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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 5/5/02 Radio Program

Question:

Does the Catholic church teach false religion?

Answer:

[Note: Before we begin, let it be understood that no religious group, including the church of Christ is above questioning. In fact, we encourage you to "Investigate the church of Christ." We are glad to investigate any religious group (including ourselves) in light of the Bible's teaching. Since this caller asked about the Catholic church, we are glad to investigate them. Please understand, the answer below is not an all-inclusive list, but these are the items we were able to enumerate and discuss within the time limits of our radio program.]

The Catholic Church Teaches False Religion When It:

1) Encourages the playing of mechanical instruments of music for worship, as well as using choirs, and similar things. The Bible simply tells us to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15). In following this command, remember that what God tells you to do, he tells me to do and vice versa. Therefore, each one is responsible for singing (not watching others sing), and for singing only, (not playing on instruments).

a) I realize that other religious groups also use mechanical instruments in their worship. For the record, they are wrong, also. However, since our querist asked concerning the Catholic church, this is why our attention is focused on them.

b) For further study: Using Mechanical Instruments In Worship To God

2) They encourage a "clergy/laity" distinction which is not found in the Bible. Jesus said: "call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven" (Matt. 23:9).

3) They teach that the Pope is an earthly mediator between man and God. But, the Bible says, "There in one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5).

a) In connection with this, they teach that men must bow down to the Pope, kiss his ring, etc. They teach that Peter was the first Pope. Yet, in reading Acts 10:25-26, when Cornelius bowed down before Peter, he stood Cornelius up saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man." If Peter were the first Pope, why didn't he allow worship as the modern-day Pope does?

4) Teaches that man has been born with "original sin." (Again, I know other groups teach this false doctrine, so they are wrong as well.) The Bible tells us that each one is responsible for his/her own sin and no one else's. This is taught in the Scriptures in Exodus 32:33; Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Colossians 3:25 and many other places. Man is responsible for his own sin and no one else's. a) For further study: Total Hereditary Depravity

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