THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 73 Catholic Corruptions

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:17, KJV).

Loved ones, exposing the corrupt teachings of the followers of Satan are meant to help all win the victory in our Spiritual Battle. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide men of the first century A.D. into “all truth” (John 16:13). In that century, the faith “was once for all delivered to the saints” —not progressively developed over centuries (Jude 3). God said the Scriptures give us everything we need for life and godliness, i.e. to be complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

We do not need additional spiritual instruction beyond God’s Word in the New Testament. We must not ADD to His Word (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19). In fact, binding unauthorized religious requirements on others is what caused the churches of Galatia and others to be lost in the first century A.D. (Gal. 1:6-9; 5:1-6).

Catholicism has gone far beyond God’s authority, and created its own system of religion —like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time on earth (Mark 7:7-9; Rom. 10:1-3). Not only do they add commands, but they also completely contradict the Scriptures in many ways.

The following are some of the unscriptural inventions of Catholicism:

1. Papal supremacy and infallibility. This included the claim that Peter was the first pope and that the church is built upon him. No mere human is presented in the Scriptures as an infallible head over the universal church. Christ alone is the faultless foundation and Chief Shepherd. Peter was a married apostle and fellow-elder who was publicly rebuked. The church is built upon the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, NOT upon Peter (Matt. 8:14; 16:16-18; Acts 8:37; 10:25-26; 1 Cor. 3:11; 9:5; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Gal. 2:11-14; Col. 1:18).

2. Exalting Mary beyond what the Bible teaches. They claim she was “preserved from all sin,” was bodily taken into Heaven, and should receive special religious devotion. However, no passage teaches such things. The Bible presents her as a faithful and blessed servant who needed a Savior (Luke 1:46-47; Rom. 3:23; Acts 1:14; 1 Tim. 2:5).

3. Praying to Mary or departed “saints.” Christians are taught to pray to the Father through Christ, not to deceased believers (Matt. 6:9; John 16:23; Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:5). ALL faithful Christians are saints (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 2:19).

4. The rosary and repetitious prayers. Jesus warned against vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7; cf. Eccl. 5:2).

5. The use of images in worship. This includes statues, icons, and bowing before them. All such things are condemned in God’s Word (Exodus 20:4-5; Acts 17:29; 1 John 5:21).

6. Transubstantiation. This false doctrine says the bread and cup becomes the literal body and blood of Christ. This contradicts the figurative language and memorial nature of the Lord’s Supper. It conflicts with the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Matt. 26:26-29; John 10:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; John 6:63; Heb. 10:10-14, 19-20).

7. A separate “clergy priesthood” that is distinct from ordinary Christians. The New Testament teaches a priesthood of all Christians, not a separate class of men (1 Peter 2:5-9; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:23-28; Rev. 1:6).

8 . Confession of sins to a Catholic priest for forgiveness. Christians are taught to confess sins to God and to one another. God forgives through Christ, our only Mediator and High Priest (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Eph. 4:32; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25).

9. Celibacy required for church leaders. God requires the opposite. It requires marriage for bishops/elders. He warned of those who would “forbid to marry,” calling it a “doctrine of demons” (1 Tim. 3:2; 4:1-3; Titus 1:6; 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4).

10. Infant “baptism.” Baptism in the Bible is always immersion, preceded by faith, repentance, confession, and for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-39; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12).

11. Purgatory. No passage teaches a post-death purification before judgment. God’s Word presents death as followed by judgment, with eternal destinies fixed (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Heb. 9:27).

12. Observance of Ash Wednesday, Lent, and other “holy days.” None of these things are authorized in the New Testament. Christians are not bound to man-made religious days. Binding what God has not authorized is sinful. Jesus warned against outward displays of fasting. Neither He nor His apostles established an annual season of fasting or repentance (Luke 9:23; Gal. 1:6-9; 5:1-4; Col. 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; Rev. 22:18-19; Matt. 6:16-18; 4:1-2).

13. The “Mass” as a continuing sacrificial offering of Christ in worship. The Bible teaches that Christ was offered “once for all” and does not continue to be offered (Heb. 9:25-28; 10:10-14; John 19:30).

14. Exalting church tradition as equal to the Holy Scriptures. God’s Word alone is the standard of authority (Mark 7:7-9; John 16:13; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3).

Conclusion

Many more points could be added, but we will close by stating the fact that Catholic corruption is an ongoing, global crisis primarily defined by the systemic cover-up of clergy sexual abuse and decades of entrenched financial misconduct. This institutional rot has prompted extensive civil litigation, sweeping reforms to Vatican finances, and massive payouts.

The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).

Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have questions or wish to comment, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).