Scripture Verses that Support Catholic Doctrine

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The Church • Original Sin The Church is the Body of Christ • Distinction between deadly (mortal) The Church must be one and non-deady (venial) sin • Sacrament of Baptism The Church is Apostolic The Church is Authoritative The Church is Infallible - Commanded by Christ and taught by the The Church is Perpetual; Apostles.

Eternal/Un-ending - Replaces the need for circumcision.

• The Primacy of Peter - Jesus sets the example for us.

• Apostolic Succession - Is regenerative.

• The Holy Bible alone OR The Holy - Takes away all sin.

Bible Plus Oral Tradition?

- Not to be repeated.

• Tradition Condemned?

- Faith of others is efficacious.

• Faith alone OR faith working in love - To be administered to children "Infant (faith plus works) Baptism" • Have you been saved?

- Is necessary for salvation.

• Good Works • Judged according to deeds • Sacrament of Eucharist • Assurance of Salvation?

• Health and Wealth Gospel?

- Some verses used to support Protestant • Divinity of Jesus arguments and the resolution.

• Communion of Saints - Eucharist is promised.

• Intercessory prayer to the Saints - Foretold and prefigured.

• Are the saints dead? Is this prayer - Instituted by Christ. necromancy? (Deuteronomy - Celebrated by the Apostles.

18:10)?

- Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

• Understanding, "One mediator - The Eucharist must be worthily received. between God and man" (1 Timothy 2:5) • The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass • Veneration of the Saints • Relics - Prefigured • Statues - What was required Foretold • Holy Spirit a Person, not a force - Instituted by Jesus and asked to be • About Mary, the Blessed Virgin done.

- Attested to - Mary, the Mother of God - Our Blessed Mother's Assumption • Sacrament of Confirmation - Our Blessed Mothers Immaculate • Sacrament of Conception Confession/Reconciliation - Our Blessed Mother's Perpetual Virginity, (Mary had no other children) - Jesus continues his example of priestly forgiveness in the Old Testament • Repetitious Prayer - Confession is not a private affair in the • Scandals in the Church Bible • Fasting - Jesus has power to forgive sins • The Afterlife: Purgatory - Jesus gives his power to forgive sins to • Indulgences - Scriptural basis His priests • The Afterlife: Judgment - After forgiveness, the need for reparation can remain - Judgment, Particular Judgment - Penance as satisfaction for sins - Judgment, Last Judgment described.

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The Afterlife: Heaven

- The existence of Heaven

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Call No Man Father? (Matthew 23:9) Sacrament of Holy Orders

The Church Matthew 16:13-20 - Upon this rock I will build my Church Matthew 18:17-18 - if he refuses to listen even to the Church ... (shows the importance of obeying and consequences of disobeying the Church) Matthew 28:18-20 - Go Baptize and teach all nations ...(the Church's mission) Mark 16:16 - Go to the whole world and proclaim the gospel.

Luke 10:16 - Whoever hears you, hears me, he who rejects you, rejects me.

John 14:16,16, 26 - Holy Spirit will be with you always to teach and reminder you of everything.

John 16:12 - the Spirit of Truth with guide you to all truth.

1 Timothy 3:15 - Church is the pillar and foundation of truth

The Church is the Body of Christ Romans 12:4-5 - though many, we are one body in Christ 1 Corinthians 6:15 - don't you know that your bodies are members of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:20-27 - you are Christ's body, individually parts of it Ephesians 5:30 - we are members of his body Colossians 1:18 - He is the head of the Body, the Church The Church must be one.

John 10:16 - there shall be one fold and one shepherd John 17:17-23 - I pray that they may be one, as we are one John 17:23 - that they may be brought to perfection as one Romans 12:5 - we, though many, are one body in Christ Romans 15:5 - God grant you to think in harmony with one another Romans 16:17 - avoid those who create dissensions 1 Corinthians 1:10 - I urge you that there be no divisions among you 1 Corinthians 12:13 - in one spirit we were baptized into one body Ephesians 4:4-6 -There is one Body, one Spirit, just as one hope is the goal of your calling by God. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, over all, through all and within all.

Philippians 2:2 - be of same mind, united in heart, thinking one thing Colossians 3:15 - the peace into which you were called in one body St. Cyprian (c. 250AD) - "God is one and Christ in one, and one is His Church, and the faith is one, and His people welded together by the glue of concord into a solid unity of body. Unity cannot be rent asunder, nor can the one body of the Church, through the division of its structure, be divided into separate pieces." (On the Unity of the Church, 23) Tertullian (c. 197AD) - "We are a society with a single religious feeling, a single unity of discipline, a single bond of hope," (Apology 39, 1) St. Hilary (c. 4th century) - "In the Scriptures our people are shown to be made one, so that just as many grains collected into one and ground and mingled together, make one loaf, so in Christ, who is the heavenly bread, we know there is one holy, in which our whole company is joined and united" (Treatise 62, 13) The Church is Apostolic

Matthew 16:13-20 - Jesus built his Church on Peter, the rock (foretold in the OT: Isaiah 22:15-25) Luke 22:29-30 - I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:32 - Peter appointed to be the chief shepherd (that Peter's faith may not fail) John 10:16 - One shepherd to shepherd Christ's sheep John 15:16 - Jesus chose special men to be his Apostles John 21:17-19 - Peter appointed to be the chief shepherd John 20:21 - Jesus gave the Apostles his own mission Ephesians 4:11 - Church leaders are hierarchical 1 Timothy 3:1,8; 1 Timothy 5:17 - identifies roles of bishops, priests and deacons Titus 1:5 - Commission for bishops to ordain priests The Church is Authoritative Matthew 18:18 - Jesus gives to the Apostles the power to legislate Matthew 18:17 - Jesus gives to the Apostles the power to discipline Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus delegates all power to Apostles Luke 10:16 - Jesus gives to the Apostles the power to speak with Christ's voice John 20:23 - Jesus gives to the Apostles the power to forgive sins 1 Corinthians 11:24 - Jesus gives to the Apostles the power to offer sacrifice (the Eucharist) St. Irenaeus (200AD) "... the Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although she is disseminated throughout the whole world, yet guarded it, as if she occupied but one house. She likewise believes these things just as if she one soul and one and the same heart; and harmoniously she proclaims them and teaches them and hands them down, as if she possessed but one mouth." (Against Heresies 1, 10, 2) Eusibius of Caesarea (4th Century) "But the brightness of the Catholic Church proceeded to increase in greatness, for it ever held to the same points in the same way, and radiated forth to all the race of Greeks and barbarians the reverent, sincere, and free nature and the sobriety and purity of the divine teaching as to conduct and thought." (Ecclesiastical History 4, 7,13) St. Augustine of Hippo (392AD) "The Catholic Church is the work of Divine Providence, achieved through the prophecies of the prophets, through the Incarnation and the teaching of Christ, through the journeys of the Apostles, through the suffering, the crosses, the blood and death of the martyrs, through the admirable lives of the saints... When, then, we see so much help on God's part, so much progress and so much fruit, shall we hesitate to bury ourselves in the bosom of that Church? For starting from the apostolic chair down through successions of bishops, even unto the open confession of all mankind, it has possessed the crown of teaching authority." (The Advantage of Believing 35)

The Church is Infallible Matthew 28:20 - Jesus tells them: I am with you always Luke 10:16 - speaks with Christ's own voice

John 14:26 - Holy Spirit is to teach and remind them of everything John 16:13 - guided by the Holy Spirit into all Truth Acts 15:28 - Apostles speak with the voice of the Holy Spirit 1 Timothy 3:15 - Church is called the "pillar and foundation of truth" 1 John 2:27 - anointing of the Holy Spirit remains in you St. Irenaeus (200AD) "For where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there the Church and every grace is. The Spirit, however, is Truth." (Against Heresies 3, 24, 1) The Church is Perpetual; Eternal/Un-ending Isaiah 9:6-7 - of Christ's government there will be no end Daniel 2:44 - God's kingdom shall not be destroyed Daniel 7:14 - his kingdom shall not be destroyed Luke 1:32, 33 - no end to Christ kingdom Matthew 7:24 - Jesus is like a wise man who built his house on a rock Matthew 13:24-30 - let wheat and weeds grow together until harvest Matthew 16:18 - the gates of Hell will never prevail against Christ's Church John 14:16 - Holy Spirit will be with you always Matthew 28:19-20 - I am with you all days The Primacy of Peter Isaiah 22:15-25 - Prophecy of the Catholic Papacy foretold in the Old Testament Matthew 16:18 - Upon this rock (Peter) I will build my Church. And the gates of Hell can never overpower it Note: Many scholars believe Our Lord most probably spoke Aramaic because it was the native tongue for Jesus' immediate disciples. In Aramaic there is only one word for "rock": Kepha. So he would have said: "Blessed are you Simon bar Jonah, for flesh and blood have not revealed this to you but my Heavenly Father. So I say to you thou are "Kepha" and upon this "Kepha" I will build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it." Conversations about Petros and Petra therefore are probably irrelevant. St. Jerome, who translated the text to Greek would never give a female ending to a masculine person, Peter.

Matthew 16:19 - I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven Luke 22:32 - Peter's faith will strengthen his brethren. (Note: The word "you" {I have prayed for "you"} in Greek is in the personal tense, not the plural "you" like 'all you apostles' tense.)

John 21:17 - Given Christ's flock as chief shepherd Mark 6:7 - angel sent to announce the Resurrection to Peter Luke 24:34 - Risen Jesus first appeared to Peter Acts 1:13-26 - Peter headed meeting which elected Matthias to replace Judas Acts 2:14 - Peter lead Apostles in preaching on Pentecost Acts 2:41 - Peter received the first converts Acts 3:6-7 - Peter performed the first miracle after Pentecost Acts 5:1-11 - Peter inflicted the first punishment: Ananias and Saphira Acts 8:21 - Peter excommunicated the first heretic, Simon Magnus Acts 10:44-46 - Peter received a revelation to admit the Gentles into the Church Acts 15 - Peter lead the first Catholic council in Jerusalem Acts 15:7-12 - Peter spoke saying: "My brothers, he said, .... But we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are: through the grace of the Lord

Jesus." The entire assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had worked through them among the gentiles." (pronounces the first dogmatic decision) Galatians 1:8 - after his conversion, Paul visits the chief Apostle Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, Acts 1:13 - Peter's name always heads the list of Apostles Luke 9:32, Luke 8:46, Mark 16:7 - Peter and his companions Matthew 18:21, Mark 8:29, Luke 12:41, John 6:69 - Peter spoke for the Apostles Peter is mentioned 191 times in the New Testament. All the other apostles names combined are mentioned only 130 times. And the most commonly referenced apostle apart from Peter is John, whose name appears 48 times.

Apostolic Succession 2 Chronicles 19:11 - high priest is over you in everything of the Lord's Malachi 2:7 - seek instruction from a priest, he is God's messenger Acts 1:25-26 - Matthias takes Judas' apostolic ministry Acts 1:20-22 - Let someone else take over his office. Out of the men who have been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was living with us, from the time when John was baptizing until the day when he was taken up from us, one must be appointed to serve with us as a witness to his resurrection.

Acts 14:23 - they appointed presbyters in each church 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 - God designated in the Church, apostles, prophets, teachers Ephesians 2:20 - Church is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets Ephesians 4:11 - God gave some as apostles, some as prophets ...

1 Timothy 3:1, 8; 1 Timothy 5:17 - qualifications for bishops, priests and deacons 1 Timothy 4:14 - gift conferred with the laying on of hands 1 Timothy 5:22 - do not lay hands too readily on anyone 2 Timothy 2:2 - what you heard from me, entrust to faithful teachers Titus 1:5 - appoint presbyters in each town, as I directed The Holy Bible alone OR The Holy Bible Plus Oral Tradition?

Matthew 23:2-3 - chair of Moses; observe whatever they tell you (Moses chair was a prefigurement of the chair of St. Peter.)

Mark 13:31 - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words won't Mark 16:15 - go to the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature John 12:25 - not everything Jesus said was recorded in Scripture Acts 20:35 - sayings of Jesus were not recorded in the Gospels Romans 10:17 - faith comes from what is heard 1 Corinthians 11:2 - commends them for following Apostolic tradition 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - being saved if you hold fast to the word I preached 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - hold fast to traditions, whether oral or by letter 2 Timothy 1:13 - follow my sound words; guard the truth 2 Timothy 2:2 - what you heard entrust to faithful men 1 Peter 1:25 - God's eternal word equals the word preached to you 2 Peter 1:20 - no prophecy is a matter of private interpretation 2 Peter 3:15-16 - Paul's letters can be difficult to grasp and interpret St. Athanasius (360AD) - let us note that the very tradition, teaching, and faith of the Catholic Church from the beginning, which the Lord gave, was preached by the

Apostles, and was preserved by the Fathers. On this was the Church founded; and if anyone departs from this, he neither is nor any longer ought to be called a Christian.... (Four Letters to Serapion of Thmius 1, 28) Origen (230AD) - "The teaching of the Church has indeed been handed down through an order of succession, from the Apostles, and remains in the Churches even to the present time. That alone is to be believed as truth which is in no way in variance with ecclesiastical and apostolic tradition." (Fundamental Doctrines 1, preface, 2.)

Tradition Condemned?

Mark 15:3 - break commandment of God for your tradition Commentary: - The Pharisees complained that the disciples did not observe the prescribed ceremonial hand washings before, during and after the meal. These prescriptions were carefully laid down not in the Law but in the oral tradition of the "ancients" e.g. the early rabbis. Toward the end of the 2nd century they were codified in written form in the Mishnah. Such traditions were held in even higher esteem then the Law itself. Our Lord declines an aimless discussion of sophistries and sharply attacks the spirit that prompted the objection. As once before he might have denounced explicitly the legal zeal that they had suffocated charity. Instead he fights them on their own ground and shows how this blind devotion to "the tradition of the ancients" had driven them to "transgress" the law of God himself.

Mark 7:9 - set aside God's commandment, to uphold tradition Commentary: - Jesus challenges the principle of these traditions and denounces the insincerity and hypocrisy which characterize the conduct of the Pharisees. The words in which Isaiah 29:13 denounced the insincerity of his contemporaries in their worship of God are applicable to Christ's opponents. In their eagerness to maintain traditions which had their origin in the opinions of earlier teachers, they neglected the essential obligations of God's law.

Colossians 2:6-8 - seductive philosophy according to human tradition Commentary: - He ends the doctrinal part with an appeal for loyalty to Christ: the root of their religious life, the principle of their cohesion and progress in Christ. The time has come to confront the false teaching. Though it goes by the name of philosophy it is really a kind of bait for error -- 'an empty deceit' based on 'the traditions of men' closely allied to the '{elements or principles} of the world'. This last expression seems to note observance of days, months and years. In other words, the elements are connected with the sun and moon, or with cosmic forces generally.

1 Corinthians 11:2 - commends them for following Apostolic tradition 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - commands them to keep traditions

Commentary source: A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, copyright 1954 Faith alone OR faith working in love (faith plus works)

Matthew 19:16-17 - if you wish to enter into life, keep my commandments John 14:15 - if you love me, keep my commandments 1 Corinthians 13:2 - faith without love is nothing Galatians 5:6 - the only thing that counts is faith working in love James 2:24 - a man is justified by works and not by faith alone James 2:26 - faith without works is dead Have you been saved?

The Catholic reply is "I have been saved, I am being saved and I hope to be saved."

Past Event: I have been saved Romans 8:24 - for in hope you were saved Ephesians 2:5, 8 - by grace you have been saved through faith 2 Timothy 1:9 - he saved us, called us, according too his grace Titus 3:5 - he saved us through the bath of rebirth, renewed by the Holy Spirit Present Event: I am being saved Philippians 2:12 - work out your salvation with fear and trembling 1 Peter 1:9 - as you attain the goal of your faith, salvation Future Event: I hope to be saved Matthew 10:22 - he who endures to the end will be saved Matthew 24:13 - he who perseveres to the end will be saved Mark 8:3-5 - whoever loses his life for my sake will save it Acts 15:11 - we will be saved through the grace of Jesus Romans 5:9-10 - since we are justified, we shall be saved Romans 13:11 - salvation is nearer now, then first believed 1 Corinthians 3:15 - he will be saved, but only as through fire 1 Corinthians 5:5 - deliver the evil man's natural life to Satan so his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord Hebrews 9:28 - Jesus will appear a second time to bring salvation

Good Works Matthew 7:21 - It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 19:16-17 - to have life, keep the commandments John 14:21 - he who keeps the commandments loves me Romans 2:2-8 - eternal life by perseverance in good works Galatians 5:4-6 - nothing counts but faith working through love Ephesians 2:8-10 - we are created in Christ Jesus for good works Philippians 2:12-13 - work out salvation with fear and trembling James 2:14-26 - a man is justified by works and not faith alone Judged according to deeds

Romans 2:5-8 - God will repay each man according to his works 2 Corinthians 11:15 - recompense accord to what one did in their body (their end will correspond to their deeds) Colossians 3:24-25 - will receive due payment for whatever you do 1 Peter 1:17 - God judges impartially accordingly to one's works Revelation 20:12-13 - dead judged according to their deeds Assurance of Salvation?

Matthew 7:21 - It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 24:13 - those who persevere to the end will be saved Romans 11:23 - remain in his kindness or you will be cut off 1 Corinthians 9:27 - I punish my body and bring it under control, to avoid any risk that, having acted as herald for others, I myself may be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 - those thinking they are secure, may fall Philippians 2:12 - work out your salvation in fear and trembling Galatians 5:4 - separated from Christ, you've fallen from grace 2 Timothy 2:11-13 - must hold out to the end to reign with Christ Hebrews 6:4-6 - describes sharers of the Holy Spirit, who then fall away Hebrews 10:26-27 - if we sin, after receiving the truth, judgment remains 2 Peter 2:17-22 - It would have been better for them never to have learnt the way of uprightness, than to learn it and then desert the holy commandment that was entrusted to them.

Health and Wealth Gospel?

Matthew 10:38 - Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me Romans 8:16-17 - The Spirit himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are children of God. And if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, provided that we share his suffering, so as to share his glory.

Romans 8:18 - In my estimation, all that we suffer in the present time is nothing in comparison with the glory which is destined to be disclosed for us, Philippians 1:28-29 - This will be a clear sign, for them that they are to be lost, and for you that you are to be saved. This comes from God, for you have been granted the privilege for Christ’s sake not only of believing in him but of suffering for him as well Colossians 1:24 - It makes me happy to be suffering for you now, and in my own body to make up all the hardships that still have to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church Hebrews 12:5-7 - whom God loves, he disciplines as sons Hebrews 12:11 - discipline seems painful, but brings righteousness 1 Peter 1:6 - for a while you must suffer various trails 1 Peter 2:19-21 - suffering equals grace; Jesus suffered as our example Divinity of Jesus John John John John

1:1 - the Word was God 1:14-15 - glory of Father's only Son, full of grace and truth 8:19 - if you knew me, you would know my Father 8:58-59 - I assure you, before Abraham, I AM

John 10:30-33 - the Father and I are one (See Exodus 3:14, 20:7; Leviticus 19:12, Leviticus 24:14-16) John 10:38 - the Father is in me and I am in the Father John 12:45 - who ever sees me, sees the one who sent me John 14:8-12 - anyone who has seen Jesus sees the Father John 20:28 - Jesus accept Thomas's "my Lord and my God" Colossians 2:9 - In him, in bodily form, lives divinity in all its fullness Acts 20:28 - the Church of God he acquired with His Blood Ephesians 1:7 - in him we have redemption by his blood 1 John 1:7 - blood of his Son Jesus cleanses from all sin Titus 2:13 - glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ Communion of Saints Romans 8:35-39 - death cannot separate us from Christ.

Note: So Catholics are praying to and asking for help from saints that are ALIVE. We pray to Jesus AND the saints. The communion of saints is not an EITHER OR issue, it is a family affair!

Romans 12:5 - we are one body in Christ, individual parts of one another Romans 12:10 - love one another with mutual affection 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - If one part is hurt (suffers), all the parts share its pain.

And if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy Galatians 6:2 - bear one another's burdens Galatians 6:10 - let us do good to all, especially to those in the family of faith Ephesians 1:22-23 - he is the head of the Church, which is His Body Ephesians 4:4 - one body, one spirit, called to one hope Ephesians 5:21-32 - Christ is the Head of the Church, savior of the body Colossians 1:18, 24 - he is the head of the body, the Church Colossians 3:15 - you were called in one body 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - encourage, build up one another

Intercessory prayer to the Saints

Tobit 12:12 - angel presents Tobit and Sarah's prayer to God Romans 15:30 - join me by your prayers to God on my behalf Ephesians 4:3 - pray for us Ephesians 6:18-19 - Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all God's holy people, and pray for me to be given an opportunity to open my mouth and fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel 2 Thessalonians 1:11 - we always pray for you 2 Thessalonians 3:1 - finally, brothers, pray for us Revelation 5:8 - angel offers prayers of the holy ones to God Are the saints dead? Is this prayer necromancy? (Deuteronomy 18:10)?

Wisdom 3:1-6 - the souls of the just are in the hand of God Mark 12:26-27 - he is the God of the living, not of the dead Mark 9:4 - Jesus seen conversing with Elijah and Moses Luke 16:19-30 - departed rich man intercedes for brothers Luke 23:43 - To the thief on the Cross: "this day you will be with me in paradise"

Hebrews 12:1 - we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses Revelation 6:9-11 - martyrs under the altar want earthly vindication Revelation 20:4 - saw the souls of those that had been beheaded Understanding, "One mediator between God and man" (1 Timothy 2:5)

Matthew 25:23 - Well done, my good and faithful servant (the servant is not undermining the sole mediation of Christ by what he as done.)

Mark 10:18 - only God is good John 21:15-16 - feed my lambs, tend my sheep Ephesians 4:11 - And to some, his ‘gift’ was that they should be apostles; to some prophets; to some, evangelists; to some, pastors and teachers Hebrews 3:1, 7:24, 9:12 - Jesus is the eternal high priest; one sacrifice Note: Jesus is the eternal high priest. Because Our Lord was a divine person, his ONE sacrifice happened in time AND eternity. Catholic priests enter into that one sacrifice of Jesus every time they celebrate Holy Mass. There is NOT another sacrifice. By HIS choice we participate in his priesthood by bringing the Gospel to those that have not heard it. By doing this we don't undermine his ONE mediation, but participate in it.

1 Timothy 2:1-7 - offer prayers and petitions for all men 1 Peter 2:5 - be a holy priesthood to offer sacrifices through Christ Revelation 1:6, 5:10 - he made us a kingdom of priests for God Veneration of the Saints

Joshua 5:14 - Joshua fell prostrate in worship before the angel Daniel 8:17 - Daniel fell prostrate in terror before Gabriel Tobit 12:16 - Tobiah and Tobit fall to the ground before Raphael Matthew 18:10 - the angels in heaven are always before the face of God Note: We venerate angels because of their great dignity, which comes from their union with God. Saints are also in united with God. Veneration nor honor IS NOT WORSHIP. Catholics worship GOD/Jesus alone!

Hebrews 13:7 - Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, take their faith as your model 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 - you become an example to all believers Note: this is what Saints are for Catholics and all mankind: examples of holiness 1 John 3:2 - we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is Relics

2 Kings 13:20-21 - contact with Elisha's bones restored life Acts 5:15-16 - cures performed through Peter's shadow Acts 19:11-12 - cures through face cloths that touched Paul Statues Exodus 20:4-5 - do not make and worship any graven images Commentary on Exodus 20:4

Only images of strange gods were prohibited as appears not only from the words in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 5:7 but also from the cherubim (Exodus 25:18) and the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:8) which Yahweh ordered to be made and from the mural decorations of the Jewish synagogues in the early Christian period as excavations abundantly attest. There is question therefore not of a separate commandment which forbids the worship of all images but of an application of the precept forbidding the worship of strange gods. The prohibition of image worship, already discussed, does not contemplate the case of an image of Yahweh, most probably forbidden in the Book of the Covenant. Deuteronomy 4:16 insists, however that he did not appear in material form lest the people should be led to make an image out of him and misapprehend his spiritual nature. The prohibition of idols is found in the Book of the Covenant. It appears here in an amplified form most probably as a later addition to the decalogue to illustrate and safeguard the first commandment. The Latin division of the commandments is thus the more reasonable one and the more likely to be original.

Exodus 25:18-19 - make two cherubim of beaten gold Numbers 21:8-9 - Moses made bronze serpent and put on a pole 1 Kings 6:23-29 - temple had engraved cherubim, trees and flowers 1 Kings 7:25-45 - temple had bronze oxen, lions and pomegranates

Holy Spirit a Person, not a force John 14:26 - but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.

Acts 8:29 - The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join that chariot.'

Acts 13:2 - One day while they were offering worship to the Lord and keeping a fast, the Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them.'

Romans 8:27 - and he who can see into all hearts knows what the Spirit means because the prayers that the Spirit makes for God’s holy people are always in accordance with the mind of God 1 Corinthians 2:11 - ..., nobody knows the qualities of God except the Spirit of God 1 Corinthians 12:11 - But at work in all these is one and the same Spirit, distributing them at will to each individual Ephesians 4:30 - do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal, ready for the day when we shall be set free About Mary, the Blessed Virgin Luke 1:28, 30 - Angel said to Mary she was: "full of grace, and that she found favor with God" Luke 1:48 - In Mary Song, she prophecies, "all generations will call me blessed" Luke 10:40 - Elizabeth said to Mary that she was, "the most blessed among women" Mary, the Mother of God Catholic Note: Catholics believe Jesus was a divine person. Because mothers cannot give birth to 'natures' but 'people', the Church teaches that Mary gave birth to a divine person. Therefore she is the Mother of Jesus, the Second Person of the

Trinity. We do not believe Mary "came before" God or is in any way greater then God. Matthew 1:23 - Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, "a name which means ‘God is with us’" Luke 1:35 - The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.' Luke 1:43 - Elizabeth says to Mary, "Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord?"

Galatians 4:4-5 - but when the completion of the time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law, so that we could receive adoption as sons Our Blessed Mother's Assumption Pope Pius XII: The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

Patrick Madrid from "Where is that in the Bible" states: Revelation 12:1-8 shows us that Mary, Ark of the New Covenant, is truly the mother of all Christians (even those who refuse to acknowledge here as their mother). This passage also shows us a vision of Mary, queen of Heaven, and hints at her Assumption. This gift of suffering no corruption in the grave and being "caught up" into heaven while still alive is perfectly in accordance with Scripture. Similar assumptions are described below and are promised to some Christians in 1 Thessalonians: Genesis 5:24 - Enoch walked with God, then was no more, because God took him.

Hebrews 11:5-6 - It was because of his faith that Enoch was taken up and did not experience death: he was no more, because God took him; because before his assumption he was acknowledged to have pleased God. Now it is impossible to please God without faith, since anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who seek him.

2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah assumed into heaven in a fiery chariot Matthew 27:52 - many saints who had fallen asleep were raised 1 Corinthians 15:52 - we shall be instantly changed at the last trumpet 1 Thessalonians 4:17 - caught up to meet the Lord in the air Revelation 11:19 - 12:1 - ark in heaven represents the woman clothed with the sun. (this woman is Mary) A negative proof from history: - Historically to this date archaeologists have not found the bones of Mary though they did find the bones of St. Peter.

Our Blessed Mothers Immaculate Conception Genesis 3:15 - complete enmity between the woman (Mary) and Satan, sin Exodus 25:11-21 - ark made of purest gold for God's Word Luke 1:28 - Angel said to Mary: "Hail full of grace, [highly favored], the Lord is with you" Luke 1:30 - you have found favor with God Luke 1:37 - for with God nothing is impossible Luke 1:47 - Our Blessed Mother says: "my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (Mary

did need a savior but she was saved prior to and in anticipation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord.)

Roman 3:23 - all have sinned and are deprived of God's glory (St. Paul is using this word "all" in the collective sense (groups of people), not the distributive sense (everyone). "All" means all mankind: circumcised and uncircumcised have sinned and are deprived of God's glory. Why? Because we are all descendants of Adam, not Abraham. Exceptions are implied. e.g. unbaptized babies who do not have the use of reason, obviously cannot sin; the Old Testament prophets who followed the Mosaic Law but hadn't heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them, and Mary who was the "New Eve". The Early Church Fathers would say as the ten commandments were in the all holy Ark of the Covenant, so Jesus was in the all holy Mary.)

Our Blessed Mother's Perpetual Virginity, (Mary had no other children) Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12 - consecrate first-born that opens the womb. (In a Jewish culture, the first-born was a special child. It does not imply there were other children.)

Exodus 24:20 - first-born among your sons you shall redeem (In a Jewish culture, the first-born was a special child. It does not imply there were other children.)

Matthew 1:23 - Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, "a name which means ‘God is with us’" (A protestant argument that Mary had other children goes against Biblical prophecy that the Messiah, Jesus would be born of a virgin!)

Matthew 1:25 - Joseph knew her not until she bore first-born. (does not necessarily imply that Joseph knew her afterward. e.g. (2 Samuel 6:23 says "and until her death Michal had no children." This passage does not mean that Michal started having children after she died.)

Matthew 13:55-56 - brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Jude (In Hebrew there is no word for cousin. In this Hebrew culture, a non-blood line relative was called a brother. e.g. Lot is described as Abraham's "brother" (Genesis 14:12-16; Genesis 29:10-15 in the King James Bible) but Lot was the son of Aran) Matthew 27:56 - Mary, the mother of James and Joseph is Mary the wife of Cleophas (See John 19:25) Mark 6:3 - Mark uses the phrase: "the son of Mary", not "a son of Mary" Luke 1:34 - how can this be, since I do not know man Luke 2:41-51 - At age 12, Jesus evidently was the only son of Mary, otherwise Luke would have mentioned it John 7:3-4 - brothers advise like elders "his brothers said to him, ‘Leave this place and go to Judea, so that your disciples, too, can see the works you are doing" John 19:26 - In this verse Jesus entrusted Mary to John, not a younger sibling Repetitious Prayer

1 Kings 18:25-29 - example of vain repetition: call Baal for hours Matthew 6:7 - do not babble like pagans with their many words (Our Lord does not condemn the practice of praying in public assemblies (Luke 18:10), the words here are hyperbolic. He does not condemn the practice in praying in the streets. He condemns the practice of deliberately striking a pious attitude for public notice) Matthew 26:44 - Jesus prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.

Luke 18:13 - collector kept beating his breast and praying be merciful to me a sinner.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray without ceasing Revelation 4:8 - repeat day and night, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord" Scandals in the Church

Jeremiah 32:32-35 - Old Testament leaders and priests offered child sacrifices 2 Kings 23:7 - Old Testament cult prostitutes in the temple of the Lord Matthew 13:24-30 - parable of the weeds among the wheat Matthew 13:47-48 - parable of the net that collects good and bad fish Mark 14:43-46 - Judas betrayed Jesus Mark 14:50 - they all left him and fled from the garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:66-72 - Peter denied Our Lord, three times.

John 4:22 - In spite of their infidelity, salvation is from the Jews John 20:24-25 - Thomas refused to believe in his resurrection from the dead Romans 3:3-4 - will their infidelity nullify the fidelity of God? No! 2 Timothy 2:13 - if we are all unfaithful, God remains faithful

Fasting Daniel 10:3 - Daniel refused to eat choice foods for 3 weeks Matthew 19:5 - Christ's followers will fast once he is gone Matthew 6:16-18 - Jesus gave regulations concerning how to fast Mark 7:19 - Christ declared all foods clean 1 Timothy 4:1-3 - The Spirit has explicitly said that during the last times some will desert the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines that come from devils, seduced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are branded as though with a red hot iron: they forbid marriage and prohibit foods which God created to be accepted with thanksgiving by all who believe and who know the truth.

Note: St. Paul objects to these prohibitions when they are the outcome of false principles which would regard marriage and certain foods as impure, but he has no objection to abstaining from food and drink when properly understood and based on sound principles.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Everything God has created is good, and no food is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving The Afterlife: Purgatory Catholic Note: Purgatory refers to a temporary state of purification for those who have died in the state of grace but still need to get rid of any lingering imperfections (venial sins, earthly attachments, self-will, etc.) before entering the perfection of heaven.

Purgatory has NOTHING to do with ones justification or salvation. Those in purgatory are justified; they are saved. Purgatory has to do with ones HOLINESS and the burning away of remaining self-love. Revelation 21:27 It's true that the word "purgatory" doesn't appear in the Bible (neither do the words "Trinity", "Incarnation" or even "Bible"). However, what's important is not the word, but the doctrine. And the doctrine of the final purification of the elect, apart from heaven or hell, is clearly taught in both the Old Testament and the New Testament."

2 Samuel 12:13-14 - David, though forgiven, is still punished for sin 2 Maccabees 12:39-46 - Next day, they came to find Judas (since the necessity

was by now urgent) to have the bodies of the fallen taken up and laid to rest among their relatives in their ancestral tombs. But when they found on each of the dead men, under their tunics, objects dedicated to the idols of Jamnia, which the Law prohibits to Jews, it became clear to everyone that this was why these men had lost their lives. All then blessed the ways of the Lord, the upright judge who brings hidden things to light, and gave themselves to prayer, begging that the sin committed might be completely forgiven. Next, the valiant Judas urged the soldiers to keep themselves free from all sin, having seen with their own eyes the effects of the sin of those who had fallen; after this he took a collection from them individually, amounting to nearly two thousand drachmas, and sent it to Jerusalem to have a sacrifice for sin offered, an action altogether fine and noble, prompted by his belief in the resurrection. For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin.

Side note: Though this book was rejected by the Protestant reformers and therefore is NOT in Protestant Bibles, one can not ignore the historical reality of this event and the reality of the words which were said.

Matthew 5:25-26 - "you will be thrown into prison and not be released until you have paid the last penny."

Matthew 5:48 - be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (perfection is to be strived for on earth) Matthew 12:32 - sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age, or the next Matthew 12:36 - you will have to account for every idle word on judgment day 1 Corinthians 3:10-16 - "if someone's work is burned ... the person will be saved, but only as through fire" 1 Corinthians 15:29-30 - Paul mentions people baptizing for the dead 2 Timothy 1:16-18 - St. Paul prays - asks that God have mercy on his dead friend, Onesiphorus.

Hebrews 12:14 - strive for that holiness without which one cannot see God Hebrews 12:29 - For our God is a consuming fire James 1:14-15 - when sin reaches maturity it reaches death James 3:2 - we all fall short in many respects 1 Peter 3:18-20 to 4:6 - Jesus preached to the spirits in prison.

1 John 5:16-17 - Distinction made between deadly sins and one that are not deadly.

Revelation 21:27 - Nothing unclean will be allowed to enter into heaven.

See also: - Leviticus 26:41, 43; Isaiah 4:4, Isaiah 6:5-7, Isaiah 33:11-14, Micah 7 8-9:, Zechariah 9:11, Malachi 3:2-4, Matthew 18:34ff, Luke 12:58ff, Luke 16:19-31, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 4:8-10, Philippians 2:10-11, 1 Peter 4:6, Revelation 5:3, 13 Indulgences: The scandal of selling indulgences is thought to be the precipitating cause of the Protestant Revolt. The Catholic Church forbade the sale of indulgences at the Council of Trent (abuses of the practice were previously condemned in Council in 1215, 1245, 1274

and 1312). But Martin Luther went beyond a critique of the abuse of indulgences, and declared the entire practice null and void and contrary to the Bible. This is not correct: Many saints suffer more than enough to satisfy God's justice. Jesus Christ (and Mary in Catholic theology) didn't have any sin and yet suffered greatly. The Catholic Church gives credit for this suffering to persons who have repented. Thus it "indulges" these persons, not in their sin, but in taking away punishment for the sins. This act is called an indulgence. The Catholic Church will not do away with this beautiful concept and practice (rightly understood) because of the occasional criminal misuse of it in the past.

The doctrine of indulgences is closely connected with the Communion of Saints. The transfer of merit through an indulgence is a profound act of "community" and a taking seriously of the communal and unified nature of the Mystical Body of Christ.

In a papal decree given in 1968 by Pope Paul VI, it was made abundantly clear that the pious disposition of the seeker of an indulgence was of paramount importance. In other words, an indulgence was not a piece of magic which existed apart from the spiritual state of its user. It is inconsistent for Protestants to find fault with the Catholic Church for mitigating the austerities of penance in granting an indulgence since their own fundamental principle is the notion of faith alone without good works (as pertaining to the nature of salvation). Thus, indulgences are merely a limited application of a concept which Protestantism raises to universality.

All the main ideas upon which an indulgence is based are found in the Bible: the Church's power to bind and loose, vicarious atonement among members of the Church, and penance. Although the doctrine has developed, like all others, it is not unbiblical in the least. In fact, by lessening the temporal penance for sin of a straying brother (2 Cor 2:6-11), which he had previously imposed on him (1 Cor 5:3-5).

The Catholic Church adds no more in essence to the practices and theological presuppositions of these two passages.

St. Paul himself issued an indulgence

The Afterlife: Judgment Last Judgment announced by our Lord, and reserved to him alone.

John 5:22 - "Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to his Son." Judgment, Particular Judgment.

Wisdom 3:1 - "souls of the just are in the hand of God ... no torment shall touch them."

Ecclesiastes 12:14 - "God will bring to judgment every work" Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 11:28 - "for by how he ends, a man is known" Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 16:13-22 - (Rewards received according to deeds) 2 Maccabees 12:45 - "splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness" Luke 16:19-31 - (Rich man and Lazarus - judgment is final after life is lived.)

Hebrews 9:27 - (Judgment follows death.)

See also: - Ecclesiastes 8:6-8, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Hebrews 10:31

Judgment, Last Judgment described.

Matthew 24:43 - (Day of judgment will come like a thief in the night.)

Matthew 25:31-46 - (Separation of sheep and goats.)

Revelation 6:7-17 - (Day of wrath and judgment; breaking of the seals; the "just" are avenged.)

See also: - Luke 12:39, 2 Peter 2:9

The Afterlife: Heaven The existence of Heaven Isaiah 65:17 - "I am about to create new heavens and a new earth" Matthew 5:18-19 - "until heaven and earth pass away ... least in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 15:7 - (More joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than 99 righteous.)

Luke 15:10 - "rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents" Luke 16:19-25 - (Parable of the rich young man and Lazarus.)

John 3:5 - "no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit" John 3:18-21 - (Whoever believes will not be condemned.)

Hebrews 9:24 - (Christ entered heaven to appear on our behalf.)

1 Peter 1:3-4 - "new birth to a living hope ... inheritance that is imperishable" 2 Peter 3:13 - "we await new heavens and a new earth" Revelation 21:1 - "I saw a new heaven ... the former heaven and the former earth had passed away" See also: - Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 14:13 The Joys of Heaven

Psalms 16:11 - "abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand" Daniel 12:3 - "wise shall shine brightly ... shall be like the stars forever" Matthew 5:12 - "your reward will be great in heaven" Matthew 13:43 - "righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

John 12:26 - "where I am, there also will my servant be" John 14:3 - (Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for us so we can be with him.)

John 17:24 - (Jesus tells his Father that he wants us to be with him and see his glory.)

1 Corinthians 13:12 - "see ... face to face ... then I shalt know fully, as I am fully known" Revelation 7:16 - (No hunger or thirst in heaven, no sun or heat shall touch the saved.)

The Afterlife: Hell The existence of Hell Isaiah 33:11, 14 - "Who ... can live with the consuming fire? ... the everlasting flames?"

Matthew 25:41 - "Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil" Matthew 25:46 - these will go off to eternal punishment Luke 3:16-17 - the chaff he will burn in unquenchable fire Romans 2:8-9 - "wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey" 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 - these will pay the penalty of eternal ruin

Revelation 14:11 - "fire that torments them will rise forever ... there will be no relief" See also: - Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 21:9-10, Matthew 3:12, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 10:28, Mark 9:43-48, 2 Peter 2:4, Revelation 20:10, 15 The Pains of Hell Psalms 21:10 - "LORD's anger will consume them ... devour them with fire."

Jeremiah 9:15 - "I will send the sword to pursue them until I have completely destroyed them."

Matthew 8:12 - "outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding or teeth" 2 Thessalonians 1:9 - "pay the penalty of eternal ruin, separated from the presence of the Lord" Revelation 14:10 - "will be tormented in burning sulphur" See also: - Deuteronomy 32:22, Job 24:19, Psalms 112:10, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 21:10, Isaiah 33:14, Isaiah 34:9, Luke 13:28, Revelation 21:8 The Endlessness of Hell Isaiah 66:24 - "who rebelled against me; Their worm shall not die, nor their fire be extinguished" Matthew 25:41 - "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" Matthew 25:46 - "these [unrighteous] will go off to eternal punishment" 2 Thessalonians 1:9 - "pay the penalty of eternal ruin, separated from the presence of the Lord" See also: - Daniel 12:2, Matthew 5:27-30, Luke 3:17, Luke 16:19-31, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Catholic beliefs and practices: The Second Coming of Jesus Catholic Note: A common misconception about the end times is the "secret Rapture" theory, popularized by the 1909 Schofield Study Bible and the more recent Left Behind books. According to this theory, Jesus will return secretly and invisibly to snatch away ("rapture") all true Christians from the earth into heaven. This will allow them to escape a vicious 7-year persecution, known as the Tribulation, when the Devil will take control of the world through his human puppet, the Antichrist. After the Tribulation, Jesus will visibly return again to destroy Satan's kingdom and reign on earth for 1000 years (the Millennium). The Church has rejected this notion of a literal 1000-year earthly reign of Christ (See CCC 676). The 1000-year reign mentioned in Revelation 20:1-10 is usually interpreted as referring to the long period between Christ's first and second comings, when Jesus reigns imperfectly through his kingdom on earth, the Church. The Catholic and scriptural view is quite different from the "secret rapture": there will be a Tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist.

However, true Christians will not escape this persecution. Jesus will return once and visibly, gloriously triumphing over evil and bringing an end to history. At Christ's Second Coming, living Christians will be raptured(caught up to join in Christ's triumphant procession, the dead will be resurrected, and all shall be judged at the final judgment.

Some verses used to support the secret Rapture.

Matthew 24:40 - "Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left."

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - "we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet" 1 Thessalonians 4:17 - "Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up

together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord."

Unknown time of The Second Coming Matthew 24:36 - But as for that day and hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father alone.

Matthew 24:42-44 - "So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Matthew 25:13 - stay awake, you know neither the day nor hour Mark 13:35-37 - So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming Luke 12:46 - master will come at an unexpected day and hour Acts 1:7 - "it is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established" 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night 2 Peter 3:9-10 - the Day of the Lord will come like a thief Revelation 3:3 - Remember how you first heard the message. Hold on to that.

Repent! If you do not wake up, I shall come to you like a thief, and you will have no idea at what hour I shall come upon you See also: - Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Luke 17:22-35 Description of The Second Coming Daniel 7:9, 13 - "wheels of burning fire ... coming on the clouds of heaven" Malachi 3:23 - "the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day" John 5:28-29 - "an hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out" 1 Corinthians 15:52 - "in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet ... the dead will be raised" 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 - "caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - "He comes [ on that day ] to be glorified among his holy ones" See also: - 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, Philippians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 8; Titus 2:13, James 5:8, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:10, 1 John 2:28 The Church will be severely persecuted before the Second Coming Matthew 24:9 - "they will hand you over to persecution" Whole passage: (Matthew 24:9-28) Matthew 24:21 - "at that time there will be great tribulation" John 16:33 - "in the world you have tribulation" Revelation 2:10 - "the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested" See also: - Mark 13:14-23, Luke 21:20-24 Christians will not escape this persecution (Tribulation) John 17:15 - "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one" Matthew 10:38 - "whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy" Matthew 13:21 - (Some believe for a while, but fall away in time of persecution) Acts 14:22 - "it is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom" Romans 8:17 - "heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be

glorified" Romans 8:35-38 - (No distress or persecution can separate us from the love of Christ) Romans 12:12 - "endure in affliction, persevere in prayer" Philippians 3:10 - (We will share in Christ's sufferings by being conformed to his death.)

2 Timothy 1:11-12 - (I we persevere and die with Christ, we shall reign with him.)

1 Peter 1:6 - "for a little while you may have to suffer through various trails" 1 Peter 4:12-13 - "rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ" Revelation 2:10 - "you will face an ordeal ... Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" Revelation 6:9-11 - (Souls of the martyrs told to be patient until the number of fellow martyrs was complete.)

Revelation 7:13-14 - "these wearing white robes ... have survived the time of great distress" See also: - 2 Thessalonians 1:5, Hebrews 12:1-11, Revelation 1:9 Antichrist will come to attack the Church Matthew 24:15-26 - (During the tribulation, false prophets will work signs and deceive many.)

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - (Before Christ returns, there will be apostasy and the rise of the "lawless one".)

1 John 2:18-22 - (At the last hour, many Antichrist will appear.)

1 John 4:3 - "spirit of the antichrist ... is to come" Revelation 13 - (The Beast persecutes the holy ones.)

Revelation 17:7-14 - (Jesus will conquer the Beast and his followers.)

See also: - Mark 13:14-23, 2 John 7 After this final tribulation, Jesus will return Matthew 24:29-30 - "Immediately after the tribulation of those days ... they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power" See also: - Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28 Christ's return will be visible Daniel 7:13 - "I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven" Matthew 24:27 - "as lightening ... is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be."

Matthew 24:30 - "all the tribes of the earth ... will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven" Acts 1:11 - "Jesus ... will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven" Revelation 1:7 - "Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him" Rapture occurs at the Second Coming, not before it Matthew 24:29-31 - "Immediately after the tribulation ... they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds ... he will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect" 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - "we shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed ... at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible" 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 - "coming of the Lord ... with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God ... Then we who are alive ... will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 3, 8 - "with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him ... Let no one deceive you in any way. For unless the apostasy comes first and the lawless one is revealed ... whom the Lord [Jesus] will kill with the breath of his mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of his coming" Resurrection of the Dead will also occur at the Second Coming

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 - "we shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed ... at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible" 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - "the Lord ... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first" Resurrection followed by the Last Judgment

Matthew 25:31-32 - "when the Son of Man comes in his glory ... he will sit upon his glorious throne, and ... he will separate them one from another."

John 5:27-29 - (At Christ's call, the dead will rise again to life or condemnation.)

Drinking (Wine) Drunkenness angers God Isaiah 5:11 - "Woe to those who demand strong drink" Isaiah 5:22 - "Woe to the champion at drinking wine" Isaiah 28:1 - "Woe to ... the drunkard" Joel 1:5 - "Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail all you drinkers of wine" 1 Corinthians 6:10 - (Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God.) See also: - Daniel 5:2f Drunkenness causes problems Proverbs 20:1 - wine is a mocker, unwise to be led astray by it Proverbs 23:31-32 - "wine ... goes down smoothly; but in the end it bites like a serpent" Isaiah 5:11 - woe to those who rise early and run after strong drink Isaiah 5:22 - woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine Galatians 5:21 - (Those engaging in drinking bouts will not inherit the kingdom.)

Ephesians 5:18 - do not get drunk with wine, that is debauchery See also: - Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31:29ff, Hosea 7:5, Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13 Moderate drinking allowed

Genesis 27:25 - (Jacob serves wine to his father.)

Deuteronomy 14:23-26 - spend money on sheep, wine and strong drink Ecclesiastes 9:7 - drink your wine with a merry heart, God approves Isaiah 25:6 - God will provide feast of rich foods and choice wines John 2:2-10 - (Miracle at Cana; Jesus turns water into good wine.)

Luke 7:33-34 - Son of Man eats and drinks 1 Timothy 5:23 - "have a little wine for the sake of your stomach" See also: - Judges 9:13 Christian Conscience Forming a good conscience Psalms 119:105 - (God's word gives light to our conscience.)

Isaiah 5:20 - "woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" John 8:32 - (Freedom of conscience is freedom for, not from, the truth.)

Romans 1:32 - (A good conscience approves the good and rejects the evil.)

Romans 2:14-16 - (Conscience is God's law written in our hearts) Making good moral choices Tobit 4:15 - "Do to no one what you yourself dislike" Matthew 7:12 - "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you" John 13:34 - "love one another even as I have loved you"

Romans 3:8 - (Good intentions do not justify evil means.)

Romans 14:21 - "it is good not to ... do anything that causes your brother to stumble" See also: - Luke 6:31, Hebrews 13:16 Original Sin

Genesis 2:16-17 - the day you shall eat of that tree, you shall die Genesis 3:11-19 - God's punishment for eating of the tree Romans 5:12-19 - many become sinners through one man's sin 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 - by a man came death; in Adam all die Ephesians 2:1-3 - we all once lived in the passions of our flesh A distinction is made between two types of sin: deadly (mortal) and non-deadly (venial) sin.

1 John 5:16-17 - Distinction made between deadly sins and one that are not deadly.

Sacrament of Baptism Catholic Note: Some non-Catholic Christians believe that Baptism is necessary and sets us free from sin. Many others think it is merely a symbol of one's desire to follow Christ, having no real effect upon the soul. The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism is both necessary for salvation and regenerative, causing us to be reborn as children of God. Through Baptism we receive the life-giving, sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. This grace wipes away Original Sin that stains each soul because of the fallen nature we inherited from Adam and Eve. The Church prescribes Baptism by water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as the normative gateway to God and his family, the Church. While most Protestants agree the Baptism is a good idea, many do not believe it is really necessary; and many think is un biblical to baptized babies. The Church has baptized infants from the earliest times and continues to do so today.

The Church also teaches that catechesis must follow Baptism to properly assist the baptized on his Christian journey. Some fundamentalists believe that the only acceptable Baptism is by immersion. Both immersion and sprinkling are acceptable forms of Baptism in the Catholic Church. To learn more about the Church's teaching on Baptism, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 1213-1284. "The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22) Commanded by Christ and taught by the Apostles.

Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore ... baptizing them in the name of the Father ..."

Mark 16:16 - "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" John 3:5 - (No one enters heaven without baptism of water and spirit) Acts 2:38 - "Peter [said] ... repeat and be baptized" Acts 2:41 - (Those accepting St. Peter's message are baptized; 3000 members are added.)

Acts 8:12 - (Once they believed Philip's teaching, men and women were baptized.)

Acts 8:38 - (Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch) Acts 10:48 - "he [Peter] ordered them to be baptized"

See also: - Mark 10:38, John 3:22, Acts 9:18, Acts 16:15, Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 27; Galatians 3:27 Replaces the need for circumcision.

Colossians 2:11-12 - (Baptism is described as the "circumcision of Christ") See also: - Genesis 17:12-14 Jesus sets the example for us.

Matthew 3:16 - "After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water" Mark 1:9 - "Jesus came ... and was baptized in the Jordan by John" Luke 3:21 - "and Jesus also had been baptized" Is regenerative.

John 3:5, 22 - born of water and the spirit; Apostles begin baptizing Romans 6:3-4 - So by our baptism into his death we were buried with him, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glorious power, we too should begin living a new life Acts 2:37-38 - repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit Acts 22:16 - And now why delay? Hurry and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name 1 Corinthians 6:11 - "now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and through the Spirit of our God" Ephesians 5:26 - "cleansing her by the bath of water with the word" Colossians 2:12 - "burned with him in baptism .. raised with him [in] faith" Hebrews 10:22 - So as we go in, let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our hearts sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Titus 3:5 - saved us through bath of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit 1 Peter 3:21 - "It is the baptism corresponding to this water which saves you now not the washing off of physical dirt but the pledge of a good conscience given to God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" See also: - Romans 4:23-25, Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 1:23 Takes away all sin.

Mark 1:4 - (John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.)

Mark 16:16 - "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" Luke 3:3 - (John the Baptist still preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins) John 1:33 - (John testifies that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit) John 3:5 - (No one enters heaven without baptism of water and spirit) Acts 2:38 - "be baptized ... for the forgiveness of your sins" Acts 22:16 - "have yourself baptized and your sins washed away" Colossians 2:13 - "you were dead [in] transgressions ... he brought you to life" Not to be repeated.

Ephesians 4:5 - "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Hebrews 6:4-6 - (After the "enlightened" [baptized] fall away, they cannot be enlightened again.)

Hebrews 10:26 - (No sacrifice for sins after deliberate sin after knowing the truth) Faith of others is efficacious.

Matthew 8:5-13 - (Jesus heals a servant because of the Centurion's faith) Matthew 15:21-28 - (Daughter healed because of the Canaanite woman's faith) Luke 5:20 - "when he saw their faith, he said ... 'your sins are forgiven'" Luke 7:7 - "say the word and my servant will be healed" To be administered to children "Infant Baptism" Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Matthew 8:5ff - servant healed because of centurion's faith Matthew 15:21ff - daughter healed because of the Canaanite woman's faith

Matthew 18:14 - (It is not the will of God that children be damned.)

Matthew 19:14 - "Let the children come to me" Mark 10:14 - let the children come, for such is the kingdom of Heaven Luke 7:1ff - just say the word, and let my servant be healed Luke 18:15-17 - people were bringing even infants to him ... whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."

John 3:5; Mark 16:16 - (No one enters heaven without baptism of water and spirit) Acts 16:15 - (Paul and Silas baptize Lydia and her whole household) Acts 16:30-33 - (Paul and Silas baptize a prison guard and his whole family) Acts 18:8 - (Crispus, his family, and other Corinthians are baptized) Romans 5:18-19 - all are born with Adam's sin and need baptism 1 Corinthians 1:16 - "I baptized the household of Stephanas" Colossians 2:11-12 - baptism has replaced circumcision See also: - Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15, Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 15:22 St. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 215AD) - "Baptize first the children; and if they can speak for themselves, let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them." (The Apostolic Tradition 21) Origen (post 244AD) - "the Church received from the Apostles the tradition of giving baptism also to infants."(Commentary on Romans 5, 9) St. Cyprian of Carthage (252AD) - this council [ Council of Carthage ] condemned the opinion that infants must wait until the eighth day after birth to be baptized, as was the case with circumcision. (St. Cyprian of Carthage, Letter 64 (59), 2) Is necessary for salvation.

John 3:5 - "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit" Mark 16:16 - "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" Acts 16:30, 33 - "what must I do to be saved? ... he and all his family were baptized" 1 Peter 3:21 - "baptism which saves you now."

See also: - Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Acts 16:15 Sacrament of Eucharist Catholic Note: While most Protestants believe the Last Supper was significant and often agree that communion is important, they don't believe that Jesus literally meant He wanted us to eat His flesh and drink His blood. The argue that Jesus used many symbolisms about Himself -- He called Himself a door, a vine, etc. And since eating human flesh is cannibalism, they argue that Jesus could not have been speaking literally in John 6. The Eucharist, however, is a unique and miraculous reality in which we consume the entirety of the living Christ -- although his natural condition is veiled by the sacrament. The Church has consistently understood Christ's words to be literally referring to His true flesh and blood, as is evident in the writings of the early Church saints like St. Ignatius of Antioch (50-107), St. Justin Martyr (100-165), St. Irenaeus of Lyons (125-203), St. Ambrose (340-397) and St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386).

Although all the faithful in the Church have always believed in the concept of transubstantiation, in 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council dogmatically defined the concept: that while the outward appearances of bread and wine remain {the taste, touch, smell and looks}, their inward realities or substance has become the living Christ. Because Jesus is truly present - body, blood, soul and divinity - we adore the Eucharist with profound reverence.

The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22) Some verses used to support Protestant arguments.

Genesis 9:4 - "Only flesh with its lifeblood still in it you shall not eat."

Deuteronomy 12:18 - "You shall not partake of the blood, but must pour it out" Acts 15:29 - "Abstain from ... meats of strangled animals" The resolution: What Our Lord was calling the Jewish people to do is to die to the Old Adam and Old Testament laws and rituals and enter the new covenant of his body and blood. Also in: Psalms 27:2; Isaiah 49:26; Micah 3:3; 2 Samuel 23:15-17; Revelation 17:6, 16 - to symbolically eat and drink ones body and blood back in Jesus' times means to assault. This would make our Lord promise life everlasting to the culprit for slandering and hating Him, which would reduce the whole passage to utter nonsense.

Christ would be saying "He that reviles me has eternal life". (Page 241 "Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Keating") An example of Jesus talking symbolically about food John 4:31-34; Matthew 16:5-12 - Jesus talking symbolically about food Eucharist is promised.

John 6:35-71 - Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist 1 Corinthians 2:14 to 3:4 - St. Paul explains what Jesus means by "the flesh" Foretold and prefigured.

Exodus 12:8, 46 - Paschal lamb had to be eaten Exodus 16:15 - "This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat" (manna) Malachi 1:11 - "everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, and a pure offering" John 6:32-60 - (The Bread of Life discourse - Jesus refers back to the manna of the Old Testament.)

See also: - Psalms 78:24ff, Proverbs 9:2ff, Wisdom 16:20 Instituted by Christ.

Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:17-20 - Eucharist is instituted by Jesus 1 Corinthians 5:7 - Jesus is called the paschal lamb who has been sacrificed 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 - (St. Paul pens the earliest written account of the institution of the Eucharist) John 1:29 - Jesus is called "the lamb of God" Celebrated by the Apostles.

Acts 2:42 - "devoted themselves to the ... breaking of the bread and to the prayers."

Acts 20:7 - "first day of the week when we gathered to break bread" 1 Corinthians 10:16-22 - Eucharist is our participation in Christ's Body and Blood Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

Matthew 26:26 - "Take and eat, this is my body."

Mark 14:22, 24 - "This is my body ... This is my blood of the covenant."

Luke 22:19-20 - "This is my body, which will be given for you ... new covenant in my blood" John 6:50-69 says: {This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless

you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." {See note} But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."} Note 1: - Verse 62-63 states "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

What Our Lord says here is not intended a Maldonatus thought, to increase the scandal, but to rectify what was simply a cannibalistic interpretation of what he has just said. The Ascension will perhaps surprise the recalcitrants more, but it will eliminate the chief difficulty about eating the flesh of One who in celestial glory takes his place where he was from eternity.

Note 2: - Notice that the close followers of Our Lord, the "disciples" LEFT HIM because this was a hard saying. Then Our Lord asks Peter if he will leave him too.

Peter representing the 12 apostles says: "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE (John 6:69)". My personal note to my separated brethren: Come join us and BELIEVE! 1 Corinthians 10:16 - (In the Eucharist, we participate in the Body and Blood of Christ) 1 Corinthians 11:24 - "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

St. Ignatius (110AD) - [heretics] abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of Our Savior Jesus Christ...(Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6, 2) St. Justin Martyr (150AD) - not as common bread, nor common drink do we receive these; but ... as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh are nourished, is both the flesh and blood of that Incarnated Jesus."(First Apology 66, 20) St. Irenaeus of Lyons (195AD) - He [ Jesus ] has declared the cup, a part of his creation, to be His own Blood from which causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of his creation, He has established as His own Body from which He gives increase to our bodies. (Against Heresies 5, 2, 2)

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (350AD) - "He himself, therefore, having declared and said of the Bread, 'This is My Body', who will dare any longer to doubt? And when he himself has affirmed and said, 'This is My Blood' who can ever hesitate and say it is not His Blood." (Catechetical Lectues: Mystagogic 4, 22, 1) St. Cyril of Jerusalem (350AD) - "Do not regard the bread and wine as simply that, for they are, according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the sense suggest to you other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this manner by taste, but be fully assured by faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ." (Catechetical Lectues: Mystagogic 4,22,6) The Eucharist must be worthily received. (if the Eucharist were just a symbol there would be no need to partake of it worthily)

1 Corinthians 10:21 - "cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons" 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 - "whoever eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself" (receiving the Eucharist unworthily makes us guilty of his Body and Blood) The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Prefigured Genesis 14:18 - "Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High."

Genesis 22:13 - (Abraham, our Father in Faith, offers a sacrifice of ram in place of his son Isaac) Exodus 12:1-11 - The Paschal lamb {prefiguring of the Eucharistic Lord Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world} Yahweh ordered a male lamb to be slain and eaten by the Jewish people to fulfill the Passover. Staying at home eating food that looked like lamb and remembering Jesus would NOT fulfill the law.

You had to eat the lamb. This is a foreshadowing of receiving the Lamb of God at Holy Communion because each Mass is the Passover.

What was required Foretold Malachi 1:11 - "they bring sacrifice to my name and a pure offering" Instituted by Jesus and asked to be done Luke 22:19 - "This is my body ... given for you; do this in memory of me."

1 Corinthians 11:25 - "this cup is the new covenant in my blood ... do this in remembrance of me."

Attested to

Acts 2:42-47 - (New believers devoted themselves to breaking of the bread) Hebrews 13:10 - "We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat."

See also: - Matthew 26:26-27, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, Acts 20:7-19, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-21, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 10:10 Sacrament of Confirmation: "The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22)

Acts 2:1-4 - (Coming of the Spirit - "There appeared to them tongues as of fire") Acts 2:38 - "and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John laid hands on those that had already been baptized and they received the Holy Spirit Acts 19:5-6 - Paul imposed his hands on the baptized and they received the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - "It is God who gives us, with you, a sure place in Christ and has both anointed us and marked us with his seal, giving us as pledge the Spirit in our hearts" Ephesians 1:13 - you were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit Hebrews 6:1-2 - Let us leave behind us then all the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to its completion, without going over the fundamental doctrines again: the turning away from dead actions, faith in God, the teaching about baptisms and the laying-on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

See also: - Wisdom 9:17 Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation Catholic Note: Protestants have a hard time thinking that a man can give absolution for another's sins. They claim there is only one mediator between God and man: Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Catholics believe Christ gave His apostles the power to forgive sins, a power that has been handed down for generations through apostolic succession. The sacrament of reconciliation is Christ's gift to us. The root of all sin is pride; its antidote is humility. Confessing one's sins to God's appointed representative is thoroughly biblical, and calls for tremendous humility. The priest does not act on his own, He acts in the name of God and on behalf of His Church, administering God's forgiveness (absolution). The sacrament of Confession wipes away our sins, increases sanctifying grace in our souls, and reunites us with Christ and His Church.

The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22) Jesus continues his example of priestly forgiveness in the Old Testament.

Leviticus 4:13-21 - "priests shall make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven" Leviticus 5:14-26 - (Sin offering brought to the Old Testament priests, who make atonement for sinners' forgiveness.)

See also: - Leviticus 4:27-25, Leviticus 5:5, Numbers 5:8 Confession is not a private affair in the Bible.

Leviticus 5:14-26 - (Public confession with animal sacrifice) Numbers 5:6-7 - "man ... commits a fault ... he shall confess the wrong he has done" Matthew 3:6 - "baptized by him ... as they acknowledged their sins" Acts 19:18 - "believers came forward and openly acknowledged their former practices" James 5:16 - "confess your sin to one another ... that you may be healed."

See also: - Leviticus 26:39-42, Psalms 32:3-5, Proverbs 28:13, Mark 1:5 Jesus has power to forgive sins.

Matthew 9:1-8 - (Healing of paralytic - "which is easier to say your sins are forgiven or ...") Son of Man has the authority to forgive sins Mark 2:10 - (Jesus says the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth) Luke 7:48 - "He said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"

1 John 5:16 - there is sin that is not deadly See also: - Acts 2:38, 1 Johns 1:9 Jesus gives his power to forgive sins to His priests Matthew 16:19 - (Jesus gives the apostles the power to bind and loose sins) Matthew 18:18 - whatever you bind and loose on earth, so it is in heaven John 20:22 - If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.

John 20:23 - After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. (recall Genesis 2:7) 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 - "God ... has reconciled us to himself ... given us the ministry of reconciliation" James 5:14-15 - "presbyters of the church ... pray over him ... he will be forgiven" (prayer of presbyters forgives sin) See also: - Luke 22:29-30, James 5:16 After forgiveness, the need for reparation can remain.

2 Samuel 12:13-14 - "The LORD ... has forgiven your sin ... but ... child born to you must surely die" Luke 19:8-9 - (Jesus praises Zacchaeus for his promise of reparation) Penance as satisfaction for sins.

Matthew 3:8 - "Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance."

2 Corinthians 7:10 - "godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret" See also: - Luke 3:8, Acts 2:38 Call No Man Father? (Matthew 23:9) Catholic Note: All human titles are only shadows of God's authority from which they derive, Ephesians 3:15. RE: "call no one on earth Abi father". "Father" is a term sometimes used of the great Rabbis. Note our Lord is not a grammarian regulating the use of terms: he is a doctor of the spirit. He forbids any acknowledgement of fatherhood that obscures the fatherhood of God, nothing more. If we make no allowance for the concreteness and brevity of his phrases we reduce either them to absurdity or him to inconsistency. He would not forbid a human son to use the word father nor would he forbid the term if addressed to one who is God's representative; in this second case, indeed, it serves to remind its user of the fatherhood of God. Nor must the Christian disciple pose as an independent spiritual guide. He himself is subject to one Teacher and one Guide - to the Lord Himself.

Luke 14:26 - Jesus says, "Anyone who comes to me without hating father, ... " Acts 6:14 to 7:2 - St. Stephen calls the Jewish leaders "fathers" Acts 21:40 to 22:1 - St. Paul calls Jerusalem Jews "fathers" Romans 4:16-17 - Abraham called "the father of us all" 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 - St. Paul says, "I became your father in Christ through the gospel" 1 Thessalonians 2:1 - we treat you as a father treats his children 1 Timothy 1:2 - St. Paul says, "my true child in faith" Titus 1:4 - St. Paul says, "my true child in our common faith" Philemon 10 - whose father I became in my imprisonment

Hebrews 12:7-9 - we have earthly fathers to discipline us 1 John 2:13,14 - I write to you, fathers, because you know him Sacrament of Holy Orders "The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22) Protestant verse against Catholics, saying that we should not call priests "Fathers".

Matthew 23:9 - "Call no one on earth your father, you have but one Father in heaven."

Throughout the New Testament, humans are called "Fathers".

Matthew 19:19 - "honor your father and mother" Acts 7:2 - (St. Stephen calls the Jewish leaders "fathers.")

Acts 22:1 - (St. Paul calls Jews in Jerusalem "fathers".)

Romans 4:16 - "Abraham .. is the father of all of us" 1 Corinthians 4:15 - "I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" 1 Timothy 1:2 - "Timothy, my true child in faith" Philemon 10 - "Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment" 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - "treated each ... of you as a father treats his children" Hebrews 12:9 - "we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us" 1 John 2:13 - "I am writing to you, fathers" See also: - Matthew 3:9, Luke 1:73, Luke 3:8, Luke 4:26, John 8:56, Acts 22:1, Romans 4:11-12, Romans 9:10, 1 Timothy 5:1, Titus 1:4, James 2:21 Instituted by Christ Our Lord.

Luke 22:19 - He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it and said to the Apostles {'Do this in memory of me'} (The bishops are the successors of the apostles.

Priests partake in the bishops work.)

John 20:21-22 - "As the Father has sent me, so I send you ... and He breathed on them saying 'Receive the Holy Spirit" Conferred by the imposition of OR laying on of hands.

Acts 6:6 - the apostles prayed and laid hands on them Acts 13:3 - "they laid hands on them and sent them off."

Acts 14:22 - they appointed presbyters in each church 1 Timothy 4:14 - gift received through the laying on of hands of presbyterate 2 Timothy 1:6 - gift of God you have received through the imposition of hands Titus 1:5 - appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you See also: - 1 Timothy 5:22, James 5:14 Gives grace.

Acts 14:22 - (Apostles appointed presbyters) 1 Timothy 4:14 - "the gift you have, which was conferred on you through ... the imposition { or laying on } of hands" 2 Timothy 1:6 - "stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition { or laying on } of my hands" Priests have authority in spiritual matters.

2 Chronicles 19:11 - "high priest over you in every thing that pertains to the LORD" Malachi 2:7 - "lips of the priest are to keep knowledge and instruction is to be sought from his mouth" Matthew 10:1 - "summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over

unclean spirits" Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ... teaching all that I have commanded you" Luke 10:16 - "Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me."

Luke 22:19 - (Jesus tells apostles to break bread in memory of him) John 20:21-23 - "As the Father sent me, so am I sending you. After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained" Acts 20:28 - Holy Spirit appointed you overseers to tend to the needs of the Church See also: - Matthew 18:18, 1 Timothy 5:22, Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 2:5-10 Holy Orders given to the celibate.

Matthew 19:12 - "Some are incapable of marriage ... some have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom" 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 - "I became your father in Christ Jesus ... be imitators of me."

1 Corinthians 7:7-8 - (Paul encourages Corinthians to stay celibate as he is) See also: - 1 Samuel 21:4-5, Isaiah 52:11, Malachi 1:10-11, Acts 14:22-23 Some verses used against Priestly celibacy.

1 Timothy 3:2 - bishop must be married once.

Note: Those are not to be accepted who have married again after the death of their first wife lest this should prove an occasion for criticism. Celibacy as a law for the clergy was of later ecclesiastical institution, although as a counsel it was urged by St. Paul, himself.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 - The Spirit has explicitly said that during the last times some will desert the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines that come from devils, seduced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are branded as though with a red hot iron: they forbid marriage and prohibit foods which God created to be accepted with thanksgiving by all who believe and who know the truth.

Note: St. Paul objects to these prohibitions when they are the outcome of false principles which would regard marriage and certain foods as impure, but he has no objection to abstaining from marriage when properly understood and based on sound principles.

Some verses used to support Priestly celibacy.

Jeremiah 16:1-4 - (Jeremiah told not to marry or have children) Matthew 19:12 - (Jesus who was celibate, praise celibacy) 1 Corinthians 7:8 - (St. Paul was celibate) 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - (St. Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers.)

Jeremiah 16:1-4 - Jeremiah told not to take a wife and have children Matthew 19:12 - celibacy praised by Jesus, who was, himself, celibate 1 Corinthians 7:8 - St. Paul was celibate 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - celibacy recommended for full-time ministers Ephesians 5:21-33 - marriage is good: holy symbol of Christ and the Church 1 Timothy 5:9-12 - pledge of celibacy taken by older widows 2 Timothy 2:3-4 - no soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits Sacrament of Matrimony or Marriage "The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22)

Brings challenge of unity, love and holiness Matthew 19:5 - This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh? They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.

Ephesians 5:25 - "love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church" 1 Thessalonians 4:4 - "acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor" See also: - Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31ff, 1 Timothy 2:15 Dignity of Marital Love Genesis 2:23 - "This one ... bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" Mark 10:7-12 - what God joined together, let no man separate 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 - (Husbands and wives have authority over each others bodies) Ephesians 5:21 - "Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ" Colossians 3:18-19 - "be subordinate to your husbands ... Husbands, love your wives" 1 Peter 3:7 - "live with your wives in understanding, showing honor" See also: - Matthew 9:15, Matthew 19:4-6, Matthew 25:1-13, Mark 10:6-9, Ephesians 5:21-33 Image of Christ and His Church

2 Corinthians 11:2 - "betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" Ephesians 5:23 - "husband is head of his wife, just as Christ is head of the Church" Ephesians 5:25 - "love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church" Ephesians 5:22-32 - union of man and wife are an image of Christ and his Church Revelation 19:7 - "wedding day of the Lamb ... bride has made herself ready" See also: - Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 25:1-10, John 3:29, Romans 8:31-39, Romans 12:1-13, 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 Divorce and re-marriage Catholic Note: Jesus revealed that Moses allowed divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 as a temporary provision because of the "hardness of their hearts" (Matthew 19:7-9). But Jesus restored God's original plan of indissoluble marriage (Matthew 19:3-9); therefore, the Catholic Church continues to teach that a valid marriage between a baptized man and baptized woman cannot be dissolved for any reason except death. It can't be ended by a civil divorce (or even by an annulment, which is not a "Catholic divorce" but rather the determination a marriage was not valid in the first place.) Some Protestants claim that Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 allow exceptions to Jesus' teaching on indissolubility: "whoever divorces his wife, except for un chastity [porneia], and marries another commits adultery." Here porneia is used in a technical sense to forbid incestuous marriage among close relatives (as in Acts 15:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:1). These illicit unions are not valid marriages in the first place.

Note that not a single Greek-speaking Church Father ever saw in Matthew 5 and 19 exceptions to Christ's law of indissolubility. Until Martin Luther declared that marriage was only a civil union in 1520, all Christians unanimously held that marriage is indissoluble and the divorce from a legitimate marriage cannot be followed by remarriage.

Allowed in the Old Law

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - (If a man had good reason, he could give his wife a bill of divorce.)

Forbidden in the New Law Matthew 19:4-6, 9 - "the two shall become one flesh ... what God has joined together, no human being must separate" ... to divorce a wife and to remarry is adultery Mark 10:9 - "what God has joined together, no human being must separate" Mark 10:11-12 - if either man or woman divorces and remarries they commit adultery 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - a wife must not be separated from her husband or if she has already left him, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband and a husband must not divorce his wife.

See also: - Matthew 5:31ff, Luke 16:18 Prohibition against divorce and remarriage

Malachi 2:14-16 - for I hate divorce, says the Lord Matthew 5:31-32 - (Divorce causes adultery; those who marry divorce women commit adultery) Mark 10:11-12 - "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery" Luke 16:18 - Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery, and the man who marries a woman divorced by her husband commits adultery.

Romans 7:2-3 - A married woman, for instance, is bound to her husband by law, as long as he lives, but when her husband dies all her legal obligation to him as husband is ended.

So if she were to have relations with another man while her husband was still alive, she would be termed an adulteress; but if her husband dies, her legal obligation comes to an end and if she then has relations with another man, that does not make her an adulteress See also: - Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18, Matthew 19:3-10, Luke 18:20 Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick "The Church is the extension of Christ's incarnation, and that extension takes place through the sacraments" (Scott Hahn , Swear to God, Page 22) Mark 6:12-13 - Apostles anoint the sick with oil (they anointed many sick people with oil and cured them) James 5:14-45 - "Any one of you who is ill should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him" Morality: Contraception

Genesis 1:27-28 (Genesis 9:1; 35:11) - "Be fertile and multiple; fill the earth" Genesis 38:9-10 - (Onan killed for spilling his seed on the ground, not for disobeying Levirate law whose penalty was not death. See Deuteronomy 25:5-10) Exodus 23:25-26 - blessings promised; no miscarrying, no barrenness, I shall give you your full term of life Deuteronomy 7:13-14 - you will be blessed: no male or female barrenness Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - penalty for defying Levirate law: not death Leviticus 20:13 - if man lies with man, put to death (wasting seed) Leviticus 20:15 - if man lies with animal put to death (sterile sex) Leviticus 20:16 - if woman lies with animal put to death (sterile sex)

Leviticus 21:17-20 - crushed testicles are called a defect and blemish Deuteronomy 23:1 - no one who is castrated shall enter the assembly Deuteronomy 25:11-12 - punishment for potential damage to genitals Psalms 127:3-5 - children are a gift from God; How blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them 1 Chronicles 25:4-5 - God gave 14 sons and 3 daughters to exalt him 1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - (God blessed Obed-edom with 8 sons.)

Hosea 9:10-17 - Israel is punished with childlessness Matthew 21:19, Mark 11:14 - Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree Luke 18:16 - "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them" Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias/Saphira slain withholding part of gift Romans 1:25-27 - the natural function of women is child bearing Galatians 5:20; Revelation 9:21, 21:8 - Greek pharmakeia = abortifacient potions Galatians 6:7-8 - God is not mocked - accepting pleasure, denying fruit 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, glorify God in your body 1 Timothy 2:11-15 - women saved through the bearing of children See also: - References in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 2366-2372 Morality: Abortion God knows and loves us from the womb Job 10:8 - "your hands have formed me and fashioned me; will you then turn and destroy me?"

Psalms 22:11 - "from my mother's womb you are my God" Psalms 139:13-15 - "you formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb" Isaiah 44:2 - "the LORD formed you from the womb" Isaiah 49:1-15 - "formed me as his servant from the womb" Luke 1:41 - "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb."

See also: - Ecclesiastes 11:5, Isaiah 44:24 Children have identity and purpose from the womb

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 49:7 - "Jeremiah ... even in the womb had been made a prophet" Wisdom 7:1 - "in my mother's womb, I was molded into flesh" Jeremiah 1:5 - "before I formed you in the womb I knew you ... dedicated you" See also: - Jeremiah 20:15-18, Hosea 12:2-4 Morality: Homosexuality Catholic Note: Scripture clearly describes homosexual acts as abominations. The city of Sodom (Genesis 18-19) was not destroyed for its lack of hospitality to the angels of the Lord. It was destroyed for its homosexual depravity. The Church teaches that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357), yet the Church also calls us to embrace homosexuals with love and to encourage them to live life's of chastity. Regardless of the source of homosexual inclinations, which the Church says are "objectively disordered", the "urges" themselves are not sinful. For most people, these urges constitute trails which must be resisted like any other temptation. In short, the Church teaches us to hate the sin

of homosexual acts, but to love the sinners who engage in those acts. See more about the Church's teachings in CCC 2357-2359.

Genesis 1 - complementarily of sexes reflects God's inner unity Genesis 2 - transmission of life through total self donation where the two become one flesh Genesis 19 - God destroys Sodom for its homosexual perversions.

Leviticus 18:22 - "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman." (cut off from people {verse 29}) Leviticus 20:13 - (If man lies with a man, they shall be put to death for their abominable deed.)

Romans 1:24-27 - "... handed them over to impurity ... mutual degradation of their bodies" ... "female exchange natural relations for unnatural ... Males did shameful things with males" 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "neither ... boy prostitutes nor sodomites ... will inherit the kingdom" (active homosexuals won't inherit the kingdom of God) 1 Timothy 1:10 - those who engage in such acts called "sinners" ...are opposed to sound teaching."

Morality: Chastity Praised Proverbs 22:11 - "The LORD loves the pure of heart" Wisdom 3:13 - "blessed is she who ... knew not the transgression of the marriage bed" Wisdom 4:1 - "Better is childlessness with virtue" Chastity, Virginity held in high esteem Matthew 19:10-12 - (Jesus specifies only some are called to this vocation) 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 - (Paul says the unmarried and widow should stay as they are) 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - (Married are anxious about their spouses; unmarried/virgins are free to focus on God) Revelation 14:4 - "they are virgins and these are the ones who follow the Lamb" Chastity, Virginity preferable to marriage Psalms 45:15 - "In embroidered apparel she is led to the king" Matthew 22:30 - "at the resurrection they are neither married nor are given in marriage" Titus 2:4-5 - "train younger women ... to be ... chaste" Better for ministry Matthew 19:12 - "some ... have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom" 1 Corinthians 7:25-28 - (St. Paul recommends virginity/single life in ministry work.)

Recommended to ministers of the Church 1 Timothy 3:2 - "bishop must be ... married only once" 1 Timothy 3:8 - "deacons must be dignified" Chastity, Fornication provokes God's anger Deuteronomy 22:21 - (Law calls for stoning of girls who fornicate in their father's house) Proverbs 6:29 - "[your] neighbor's wife - none who touches her shall go unpunished" 1 Corinthians 6:9 - "neither fornicators ... nor adulterers ... will inherit the kingdom of God"

Hebrews 13:4 - "God will judge the immoral and adulterers."

See also: - Jeremiah 5:7, Hosea 4:14 Chastity, Fornication should be avoided Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 42:12 - "Let her not parade her charms before men" Deuteronomy 5:18 - "You shall not commit adultery" Chastity, Impure thoughts should be forbidden

Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife" Matthew 5:28 - "one who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery" See also: - Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 9:4, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 42:18-21, Proverbs 6:25