gradual development and by numerous pagan religions. The first main individuals to embrace some of its precepts were Maricon, Origen, Tertullian [he admitted that this had no biblical justification for usage], Augustine, Clement of Alexandria, and others. The people who didn’t mention a word on purgatory in the early church from their literature were Clement of Rome, Polycarp, Cyprian, Papias, and others. Later by the late 500’s and early 600’s, Pope Gregory I issued purgatory as a requirement for Catholicism. Before and after that, many bible-believing Christians protested the pagan lie of purgatory or prayer to (or for) the dead like Aeris of Pontus in the 300’s, Jovinius in the 300’s, Vigilantius of the 400’s, Waldensians, Lollards, Petrobussians, Reformers like Cyril Lucaris, John Knox, William Tyndale, and tons of other people.

27). John 14:1-6 Christ has many mansions for his believers after they die. There is no mention of purgatory since there are signs of immediate access to heaven without purgatory’s fire.

Baptism (Baptismal Regeneration):

1). Matthew 26:28, Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:12, 1 John 1:7, Romans 3:25, Heb. 9:22, Heb. 9:12, Heb. 10:18 (The Blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin not baptismal water). See also Col. 1:14.

2). Luke 2:30, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, 1 Thes. 5:9, 2 Timothy 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:15, Heb. 5:9, Heb. 2:10 (Christ is solely necessary for salvation not water. Water can’t remove guilt, which is in the heart.)

3). Acts 15:9 There is the purifying heart by faith without water. See also Titus 3:5 and Heb. 10:20.

4). Romans. 10:9-13, 1 Cor. 1:17, 1 Cor. 1:12 Baptism isn’t necessary for salvation

5). In 1 Cor. 1:17, Paul said he didn’t came to baptize, but to preach the gospel. Paul was a preacher and if he wasn’t called to baptize, then baptism isn’t necessarily required to be saved since sinners before repentance can be baptized and claim to be saved but aren’t. Also baptism alone doesn’t account for sins since Christ’s blood alone does that by you believing on him.

6). 1 Peter 3: 21 Baptism is symbolic for an answer of a good conscience toward God.

7). Acts 8:34-39 Baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo meaning immersion not sprinkle. Catholics are sprinkled instead of being immersed for baptism, which is unscriptural.

8). Acts 8:36-37, Acts 16:31-33, Acts 18:8, Acts 2:41, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 6, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13 In those verses, it shows baptism coming after salvation after one believes on Christ (repentance). Baptism can’t affect a man’s heart since baptism is a water action or work and only Christ alone can do that apart from works. Paul, Cornelius, and the Philippian Jailer are all examples in the book of Acts of using or being presented with baptism after one’s salvation first.

9). Eph. 2:5 By faith ye are saved (Baptism is excluded from the equation). Another analogy is this; the very elderly, crippled, those paralyzed for life, and the very ill can’t be baptized for obvious reasons, yet if they repent; they’re saved without baptism. One is baptized because he/she believes (or is saved) not to get saved.

10). Luke 23:43 The thief on the cross is in heaven without being baptized. See also Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11, Romans 3:28, Galatians 15:4, Acts 16:30-34. Rituals like baptism or baptizing people will never save but Christ making baptism proceeding after salvation. Therefore, the believer’s baptism is scriptural.

11). Rev. 12:11 The blood of the Lamb (not baptismal water) causes us to overcome this old world. See also Eph. 1:3 saying that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit not by water baptism.

12). Mark 10:13-16 Baptism is unnecessary for salvation, because a simple action can’t account for every sin you’ve committed. If you’re not saved and baptized, you can still sin without being saved until you experienced repentance. Repentance doesn’t require baptism, so baptism isn’t required to be saved.

13). Galatians 3:26-27 You are placed in the body of Christ by spiritual baptism at the moment you are saved then water baptism later.

14). Mt. 28:18-20 Jesus gave the local church the ordinance of water baptism so the believer’s baptism within a church is justified. Note: a church can only issue water baptism for anyone who is saved. Since anybody can be saved with or without a church’s assistance, baptism is not required for salvation again. See also Eph. 1:13-14 saying one becomes an heir to salvation and is indwelled by the Holy Spirit after he/she believes not after he/she is baptized.

15). 1 Cor. 14:1-5 Individuals in the church are speaking in tongues before being baptized. Only saved people can speak in tongues, therefore you can be saved without being baptized, but all Christians should be baptized as an adult in their lifetime as participating in God’s ordinance (also covenant sign with God).

16). Hebrews 13:20 The blood of the everlasting covenant (Christ’s blood) had brought peace not water.

17). John 4:2 This is a great verse. It says that Jesus never baptized anyone but only his disciples. If Jesus mentioned salvation and saved people, why didn’t he baptize? It is because baptism isn’t required for salvation validated once again by Christ’s actions of never baptizing anyone. If Jesus is the giver of salvation and never baptized people for salvation then baptism isn’t needed for salvation. It’s interesting to note that no one from Adam to Christ who was believers was saved by baptism. And baptism regeneration was never doctrine in the early church until Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria at ca. 120 AD. In fact, you can find Polycarp, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, and others mentioning salvation by grace through faith without works in their literature before 120 AD.

Here are some questions that baptismal regeneration supporters can’t answer conclusively:

-If baptismal regeneration is true, why can afterwards that you can still have a chance to lose your salvation?
-Why is it that many people like the Thief On the Cross, etc were saved before being baptized?
-Why is that there are examples where people received the Holy Spirit before being baptized? Only saved people can receive the Holy Spirit.
-Why did Christ didn’t baptize a soul and Paul only baptized 2 people? Both lead many people to salvation and both even proclaimed people’s salvation with or without baptism.
-Why is it that there are tons of verses to easily show that salvation is by grace through faith involving Christ’s blood (Which I can show easily), yet baptism is mainly used in fewer times at the Bible?
-What saves and it can only be either Christ’s blood or baptismal water. It’s either one and you can’t have it both ways. If Christ’s blood is sufficient enough to save people, why must you believe that baptism saves which isn’t and doesn’t involve Christ’s blood? If Christ’s blood is infinite enough to save all sin and all humans, isn’t that baptismal water is needed as well? Is Christ’s blood not enough? Please explain.
-Why is it that salvation can come within or without a church’s assistance and baptism is to be only executed by the church, yet you’re not required to submit yourself to a church for salvation?
-Why did Peter say Repent to get salvation first and then baptism after salvation in Acts? If baptism is used for salvation wouldn’t you be baptized first or what is the outline of salvation in terms of repentance and baptism?
-Why did Christ in Mt. 28:19-20 say teach all nations first then baptize second?
-Why did Phillip baptize the Ethiopian eunuch only after he believed on Christ and acknowledged that he is the Son of God?
-Why did historically the Didache (It shows baptism only after days of preperation), Polycarp, Ignatius (he only calls baptism as a spear or helment to your faith), Clement of Rome, and others in the early church didn’t mention a word on baptismal regeneration yet by 150 A.D., it came about by Justin Martyr. Many reformers like John Wycliffe, Waldensians, Anabaptists, etc don’t subscribe to it anyway so why should we?
-Why did baptismal regeneration exist from pagan religions before Christianity’s existence, yet for some reason you believe it must be required for Christians? God rejects paganism into the true faith and that’s outlined in the O.T. and N.T.
-Why did no OT person or prophet utilize baptism for salvation yet you believe Christian is to do this in the NT?
-Why is that men and women who had true conversion living godly lives in Christ without being baptized first in their walk? There are tons of examples of that in the world whether you like it or not.
-Why is there no mention of baptism for salvation anywhere in the Bible especially in Jude and James? All references to baptism involve the church and the believer alone nothing more or less.

Confession to a Priest (Auricular Confession):

1). Acts 2 No priest is needed for the confession of sins. Also see Acts 8:21-23.

2). James 5:16 You can confess faults one to another not one to a priest. If it says confess your faults to a priest, the priest should confess his faults to you as well according to the context, but Catholicism definitely doesn’t teach that. It says faults, but not confess your sins one to another. Only God can forgive all of your sins.

3). Mark 2:7 Only God can forgive sin. See also Acts 5:12 speaking of Neither salvation in any other name that you can be saved but by Christ not priests.

4). Acts 8:22 Peter said Repent and pray to God (not to a priest). Peter didn’t have a confession experience, but exhorted the believers and people in need of salvation to pray to God solely.
5). 1 John 1:9 If we acknowledge our sin in God not in a priest. See also Joel 2:32, Joel 2:13 mentioning that Whosoever calls on the name of Lord shall be delivered without priests or method of auricular confession.

6). 1 John 2:1 If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father not priests. See also 1 John 1:7 saying the blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin. (Not priests or a special type of confession to a priest.)

7). Acts 4:12, Heb. 7:25 Jesus can only save without Mary, priests, etc. Also see Acts 2:37-38, Acts 8:21-23 showing Peter commanding believers to Repent to God.

8). Heb. 4:16 A person can come to God with boldness in prayer without a priest and expect to be saved. See also Romans 10:9 speaking of you confessing to the Lord to be saved without priests.

9). Mt. 6:9,12 Forgiveness comes from the Father not priests. See also Psalm 32:5 saying confess your sins to the Lord solely.

10). Psalm 4:1-8 David wants God (not priests) to hear his prayer. See also John 20:22-23 where in that verse it says that the Holy Spirit not priests or the apostles by their own power that enabled the apostles to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.
11). Mark 2:2-12, Luke 7:36-50 No apostles never had any person to come to them and ask them to forgive their sins. Nor did they ever say to someone that their sins were forgiven in the same way the Lord often did while he was physically on the Earth in his 1st coming. The Auricular Confession concept isn’t there.

12). Mt. 6:5-15 The Lord’s Prayer is even proclaimed directly and involving prayer to the Father without a priest’s influence. Also see Isaiah 1:18 saying Coming to God can end your sinful lifestyle apart from priests “attempting” to forgive sins in a “confessional”

13). 1 Timothy 2:5-6 Only Christ is the mediator between God and man. He is the only mediator to forgive every single sin when anyone can access him by prayer.

14). Mark 2:10 A very fascinating verse. It explicitly says that the Son of man (or Jesus Christ) have the power to forgive sins. If Christ already has that power, why need a substitute or use someone impersonating Christ’s power? Auricular Confession is a Satanic counterfeit of Christ’s power to forgive sins.

15). Mt. 3:2 Christ said to Repent for salvation. In that situation no priests were used as intermediate guides of absolution of sins, etc. In fact auricular confession has pagan ties to Babylon, China, Greece, etc. They used prayer through their pagan priests for forgiveness of sins just like Catholicism. Catholicism is just following pagan customs, which is one out of tons of reasons to reject Catholicism and auricular confession. Penance in the early church was voluntary and consisted of once a year by the end of the 2nd century and early 3rd century by Tertullian. Clement of Rome, John Crysostom, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and other individuals exhorted people to pray to God alone not to priests or any other influencing mediator. The Catholic concept of penance and confession was non-existent. The early church method of penance or confession mainly involved mortal sin not just any sin made just once a year.

By TruthSeeker24 (Timothy)

Comments on Mary.

Mary:

1). John 2:4,19:26,Luke 11:27-28 Christ either called Mary woman or nothing at all instead of Mother of God. If Mary wasn’t called Mother of God in the Bible or the Early Church for more than 300 years, why is it necessary for Christian to call Mary by that name? You shouldn’t and I follow Christ’s example.

Matthew 13:55-56 /Mark 6:3 Mary’s children are shown (Sisters are mentioned in those verses. Sister in Greek coordance of the NT means blood relative sisters not cousins.)

2). Ps. 53:3 All humans including Mary are sinners except Christ who never experienced original sin by being divine.

3). Isaiah 43:10 No one pre-existed God and there is no mother of God. Also see Micah 5:2 showing the Messiah is from everlasting without a Mother since the Messiah is God. Almighty God doesn’t have a Mother. Before Mary, God the Father and God the Son already existed. Mary is just the mother of the earthly Jesus.

4). Luke 2:21-23 Mary received purification according to the Torah. If Mary is sinless from birth, why does she need purification for after childbirth? Mary is obviously a sinner.

5). Romans 8:34 Intercession is solely by Christ. Also see John 14:6 and 2 Timothy 2:4-6. There is no verse in the OT or NT for intercession by any other being but God not saints, Mary, etc.

6). 1 John 1:8-10 If you say a human (i.e. Mary) is without sin, you deceive yourself and are liars. Special devotion to Mary is therefore unnecessary because Mary is important, but she didn’t die on the cross for salvation, she didn’t save all human’s sins, she didn’t defeat Satan, didn’t organize the Church. Christ accomplished these things alone without you, the apostles, anybody, or me. No man is sinless so logically to exalt a human being like that is unbiblical.

7). Romans 3:23/ Romans 5:12/ 1 Cor. 15:22/ Romans 3:10 All sin comes to all men (including Mary) by Adam’s fall. No one is sinless no not one except Christ (God). There is no exception for Mary since all men are mentioned or all human beings.

8). Job 141:1-4, Job 25:4, Job 15:11-17 Explicit confirmation of original sin (Mary is included since she was born of a sinful woman).

9). Mt. 1:24-25 Virginity of Mary ends after Christ. The word “knew” in the passage is the Greek word “Ginosko” which means to have sexual relations. That verse alone erases any belief or idea that Mary was a virgin all of her life. So in the context, after Christ’s incarnation on planet Earth, it’s very possible for Mary and Joseph to have sexual relations and conceive children. Also, the word “firstborn” in the passage in the Greek is “Prototokos” meaning firstborn before others and head of the family. The word firstborn can mean that Jesus wasn’t the only child, because why wouldn’t there be also an only child of Mary mentioned in the Bible instead of firstborn of Mary if Mary was truly conceived no other children but Christ? The reason is that Jesus Christ has half-brothers (brothers) and half-sisters (sisters) that were younger than Him, for he was the firstborn. There is also no mention of Joseph having children before being married to Mary. This is also against what the Bible says about Jesus. (Since firstborn is mentioned it’s possible children can be conceived by Mary and Joseph.)

10). Psalm 69:6-9 Messianic prophecy showing Christ’s half-brothers and sisters. In that time it literally describes David’s trials, but it does show signs of a prophetic significance because the Psalm mentions “they hate me without a cause” and “stranger among my brethren.” It alludes to Christ in the future because David is the lineage of Christ.

11). Ezekiel 18:4 Mary died since she was sinful. There is no early church historical or biblical evidence for the Assumption of Mary. It wasn’t an official dogma of Catholicism until 1950 and that’s blaspheming Christ’s only ascension to heaven by his own power. Other people in the OT have ascended, but not by there own power. See also Psalm 148:4-13 saying that the Lord has glory and is exalted above heaven and Earth also praised above all. Giving glory to Mary is not necessary. The perpetual virginity and the assumption of Mary existed from apocryphal literature in the early centuries.

12). John 3:6 Mary is born of flesh and blood and is in need to be born again just like everyone else.

13). Romans 5:18 By one man (Adam) judgment came to all men (plus Mary), but by one man (Jesus Christ) human beings can have a chance to receive eternal life.

14). Galatians 1:18-19 The brother of Jesus is mentioned making Mary no an Ever virgin.

15). Hebrews 7:26 Christ only totally is undefiled and holy not Mary.

16). Romans 5:19 Solely one man (Jesus Christ) was sinless to save people. No other human but Christ who is man and God is involved with grace, salvation, mercy, and other spiritual items. Mary wasn’t involved with none of it. 0. Zilch. See also Gen. 3:15-16. That verse says if Mary is the woman of Rev. 12 as Catholics say, it describes her birth pains, which according to the Bible is a judgment on females by the fall making Mary a sinner.

17). Psalm 51:5/ Luke 1:30:46-47 Mary realized she was in need of a savior therefore being sinful and no human is sinless except Christ who is man and God. Only sinners need a savior. Christ is sinless and he Savior of all mankind. If Mary were without sin from birth onward, she wouldn’t need a savior since no sin would influence or stain her. Also see John 2:1-5.

18) 1 John 2:1 The one advocate is Christ not Mary. See also John 2:1 calling Mary only the earthly mother of Jesus not the Mother of God.

19). Eph. 2:3/ Ps. 51:5 Even infants, including Mary inherit original sin, but infants are not accounted for sin though by not knowing right from wrong at birth. See Psalm 58:3 for more on this issue. Infants and young children automatically go to heaven if they die by that one exception.

20). St. John 1:14 Only God is full of grace and truth. Mary isn’t full of grace. Note: Mainly the Douay Rhiems Version (Catholic English Bible) shows full of grace in Luke, but most Bible versions show favored one or thou art highly favored instead. The words of John mentioning full of grace for Christ in Greek is pleerees charitos. So either Mary or Christ possesses that attribute not both. Jesus has it solely by the evidence. It’s very interesting to note that many pagan religions of Ancient America, Babylon, Egypt, China, Rome, Ephesus, etc had concept of the icon of the Mother and child long before Roman Catholicism’s existence. The utilization of her in a Mediatrix of Graces or Ever-Virgin came from many pagan religions. It’s typical to see it found in Roman Catholicism.

21). Luke 1:46-48 Note Mary says his name is Holy and his mercy is on those who fear Him (God). Notice she says God is Holy not herself and mentions mercy. God making Mary far from perfect only gives mercy to sinners (including Mary since Mary is a sinner as well). 2 Peter 2:22-23 says Christ alone has no sin. Giving Mary excelled glory, etc is not required for salvation neither does it effect your salvation, so why is it necessary to call her sinless, etc.

22). Jeremiah 7:18/ Jeremiah 44:17 The Queen of Heaven concept is forbidden which is a nickname utilized about Mary in some Catholic circles.

23). Gen. 6:8/ Acts 6:8/ Eph. 1:6/ Mt. 25:34/ Ex. 33:12/ Ezra 9:8/ Ps. 84:11, 2 Cor. 9:8, Romans 6:15 Other people including Mary are bestowed grace or blessed no just Mary alone. The term chariots means bestowed grace used for Mary and other cases. Blessed in Greek is eulogia meaning “to be well spoken off” Does that denote perpetual virginity or sinlesness? Not likely in that circumstance.

24). Mt. 2:11,13, 14, 20,21 When Jesus and Mary are mentioned together, Jesus always acquires the greatest emphasis. Jesus not Mary should have your focus solely.

25). Ps. 84:11 All believers are given grace not just Mary representing the sinfulness of Mary. That statement proves equality of believers in God and God’s word. See also 2 Cor. 9:8 and Rom. 6:15. Ruth 3:13 say Ruth was given favor like a handmaid similar to Mary in Luke (More confirmation of equality between Ruth, Mary, and all believers in Christ).

26). Judges 5:24 Jael is blessed above women in which is similar to Mary being blessed among women. Mary is chosen in preference to all women not men. Grace shown is from the Greek word kecharitomene referring to God graced or given favor. Being grace is a result of being sinful (if someone is sinless, being given grace would be pointless since that person has no stain to merit grace) making Mary not sinless and validates the equality of all believers in Christ. God’s preference to Mary was not because Mary is sinless, but to fulfill prophecy, etc. Mary was Jewish, a virgin, with the lineage of Levi (Judah-Abraham), and other reasons God choose her. It has nothing to do with superiority over all women. God chooses men and women for specific purposes, but it isn’t implied that they are better or greater than anyone else. Mary is the mother of the earthly Jesus and she’s very important not sinless. See also Acts 1:14 saying It’s the last time Mary is mentioned in scripture while she is in a prayer meeting with 120 disciples. None of them honored her; none of them reverence her, none of them prayed to or through her. God is no respecter of persons.

27). Luke 11:27-28 Blessed are people who follow Christ instead of Mary (Mary even admitted this truth). See also Mt. 12:48-50 where Jesus said whosoever shall do the will of my Father is like my brother, sister, and mother.

28). Mt. 11:11 John the Baptist is given excelled mention, but he isn’t perfect or sinless just like Mary isn’t.

29). Luke 1:34 When the angel Gabriel first appeared to her and announced the savior would be conceived in her womb, she responded, “how can this be since I do not know a man.” Mary asked by the angel what manner of greeting is this? If she was sinless, certainly she would have known and understands why she had been selected for this honor she is sinful as a result of that and tons of other reasons.

Now in church history, the whole early church didn’t all believed in Immaculate Conception or the Assumption of Mary. Origen, Jovinus, Helvidus, Waldensians, Anabaptists, etc denied it. Polycarp, Ignatius, Barbanas, Papais, Polycrates, the apostles, and Jesus Christ never mentioned a word on such a heretical concept. Tertullian in his Treatise on the Soul at Chapter 41 explicitly called God who is Christ as having no sin at all. Mary isn’t produced to be sinless or immaculate in that literature at all. Clement of Alexandria in his “The Instructor” at Book 1, Chapter 2 said that the Word is sinless without making any mention of Mary. Many of the apocryphal works and the Council of Ephesus (431 AD.) were the main factors in causing the exalted, unbiblical titles of Mary (i.e. “Mother of God”) to be utilized. One source from Ephaream from Syria is probably the main early church literature Papists use to “attempt” to promote the lie that Mary is an ever-virgin and sinless. Even Thomas Aquinas didn’t believe in Immaculate Conception (yet today, Catholic apologists are disputing that in theology research). The Franciscan friars in the 1300’s are the main individuals who are responsible for making that lie in Catholic doctrine making it mandatory for Catholics to follow.

Later, Catholicism used it as an article of their faith including the Assumption of Mary by the 1800’s. Gradual development caused the formation of those 2 doctrines. What Catholic apologists don’t tell you is that in 495 AD, Pope Gelasius issued a decree, which rejected the Assumption of Mary as heresy and its proponents as heretics. In the sixth century, Pope Hormisdas also condemned as heretics those authors who taught against the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary. Even the early Catholic Church considered the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary as heresy. Wow. There are 2 so-called “infallible popes” declaring modern Catholic dogma a heresy. Also Pope Leo I, Pope Gelasius, and Pope Innocent III all denied that Mary was sinless only giving Christ the designation of being the immaculate lamb. Wow. How ironic. Now we see new claims of Catholic apologists.

Today, they claim that the Reformers believed Mary was sinless, etc. Now only some of the Reformers (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Billinger mainly) subscribed to that belief and not all. The Protestants Reformers weren’t perfect in every single way as history shows. Tyndale, Rogers, Wycliffe, and other Reformers showed no signs of believing in that at all. No individual or a movement account for Bible believers’ perception of God only God and his word. Catholic apologists today are more desperate than ever to lie about Mary and the true church.

30). Luke 2:47-52 Mary and Joseph didn’t understand Christ’s words. If Mary were sinless, she would easily understand Christ’s sayings since one who is sinless would know God’s ways and won’t need an explanation to concepts. It’s sin that corrupts one’s understanding of spiritual things or ideals.

31). Leviticus 20:27 Praying through or to a being in another dimension is necromancy and forbidden by God in the O.T. and in the N.T. since that’s moral law. When someone passes on after death no one (whether it be saved or unsaved people existing on earth) should communicate with that being. The only communicate with another being in another dimension is God who is infinite and exists in both realms. The only communication with another being in another dimension is God who is infinite and exists in both realms. God can easily forgive prayer and intercede with Mary or the “saints.” The denial of the invocation of the saints, Mary, etc is biblical.

32). Gen. 3:13-15 Now this is one prophecy Catholics use to validate Mary being sinless. Now in that verse, there is no explicit showing of Immaculate Conception let alone the sinlessness of Mary. That verse shows the seed of woman crushing the head of Satan. Mary is important, but not sinless or an ever virgin or sinless. No human is sinless except Christ who is God and man. The head of the serpent is to be bruised by the seed of the woman, who is the Saviour, Jesus Christ and not crushed by the woman (Mary). You will also see that the bruise that the serpent will inflict is to his heel. The seed is of course masculine because of, our Saviour is Jesus Christ not Mary. Enmity is mentioned meaning eybah from Hebrew and it means hostility or hatred. Christ alone accomplished the crushing of Satan without Mary’s assistance at all. There is not one word in that verse or the Bible as a whole showing preservation of any human form sin or preserved to be sinless. (Only Christ as man and God is 100% purely sinless from everlasting to everlasting.)

33). John 2:2-4 Mary said “whatsoever he saith unto you do it.” Here is a verse that Mary commanded believers to follow Christ alone. The exalted titles of Mary or veneration or adoration of her is therefore very unnecessary because Christ is the being alone by all believers to follow and worship.

34). Matthew 1:20/ Luke 1:35 Jesus Christ is the only one who was not conceived by natural means, but by the Holy Spirit. 2 human parents, on the other hand, conceived Mary, and both parents were sinners making Mary a sinner for being a human being. No human other than Jesus Christ (who is human and divine) is sinless and you can find this directly and explicitly throughout the OT and NT.

35). Luke 1:41-45 In those verses, we see that Elisabeth greeting Mary and recognizing that she is blessed for being the mother of the Lord. But Elisabeth didn’t venerate or bowed before Mary neither did she give Mary any recognition of worship towards Mary. She only knew what was occurring. (Mary being involved in the incarnation of Christ was only a sinful vessel, etc. and that it was the Lord who should be worshipped and no other entity.)

By TruthSeeker24 (Timothy)