"the powers of death shall not prevail against it" meaning?

[DrawNearToGod]

I was thinking… let’s say theoretically the powers of death could prevail against it… what would be the point where one could say the Church was overcome? At a certain low point in membership? If the doctrine is compromised?

And if someone pointed out to us that the Church seemed to have been overcome, what would we point to to prove it wasn’t?

I am new thank you for your patience

 

[po18guy]

For clarity, iy is good to read other translations as well as consult with a relaible commentary. From the Rev. George Leo aydock Commentary:

" Ver. 18. Kagw. Where also note, that Christ by building his house, that is, his Church, upon a rock, has thereby secured it against all storms and floods, like the wise builder. Matt. vii. 24, 25. — The gates of hell, &c. That is, the powers of darkness, and whatever Satan can do, either by himself or his agents. For as the Church is here likened to a house, or fortress, built on a rock; so the adverse powers are likened to a contrary house or fortress, the gates of which, i.e. the whole strength, and all the efforts it can make, will never be able to prevail over the city or Church of Christ. By this promise we are fully assured, that neither idolatry, heresy, nor any pernicious error whatsoever shall at any time prevail over the Church of Christ. Ch. — The gates, in the Oriental style, signify the powers; thus, to this day, we designate the Ottoman or Turkish empire by the Ottoman port. The princes were wont to hold their courts at the gates of the city. V."

 

[adf417]

And if someone pointed out to us that the Church seemed to have been overcome, what would we point to to prove it wasn’t?

As long as there is one that seems to believe it hasn’t been overcome, i would point to the same persecution she has been the target of since the beginning.

Peace!!!

 

[DrawNearToGod]

Thanks. This is good. But I guess I’m looking for the definition of “prevail”… what would that look like?

 

[Limoncello4021]

To “prevail” over something is to conquer it, to overcome it, viz. the Church will not be conquered by Satan/evil. This is not necessarily to say that she won’t have to endure evil within her and around her, but we are assured by God that the Church will remain in its essence as the Body of Christ unscathed to the end of time. Good reason to cling to the Church and never leave her!

 

[po18guy]

The Church has been attacked from both outside and within, over nearly 2,000 years and is still standing. No other human organization is as old, or as tested. No other oganization has th is particular promise from is inception.

Why, might I ask, is “prevail” a point of interest or sticking point?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I was thinking… let’s say theoretically the powers of death could prevail against it… what would be the point where one could say the Church was overcome? At a certain low point in membership? If the doctrine is compromised?

When every true Catholic on earth is dead and there’s no other Catholics (like new converts) stepping up to take their place.

And if someone pointed out to us that the Church seemed to have been overcome, what would we point to to prove it wasn’t?

If you’re a Catholic and still breathing, point to yourself and say “it ain’t over as long as i’m breathing”.

 

[Richard_White]

I read an interesting piece by Bishop Robert Barron where he explained that the phrase “the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” doesn’t actually mean what we have always thought it meant - i.e., that evil will never prevail over the Church. Rather, he explained how in the ancient world, walls/gates used to surround cities for protection. Therefore, the “gates of the netherworld” are the gates protecting the netherworld from the “attacking forces” of the Church. As such, according to Jesus, these gates shall never prevail, and the Church will be victorious in its fight against the netherworld. So, in other words, God and His Church will always win against evil. But, the quote doesn’t necessarily speak to infiltration of the Church per se. We just have to do our best to follow the inspirations of the Spirit.

May God bless you all!

 

[DrawNearToGod]

This is a perfect answer, thank you.

Lol at the enemies of the Church who think they have a chance