De Maria March 4, 2013 at 11:00 PM

malbert February 18, 2011 at 6:26 AM
...i am malbert from goa can you please tell me how can u say that the bible belongs to us…where it is given in the bible…thanks.

I’m not sure if these will answer your question:
2 Pet 1:
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Three Year Cycle Bible readings

Question: 

How well do you think a person would retain knowledge of the NT by listening to it over the course of 3 years?

Very well indeed.

What about the other 30% that is not heard?

Catholics listen to the entire Bible in a 3 year cycle.

Having said that, there are some parts of Scripture which seem to be emphasized over others.

There is information in the OT which is not essential for one’s salvation. Its stuff like this which was anulled by Christ on the Cross:

Leviticus 14:13
And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy:

Because:

Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Therefore, the ordinances about sacrifices and washings are not stressed to Catholics.

Sincerely,

De Maria

The Bible is Church Teaching

Anti-Catholic asks:Are you saying that church teaching determines the meaning of a verse-passage and not the Bible?  In other words, its not what the original intent of the author of a book of the Scripture that guides what the Scripture means but rather church teachings.

That’s a false dichotomy. The Bible is Church teaching. The Catholic Church inherited the Old Testament and wrote the New.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ did not write a word of Scripture? Because He wanted us to flock to His Church to get His understanding of the Word. Jesus Christ taught the Church His understanding of the Old Testament. This is the understanding which the Church now passes down to us (Luke 24:32).

Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

The God given Bible has 73 books

De Maria October 27, 2012 at 1:41 AM

John said:
All we have and were given by God through the apostiles were the 66 books of the bible.

Actually, the Bible consists of 73 books. God has given you a spiritual message in the number of the books in your canon.

Six is the number of imperfection and evil. That is why the number of the Beast is 666. That is also why the number of your canon has 66 books. God is telling you that your Bible is incomplete.

Whereas in Scripture the number 7 is the number which signifies covenant and the number 3 is the number which signifies God. The Catholic, 73 book Bible is the Covenant with God.

The catholics added their pound of baloney including the pope, Matt 16:18-19mary, Luke 1:28; 48pergatory,1 Cor 3:15holy water, Num 5:17mass, Heb 10:25-31etc. The protestants reformed what they felt necessary based on the bible,

In contradiction of the Bible. Take for instance the doctrine of faith alone. It directly contradicts Scripture:
James 2:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

and came up with many different loafs of their baloney. I believe you are correct in criticizing the flawed use of the sinners prayer.

I agree with that statement.

The truth exists in the bible.

True. And the Bible says the following about the Church:
1 Timothy 3:15
King James Version (KJV)
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.

Ephesians 3:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Jesus died for the elect. 
Christ died for all mankind:
Romans 5:6-8
King James Version (KJV)
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

His sacrifice washed away and washes away our sin.

His Sacrament of Baptism does that:
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

If His Sacrifice washed away all sin, then even the wicked would be saved. But that is not the case.

Jesus is our ( the truly saved) mercy seat.

True.

God’s righteousness is imputed to us.

Where is that in Scripture? Those who have proven themselves righteous by keeping the Commandments are judged or accounted righteous by God. His Grace is then infused upon the righteous man.

His holy spirit guides us and sanctifies us.

If we but listen.

His blood covers our sin.

If we repent.

The only clue we have of our redemption is our changed heart, that seeks to honor his stated will and glorifies his name.

And the works which are the result of our faith.

Work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Until called home to heaven, wrestle with our old man and repent when we fall short.

And approach the font of grace with confidence, the Sacrament of penance by which the Baptized receive the grace of forgiveness for the sins of which they have repented.

En primer lugar, la Biblia es la palabra de Dios

De Maria January 18, 2013 at 11:16 PM

KURT JAMES LOPEZ September 10, 2012 at 1:19 AM
hi Steve, i heard you on catholic answers live . I’m from the Philippines and I’m a convert from baptist, though i was born as a catholic .how can baptist say that they have the right bible and that is the king james bible ? is it really the most purified version of the bible as my math teacher told me so ? please respond . i’m only 17 … and i do not have the capability to refute this as a catholic .

First of all, the Bible is the word of God. Therefore it can’t be “purified”. The word of God is without error.

However, I suppose that your math teacher may consider it the “best English” translation. That is a matter of “opinion”, or “personal preference” and can’t be disproved. I prefer the Douay Rheims in English.

Habla español?

En primer lugar, la Biblia es la palabra de Dios. Por lo tanto, no puede ser “purificada”. La palabra de Dios es sin error.

Supongo que tu profesor de matemáticas puede considerar que sea la “mejor traducción en Inglés”. Ese es un asunto de “opinión” o “preferencias personales” y no puede ser refutado. Yo prefiero el Douay Rheims en Inglés.

De Maria

Which is more biblical?

Frequently, Protestants call themselves “Bible” Christians. And they claim that they get their doctrines from the Bible “alone”.

Well, let’s put that to the test.

What is your answer to this question?

Are you saved?....(Read More).

Did the Catholic Church give us the Bible?

In everyday speech, “Sacred Scripture” is used interchangeably with, “the Bible”. And in most contexts, there is no problem with that. But not in this one. Because the Catholic Church certainly gave us the Bible, but the Catholic Church did not give us all of Sacred Scripture. 
Read More...

Does the Catholic Church have authority over the Bible?

People who believe in Sola Scriptura will frequently make the statement that the Bible alone is the highest authority over men. And they make the claim that the Catholic Church holds itself as the authority over the Bible. Thus, making itself the highest authority. 
Read More...

"The Catholic Church burned bibles" and other anti-Catholic half-truths

Yes, yes, it’s true. Before I continue, make sure that you are sitting down. Because this may come as a shock. Hush. Let me whisper this to you. “The Catholic Church burned bibles.” Gasp! 

Read More...

Bible debate at work

My company is going through a re-organization and those of us with more seniority are being thrown back together, since most of the folks with less seniority have lost their jobs. Those of us remaining have known each other for years and its nice to see old faces, again. 
Read More...

Where does the Bible say that people in heaven can hear our prayers?

I hate to answer a question with a question, but please bear with me. Do you believe in the Trinity? I’m assuming that you do. 
Read More...

Where do we find the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Bible?

As I’ve mentioned before, I believe that one of the best ways to understand Scripture is to first understand the Teachings of the Catholic Church, which are the basis of the New Testament. It is upon these Oral Teachings of Jesus Christ which are passed down by the Church, which are the bedrock of the New Testament. 
Read More...

Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and it is described in Scripture

First off, I want to thank all who participated in the “Does the Bible say that missing the Mass is a mortal sin?” thread.

One of the things which was brought up by one of the Protestants in that thread is this idea that St. Constantine started the Catholic Church. But, is that true? Why do Protestants make this claim?

The short answer, “I don’t know.” The claim is patently false...(Read More).

The King James is a PROTESTANT Bible

TR:That is a poor translation because it left out the definite article that IS in the Greek.

The King James is a PROTESTANT Bible. 

Can such faith save him?
Can that kind of faith save anyone?
Can that faith save him?
This kind of faith cannot save him, can it?

That is precisely what that Protestant Bible is asking.

We all agree that faith (which is dead) can NOT save anyone.

Good. You just called it faith.

A faith that is dead has the same spiritual results as no faith

Correct. And, Catholic Teaching.

A faith that is dead has the same spiritual results as faithlessness.

Still correct. And Catholic Teaching.

once again,
you (and other Catholics) place "faith which is dead" in the same category as having a faith.

Just as you did when YOU said, We all agree that faith (which is dead) can NOT save anyone. You can't deny it because its quoted right above. 

I (and other protestants) place "faith which is dead" in the same category as having no faith.

Same as Catholics.

Also try a little more focus on the word "legó" which means to "say" or "claim".
"though a man say he hath faith"
In context, is the claim true?

You should do so. Focus on it and then listen to all your brethren who say, "I am saved by my faith alone."

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Christ died for us, all

Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. 15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

It is a Protestant error that Christ died only for those who are saved.  Christ died for saint and sinner, alike.  The difference is that the saint accepted the gift of salvation through Christ's blood.  While the sinner rejects that grace.

Let's dissect the above Scripture verse.

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us,

First, the Apostle explains that he is compelled by his love of Christ.  Compelled to do what?  Compelled to preach the love of Christ for all men. 

once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; 

And he became compelled by Christ's love when he came to believe that Christ loved all men.  And he came to this belief once he understood that Christ had died for all men.  The Apostle in question is St. Paul and in a different letter, he says it differently.  Let's compare:

Romans 5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Now, many will use that verse to deny that Christ died for all men, sinner or saint.  However, there are other verses which show that Christ died for all men and not just for those who would be saved.  For instance:

1 Timothy 2:4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. 

So, it is clear that God willed that all men be saved, not just those who would eventually become saints.  So, let's go back to the original verse we were studying.

2 Corinthians 5:14....therefore, all have died. 

 What could that mean?  Well, in my opinion, the word translated as "therefore", can also mean, "because".  Christ died for all men because all men have died.  Is this true?  Yes.  It is called, "Original Sin".

The CCC says:
1018 As a consequence of original sin, man must suffer "bodily death, from which man would have been immune had he not sinned" (GS § 18).

And, we can compare to another verse in Scripture:

Romans 5:Humanity’s Sin Through Adam. 12 [a]Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned[b]—

THEREFORE,  Christ died for all men.

Follow?

I hope so, therefore, I'll continue.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves

Why did He die for all men?  So that you too would be convicted of His love for you and turn to Him in order that you might also live.

He died for you so that you might know how much He loves you.

John 3:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 For God so loved the world that he gave[a] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

And turn to Him to be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:15....so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

That's the condition, folks.  In order to be saved, those for whom He died, must recognize the gift of live, be grateful for it and in return, give their own life over to Him who died for their salvation:

Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

Folks, in a very real sense, we were purchased when we were redeemed by the blood of Christ:

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body. 

 Therefore, we need to recognize that we belong to God.  And belonging to God, we represent Him to all men.  Therefore, we should behave as sons of God and honor Him with the things that we do.  In order that those men, for whom Christ died, may turn to Him and live:

Matthew 5:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

I hope that makes sense.

Response to Jessie - Did the Catholic Church give us the Bible?

De Maria has left a new comment on the post "DID THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GIVE US THE BIBLE?":

Jessie-don't respond unless you have something reasonable to come up with.

My response will be more reasonable than yours.

Anonymous
December 31, 2014 at 11:57 AM
Hello De Maria,

As you can see, I DEMAND EVIDENCE; not your cheap tricks.

Evidence has been provided.

The Catholic Church came about HUNDREDS of years after the New Testament was completed (established by Constantine). 

The Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ.

Stop arguing in a circle and take a challenge like a man!

ok.

Vatican admits connection with CAESAR:

"...superior papal authority and dominion is derived from the law of the Caesars." Lucius Ferraris,...

Papal authority is derived from Jesus Christ. It is He who said to Simon:

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

"...the appellation of God had been confirmed by Constantine on the Pope, who being God, cannot be judged by man." Pope Nicholas I, quoted in History of the Councils, vol. IX, Dist.: 96, Can 7, "Satis Evidentur Decret Gratian Primer Para", by Labbe and Cossart.

Well, yeah, that's true. Its just that you don't like it because you don't believe the Word of God:

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

The Catholic Church and that includes the Pope and her Bishops, is the presence of God on earth.

The Catholic Church takes seriously the Word of God and believes it.

"Long ages ago, when Rome through the neglect of the Western emperors was left to the mercy of the barbarous hordes, the Romans turned to one figure for aid and protection, and asked him to rule them; and thus, . . . commenced the temporal sovereignty of the popes. And meekly stepping to the throne of Caesar, the vicar of Christ took up the scepter to which the emperors and kings of Europe were to bow in reverence through so many ages."--American Catholic Quarterly Review, April, 1911. ....

Pope Pius IX, in his "Discorsi" (I., p. 253), said: "The Caesar who now addresses you, and to whom alone are obedience and fidelity due."

All those are also true. Long ago, in a more spiritual age, the people turned to the Catholic Church for protection against earthly despots.

[Speaking of the time, about 500 A.D., when the Roman Empire was crumbling to pieces:] "No, the [Catholic] Church will not descend into the tomb. It will survive the Empire . . . At length a second empire will arise, and of this empire the Pope will be the master--more then this, he will be the master of Europe. He will dictate his orders to kings who will obey them"--Andrea Lagarde, The Latin Church in the Middle Ages, 1915 p. vi.

He is right that the Catholic Church is infallible. Jesus Christ declared it so (Matt 16:18-19).


cont'd

"The Bible was not intended to be a textbook of Christian religion." -Catholic Facts, p. 50

I disagree with that. In my opinion, it is the first Catholic Catechism.

Your religion hates the Bible and is not the one found in the New Testament

On the contrary, the Catholic Church wrote the New Testament and put the Bible together. And the Catholic Church is the Church which is described in Scripture:

First, Jesus Christ appointed a Pastor as head of the entire Church: 
John 21:17 

Second, Jesus Christ said that the Pastor over His Church would be infallible: 
Matthew 16:17-19 

Third, Scripture describes the Church as infallible: 
Ephesians 3:10 

4th, Scripture says that Jesus Christ established one Church. 
Matt 16:18

Those four alone disqualify any Protestant Church. Add these other distinctives:

The Church which is united (Eph 4:5).
The doctrines of the Catholic Church which are distinctive from other churches:
Purgatory (1 Cor  3:15)
Eucharist (1 Cor 11:23-27).
Communion of Saints (Rom 12:12-20).
The Mass and the necessity to attend (Heb 10:25-31).
The Sacrament of Confession (Heb 13:17)
The Sacrament of Holy Orders (1 Tim 4:14)
The Sacrament of Baptism (Titus 3:5).
Justification and salvation by faith and works (Rom 2:1-13).

And it is undeniably the Catholic Church which is described in Scripture. 

What does the Bible say about Transubstantiation?

Nothing.

Transubstantiation is a big word that means changing one substance to another.  The word itself is never found in Scripture because the word had not yet been coined.  That wouldn't happen for many more centuries.

However, there are examples of transubstantiation in the Bible.  Jesus Christ transubstantiated water into wine in the Wedding at Cana.

And Jesus Christ transubstantiated bread into His Body and wine into His Blood in the Last Supper.

Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

What does the Bible say about the Eucharist?

First of all, what is the Eucharist?  

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Bread and Wine which are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  

The word, "eucharist" comes from the Greek word, "eucharistia" which means "thanksgiving".  

The reason that this word has come to represent the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ is because in Luke 22:17, it is recorded that in the Last Supper, when Jesus established this Sacrament,  "…He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves".

And likewise in Luke 22:19, "He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

The underlying word for "gave thanks" is "eucharistia.  

It is used in the same way by St. Paul in 1 Cor 11:24.

1 Corinthians 11:24

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

God made rules and established rituals. Obey Him.

de Maria March 28, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Peter Pereira March 25, 2013 at 1:03 PM
A dictionary definition of “religion” would be something similar to “belief in God or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conduct and ritual; any specific system of belief, worship, etc., often involving a code of ethics.” In light of this definition, the Bible does speak of organized religion,

Agreed.

but in many cases the purpose and impact of “organized religion” are not something that God is pleased with.

The only organized religions to which God is opposed in Scripture, are those which worship other gods. Do you have any evidence that God opposes organized efforts to worship Him?

In Genesis chapter 11, perhaps the first instance of organized religion, the descendants of Noah organized themselves to build the tower of Babel instead of obeying God’s command to fill the entire earth. They believed that their unity was more important than their relationship with God. God stepped in and confused their languages, thus breaking up this organized religion.

Good example of what I’m talking about. You have also admitted that they “disobeyed” God. Therefore, God was opposed to this organization.

In Exodus chapter 6 and following, God “organized” a religion for the nation of Israel. The Ten Commandments, the laws regarding the tabernacle, and the sacrificial system were all instituted by God and were to be followed by the Israelites. Further study of the New Testament clarifies that the intent of this religion was to point to the need for a Savior-Messiah (Galatians 3; Romans 7). However, many have misunderstood this and have worshipped the rules and rituals rather than God.

I don’t know of any who worship the rules and rituals. The rules in the Catholic Church are to ensure obedience to God. And the rituals are to ensure proper worship of God.

Throughout Israel’s history, many of the conflicts experienced by the Israelites involved conflict with organized religions. Examples include the worship of Baal (Judges 6; 1 Kings 18), Dagon (1 Samuel 5), and Molech (2 Kings 23:10). God defeated the followers of these religions, displaying His sovereignty and omnipotence.

Exactly. God organized a true religion to oppose the world’s false religions.

In the Gospels, the Pharisees and Sadducees are depicted as the representatives of organized religion at the time of Christ. Jesus constantly confronted them about their false teachings and hypocritical lifestyles. In the Epistles, there were organized groups that mixed the gospel with certain lists of required works and rituals. They also sought to put pressure on believers to change and accept these “Christianity plus” religions.

Christianity plus? You mean like this one?
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Galatians and Colossians give warnings about such religions. In the book of Revelation, organized religion will have an impact on the world as the Antichrist sets up a one-world religion.

All the while, the Catholic Church which Jesus organized will oppose all those who worship the anti-Christ and all those who bring about heresies and errors. Scripture says:
Ephesians 3:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

In many cases, the end result of organized religion is a distraction from the intent of God.

On the contrary, the religion which God organized does not distract from but focus upon, God.

However, the Bible does speak of organized believers who are part of His plan. God calls these groups of organized believers “churches.” The descriptions from the book of Acts and the Epistles indicate that the church is to be organized and interdependent. The organization leads to protection, productivity, and outreach (Acts 2:41-47). In the case of the church, it could better be called an “organized relationship.”

Religion is a relationship with God.

Religion is man’s attempt to have communion with God.

True Religion is God’s revelation instructing man how to have communion with Him:
1 Corinthians 11:24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

The Christian faith is a relationship with God because of what He has done for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is no plan to reach God (He has reached out to us—Romans 5:8). There is no pride (all is received by grace—Ephesians 2:8-9). There should be no conflict over leadership (Christ is the head—Colossians 1:18). There should be no prejudice (we are all one in Christ—Galatians 3:28). Being organized is not the problem. Focusing on the rules and rituals of a religion is the problem.

Disobedience is the problem. God made rules and established rituals. Obey Him:
Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Sincerely,

De Maria