Doug Batchelor preaches and teaches from the Bible, which is the only reference of Scripture any Christian should need. He reads from the same Scriptures that Jesus partially taught from (i.e. the Old Testament) along with the New Testament. He openly admits to being a Seventh-day Adventist (he’s the pastor of an SDA church in Sacramento, CA) although his Amazing Facts ministry is not associated with any religious denomination.
It’s understandable that anyone feeling they’re under attack will naturally be on the defensive and respond accordingly. From any of his presentations I’ve heard, he clearly states that he’s not attacking anyone in particular as someone here has mentioned. With that said, however, it’s important to note that he only presents what’s written in the Bible. In addition to showing where the Catholic church is represented in prophecy (in Revelations 13:1-10), he also points to the United States in the same chapter (vs. 11-18) although he confirms his patriotism to this country.
In studying the Bible, it’s important to confirm Scripture with Scripture to get a better understanding of the truth. In one of the responses to this strain of messages, someone wrote that there are several Scriptures that confirm Sunday as the Lord’s Day. I just ask…please show me one. The only reference to “The Lord’s Day” is in Revelations 1:10, but that doesn’t indicate what day of the week that was, so no one can stake a claim to that being any one holy day of worship. However, when Jesus spoke of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), he referred to himself being the “Lord, even of the Sabbath day” (the seventh day of the week…the day he customarily went to the Synagogue for worship). Additionally, in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:10), God says the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. These are but two Old and New Testament references where God clearly indicates what day of the week was sanctified (set apart) as holy; see all of Hebrews 4 for additional truth.
For anyone who would try to use Colossians 2:14-16 as an abolishment of the seventh-day Sabbath, Paul was writing about Moses ceremonial laws (written on paper by Moses and done away with by the blood of Christ) and not God’s Moral Law (written on stone by God’s finger). Some may try to use Romans 14:5-6, but a closer look at this does in no way authorizes a change to the day of Sabbath observance. In reading a letter in the Catholic Extension Magazine, the Catholic Church “under the Blessing of Pope Pius XII” admits to making the change under their own authority…but this was never a commandment that was “Thus saith the LORD”, which should be where all of us get our direction and instruction.
I don’t agree with any religion basing their theology in anything written by humans, other than the divinely inspired Word of God (this includes SDAs, Mormons, etc.). But when something is clear in the Bible, I do find it difficult to see why there are so many different religions and denominations amongst followers of Christ, who was the object of the entire Bible. I believe there will one day be a unification of all of God’s people (because the Bible says there will) and we will all come together to worship Him in truth. Revelations 18:4 (KJV): And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
God has sincere believers in all churches and I pray that we all seek Him for an understanding of His word and not the traditions of men (Mark 7:7-8). Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT): You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 5:19 (NLT): So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
When the mark of the beast (which, according to the Bible is an issue of worship) is offered, who will you choose to obey…God or His adversary?
God bless…
If you find anything in Catholic doctrine that appear to contradict scripture, it’s that old bugaboo of private or incorrect interpretation. Scripture came from the church, the church did not come from scripture. Christ founded a church, and bestowed upon it all authority, just as He had been given all authority.
