Faith and obedience

DE MARIA May 23, 2013 at 8:06 pm

ROBERT May 23, 2013 at 7:21 pmI have to say, it does matter what the pope was actually saying. …. (And yes, I know he wasn’t speaking ex cathedra. The pope is infallible except when he’s not. It’s a weasely doctrine.)

Are you having trouble accepting that you don’t have all the answers? You might want to consider what Scripture says:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

And:
Hebrews 13:17
King James Version (KJV)
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Or do you consider those weasely doctrines too?

Who was harsh?

De Maria August 9, 2012 at 5:30 PM

you said:
Steve, you are a convert to Catholicism from the Evangelical church. I am a convert from Islam into Christianity at large. Converts have a tendency to react harshly against their past, thus be fanatic.

Perhaps you are projecting. I have found that converts to Catholicism from Evangelicalism or Protestantism tend to be very charitable towards their former peers.

I love Catholic books; in fact, they are mostly what I read in Arabic Christian books. But if you convert to Catholicism, you don’t have to swallow every phrase of their own. It is okay to be a Catholic convert par excellent and still have reservations on their excesses. To have excesses is human. We as humans like to give big, huge titles such as the Holy Father, the Holy of Holies, the Best in the best or the best of the West, and it even gets more interesting when you deal with a Semitic person like me, we like to exaggerate; we thrive on exaggeration. Unless an Arab like me exaggerates, he hasn’t expressed himself. So, the phrase “Holy Father” while I see it as a title of respect and it is okay, but it is still an excess in expression, and it lends to man more than what he can afford.

Respectfully, I disagree. Perhaps you didn’t read the entire explanation which Steve gave. But I thought it was excellent. The title does not imply that the Pope will never sin. It means that he has been set apart, as have all of us who are Baptized. We are set apart and in that sense “holy”. The Holy Father is set apart in a more exclusive sense, since Jesus set him apart to shepherd His people (John 21:17).

He is indeed a man like you and me, same thing like our Lord Jesus Christ in His full divinity, a man like you and me.

I’m not quite following that one. Are you saying that Jesus Christ was a man like you and I? You have not left Islam behind completely, it seems. In Christianity, we believe that Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.

Sincerely,

De Maria

De Maria August 9, 2012 at 5:45 PM

There were comments made concerning that Steve may have been “harsh” in his response.

It seems to me, when someone yells out “The Pope is a sinner….” in the middle of a Catholic conference, that person is not being especially caring about Catholic sensitivities. Therefore, Steve’s response seemed perfectly attuned to the nature of the communication. That was not a question of inquiry. It was a question wrapped in an insult.

Just my two cents.

Sincerely,

De Maria

St. Peter's confession

De Maria December 3, 2012 at 8:01 PM

Hello again,

Well.. it does not matter whether Peter, Nathaniel or Thomas made confessions.. the mere fact is St.Peter denied Jesus..

And the other Apostles abandoned him, except St. John. But Jesus forgave them all.

St Paul also rebuked St Peter for preaching wrong doctrine.

True. And in so doing revealed his human failings. St. Peter honorably and humbly never even mentions this episode in which St. Paul rebukes St. Peter for doing something which St. Paul no only recommends doing:
1 Corinthians 9:22
King James Version (KJV)
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

And preaches against causing our brothers to sin by eating certain foods:
1 Corinthians 8:9-12
King James Version (KJV)
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

And neglects to mention that he circumcised St. Timothy because of pressure from the self same group:
Acts 16:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

So, what we have here is a St. Paul hypocritically rebuking St. Peter for actions which he commits on a regular basis and which he advises others to do as though they were virtuous.

Certainly no one will be in position to rebuke the popes’ when they dispense their heretic teachings, since they claim infallibility when speaking ex-cathedra.

1. The Popes have never dispensed heretical teachings.
2. Even so, there are many Saints which through the years have rebuked and advised Popes and Bishops.
3. It is the Protestants who will not listen to rebuke or advise concerning the errors which they have added to the Scriptures.

We also see criminals in court case proceeding make a confession on oath to speaking the truth before the judge, but eventually tell lies to get themselves bailed out. I do believe we have to go out into the world and proclaim the gospel and it is the duty of everyone. Many times it is recorded that Roman Catholics have denied Jesus as the only way (Mother Theresa for example), so it is insincere to make a case for Roman Catholicism by make making imaginary claims.

It is Protestants who deny Christ everytime they reject the Eucharist, the Mass and the Catholic Church. Mother Theresa is one of Christ’s shining stars. Catholics do not deny Christ but live in accordance with His Commandments and submit to His Church and His Sacraments.

Sincerely,

De Maria

St. Peter vs St. Paul and St. Peter vs Jesus

De Maria December 3, 2012 at 8:51 PM

Someone added these comments:
December 2, 2012 at 11:59 AM
I would also like to add the following…

St Paul makes a claim in Ephesians 3:2-4, that the dispensation of the Grace of God was given to him (St Paul). So, if St Peter was the rock, then surely the dispensation of the Grace of God would be given to him (St. Peter), instead. But it is not the case, which proves that St.Peter is not the rock – the rock is Jesus Christ.

December 2, 2012 at 12:06 PM
It is very clear in Ephesians 3:2-4 that the “revelation” of the dispensation of the Grace of God was given to St.Paul and not St.Peter, effectually shutting down the presumption that St. Peter was the rock and the bishop of Rome claiming apostolic succession is without foundation.

St. Paul received the same revelation which Jesus Christ dispensed unto all the Apostles and disciples before him. The only difference being that St. Paul was set apart that he might focus on the Gentiles. Oh, that dispensation of the Grace of God, is also known as the Mass:

1 Corinthians 11:23-25
King James Version (KJV)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 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. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

This is how the Grace of God is dispensed unto the members of the Body of Christ. And it was revealed to the Apostles and Disciples, long before Christ revealed it to St. Paul:
Mark 14:21-24
King James Version (KJV)
21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. 22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

St. Peter is the Rock and the dispensation was given to him long before it was given to St. Paul. Only it was revealed to St. Peter by Jesus Christ in the flesh. Whereas it was revealed to St. Paul by Jesus Christ in a vision.

Sincerely,

De Maria

St. Peter, the first Apostle to the Gentiles

De Maria December 3, 2012 at 7:47 PM

Hello,

you said:

In light of scripture in Ephesians 3:2-4, there is no “exclusivity” in the Kingdom of God.

I have no idea what you are talking about. I see nothing there which addresses “exclusivity”.
Ephesians 3:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Scripture clearly says that St.Peter was the apostle to the “Jews” while St.Paul was to the Gentiles.

Are you saying that Scripture exclusively appoints St. Peter to the Jews and St. Paul to the Gentiles? If so, then you are contradicting yourself.

And you are also wrong. Who said?

Acts 15:7
And when there had been much disputing,… rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

That’s why the Epistle of St.Paul to the Ephesians church is the”queen” of the New Testament epistles,

Really? Who made that decision? It sounds to me like a decision of men.

because it exhorts what God has wrought for all believers in Christ Jesus.

We find that exhortation in many Epistles:

Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Colossians 2:10-12
King James Version (KJV)
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

So, I disagree in your evaluation of Ephesians as the “queen” of the Epistles. My favorite, is Romans 8:
Romans 8:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

We are saved by “faith”

But not by faith alone.

and sealed by the Holy Spirit the moment we trusted completely in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13 – In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise).

That is a reference to the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. After one believes, he requests Baptism. After he receives Baptism, he is confirmed and is sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.

St.Paul clearly teaches in Ephesians 2:14 that Christ is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Jews and Gentiles).

True. And notice that he does not shun the Jews but also teaches them as well as the Gentiles.

Jesus/God chose to reveal the revelation on the Grace of God thru his servant and apostle St.Paul and not St.Peter.

Through both. But mainly by St. Peter. True, St. Paul wrote more books. But St. Peter had been the Prince of the Apostles and leader of the Church for many years before St. Paul came on the scene.

Is St.Peter is the rock, than the revelation would have been given to him (St.Peter) instead, which is not. I trust what the scriptures says. I’m skeptical of what church fathers taught.

You don’t understand what Scripture teaches. Here is what St. Peter says:
2 Peter 1
King James Version (KJV)
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.

You pit one Apostle against another as though they were from two different Churches. But there is only one Body of Christ. One Church. And He appointed St. Peter its leader and St. Paul one of his followers.

Sincerely,

De Maria

The errors of the Protestants

Many people seem offended, even Catholics, because I say that there are errors in Protestant theology.  ???  Really?

On Catholic365, I recently posted some articles which made a couple of Catholics upset.  I could hardly believe it.

I can see why Protestants might object.  But Catholics?

Um?  I don’t know what to say.  Should I make believe that Protestants have no errors in their theology?  Even if I would, the Church doesn’t.  

Protestants, how is their theology wrong?  Let me count the ways.

Every time the Catholic Church teaches one thing and the Protestants teach the exact opposite or simply reject the Teaching of the Catholic Church, they are wrong.  They are teaching error.  And folks, these errors are whoppers.  

Two contradicting statements cannot both be true at the same time.

They deny the authority of the Pope

That, is an error in their theology.  It is an innovation wherein they want to impose their will upon God.  It is God who said:

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 Catholic Church says:

Vatican I

Chapter 2. 

On the permanence of the primacy of blessed Peter in the Roman pontiffs

5. Therefore, if anyone says that it is not by the institution of Christ the lord himself (that is to say, by divine law) that blessed Peter should have perpetual successors in the primacy over the whole Church; or that the Roman Pontiff is not the successor of blessed Peter in this primacy: let him be anathema.

Anathema

Do you know what that means?  The Church which binds and looses on earth and in heaven  has pronounced that all those who deny the authority of the Pope, are condemned by God.

Should we ignore that error?  

They deny the authority of the Church

Does anyone know any Protestants who do not deny the authority of the Catholic Church?

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Canon 20.

If anyone says that a man who is justified and however perfect is not bound to observe the commandments of God and the Church, but only to believe, as if the Gospel were a bare and absolute promise of eternal life without the condition of observing the commandments, let him be anathema. (Council of Trent, Session VI)

Canon 33.

If anyone says that the Catholic doctrine of justification as set forth by the holy council in the present decree, derogates in some respect from the glory of God or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, and does not rather illustrate the truth of our faith and no less the glory of God and of Christ Jesus, let him be anathema. (Council of Trent, Session VI)

Uh, yeah.  Anathema.  Again.

Do you know any Protestants who do not deny the Commandments of the Church and who do not reject the Infallible Teaching of the Council of Trent?

Should we ignore that error, as well? 

Thy preach Sola Scriptura

There are a few Protestants who give lip service to keeping tradition.  But for the most part, they eschew Sacred Tradition for their own interpretations of Scripture:

The Church anathematizes Sola Scriptura

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Council of Trent

Session IV

Following, then, the examples of the orthodox Fathers, it receives and venerates with a feeling of piety and reverence all the books both of the Old and New Testaments, since one God is the author of both; also the traditions, whether they relate to faith or to morals, as having been dictated either orally by Christ or by the Holy Ghost, and preserved in the Catholic Church in unbroken succession….If anyone does not accept as sacred and canonical the aforesaid books in their entirety and with all their parts, as they have been accustomed to be read in the Catholic Church and as they are contained in the old Latin Vulgate Edition, and knowingly and deliberately rejects the aforesaid traditions, let him be anathema.

They preach Sola Fide

Rather than understanding that those who do not do good works will not be saved, they claim that we are justified by faith alone.

The Church anathematizes Sola Fide

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Council of Trent

Session VI

Canon 9.

If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification, and that it is not in any way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will, let him be anathema.

They preach Once Saved Always Saved (aka Absolute Assurance of Salvation)

They claim that once one makes a proclamation of faith, they will no longer lose their salvation, no matter what they do.

The Church anathematizes that error as well

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Canon 16.

If anyone says that he will for certain, with an absolute and infallible certainty, have that great gift of perseverance even to the end, unless he shall have learned this by a special revelation,[120] let him be anathema.  (ibid Council of Trent, Session VI)

Anathema, anathema and more anathema.  Not to mention the fact that they also reject the Mass, the Sacraments and the Holy Eucharist.  The source and summit of our faith.

When ever Protestants contradict the Catholic Church, they contradict the Word of God

Folks, I didn’t even scratch the surface of how much Protestants despise Catholic Teaching.  And by despising Catholic Teaching they reject Christ who speaks through the Catholic Church.

Isn’t Christ enough?

I think so.  But they don’t really have Christ.  They reject Christ in the Holy Eucharist and they deny His Teachings as we have seen above. The Christ in whom they believe is not the True Jesus Christ presented in the Holy Bible.  

The Church Teaches that they can be saved

True.  But the Church does not guarantee their salvation.  The Church doesn’t even guarantee you and I’s salvation.  The Church Teaches that Catholics have the best shot at salvation because we have the fullness of Truth and the fullness of Grace, if we remain in a state of grace and charity towards our fellow man.  

But it will be very difficult for Catholics to be saved.  Do you remember the Teaching about the narrow gate?  It will be more difficult for Protestants to be saved if they remain in their errors.  Everyone of the errors they believe is anathematized by the Catholic Church.  Those anathemas have not been rescinded.  

The Church wants the reunification of the Church, but not at the expense of the Truth.

Summation:  Turning a blind eye to Protestant errors is not in their best interest.  

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

True love does not consist in letting people destroy themselves when that is clearly, not what they intend.  Protestants say they want to be with God for eternity.  They claim they want to be saved.  Let’s help them achieve that goal.

James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Where is the Pope in the Bible?

This is a question which Protestants frequently ask, but it needs some clarification before it can be answered properly. Because, well, it’s complicated. Let me explain. 
Read More...

Within Catholicism we have Theological disagreement which can be resolved by Church authority

DE MARIA February 10, 2015 at 1:47 pm

ROBERT February 10, 2015 at 1:42 pmThat’s demonstrably and historically false. Luther wanted to reform the church. And got the bum’s rush.
Rome can perhaps use this criticism when it can start disciplining either the liberals or conservatives. There is rampant theological disagreement in your communion. Far more than there is between me as a Presbyterian and Michael who is a Reformed Baptist. Yeah, our church doesn’t have the same visible home office. Having the same visible home office isn’t helping you guys stay together.

Lol! THAT is demonstrably false.

Theological disagreement is totally different than Theological revolt. That is the difference between Catholics and Protestants.

Within Catholicism we have Theological disagreement which can be resolved by Church authority. Within Protestantism you have Theological revolt and disarray which is resolved only when one party leaves and establishes his own flavor of religion.

did Luther and Calvin abrogate that passage?

Luther:
And I can give you an example of what the word of God says without any worry about the confusion amongst RC popes who promulgate one thing and then later on having another RC pope recind it.
Here is God's way:The original apostles received all the truth we need to guide us to eternal life, and they wrote this down in the Scriptures.Check it out for yourself rell in the following verses, it has all the truth our Lord tells us that we need to follow.
John 16:13;2 Pet. 1:3;Acts 20:20,27;Matt. 28:20;I Cor. 14:37;2 Tim. 3:16,17).

We follow all of those. Do you follow this one?
Hebrews 13:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Or did Luther and Calvin abrogate that passage?

How about this one?

Romans 2:13

King James Version (KJV)
¹³ (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

And this one:
2 Thessalonians 2:15

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

And this one:
John 14:21-23

King James Version (KJV)
²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Sincerely,

De Maria

What does the Bible say about the Pope?

The word "Pope" is Latin for "Father".  The Bible speaks of God as "Our Father",

Matthew 6:99 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Scripture also says that the Apostles considered themselves the Fathers of their flocks:

1 Corinthians 4:15
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 

1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

Because Jesus Christ appointed Simon to "feed" His flock.  The Church has always called him the first "Pope" or "Father" of the Church:

John 21:1717 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The Pope has more insight into marriage than any married man

Zwingli:

I've never understood how an unmarried, celibate man can ever accurately council a married man with children. It's about as effective as a teenager telling his mom how to be a good mother. Ignorance often breeds surety and arrogance.

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever read the Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body? He has more insight in those volumes than any married man I've ever heard speak on the subject of family.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Jesus built the Catholic Church upon the Rock of Peter

(continued from yesterday)

Lutero:

I do not believe scriptures are the sole authority for the church,

Then you don't agree with Sola Scriptura?

I believe God is.

Can God not appoint rulers in His Church whom we must obey?

Hebrews 13:17

King James Version (KJV)
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Can God not inspire these rulers to speak infallibly today as He did yesterday?

2 Peter 1:19-21

King James Version (KJV)
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.

The scriptures were meant to be expounded by men with the authority of God behind them. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church is a lot different than it was 1,900 years ago and the Protestants are hopelessly divided, so I do not know how the church will attain unity again.

The Catholic Church is the same Church which Jesus built upon the Rock of Peter. I believe the promise of Jesus Christ. The gates of hell have not and will never prevail upon His Church.

Matthew 16:18

King James Version (KJV)
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.

(continued tomorrow)

Yes, St. Peter was infallible

(continued from yesterday)

Lutero
You read more into it than what is there. Jesus never declared Peter infallible.

Yes, He did.

Just read the gospels to find out how fallible all the apostles were.

They were not, as yet, functioning as the Church.

And if you answer their mistakes were before Pentecost

That is correct.

then I will remind you when Paul reprimanded Peter after Pentecost for not eating with the Gentiles because he did not want to offend the Jews.

Hm? St. Paul reprimanded St. Peter for doing what St. Paul recommended? Doesn't St. Paul say:
1 Corinthians 8:13

King James Version (KJV)
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

If that is true, then are you claiming that Scripture contradicts itself? Because St. Paul wrote those words but you claim that he reprimanded St. Peter for not offending the Jews by eating pork with the gentiles.

No, Peter was not infallible.

Yes, St. Peter was infallible. Or are you saying that the Epistles of Peter are filled with error?

He was the authority that Christ put over His church after Christ departed.

Correct.

And Peter had eleven other apostles to keep him in check, in case he were to stumble.

It is the other way around. Scripture is clear:
Luke 22:30-32

King James Version (KJV)
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Let me end with this quote from Peter, himself,

"...there is no man who ought to be ashamed of this [their lack of skill], because there is no man who ought to profess that he knows all things; for there is only One who knows all things, even He who also made all things. For if our Master declared that He knew not the day and the hour whose signs even He foretold, and referred the whole to the Father, how shall we account it disgraceful to confess that we are ignorant of some things, since in this we have the example of our Master? But this only we profess, that we know those things which we have learned from the true Prophet; and that those things have been delivered to us by the true Prophet, which He judged to be sufficient for human knowledge." Peter,Recognitions of clement, Book 10, chapter 14

KEY WORDS

how shall we account it disgraceful to confess that we are ignorant of some things,since in this we have the example of our Master?

Clement is here comparing the office of Peter to "our Master". Who is "our Master"? Is it not Jesus Christ?

If Jesus Christ is not infallible, then you are correct. But I believe Jesus Christ is infallible. And the office of the Papacy holds His representative on earth and is therefore infallible by virtue of His infallibility.

That is why He signified it with His name. The Rock.

(to be continued)

Jesus Christ declared the Pope infallible

Lutero:
Definitely, the popes have taken authority to an extreme. like I said to Ignatius earlier, the early church authority was decentralized to the bishops and the bishop of Rome was a central point of communication between the different regions. It was a later Pope who declared himself infallible.

Jesus Christ declared the Pope infallible:

Matthew 16:18-19
King James Version (KJV)
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.

Lets go through that in detail. But first, why did Jesus give Simon the name, “Rock”? Perhaps you never wondered. Here’s why.Because He wanted all to know that Simon would be he to whom all must turn who want to know God’s will. There is a precedent for this in Scripture:

Exodus 7:1
King James Version (KJV)
7 And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Exodus 18:13-15
King James Version (KJV)
13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?15 And Moses said unto his father in law, 
Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

Exodus 19:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord.
God put Moses in a position of authority over the people. Jesus has done the same thing with Simon. God covered Moses with the Cloud, Jesus gave Simon His own name, Rock along with the keys to the Kingdom (Matt 16:18-19) and appointed him Shepherd over the Church (John 21:15-17).

In the same way, Jesus has appointed Simon as Shepherd over His flock. 

John 21:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.


16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.


17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

And in order to bring this point home, Jesus gave Simon His own name, “Rock” or “Peter”.
This is to signify the type of authority which Jesus has given to Simon. He has the authority to bind and loose in the God’s name.

Ok, let's go through it.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, 

Jesus, speaking to Simon, names him "Rock". That is the meaning of the name "Peter". Heretofore, the only Rock in Scripture has been God. Therefore, Jesus has given Simon, His own name. This is significant. It means that Simon is now God's representative upon earth. The rest follows logically.

and upon this rock I will build my church; 

Since Peter is Christ's representative, it is logical that Jesus would organize His Church around St. Peter. This is why we can say that the Church is the Body of Christ. It is Christ's CORPORATION. St. Peter is the Chief Officer. The Apostles the Board of Directors.

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Again, because Peter is Christ's representative, it is logical that the Church will prevail against the gates of hell. Hell is in a state of siege from the moment that Jesus was conceived. Upon His death, Jesus stormed hell and set the captives free:
Hebrews 9:15-17

King James Version (KJV)
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

From this point on, the Catholic Church which Jesus established has kept Satan in a state of siege. From the moment that any man is baptized, they are snatched out of Satan's hands and joined to the Church:

Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.….47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The Catholic Church sets the captives free in the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the gates of hell do not prevail against that infallible institution which Jesus Christ built upon that infallible office.

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.


Everything which Peter binds upon earth is bound in heaven. Everything he looses upon earth is loosed in heaven. That is not only infallibility. That is also saving power. God has given the office of Peter awesome power. And all that we can do is sit back and gasp:
Matthew 9:8

King James Version (KJV)
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Yeah! Christ declared the Pope, infallible!

(to be continued tomorrow)