Protestants listen up

[MDK]

Do we have the authority to, and should we condemn others? Does Romans 8:1, apply, when we feel the need to condemn actions, or lack of obedience?

You definitely should refrain from condemning others if you feel the urge. You must be discerning enough, though to understand the difference between discussing actions which can and some should be condemned, and the actual condemning of a person. To try to confuse these is unfortunate, and causes hurt feelings, and possibly false accusations which would be against God’s eighth commandment.

Many times, correctly condemning actions harmful to the person, or those disrespectful to Christ is an extremely charitable thing to do as it can help the person tremendously (if they listen).

 

[1beleevr]

Prodigal:Congratulations on taking a leap of faith, and making a successful late life career change:thumbsup::thumbsup:At the age of 37, I decided toleave a “safe” job, working for a water district, and enter the world of corrections!Twenty years"down" and still growing strong! I work in maximum security, and have faced down some prety dangerous felons! But, my biggest and most effective weapon, is not my baton or pepper spray, it is the love and peace of Christ! And please dont think that I was attacking anyone, in regards to faithversus works I just get so excited, when I work a homeless center, the streets, or a community outreach, that I have to shout it out! I believe in works, and I believe that it is because of faith, that we do good works! I believe that God saved us by faith(and grace) to do those good works, that He has for us Those works, include serving others in His Name!!!(Matthew 25:31-46) God bless you my brother in Christ, and I am confident that I will hear the Shepherd’s call on that glorious day!!

 

[1beleevr]

MDK: Because I am a Christian, and have the peace of Christ, I don’t condemn anyone! Many people condemn other’s actions in the name of Jesus, who, even on the Cross, did not conemn His murderers! Revenge is God’s domain, and I can’t think of any instance in recorded history, where anyone has been given the authority to condemn any one else! But we continue to do it every day!

 

[CWBetts]

MDK: Because I am a Christian, and have the peace of Christ, I don’t condemn anyone! Many people condemn other’s actions in the name of Jesus, who, even on the Cross, did not conemn His murderers! Revenge is God’s domain, and I can’t think of any instance in recorded history, where anyone has been given the authority to condemn any one else! But we continue to do it every day!

Do not confuse the difference between condemning an individual, and condeming heretical teachings. If , for instance, someone would say “You must know all of the words to ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ in order to be saved” we would not be incorrect in saying “No, that is a falsoohood, and you are wrong” That would be condemning the heresy. Along the same vein, if you tell us something that we know goes aginst the teachings of the Church, we will quickly tell you how you are in error, but this is condemning the mistaken belief, not the believer.

 

[MDK]

MDK: I would challenge you, to point out, in any of my posts, where I specifically stated, that catholics could not, or do not have a personal, one-on-one relationship, with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I was merely rejoicing in the fact that, through Christ’s finished work on the Cross, I am able to have that relationship! God reconciled His chilren back to Himself, through His Son:thumbsup:And He(Jesus) confirms to me daily, of my security in the salvation that He has richly offered and I have accepted! And then you(among other catholics) choose to challenge that salvation, because I don’t belong to your religion! It is attitudes like this, that have kept me out of the “chosen” church! For instance, we have debated the issue of confessing sins to a mere mortal man, both sides presenting scripture for and against; and the bottom line, is this:while there may be scriptural evidence, there is no command, or mandate I cannot find, in the Bible that you claim to have written(27 books, at least), where Jesus directs, or commands us to confess our sins to a priest(and please don’t quote John 20:23, or James 5:16 again). To me, it is narrow-minded and borderline blasphemous to keep God in a box(sanctuaryand make it seem that one can only meet Him there! And I hope that you are also counted among the sheep! ALL believers in Jesus Christ, who have been baptized, and live for Him, in service and obedience, will gather in Heaven:thumbsup: Tell me something, when was the last time, you sat with someone you didn’t know, and witness to them about Jesus? In my ministries, I do this on a weekly basis! Jesus’s words in Matthew 28:19-20, apply to all Christians, not just the apostles! We, as disciples, are to “GO”, and make more disciples, baptizing them in the Name of the Father(HOLY FATHER,GOD), and the Holy Spirit! Sadly, attitudes, such as yours, are what drives people away from the catholic church, instead of drawing them to it! God bless you, my brother in Christ!

You seem fired up, which is good. However, your posts are populated with many errant understandings of what is meant, errant leanings, and errant “teachings”. I would ask you to please understand what I write, and take it in the appropriate manner. For instance I said it is “a bit arrogant to assume that Catholics don’t have this relationship by following the way Christ set things up.” It was not in response to a quote of yours, but to the way you write and what you have stated that you believe and what you criticize. I still maintain it’s a valid statement.

While we’re laying it on the table, I acknowledge you have a hard time understanding the Book authored by the Catholic Church, which is not a surprise. Anyone would when they take it out of the context in which it was written and intended, and having no authority nor protection to interpret, try on their own. If you can’t find how the Scriptures are tied to confession, then you need to learn about the Scriptures… except, first you must drop the false presuppositions that will keep you from ever seeing it properly. After dropping the false presuppositions, you need to accept Godly Tradition and the Magisterium as well… then you’ll be going in the right direction!

To you, God’s Sacraments don’t make any sense as well, for the same reason as I described in the previous paragraph. It is sad, but you mischaracterize and are disrespectful of God when you criticize what He Himself has established, and the way He has chosen to come to us, feed us, and make us His family.

I witness to people all the time, so please get off your high horse. The sad part is that you really are not educated well in the truth of Christ to witness well. The only people who are turned off by what I write, are the ones who hate the truth, and want to do it their own way. I hope Satan also is very turned off by what I say and do. Others I speak with love to discuss and come to me to discuss these things, being varying denominations. They have the benefit of seeing in person that I love them, and know what I tell them is true. A friend sent me an email a week ago, thanking me again for bringing him into the Church. He said that many will claim to be Catholic, but I was walking the talk. His daughter was being Baptized, and he was able to bring His father into the Church as well, before his father died.

No, Christ didn’t give you the command to Baptize, as that is better left to the ministerial priesthood. For one reason, you don’t seem to know how to do it, and there is a way to do it right and ways to do it wrong. For instance, Baptism is in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christ never promised that you could teach in opposition to His Church, which you do. Christ never promised to let you read and figure out for yourself what you want to believe about Him, deciding for yourself what is faith and what is morality, when that is His province.

I don’t like false ecumenism, as that will never truly bring us together. If you listen to what I wrote, instead of taking it incorrectly, you may find that I, along with many others here are true friends to you, because we tell you the truth about Christ. Others have sold a false faith to you, and you for some reason seem okay with that. Mischaracterization of what I write will keep you from understanding what is said, and from taking it in the charitable way in which it is meant. It’s truly sad.

 

[MDK]

MDK: Because I am a Christian, and have the peace of Christ, I don’t condemn anyone! Many people condemn other’s actions in the name of Jesus, who, even on the Cross, did not conemn His murderers! Revenge is God’s domain, and I can’t think of any instance in recorded history, where anyone has been given the authority to condemn any one else! But we continue to do it every day!

You specifically asked “Do we have the authority to, and should we condemn others?” I answered correctly.

I also told you that you must be discerning enough to understand the difference between discussing actions which can and some should be condemned, and the actual condemning of a person. To confuse these, as you do, is unfortunate, as it can cause hurt feelings, and possibly causes you to make false accusations which would be against God’s eighth commandment. Your insinuations above are off the mark, as you allude to someone condemning another when that hasn’t happened here. Also, please don’t include me in your “we” who condemn people every day. I specifically have practices and customs that keep me from this.

Many times, correctly condemning actions harmful to the person, or those disrespectful to Christ is an extremely charitable thing to do as it can help the person tremendously (if they listen). Please learn the important differences and what it means to discuss behaviors… condemning the heresy, while still loving the heretic.

 

[1beleevr]

mdk: Thank you for putting me in my place; as usual! I don’t know how I have made it for 42 years, as a Christian, without the catholic church! After three(3) months in the forum, I am still amazed at how you guys jump all over a post, dissecting, and taking many things as attacksagainst your religion Someone in an earlier post, called me arrogant, but I am now seeing a lot of that from our “hosts” also! And I am not necessarily including YOU, when I say that Christians condemn others, but I still don’t believe that we should condemn anyone! What does it accomplish? AS far as my putting forth errant information in my posts, John 8:7, and Matthew 7:1-5! And it seems as though the church is in the news in a bad light again; in Ireland

 

[MDK]

mdk: Thank you for putting me in my place; as usual! I don’t know how I have made it for 42 years, as a Christian, without the catholic church! After three(3) months in the forum, I am still amazed at how you guys jump all over a post, dissecting, and taking many things as attacksagainst your religion Someone in an earlier post, called me arrogant, but I am now seeing a lot of that from our “hosts” also! And I am not necessarily including YOU, when I say that Christians condemn others, but I still don’t believe that we should condemn anyone! What does it accomplish? AS far as my putting forth errant information in my posts, John 8:7, and Matthew 7:1-5! And it seems as though the church is in the news in a bad light again; in Ireland

People can “survive” many years with partial physical health, for instance. Doesn’t mean they’re fully healthy, but at least healthy enough to survive. There are Atheists who “survive” as well on Earth. Certainly you wouldn’t give the example of their survival to justify yours?

We who have the word of God without error, kinda think distortions are a bad thing. I would be more concerned if people did not jump on errant posts.

I not only haven’t condemned you, but quite the opposite. I have asked you to look at the truth, compare that to what you’ve been taught, and see if this is correct. At the same time, I have asked you to stop the falsehoods, and with the truth of the Catholic Church, take a look. The Catholic Church is the only thing that makes full sense in the matters of teachings of faith and morals and on God’s Sacraments (of which He gave us seven).

The business about not “casting the first stone” cannot be applied honestly to criticism of behaviors. Nobody was asking Mary Magdalene to stop and reconsider. They were condemning her to death, which is not only nothing at all like what you’ve had here, but actually quite the opposite in trying to get you to come to having life to the fullest in Christ.

The irony of “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” is rich here. We have specifically been asking you to stop believing in false doctrines and stop condemning the true doctrines, but believe in true doctrines and the true Sacraments. You would be the greatest beneficiary of this if you were to believe and behave in this proper way.

The world hates the true Church, pretty much the same as it treated the true Messiah. If you want to see how Christ’s teachings and claims were received by the world, then take a look toward the ending of His earthly mission.

Once again, the enemies of God’s Church delight in “bad news” about her. God on the other hand weeps. I weep with God. However, this is not related to doctrine or Sacraments. God’s Church has never taught any official error, because God promised that the gates of Hell would never prevail. Why are you rejoicing in the efforts of the gates of Hell, which have always been, and will always be futile. He also told us there would be rogues within the Church. These rogues have behaved badly and fought true teachings, but have never prevailed in changing the Catholic teaching itself to something with error. Jesus had one rogue Apostle, yet this was used for God’s glory. The Church perseveres, and it has never been in error teaching faith and morals, and if we believe God, which I do, it will never be in error.

Was this a Catholic teaching, or behavior opposed to Catholic teaching? Please let us know if you will you at least be fair minded on this.

BTW, your place is in God’s one Church. You’re currently out of place, and I’ve asked you to put you “in your place”.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

There have been times I have tried to point out that one must read scriptures in light of who was being addressed by Christ. For instance, there are specific times He addressed those of authority within the Church, His Apostles. One poster stated that Christ spoke to all of us with His words to the Apostles.

Today’s Gospel reading make me think of that discussion.

Mar 16:15 And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall he condemned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues.
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents: and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay their hand upon the sick: and they shall recover.

Is the above speaking directly to all of us? Are we all to take up serpents? Or, is this one instance we can agree that the Lord was specifically addressing the Apostles?

 

[ppasa316]

mdk: Thank you for putting me in my place; as usual! I don’t know how I have made it for 42 years, as a Christian, without the catholic church! After three(3) months in the forum, I am still amazed at how you guys jump all over a post, dissecting, and taking many things as attacksagainst your religion Someone in an earlier post, called me arrogant, but I am now seeing a lot of that from our “hosts” also! And I am not necessarily including YOU, when I say that Christians condemn others, but I still don’t believe that we should condemn anyone! What does it accomplish? AS far as my putting forth errant information in my posts, John 8:7, and Matthew 7:1-5! And it seems as though the church is in the news in a bad light again; in Ireland

The reason you can’t find where one needs to confess their sins to a priest is because its not in God’s Word. There are some people that you can show the whole bible too and they will still argue with you. You are doing great keep up the Good fight of Faith.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

The reason you can’t find where one needs to confess their sins to a priest is because its not in God’s Word. There are some people that you can show the whole bible too and they will still argue with you. You are doing great keep up the Good fight of Faith.

**Joh 20:23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

2Co 5:17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.
2Co 5:18 But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
2Co 5:19 For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

Jas 5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.

Mat 18:18 Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.

1Jn 5:16 He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask: and life shall be given to him who sinneth not to death. There is a sin unto death. For that I say not that any man ask.**

Hey ppasa316, I’m still waiting for those scriptures that tell us the Bible is the sole authority and those scriptures approving of each individual’s private interpretation. Maybe you can provide them on your next “drive by” post against Catholicism.

 

[ppasa316]

**Joh 20:23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

2Co 5:17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.
2Co 5:18 But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
2Co 5:19 For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

Jas 5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.

Mat 18:18 Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.

1Jn 5:16 He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask: and life shall be given to him who sinneth not to death. There is a sin unto death. For that I say not that any man ask.**

Hey ppasa316, I’m still waiting for those scriptures that tell us the Bible is the sole authority and those scriptures approving of each individual’s private interpretation. Maybe you can provide them on your next “drive by” post against Catholicism.

I gave them too you already. Pull the veil off your eyes that you may see.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I gave them too you already. Pull the veil off your eyes that you may see.

While I can understand your view comes from your own interpretation of scriptures, you just can’t seem to bring yourself to admitting Catholic teachings comes from an interpretation of scriptures. Your ad hominem comment about a veil can go both ways, but I prefer not to try and inflame a poster and would rather discuss each other’s views honestly. Why do you prefer to make slurs and post ad hominem type comments? Seems one who built their house on rock wouldn’t need those type tactics, in my opinion.

 

[apromisemade]

a friend once asked my wife why she prayed to our Blessed Mother. she replied that because she knew Jesus was busy working with me.
Praise be to Jesus.

 

[ppasa316]

While I can understand your view comes from your own interpretation of scriptures, you just can’t seem to bring yourself to admitting Catholic teachings comes from an interpretation of scriptures. Your ad hominem comment about a veil can go both ways, but I prefer not to try and inflame a poster and would rather discuss each other’s views honestly. Why do you prefer to make slurs and post ad hominem type comments? Seems one who built their house on rock wouldn’t need those type tactics, in my opinion.

Ok first of all I would like to challenge you to find an instance in the book of Acts where an apostle has the authority to forgive sins. Secondly I would be interested to see if you can find anything in the Epistles that would support this claim. As far as the interpretation of the scriptures goes 2 Pet. 1:20 says that yes there is no private interpretation of the Scriptures. What does this mean? It’s referring to the fact that as we seek to interpret the scriptures we cannot twist them and divorce them from the context of the rest of the chapter as well as the book, as well as the entirety of the Scriptures to make them say what we want them to say. Remember
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…Finally if Scripture was meant for only priests or the Catholic church to interpret why then would the Bible itself encourage us to not only read but study the Bible. Matt. 4:4, Eph. 6:17, 2Tim 2:15 just to name a few. In summation,
you either believe the Bible is the fully inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God or you don’t. If not I challenge you to read the Bible apart from any outside source and see what you come up with.Remember the BEST commentary and authority on the Bible is…the Bible itself

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Hey ppasa316,

I just wanted to ask you what would you consider the “prize” since you’ve already admitted you view these discussions as a “fight of faith”?

I see Protestants justify the differences between themselves by saying, “we all agree on essentials”. Since there are “essentials” we ALL agree on, I believe “essentials” are from the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Spirit cannot lie. or tell two truths that oppose each other.

Now we have to decide which Church preaching truth, really has the truth. I truly believe it’s the original Church, the Catholic Church, and “non-essentials” are a product of the Protestant reformation. Being there was only one Church that the Protestant reformation arose from, the “essentials” they have came from that one Church they broke away from. The “non-essentials” are teachings from the Catholic Church that they rejected. The rest of the “non-essentials” are teachings they rejected from each other, in my opinion. Now, if the “non-essentials” came after breaking away from the one Church, can they really be from the Holy Spirit, especially in light of the fact that the “non-essentials” are things that Protestants don’t agree on among each other?

Now, I’ve stated that I can understand how you arrive at your interpretation from scriptures, and I, and other Catholics, have given scriptures supporting Catholic beliefs, yet you won’t recognize that those teachings come from an interpretation of scriptures, even if it’s an interpretation you disagree with.

Are you here solely for a “fight”, as you put it? Or, are you here to bash Catholicism with every chance you get? Be honest and enlighten us on what your purpose is on these forums that you’ve brought the “fight” too?

 

[CWBetts]

Ok first of all I would like to challenge you to find an instance in the book of Acts where an apostle has the authority to forgive sins. Secondly I would be interested to see if you can find anything in the Epistles that would support this claim. As far as the interpretation of the scriptures goes 2 Pet. 1:20 says that yes there is no private interpretation of the Scriptures. What does this mean? It’s referring to the fact that as we seek to interpret the scriptures we cannot twist them and divorce them from the context of the rest of the chapter as well as the book, as well as the entirety of the Scriptures to make them say what we want them to say. Remember
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…Finally if Scripture was meant for only priests or the Catholic church to interpret why then would the Bible itself encourage us to not only read but study the Bible. Matt. 4:4, Eph. 6:17, 2Tim 2:15 just to name a few. In summation,
you either believe the Bible is the fully inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God or you don’t. If not I challenge you to read the Bible apart from any outside source and see what you come up with.Remember the BEST commentary and authority on the Bible is…the Bible itself

If the Bible is its “own best commentary” then why are there tousands of denominations in disagreement all claiming to go by the Scriptures alone? Just a thought.

 

[racing59]

This is getting intresting. I wonder if there will be a come back?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Ok first of all I would like to challenge you…

**2Co 5:17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.
2Co 5:18 But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
2Co 5:19 For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

Jas 5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.

1Jn 5:16 He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask: and life shall be given to him who sinneth not to death. There is a sin unto death. For that I say not that any man ask.**

Now, I’ve given you examples of reconcilation, or confession if you prefer. Why is it you demand they come from Acts? Is Acts the only part that is the inspired Word of God?

We’ve discussed 2 Timothy 3:16, yet you feign a misunderstanding or you purposely twist what we’ve told you.

We, Catholics, believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
The priest does not interpret scriptures for Catholics.

Also, you haven’t addressed our response to the use of the word “profitable”, or “useful”, depending on what version of the Bible you use. Profitable or useful falls short of sufficient.

Now, let’s discuss the scriptures you provide as support for the Bible being the sole authority.

Mat 4:4 Who answered and said: It is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.

What is written is the fact that man lives by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. At the time Christ said this to Satan, the only written scriptures were the writings of the Old Testament. Christ did not say, what I am saying will be written.

Deu 8:3 He afflicted thee with want, and gave thee manna for thy food, which neither thou nor thy fathers knew: to shew that not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.

Eph 6:17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

Again, where does the verse specify a “written” Word? Seriously?

Does John 1:1 tell us that the Word is a “written” word? Or does it tell us that Jesus was God, and the Word?

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God.

2Ti 2:15 Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Can you not see that 2 Timothy is telling us to study ourselves to present ourselves approved unto God? I see it says, “…rightly handling the word of truth.” Does it differentiate if that is a written, thought or spoken word? Read in context with John 1:1, it tells me Jesus is the word of truth.

Now don’t get my view of those scriptures wrong. Catholics believe we are to study the written Word of God. We also believe in the Church Christ gave us. I’ve asked, repeatedly, a couple of questions that you have not addressed and I will repeat them now to see if you’re willing to share your view of them now.

Why did God inspire it be written that the Church of the living God was the pillar and ground of truth, instead of scriptures, if He intended scriptures to be the “sole authority”?

Why did God inspire it be written that the manifold wisdom of God could be made known through the Church, instead of scriptures, if He intended scriptures to be the “sole authority”?

Why did God inspire it be written to take offenses to the Church instead of scriptures, if He intended the scriptures to be the sole authority?

**1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Eph 3:10 That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church

Mat 18:17 And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.**

2 Peter 3:16, is the verse that warns against private interpertation, that we’ve been presenting repeatedly. If you read it in context with all the other scriptures, as you said and I agree with, read it in context with 1 Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 3:10 and Matthew 18:17 and tell me what it means. I’m including it with the surrounding verses so that you can see the context it’s in, within the passage.

**2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
2Pe 3:17 You therefore, brethren, knowing these things before, take heed, lest being led aside by the error of the unwise, you fall from your own steadfastness.
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and unto the day of eternity, Amen. **

That passage, without a shadow of a doubt, is addressing the written word. Here’s some more that give examples of misinterpretations.

**Mat 22:29 And Jesus answering, said to them: You err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures: for you think in them to have life everlasting. And the same are they that give testimony of me.**

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

you either believe the Bible is the fully inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God or you don’t. If not I challenge you to read the Bible apart from any outside source and see what you come up with.Remember the BEST commentary and authority on the Bible is…the Bible itself

See, you accuse me, in an ad hominem, of not believing that the Bible is God inspired. You twist it to make it sound as if I’ve said something horrific, which I did not.

Now address this point. WE BOTH believe, the Bible is the infallible, God breathed, or the inspired Word of God. Is every man’s interpretation infallible? You seem to think that your interpretation is infallible, by your arguments.

On reading scriptures apart from any outside source, Protestants do that. Why do they disagree with each other? God cannot lie or tell two truths that contradict each other.

Now if two, or more people, have different interpretations of scriptures, how do they go to scriptures to find out which one is right? The scriptures are their source of disagreement. Who’s the authority they can go to now?

The Church, an authority, had to define the canon of the Bible, that is which letters and epistles would be included in the New Testament, since the New Testament did not tell us which letters and epistles would be included. That, my friend, is an authority outside of scriptures. Yes, just as God inspired men to write the scriptures, He inspired men of His Church to define the canon of the New Testament.

God is all powerful. Yet men founded this country and wrote a constitution, and they established a legislative authority to interpret the constitution for us. They did not send it to every American and say, interpret this for yourselves. That would have been CHAOS. Why would you think an all powerful God would have done less than those men?