Warnings against splitting from the RCC?

[Sebastian92]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

 

[Brother_John]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

Out of curiosity, where do you go to church?

 

[Nita]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

Hi Sebastian,

You won’t find any verses in the Bible that use the specific term “Catholic Church” because that particular name for Our Lord’s Church had not yet come into use at the time the Scriptures were written. Later, that would become the name that would be given to Our Lord’s Church - the Church founded on the Rock of Peter (Matt. 16:17-19). This is the only New Covenant Church recognized in the NT Scriptures (the Jewish faith being the true Old Covenant Church).

I’ve made up my own “topical” Scripture collection, but it doesn’t include the topic you mention. I would suggest reading the epistles. Any references to the judgment that would fall on those who separate, contradict, etc. the teaching of the apostles would apply to your question. Here is one verse that came to my mind:

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us.

I know there are many more verses, but sometimes it’s better if you do the “homework” yourself.

Nita

 

[jcrichton]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

Hi, Sebastian!

Since the word “Catholic” did not surface till after the death of Jesus’ original disciples you will not find that exact quote in Scriptures…

Before the Church there was the Mosaic Law and the Old Testament Modals (Temple, Synagogues, tithing and other sacrifices–burnt offerings…). Then Christ came in the fullness of times; He gathered onto Himself Twelve and on Kephas He promised to build His Church. Upon His Ascension He promised that the Holy Spirit would come and reveal the total Truth and that He would come to the disciples and dwell in the disciples. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit Came to the Twelve (there was a replacement made for Judas Iscariot) and the most faithful of His disciples… It was a maginificent sight as hundreds were drawn to the building where they awaited Jesus’ Promise–there were some that refused to believe but the Church was inaugurated as the Body of Christ on Earth… through time and the succession of the Apostles the Holy Spirit comes to you in the Catholic Church.

Did Jesus establish a Church on Kephas only to serve the very first Believers during that first century after His Ascension?

Jesus said that He would not leave them orphans (Holy Spirit) and that He would be with them till the end of times (Body of Christ); since there is only One God, One Lord, One Spirit, One Baptism, One Gospel, One Faith… there is also only One Body: the Church.

In regards to division here what Jesus said (paraphrased):

“my commandment is that you be one with one another as I am One with the Father.” (St. John 10:16; 17:11, 21, 22)

“…abide in me as I in you.” (St. John 15:4, 7)

“…they will tell you to seek the Christ here and there, don’t…” (St. Mark 13:21-23)

“…a kingdom divided will not stand…” (St. Matthew 12:25)

Jesus also made the Church, even before her inception, the final authority among the Believers:

15 But if thy brother shall offend against thee, go, and rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother. 16 And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. 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. (St. Matthew 18:15-17–DRV)

…and did the Apostles believe in multiplicity?.. not according to St. Paul:

**For this cause have I sent to you Timothy, who is my dearest son and faithful in the Lord. Who will put you in mind of my ways, which are in Christ Jesus: as I teach every where in every church. ** (1 Corinthians 4:17)

20 Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us: 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

1 I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called: 2 With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. 3 Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism. 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. (Ephesians 4:1-6–DRV)

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[steve_b]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

Looking from Tradition

Ignatius of Antioch was a 1st century bishop, who lived while St John was still alive. Ignatius was martyred in Rome c 107 A.D. He calls the Church the Catholic Church. This is the only Church that existed. This is the only Church started by Jesus. Ignatius in his only letters recorded, calls only the Church of Rome the Church that holds the presidency.

Looking from Scripture

Paul, in writing to the Church of Rome,

:
Rm 16:

17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

To stay requires obedience and Paul praises this and calls it good. He says people like this serve Our Lord. Those who leave, are NOT serving Our Lord, but their own appetites, and he calls it evil. And he wants people to be innocent of division and schism

 

[Sebastian92]

Out of curiosity, where do you go to church?

Im Roman Catholic

And thank you all for the posts and information, I am on another Forum with a thread about catholics, and trying to explain our ways to other protestants, and explaining doctrine and such…

 

[Filius99993]

Im Roman Catholic

And thank you all for the posts and information, I am on another Forum with a thread about catholics, and trying to explain our ways to other protestants, and explaining doctrine and such…

We certainly sympathize with you. It’s difficult to get through those misconception about us in their heads. Good luck!

 

[deborahssong]

Greetings in the Lord!

Hmmmm notions in our heads.......well I am a born again spirit filled christian, rasied catholic, left the chruch in 1984, joined another denomination, but before that ....I had an awesome enocunter with jesus that absolutely changed my life forever!  I do not have the space or time to tell you what He has done in my life........what I am NOW finding out is that what scripture says is for all believers.  Now saying that I have been on a spiritual journey for months and months, searching writings of the early church fathers, studying the didache, and reading other articles as well. I recently read the one that the new Pope wrote about scripture. It was awesome actually.  I will say this......most catholics do not know why they believe what they believe.  This statement came from a  catholic priest. They beleive what they have been told either by family or clergy.  he said he beleives that ONE of the reasons for so many leaving the church? lack of evangelization, edcuating the members, and poor witnesses for Christ. he said IF we want people to believe that we are the true church, we must live like we are and love others like we are and share with others this truth.
  I know that I know I have seen the good of the church and have seen the bad as well.  In Both!  Let me please say this......my heart has so changed about the catholic church. There is much rumor about it out there and I know that for a fact!  Am I ready to come back yet?  no......however that is at present. I am still learning and please understand that most of the protestants that once were catholic, that I know, truly want to do the right thing when it comes to serving God!  
  I am so excited each time I study more and more. Yes in the early wriitngs I see the theme of the catholic church however I am still not sure about what actaully happend between the early church and the saints such as Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp and such.  Of course Peter was the leader and of course you can see where he was even in the first cenutry church or book of acts, however  I am still not sure about origin. yes Jesus spoke to Peter about who he was and what he was to do.......however I am still confused about the catholic church's stance on this.  I love what you all post and I am learnirng so much thru your wisdom and knowledge!  Keep it coming!  God Bless all.....

Deborah
Philippian 4;13

 

[po18guy]

Hi I was wondering if their are any particular versus that say that the Catholic church is the only one true way, and that splitting off is not allowed.
Thanks in Advance
Sebastian

Saint Paul constantly preached that we may be one. He struggled for unity. To separate is a product of the ego, as we then do not deny ourselves and take up our cross. We then take up our bible and go shopping. Thank the Lord that Christ did not do that.

Peace, Brother in Christ.

 

[jcrichton]

  I am so excited each time I study more and more. Yes in the early wriitngs I see the theme of the catholic church however I am still not sure about what actaully happend between the early church and the saints such as Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp and such.  Of course Peter was the leader and of course you can see where he was even in the first cenutry church or book of acts, however  I am still not sure about origin. yes Jesus spoke to Peter about who he was and what he was to do.......however I am still confused about the catholic church's stance on this.  I love what you all post and I am learnirng so much thru your wisdom and knowledge!  Keep it coming!  God Bless all.....

Deborah
Philippian 4;13

Hi, Deborah!

…there wasn’t one single thing that happened… but it boils down to obedience!

During her very inception there were rebellions and misunderstandings even among the Apostles… but there was a focused effort to keep the Church united… as she expanded, greed for money and power and vanity eroded that union–the clergy began to listen to their own wisdom rather than to the Holy Spirit.

But Jesus stated that not even the gates of hell (hades) would prevail against the Church… so she soldiered on… sometimes being corrected from within and sometimes from without…

I believe that the Church’s greatest error is thinking that her members and the world would not merge since being a friend to the world means that we are enemies to Yahweh God–but the changes in society proved to be too strong an allure for man.

The error of the members of the Body is seeking an easy ride. Just reflect on the various ancient writings and you will find that “personal commitment” to Christ is almost an endangered species!

I pray that your trek brings you back to the Church–but once back keep those energies high and commit yourself to help in the healing of the Body of Christ!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[deborahssong]

Angel,

 Greetings!  Thank you so much for your info and I most certainly get that...........After much much prayer and searching and I still am......I know I will be coming back to the catholic church. I am going to contact a referred priest and make necessary steps........I am so excited and so amazed at HOW the Holy Spirit has drawn me thus far.......it would take a book to tell you of all the awesome things He has done to bring me where I am at this moment......I am committed to Him and to serve AND to share His truth!  
  In the protestant church I have been a deeply committed member, served in leadership, administration, and teaching, as are gifts of the Holy Spirit!  Now I will be able to serve within the catholic church...................the church that satan has tried to DESTROY for centuries and can't amen?  I am so excited and please pray for me as I conitnue my journey with Jesus.......in the obedience of this call, I know I will lose some friends, wonderful dear friends and yet I KNOW I will gain oh so many blessings! and new ones! Please pray that my son and daughter receive this in their hearts as well.......as I know God wants to do in this......open their eyes that they may see His truth.  My children are both loving strong christians, my son is an evangelist.....a powerhouse for the Lord...my daughter a christian school teacher......just agree with me in prayer, ok?  Thank you again and to God be the glory great things He has done and will do........

Deborah

 

[jcrichton]

Angel,

 Greetings!  Thank you so much for your info and I most certainly get that...........After much much prayer and searching and I still am......I know I will be coming back to the catholic church. I am going to contact a referred priest and make necessary steps........I am so excited and so amazed at HOW the Holy Spirit has drawn me thus far.......it would take a book to tell you of all the awesome things He has done to bring me where I am at this moment......I am committed to Him and to serve AND to share His truth!  
  In the protestant church I have been a deeply committed member, served in leadership, administration, and teaching, as are gifts of the Holy Spirit!  Now I will be able to serve within the catholic church...................the church that satan has tried to DESTROY for centuries and can't amen?  I am so excited and please pray for me as I conitnue my journey with Jesus.......in the obedience of this call, I know I will lose some friends, wonderful dear friends and yet I KNOW I will gain oh so many blessings! and new ones! Please pray that my son and daughter receive this in their hearts as well.......as I know God wants to do in this......open their eyes that they may see His truth.  My children are both loving strong christians, my son is an evangelist.....a powerhouse for the Lord...my daughter a christian school teacher......just agree with me in prayer, ok?  Thank you again and to God be the glory great things He has done and will do........

Deborah

Hi, Deborah!

I can feel your fervor as you speak… it fills my heart with gladness… as Paul asks, you have kept your eyes on the Lord (the prize) and the trials and tribulations have not hindered your spirit nor dominated your mind and heart… so I can aesily understand how you feel (not what you’ve experienced; your quest, love, and labor and your passion for Christ).

Recognizing that the Holy Spirit has given you your talents and abilities to help build the Body of Christ is one of the most important factors in our humble obedience to Christ–too many times we forget that we are to give God what is God’s.

…you are quite right… loving friends and family do not necessarily understand when a person hears Christ’s Call to the Catholic Church–when the rough times arise, I reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; this applies to both parties since we have to do on to others as we would like them to do on to us!

My prayers are with you and your children; I pray that the Holy Spirit may fill their hearts and spirits with the burning and longing to serve Christ in the Catholic Church–I pray that He may give you the blessings needed to stay the course as a loving family and that each of you continue to be nourished by Him as you continue your trek in God’s Light.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[deborahssong]

Angel,

 Thank you so much and God Bless you!  I have stayed the course for over a year now. As I said before it would take a book to tell you of all the things that have happened this past year that have been God ordained!  To draw me close to Him and the call to the catholic church.....oh but He is so Good!  So full of mercy and so full of grace and I am so excited about the future with HIM! Though I know the response may be hard on some points.......I am so looking forward to the outcome!  and here it is Lent....this is NOT an accident!
 I awoke this morning at 5;30 a m and got into my bible .....by the way I am now using my Catholic bible, Revised Standard edition, student bible.  This has been happening now for weeks. oh I have always been a student of the word of God, however now it is much more. I am studying the early church fathers and some others as well right now along with scripture.  and I am so blessed in this process!
 anyway thank you Angel for your oh so kind words and encouraging and I will keep you posted dear lady about what is happening..if you would like......MaY THE LORD  be your cloud by day and your pillar of fire by night...........

Deborah

 

[jcrichton]

Angel,

 Thank you so much and God Bless you!  I have stayed the course for over a year now. As I said before it would take a book to tell you of all the things that have happened this past year that have been God ordained!  To draw me close to Him and the call to the catholic church.....oh but He is so Good!  So full of mercy and so full of grace and I am so excited about the future with HIM! Though I know the response may be hard on some points.......I am so looking forward to the outcome!  and here it is Lent....this is NOT an accident!
 I awoke this morning at 5;30 a m and got into my bible .....by the way I am now using my Catholic bible, Revised Standard edition, student bible.  This has been happening now for weeks. oh I have always been a student of the word of God, however now it is much more. I am studying the early church fathers and some others as well right now along with scripture.  and I am so blessed in this process!
 anyway thank you Angel for your oh so kind words and encouraging and I will keep you posted dear lady about what is happening..if you would like......MaY THE LORD  be your cloud by day and your pillar of fire by night...........

Deborah

Hi, Deborah!

It is wonderful to know that there are still people who actually do begin their days with an early devotion to the Holy Scriptures!

…you are correct Yahweh God is merciful and extremely patient! He never gives up on us–Paul is an excellent witness to God’s Willingness to embrace us and bring us to the fullness of Faith!

…I believe that the trials and tribulations we face are life’s quicksand… they encourage us to think rather than to thrust and struggle aimlessly; they compel us to surrender our will to the One that can rescue us from ourselves…

Any news about your Journey Home is welcomed news; I truly understand your joy as I know that discovering Scriptures through the full historic experience of the Church expands on the meaning of the text and our personal understanding…

“Here’s the thing…” in French it would be “Ange,” in Italian “Angelo,” in Spanish “Ángel”

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[4boysMom]

Greetings in the Lord!

Hmmmm notions in our heads.......well I am a born again spirit filled christian, rasied catholic, left the chruch in 1984, joined another denomination, but before that ....I had an awesome enocunter with jesus that absolutely changed my life forever!  I do not have the space or time to tell you what He has done in my life........what I am NOW finding out is that what scripture says is for all believers.  Now saying that I have been on a spiritual journey for months and months, searching writings of the early church fathers, studying the didache, and reading other articles as well. I recently read the one that the new Pope wrote about scripture. It was awesome actually.  I will say this......most catholics do not know why they believe what they believe.  This statement came from a  catholic priest. They beleive what they have been told either by family or clergy.  he said he beleives that ONE of the reasons for so many leaving the church? lack of evangelization, edcuating the members, and poor witnesses for Christ. he said IF we want people to believe that we are the true church, we must live like we are and love others like we are and share with others this truth.
  I know that I know I have seen the good of the church and have seen the bad as well.  In Both!  Let me please say this......my heart has so changed about the catholic church. There is much rumor about it out there and I know that for a fact!  Am I ready to come back yet?  no......however that is at present. I am still learning and please understand that most of the protestants that once were catholic, that I know, truly want to do the right thing when it comes to serving God!  
  I am so excited each time I study more and more. Yes in the early wriitngs I see the theme of the catholic church however I am still not sure about what actaully happend between the early church and the saints such as Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp and such.  Of course Peter was the leader and of course you can see where he was even in the first cenutry church or book of acts, however  I am still not sure about origin. yes Jesus spoke to Peter about who he was and what he was to do.......however I am still confused about the catholic church's stance on this.  I love what you all post and I am learnirng so much thru your wisdom and knowledge!  Keep it coming!  God Bless all.....

Deborah
Philippian 4;13

Welcome Home Deborah!!! Jesus is eagerly awaiting you in the Eucharist

 

[deborahssong]

Thank you mother of 4 boys…Bless your heart! I am an advocate for childrens learning differences and have ben for25 years, I am a sunday school teacher and was a youth leader, director, and my daughter is a christian educator…and we love working with chddlren in our family, sooooooo I know what haveing four boys can be like…they are blessings and scripture says so…amen? Thank you for your kind words! I am excited and I am staying the course, my heart will not allow me to give up. I am getting ready to meet with a priest and talk and I am sure things will move forward. I love the Lord so very much and I have seen His awesome work in my own life and others as well! He is so much more than we ever know! His word says cleary that He rewards THOSE who diligently seek Him…Paul was a great example of that…I want to shout that to all catholics…do you really know Him???Please seek Him…You will find Him!!!amen!!!
Thanks again and I will keep posting to let all of you know what is happening…and when I am making my big step…

God Bless you…
Deborah