quigontcb said:
What scripture is opposed to catholic teaching? Authority figures of the church are throughout the New Testament, as are their admonitions, encouragements, requirements of holy men of the church, and rulings/decrees to various churches. The Bible also tells that there should not be divisions in the church. How can there be no divisions in the church without a structure of authority? How can the church be the "pillar of truth", as scripture says it is, if there are hundreds of denominations disagreeing on subjects ranging from the defintion of marriage, free will, and what brings about salvation? The word "pope" or an equivalent is not in the Bible, but then again neither is "Holy Trinity" or anything about "asking Jesus into your/my heart" to be saved, which is what many a well-meaning person will tell you is all that is required for full and eternal salvation. As far as papal authority, there is a traceable line of succession from Pope Benedict to St Peter. What authority does Peter have? Among other things, we can read in Matthew.... Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
|
If you continue reading the same chapter Jesus referred to Peter as satan. So you believe the church was build upon satan? That's silly. It was Peter statement itself "Jesus is the Christ" is the ROCK which the church was built upon as the same Peter other statement what made Jesus replied "Peter, Get behind me, Satan."
Also Jesus made it very clear to his disciples that they was not to refer to any man as Father but God as Father. Guess what Pope means in Greek? Now people want to refer to men as Father and God as Allah , Jehovah, etc instead of Father which is in heaven. It didn't take long for rebellion against Christ appear in the church.
There should be no division in the local church yet I didn't see Jesus telling the seven chruches in Revelation come together and be one big happy family. Jesus were in the midst of the seven churches even though each were clearly different.