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Vindicated By
Protestant Bible
This booklet recalls how Christ's Church existed 350
years before the New Testament was under one cover and over 1400 years before
it could actually be printed, which completely refutes the "Bible
Only" theory of today's thousands of Protestant sects. Meanwhile the
Protestant Bible itself proves the marks, attributes and basic doctrines of the
ancient one-faith-one fold, one shepherd
ANSWERS TO 25 QUESTIONS ON THE
HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
WHICH COMPLETELY REFUTE THE "BIBLE ONLY"
THEORY
ONE
Did our Lord himself write any part of the New
Testament or command his Apostles to do so? Our Lord himself
never wrote a line, or is there any record that He ordered his Apostles to
write; He did command them, however, to teach and to preach. Also
He to whom all power was given in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28: 18),
promised to give them the Holy Spirit (John 14: 28), and to be with them
himself until the end of the world (Matthew 28: 20).
Observation: If
reading the Bible were an absolutely necessary means for salvation, our Lord
would have made that statement and also provided the necessary means to do so
by his followers.
TWO
How many of the Apostles or others actually wrote what
is in the New Testament? A few of the
Apostles wrote part of the Lord's teachings as they themselves expressly
stated; that is, Peter, Paul, James, John, Jude, Matthew, along with SS. Mark
and Luke. None of the others wrote anything.
Observation: If
the Bible privately and personally interpreted was to be a divine rule of
faith, the apostles would have been derelict in their duty when, instead, some
of them adopted preaching only and were not inspired to put into writing
Christ's teaching for their listeners.
THREE
Was it a
teaching or a
Romans
10:17 So then
faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Matthew
28:19 Go ye
therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
Mark
16:15 And they
went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the
word with signs following. Amen.
Mark
16:15 And he
said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature.
Observation: Thus falls apart the entire basis for the
"Bible-only" theory.
FOUR
Was there
any drastic difference between what our Lord commanded
the Apostles to teach and what the New Testament contains? Our Lord commanded his Apostles to teach all things
He commanded; (Matthew 28: 20); his Church must necessarily teach everything;
(John 14: 26), however the Protestant Bible itself teaches that the Bible does
not contain all of our Lord's teachings.
John
20: 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the
presence of his disciples which are not written in this book.
John
21: 25 And there are also many other things which
Jesus did, the which, if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even
the world itself could not contain the books that it should be written. Amen.
Observation: How would it have been possible for
second century Christians to put into practice our Lord's religions teachings,
if private interpretation of an unavailable and only partial account of
Christ's teachings were available?
FIVE
Does the New
Testament expressly refer to Christ's "unwritten word?" The New Testament expressly teaches that it
does not contain all our Lord did, or, consequently, all that He taught.
John
20: 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the
presence of his disciples which are not written in this book.
John
21: 25 And there are also many other things which
Jesus did, the which if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even
the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Observation: Since the Bible is not the total and
complete revelation of God's truth to us, it needs something else to supplement
it, that is, the spoken or historically recorded and expositive word which we
call Tradition.
SIX
What became
of the unwritten truths which our Lord and the Apostles taught? The Church has very carefully conserved this
"word of mouth" teaching by historical records called Tradition. Even
the Protestant Bible teaches that many Christian truths were handed down by
word of mouth,
2 Thessalonians 2; 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the
traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or in our epistle.
2 Timothy 2: 2 And the things that thou hast
heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who
shall be able to teach others also.
Observation: Hence, not only the Scripture, but other
sources of information must be consulted to get the whole of Christ's teaching.
Religions founded on "the Bible only" are therefore necessarily
incomplete and salutarily ineffective.
SEVEN
Between what
years were the first and last books of the New Testament written? The first book, St. Matthew's gospel, was not written
until about ten years after our Lord's Ascension.
Observation: Imagine how the present-day privately
interpreted "Bible-only" theory would have appeared at a time when
the books of the New Testament were not only unavailable, but most of them were
not even yet written.
EIGHT
When were
the entire New Testament writings gathered together into one book? In 397 AD, at the Council of Carthage from which it
follows that all non-Orthodox have derived their New Testament composition of
books from the
Observation: Until the Council of Carthage, some
Christian believers had access to parts of the New Testament; into this
situation, how would the "Bible-only" theory, privately interpreted
have fitted?
NINE
Why so much
delay in compiling the New Testament?
Throughout early Church history, the various books of the New Testament were
not bound together, but were in the custody of different groups of believers or
various congregations or churches to whom they were addressed. The persecutions
against the Church, which gained new intensity as years passed, prevented the
New Testament books from being properly authenticated and recognized by the
Body of Christ. However, this important work was begun only after Emperor
Constantine gave peace to Christianity in 313 AD, allowing it to be publicly
accepted and practiced in the
Observation: This once again repeats the impossibility
of the "Bible only" theory, at least up to around 400 AD.
TEN
What other
problems confronted those who wished to determine the contents of the New
Testament? Before the inspired books
were recognized as such, many other books had been written by various
individuals in the Church to advance their own personal thinking and teaching.
Many of these were thought to be inspired; hence the
Observation: According to the present-day
"Bible-only" theory, in the above circumstances, it would also have
been necessary for early Christians to read all the doubtful books and, by
interior illumination or inspiration, judge which were
and which were not divinely inspired.
ELEVEN
Who finally
did decide which books were inspired and therefore belong to the Canon of New
Testament writings? Studies and
deliberations of all sorts preceded the first Council of the Church to discuss
in depth the inspiration requirement. Thus it is the Holy Spirit who determined
the content of Scripture, both in detail and generally as part of the
revelation of God to man. It was the Holy Spirit who inspired the Fathers of
the Councils, the bishops of the Church to make a determination. The same Holy
Spirit who filled the heart, mind and soul of the individual writers with the
heavenly message of salvation, also led the leaders of the Church into an
understanding of God's mind in this regard, making them but willing instruments
of God's will.
The bishops, understanding the promise of Christ's
presence by the grace of the Holy Spirit, in his Body, the Church, petitioned
the continued on-going inspiration of the third Person of the Holy Trinity for
the divine institution to manifest God's will and finally decided which books
really belonged to the New Testament and which were simply spurious.
Either the
If the Church is infallible in what it teaches about
salvation then, why is it not infallible now? If the Church was not infallible
in its conclusions concerning the contents of the New Testament then, the
entire New Testament portion of Scripture is not worth the paper it is printed
on, because internal evidence of authenticity and inspiration are inconclusive
and because the work of the Councils of the Church cannot now be rechecked.
Observation: In view of history which cannot be
altered, it is difficult to see how those outside the Body of Christ can deny
it is from the Orthodox Church they received the New Testament. It is inspired
and guided Orthodox bishops who prayerfully determined the New Testament Canon.
It is our Church which codified God's revelation to mankind for safe keeping.
TWELVE
Why is it
impossible for modem sectarians to check over the work done by the Church
previous to 400 AD? The original
writings and recording of the functioning discussions and deliberations of the
early Councils of the Church were made on frail papyrus, which had but
temporary and limited enduring qualities. Of course, through the years,
additional copies carefully made by monastics, both
of the actual deliberations, of the actual Scripture itself, and even those
rejected by the Church were carefully made. Many times, the originals of the
spurious documents were allowed to disintegrate, for lack of further interest
in them and because of the problems their polemics caused in the life of the Church.
In addition, because of the persecutions, all sorts of documents of the Church,
both authentic teaching and recorded heresy were destroyed by the unwitting
enemies of Christ.
Observation: If the Holy Spirit lives in the Body of
Christ as promised by Christ and guarantees her indefectablity,
why do sectarians, who depend so much on Scripture no longer believe and accept
this reality? Christ's Church acted under divine inspiration then, why do they
not seek it out now? Is it simply an emotional response to the horrendous sins
and covered up shortcomings of their Roman mother?
THIRTEEN
Would the
theory of private interpretation of the New Testament have been possible for
the year 400 AD? Plainly no, because
as already stated, there was no New Testament as such in existence.
Observation: If today the sectarians had no Bible, how
could they even imagine to fabricate following the
"Bible-only" privately and individually interpreted theory; but prior
to the public life of the Church, there was no New Testament as we now know it.
FOURTEEN
Would the
private interpretation theory have been possible between 400 AD and 1440 AD
when the printing process was invented?
The cost of individual Bibles, hand copied, would have
been prohibitive even for well-to-do individuals; moreover, due to the scarcity
of books in general and other reasons, the ability to read was limited to a
small minority. Consequently the Church employed the spoken word, in homilies
and sermons as well as iconography and other means to convey Biblical messages
and values. Much of Scripture was incorporated into the hymnology of the
various services such as Matins and Vespers, along with the Divine Liturgy
itself, which were attended by the faithful. It is from all these sources
believers learned of and were well informed and aware of God's revealed values
because they were continually echoed in the daily prayer and worship life of
the Church. For centuries, Scripture was taught from mouth to listening ear due
to varying circumstances. The message was never lost in spite of man's limitations.
Observation: To propose an adherence to a
"Bible-only" theory during the period of the dark ages would obviously
have been impracticable and irrational as well as indicative of a lack of
realistic approach to the limitations of culture and society in the West.
FIFTEEN
Who copied
and conserved the Bible during the interval between 400 AD and 1440 AD? It was in the monasteries of the Church, throughout
the empire that Scripture was copied, page by page by devoted religious who
spent their entire lives in many instances to give the world personally-penned copies
of the Scriptures before printing was developed. Scriptures were needed in
parish churches and in monasteries where they were used in worship, in study
and in singing praise.
Observation: In spite of its devotion to God's word in
worship, and in lifestyle, the Church of Christ, simply because she had a
common history with the Church in the west, for a thousand years, is often
accused of having tried to destroy God's revelation to man. Had she desired to
do this, Orthodoxy had some 1500 years to achieve it.
SIXTEEN
Who gave the
reformers the authority to change over from the one faith, one Lord, one
baptism approach to salvation, to that of the "Bible-only" theory? It is the incredibly depraved set of circumstances
which gradually developed in the west after the Roman patriarchate separated
itself from the original four other ancient patriarchates that degeneration of
faith occurred.
However, neither of them looked to the Scripture whose
interpretation they both began to approach from new and novel directions. The
Popes, pre-occupied with their own political ambitions, were being led by
obtuse spirits which inspired them to create grave scandal for the faithful. So
utterly disgusted with the personal behavior of these so-called leaders, the
conclusion was quickly drawn that God certainly was not leading them, nor for
that matter, even present among them. Consequently, the entire basis of faith
had to be re-aligned in response to the utter void witnessed in the rational humanist
west. To get people to leave Roman jurisdiction became an obsession for many
reformists. Any means would suffice, so an appeal was made to the least common
denominator in frustrated papists: interpret God's revelation as it best suits
the individual! In so doing, they thought a higher value would be achieved
because of the low depths to which religious expression had fallen. Today, we
see history repeating itself in the west as droves are
abandoning the Roman Church.
Each side had its own political agenda to advance as
increased funds were being expended for an opulent fife style in
Observations: Since
SEVENTEEN
Since Luther,
what consequences have followed from the use of the "Bible-only"
theory and personal interpretation?
Precisely what
Observation: No doubt the "Bible-only"
theory caters to the self-exaltation and self-delusion of the individual, but
it certainly does not lead to the acquisition of divine truth to achieve
holiness or salvation.
EIGHTEEN
In the
vehicle of salvation established by Christ, what important part has the Bible? There is no question but that God's revelation to us
is a precious source of truth and inspiration; but equally important are the
historical records and insightful understanding known as Tradition expressing
itself in the daily life of the Body of Christ. But unquestionably the most
important is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who not only directs the
authenticity of teaching in Scripture, but its vital importance in the detailed
life of the Church. The same Holy Spirit who inspires Scripture inspires the
whole way of life for the continuity of the vehicle of salvation.
Observation: Elimination of any of these elements in
the equation of Christ's Body is fatal to its identity as the salutary way of
life for needy man.
NINETEEN
Now that the
New Testament is complete and available, what insolvable problem still remains? The impossibility of the Bible to
explain itself and the consequent multiplicity of errors which individuals make
by their theory of private and personal interpretation. Hence it is
indisputable that the Bible must have an authorized interpreter.
2 Peter 1: 20 Knowing this first, that no
prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 3: 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these
things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their
own destruction.
Acts of the Apostles 8: 30, 31 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard
him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I, except some men should guide
me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Observation: Only by approaching Scripture on the
supposition that falsehood is as acceptable to God as is absolute truth, can
the "Bible-only" theory be defended and advanced.
TWENTY
Who is the
official expounder of Scripture? The Holy Spirit, acting through and within the Body of Christ, the
Church established by Christ some twenty centuries ago. The Bible
teaches through whom in the Church come the official interpretations of God's
law and revealed word.
Luke 10: 16 He that hears you hears me; and
that despiseth you despiseth
me; and he that despiseth me despiseth
him that sent me.
Matthew 16: 18 And I say 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.
Malachi 2: 7 For the priest's lips shall keep
knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger
of the Lord of hosts.
Observation: Formerly at least, it was commonly held
that when individuals read their Bibles carefully and prayerfully, the Holy
Spirit would guide each individual to a knowledge of the truth. This is far
more than even the Church claims for itself because it
is only when the bishops gather under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in
Council are their decisions binding on the conscience of the faithful. In the
life of the Body of Christ, only after extended consultation and study with
much fervent intercessory prayer, do the bishops enjoin the faithful to respond
positively.
TWENTY- ONE
What are the
effects of use of the Bible in the Body of Christ? Regardless of what uninformed minds may think of the
Church of Jesus Christ, they are brought to admission that Christ's truth
prevails and the unity of unadulterated faith throughout the world remains distinct
and unchanged. One Lord, one faith, one baptism continues to describe the Body
of Christ, the only vehicle of salvation.
Observation: If the countless numbers of sectarians in
all nations, by reading their Bible seriously, carefully and prayerfully, had
come to exactly the same faith expression, reached the precise same
conclusions, then this theory might deserve the serious consideration of
intelligent, well-disposed persons, but not otherwise. All it has achieved is
further splintering of faith commitment and scandal for the name of Christians
because those who advance it erroneously, still claim
to be followers of Christ and will not admit they are at odds with the Creator.
TWENTY-TWO
Why are
there so many sectarian churches? Because there is so much different interpretation and understanding
and approach to God's revelation to us in Scripture. There is so much
different interpretation because it has become respectable and literally the
American way to be different, simply for that reason. There is so much
different interpretation because there is so much wrong and incorrect
interpretation; there is so much wrong interpretation because the system that
has gained respect among sectarians is radically wrong and not at all
consistent with the nature of the Holy Spirit who guides the Church in truth.
You cannot have one fold and one shepherd, one faith and one baptism, by
allowing every man to distort and pervert the meaning of Scripture to suit
personal pet theories You cannot create an emotionally
charged atmosphere in which to teach the stability of faith commitment. A person
cannot decide himself what his response to God's loving invitation is going to
be; it must be congruent with God's will.
Observation: To contend that Bible reading is an
intensely Christian practice is to enunciate a beautiful and necessary truth;
but to contend Bible reading is the sole source of religious faith is to make a
sadly misleading and misguided erroneous statement.
TWENTY-THREE
Without
divine aid, can the
Observation: Orthodox believers love, venerate, use
the Bible in all divine services, particularly at the Divine Liturgy which is
based on the Scripture itself The Gospel Book is enthroned solemnly on the
altar table and read from at various services. The Word of God is venerated,
even reverently kissed as the expression of God's love for mankind. But genuine
believers know that the Bible all by itself is not Christ's system but only a
precious book, an aid by which the Church carries on her mission to
"preach the gospel to every living creature" and to keep on preaching
and living it "to the end of time."
TWENTY-FOUR
Were there
any printed Bibles before Luther?
Unquestionably there were copies of the Bible in various so-called Catholic
countries before Luther as there were multiple editions of Scripture in all
Orthodox nations. Public access to Scripture was not possible until John
Gutenberg began the popular printing process. Where the influence of the Church
prevailed, Christian faith prevailed and was lived. The Protestant version of
Scripture with its omission of various contested books did not appear until
1534. Undoubtedly, Luther's "discovery" of the supposedly unknown
Bible at
Observation: As has always been the case in Orthodoxy,
divine services are celebrated in the understandable language of the people, so
that the same dire circumstances have not obtained in Orthodox Church history.
In the decadent west, you had the insistence on a common language, in their
case, Latin, to identify the unity of their church. Very quickly this became non-understandable
to the masses and was celebrated by rote since the poorly formed priestly
celebrants could not comprehend its meaning either. In such circumstances a
disaster was simply waiting to occur. The degeneracy of faith opened up the
flood gates of revolution for the opportunists and their enablers, the
indifferent Roman bishops. At the present time, Orthodoxy is experiencing a
resurgence of Bible reading and study. Finally, after some time when because of
Protestant intimidation, Orthodox faithful recognize the Bible is our beloved
volume, is really our book!
TWENTY-FIVE
During the
Middle Ages, has the Church ever manifested hostility to the Bible as her
enemies have claimed and inferred?
There is no question that under stress of particular circumstances when
sectarians visited predominantly peaceful Orthodox areas in central Europe with
the express purpose of wresting from the security of blessed faith commitment,
illiterate Orthodox believers with biblical untruths that various regulations
were made by the Church to protect people from being spiritually exploited and
poisoned by corrupted and distorted translations of Scripture. Hence you have
the traditional opposition to the so-called Bibles of the Waldensians,
the Hussites in Orthodox areas. But there has never
been an outright hostility to God's revelation to us authentically presented
and taught because that is the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ. Orthodox
people were never confronted, except in isolated instances on the periphery of
the Orthodox frontier in central
Observation: In order to protect their faithful
believers, some individual bishops may have gone too far in their zeal, not to
belittle God's revelation, but to protect its integrity and dignity against
poor unauthorized translations and spurious works which had as their purpose to
distort and mislead believers. Unfortunately the human element in the life of
the Body of Christ is not always exercised blamelessly.
ORIGIN OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
The Bible teaches that Christ's Church began with
Christ over 1900 years ago, not with zealous or inspired or good-willed men or
women some fifteen or nineteen centuries later. It was founded when our Lord
spoke the following and other distinctly familiar words:
Matthew 28: 18 - 20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Observation: History shows us the first Protestant
church was the Lutheran, founded in 1517 by the ex-Roman Augustinian religious
order priest, Martin Luther; all others of the over a thousand sects that have
since followed and proliferated were the happenstance of discontented and
disagreeable minds.
AUTHORITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
The Bible teaches that the teachers in Christ's Church
have authority which must be recognized and positively responded to in matters
of faith, morals and commitment to Christ.
Hebrews 13: 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.
Matthew 18: 17 And he shall neglect to hear
them, tell it to the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be
unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
Luke 10: 16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth
you despiseth me; and he that despiseth
me despiseth him that sent me.
Matthew 16: 19 And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven;
and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Observation: The apostles repeatedly claimed this
authority. Hence the laws or precepts of the Church of Jesus Christ are founded
on the same authority as the commandments given to Moses, f or the Church of
Christ has authority to act in his name.
Galatians 1: 8 But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed.
John 1: 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the
world knew him not.
Acts of the Apostles 15: 23, 28 And it seemed
good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these
necessary things.
INFALLIBILITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
THAT IT CANNOT ERR IN TEACHING THE FAITH
OF CHRIST
ONE
The Bible teaches that not the Bible itself, but the
Holy Spirit is the teacher of the Apostles.
John 14: 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father
will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 16: 13 How be it when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, will guide
you in all truth...
Acts of the Apostles 1: 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the
Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem
and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
Observation: In consequence, the
TWO
The Bible teaches that the Church has Christ always
with it and the Holy Spirit to guide it perpetually, not only during the first
century, but in every future age. What the Church teaches is what it learned
from Christ. If man does precisely as the Church teaches,
and lives as taught, eternal salvation in heaven is the inevitable result.
Matthew 28: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
Amen.
John 14: 16 And I will pray the Father and he
shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
Observation: Hence, it is insulting both to Christ the
Saviour and to the Holy Spirit to say that God's Church fell into error and had
to be reformed by the likes of Luther, Calvin, Melanchton
and others, but history repeats itself This is precisely the position the Roman
popes took when they separated themselves from the Church of Jesus Christ and
went on their own journey into spiritual chicanery.
PERPETUITY OF THE
The Bible teaches that the visible
Matthew 28: 19, 20 Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost ...lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
Matthew 16: 18 ...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Observation: Hence, the theory that Christ's Church,
which began with Christ, failed and became non-existent for one thousand or
more years, and then was revived by either Luther, Calvin, Knox or some other
manor woman is ridiculous and untrue.
VISIBLE UNITY OF THE CHURCH
The Bible teaches that Christ ascribed to his Church
qualities and gave it identification and names which proved it to be a visible
organization with visible unity among its communicants.
Romans 12: 5 So we, being many, are one body
in Christ, and every one member of one another.
Ephesians 4: 3, 4 Endeavoring to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body,
and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
John 10: 16 And other sheep have I, which are
not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice and
there shall be one fold and one shepherd.
Romans 12: 4, 5 For as we have many members in
one body, and all members have not the same office....
John 17: 21 That they maybe one, as thou Father, art in
me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe
that thou has sent me.
In various instances of Scripture, Christ's Church is
compared to a house, a body, a city built upon a hill, a sheepfold, etc.; which
are all visible realities. Hence, Christ's Church besides being one spirit is
also "One Body." Orthodoxy alone has this two-fold unity. The
invisible theory of the Church is patently false on the face of it and was
subscribed to because they have no history beyond the last few years. All the
varied faith communities in what ever nation they are located,
are united in the precise same belief and faith and maintain a vibrant,
prayerful, living communion with each other.
Observation: Contrast the unity of faith which
characterizes the Church of Jesus Christ with contradictory, dissenting tenets
of the varied Protestant organizations and the divine establishment of
Orthodoxy becomes obvious and certain, particularly when the range in the
protesting movement is from agnosticism to belief in the divinity of Christ.
SINNERS AND CHRIST'S CHURCH
ONE
The Bible teaches that Christ died for all mankind,
both saints and sinners; and not merely for the "saved or
predestined."
2 Corinthians 5: 15 And that he died for all,
that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
which died for them and rose again.
Romans 5: 6, 21 For yet when we were yet
without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly...
1 John 2: 2 And he is the propitiation for our
sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 2: 4 Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth
Observation: To the
TWO
The Bible teaches that not only the just but sinners
will always claim visible external membership in the Church.
Matthew 22: 2 The parable of the king who made
a marriage for his son. Matthew 13: 24 The parable of
the field in which grew both grain and cockle.
2 Timothy 2: 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold
and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour,
and some to dishonour.
Matthew 18: 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go
and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother.
Matthew 13: 47 Parable of the net that was cast into the sea, and
gathered every kind of fish, savor and unsavory.
Observation: Hence that ungodly persons identify
themselves as Orthodox, but are so in name only, is no reflection upon the
Church itself. It is rather, a verification of Christ's prophecies.
CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH
The Bible teaches that from the beginning and in every
age the true
Matthew 28: 19 Go ye therefore and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost.
Mark 16: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts of the Apostles 1: 8 But ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses
unto me, both in
Romans 10: 18 But I say, Have they not heard?
Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the end
of the world.
Observation: Except for the Church of Jesus Christ,
what other organization can even remotely claim universal jurisdiction over the
soul of man for salvation? Christ destined his Church to be the vehicle of
salvation for all mankind in the world. It is the only means for guiding and
leading man to paradise. This is the essential nature of Christ's Church.
APOSTOLICITY
The Bible teaches that the Apostles appointed
legitimate successors to carry on their work.
Titus 1: 5 For this cause I left thee in Crete
that thou shouldest set in order the things that was
wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee.
Acts of the Apostles 13: 2, 3 As they
ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have recalled them. And when they had fasted
and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
1 Timothy 5: 22 Lay hand suddenly on no man, neither be a partaker of
other men's sins; keep thyself pure.
Observations: Saul or
BAPTISM
ONE
The Bible teaches that in apostolic times whole
families were baptized.
Acts of the Apostles 16: 33 And he took them
the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and
his, straightway.
1 Corinthians 1: 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas; besides I know not whether I baptized any other.
Acts of the Apostles 16: 15 And when she was baptized, and her
household, she besought us saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the
Lord, come into my house and abide there. And she constrained us.
Observation: Unquestionably there were children in
these families. Moreover, the earliest records of the Church prove that
children were baptized a few days after birth.
TWO
The Bible teaches for grown persons to whom the gospel
can be preached, faith is a necessary condition for baptism.
Mark 16: 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned.
Matthew 28: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost.
Observation: There is no question of children, to whom
the gospel cannot be efficaciously preached and who therefore cannot believe as
a result. For them a faith response is not required because baptism frees them
of debilitating sin and along with chrismation,
imparts heavenly grace to live a godly life. Children grow in faith response by
the parental example and environment in which they are reared.
THREE
The Bible teaches that no one at all, hence, not even
an infant, can enter the
John 3: 5 Jesus answered: Verily, verily I say unto thee. Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
Observation: The expression man or tis
in Greek means anyone at all. Hence, the text applies to both infants and
adults.
CHRISMATION
The Bible teaches there is such a reality or Christian
ordinance or sacramental Mystery as Chrismation by
which we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Presently it is characterized by
laying on of hands at baptism and anointing with Chrism.
Acts of the Apostles 8: 14, 15, 17. Now when the apostles which were at
Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them
Peter and John; Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost; Then laid they their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost.
Acts of the Apostles 19: 6 And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
Hebrews 6: 2 Of the doctrine of baptism and of
laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Observation: In the early Church, the sacramental
Mystery of Chrismation was often attended with
visible miraculous effects. But this sacramental Mystery itself remains the
same when conferred by an Orthodox priest. In the Church of Jesus Christ, it is
administered immediately after the sacramental Mystery of Baptism in
fulfillment of the command of Christ, "Except a man be born of water and
of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven" John 3: 5.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST
ONE
The Bible teaches that when making his last will and
testament, Christ gave to us his own Body and Blood.
Mark 14: 22 - 24 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. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it
to them; and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This
is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Observation: Christ having said "this is my
body," who shall deny or doubt or question it and say "this is not
your body." Christ, having said, "this is my
blood," who shall deny, or doubt, or question it and say "this is not
your blood." This is the only occasion when sectarians deny the literal
meaning of Scripture, when it is most plain and explicit.
TWO
The Bible teaches that our Lord solemnly claimed that
his Eucharist is superior to the miraculous food (John 6:11 - 13) and to the
manna which fell from heaven while the Hebrews wandered in the desert (Exodus
16: 15). In this particular instance the Lord does not speak in parables, but
explicitly so all may comprehend.
John 6: 26 - 32 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say
unto you; ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because you did eat
of the loaves and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth,
but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting
life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. Our fathers did eat manna in
the desert; as it is written, he gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus
said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Moses gave not that bread from
heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from
heaven.
Observation: If the Holy Eucharist were only bread and
wine and not the Body and Blood of Christ, these statements would constitute
grave and gross deception.
THREE
The Bible teaches that Christ's Holy Eucharist
actually came down from heaven; in other words, it is really his own self.
John 6: 33, 35, 38, 41, 48 - 51 For the bread of God is he which cometh
down from heaven and giveth life unto the world ...I
am the bread of life ... For I came down from heaven ... The Jews then murmured
at him because he said I am the bread which came down from heaven ...I am that bread
of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead .... This the bread which cometh down from heaven, that
man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from
heaven; if any man eat of this bread he shall live
forever; and the bread that I give is my flesh, which I will give for the life
of the world.
Observation: Here our Lord sums up and further
elucidates and confirms what He said before. Reflect also that mere bread and
wine does not come down from heaven. Nor is it merely Christ's flesh as He
expressly states of his Holy Eucharist. It is the Body and Blood of the divine
Son of God! It is heavenly nourishment for the body and soul of believers!
FOUR
The Bible teaches that upon hearing our Lord's claim
about the Holy Eucharist, many Jews became protesters or Protestants.
John 6: 52 The Jews therefore strove among
themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Observation: If only they observed, "How can God
do this?" there would have been no difficulty in understanding for God can
do all things.
FIVE
The Bible teaches that in spite of the Jews' most
strenuous objections, Christ did not further explain, correct or modify his
statement, which He might have done had there been a misunderstanding, but
insisted the more upon the reality of his presence in the Eucharist.
John 6: 53 - 58 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no
life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him
up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood
is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent
me, and I live by the Father so he that eateth me,
even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven; not
as your fathers did eat manna and are dead, he that eateth
of this bred shall live forever.
Observation: Even taken as an isolated proof, this is
unassailable, but taken as a part of a chain of proofs it become impregnable as
a wall of solid granite.
SIX
The Bible teaches that Jesus allowed many of his
disciples to abandon him, rather than to substitute the Protestant version and
understanding of the Holy Eucharist, for the truth He bequeathed us.
John 3: 3, 6 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say
unto thee. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
John 8: 56 - 59 Your father Abraham rejoiced
to see my day and he saw it and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art
not yet fifty years old and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them:
Verily, verily I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I
AM.
John 6: 60. 66 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard
this, said this is a hard saying; who can hear it? From that time many of his
disciples went back and walked no more with him.
Observation: What a strange concept one must have of
Christ to imagine that He would have acted in this manner if the disciples had
really misunderstood him.
SEVEN
The Bible teaches that Jesus would have allowed his
twelve disciples also to abandon him rather than give them what they wanted in
contrast to the truth of the Holy Eucharist.
John 6: 67 - 69 Then said Jesus unto the
twelve. Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter said unto him, Lord to whom
shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure
that thou art Christ, the Son of the living God
Observation: Let nonbelievers in the truth of our
Lord's real presence endeavor to show how the taking of a mere piece of bread
or a sip of wine could be a desecration of Christ himself and a crime worthy of
damnation.
PUBLIC WORSHIP IN THE LIFE OF THE BODY
OF CHRIST
The Bible teaches that there is a sacrifice and a
priesthood in the new law just as there was in the old dispensation, but now
with a new meaning and emphasis.
Malachi 1: 11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down
of the same my name shall be great among the gentiles and in every place
incense shall be offered unto my name as a pure offering.
Hebrews 13: 10 We have an altar whereof they
have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle of the Jewish temple.
Observation: The usual Protestant communion service is
not intended to be a sacrificial act which the prophet's word "altar"
connotes. Where else, except in the Orthodox Church do we find among believers
an altar of sacrifice for a pure offering, that is, the sacrifice of the Body
and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine?
THE SACRAMENTAL MYSTERY OF
RECONCILIATION
OR CONFESSION OF SINS
ONE
The Bible teaches that the sincere confessing of sins
is a usual requisite for obtaining forgiveness.
Numbers 5: 6, 7 Speak unto the children of
Proverbs 28: 13 He that covereth his sins
shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
2 Samuel 12: 13 After David confessed his sins
to the prophet Nathan he given assurance of pardon.
Luke 23: 43 When the thief on the cross confessed, our Lord promised
him paradise.
1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
Matthew 3: 5, 6 Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about
Acts of the Apostles 19: 18 And many that
believed came and confessed and showed their deeds.
Observation: Private confession is necessarily
contained in the double power Christ gave to the Church, the power to forgive
or retain sins as the circumstances require. To do so prudently, the minister
of reconciliation, the parish priest, must have the required information, which
the penitent supplies by confessing and enumerating sins.
TWO
The Bible teaches that Christ shares with the validly
ordained priests of his Church the power to forgive sins in his name.
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.
John 20: 21 - 23 Then said Jesus to them
again. Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me,
even so I send you. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and
whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Matthew 18: 19 Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall
be loosed in heaven.
2 Corinthians 5: 18 - 20 And all things are of
God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given unto us
the ministry of reconciliation....
Observation: All purely spiritual powers which Christ
conferred on his Church are given perpetually except where no need of such
power remained. But who will say there is no longer any need of power to
forgive sin and that sin is no longer a serious problem on earth?How
else can the apostles and their successors, today's priests forgive sins if
they do not hear them? How are they to retain them unless they can make a
judgment to do so?
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Bible teaches that anointing of the sick with oil
and prayer by priests of the Church may obtain forgiveness of sins and even
refreshment and healing of body and soul if it is God's will in a particular
situation.
James 5: 14 - 16 Is any sick among you? Let
him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing
him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayers of faith shall save the
sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Observation: All spiritual ordinances, because of the
on-going need of mankind, because they are derived from Christ and the
apostles, were of their nature perpetual. No one can state this sacramental
Mystery is of temporary institution.
HOLY ORDERS
ONE
The Bible teaches that Christ called, appointed and
left behind ambassadors or representatives, his bishops and priests and deacons
who represent him in this world.
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.
1 Corinthians 4: 1 Let a man so account of us,
as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
John 20: 23 Then said Jesus to them again.
Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so
I send you.
Matthew 16: 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of
heaven.
Observation: No wonder the
TWO
The Bible teaches that the office of bishops, priests and
deacons in the Church of Jesus Christ comes by divine appointment; that is, God
imparts to individuals a particular vocation to this calling.
Hebrews 5: 4 And no man takes this honor unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Hebrews 5: 1 For every high priest taken from
among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer
both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
John 15: 6 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained
you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; and that your fruit should
remain, that whatsoever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 20: 21 Then Jesus said unto them again. Peace be
unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so I send you.
Observation: Most unscriptural and unChrist-like,
then is the practice of congregations ordaining, commissioning their ministers
to preach the gospel to them. This authority comes only from Christ, through
the apostles and their lawful successors.
THREE
The Bible teaches that the apostles actually appointed
lawful assistants and successors to carry on and continue their work.
Titus 1: 5 For this cause I left thee in
Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things
that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.
Acts of the Apostles 13: 2, 3 As they
ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted
and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Observation: The sacramental Mystery of Holy Orders
transmits the apostolic power and authority which guarantees the integrity of
the Church down through the ages.
WOMEN AS MINISTERS
The Bible teaches that it is unlawful to have women
ministers who speak or preach in the churches.
1 Corinthians 14: 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches, for
it is not permitted unto them to speak...
Observation: In view of this, it is difficult to see
how anyone can take it upon himself to nullify God's word by having women
preachers, ministers or evangelists. The elementary simple reason why women
cannot be priests is because God the Father begets the divine Son. Faith is
begotten by the male component. It is however, the female, the mother that
nourishes it once it is begotten and conceived. Faith springs from and has its
source in the Eternal Father who communicates it to man through his divine Son
in the methodology and means chosen and validated by heaven.
MATRIMONY
ONE
The Bible teaches that lawful marriage cannot be
dissolved by any human power.
Matthew 19: 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
Observation: This doctrine is maintained at great
price by the Church of Jesus Christ. Yes, there are thousands who wish to
pursue their own mind and will and who are lost to the Church because of its
uncompromising stand on this subject. Marriage is a serious life style which
demands perseverance, faith and commitment. Unless the Holy Spirit is a
recognized partner in the marriage, it will not succeed. In upholding the
dignity of marriage the Church continues conscientiously the values of the
Lord.
TWO
The Bible teaches that remarriage during the lifetime
of the former consort is adultery.
1 Corinthians 7: 10, 11 And unto the married I command, yet, not I, but
the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband; but and if she depart, let
her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband and let not the husband
put away his wife,
Mark 10: 11, 12 And he saith
unto them, whosoever shall put away his wife and marry another, committed adultery
against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to
another she committed adultery.
Luke 16: 18 Whosoever putteth
away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery and whosoever marrieth
her that is put away from her husband committeth
adultery.
Observation: If one party commits adultery, the other
party may, under certain circumstances, live separately from the guilty party.
The Church may in particular cases declare spiritual death of the marriage if
reconciliation is not possible and the innocent party may be permitted to
marry.
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD
The Bible teaches that it is useful and beneficial to
pray for the dead.
Matthew 12: 32 And whosoever speaketh a word
against the Son of Man it shall be forgiven him, but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven
him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Some sins, therefore can be forgiven after death.
1 Corinthians 3: 13, 15 Every man's work shall be made manifest; for
the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire
shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work shall be
burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.
2 Macabees 12: 46 (This is one Old Testament
Books Protestants omit from the Bible Canon.) It is therefore a holy and
wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.
Observation: As nothing defiled can enter the eternal
kingdom, our merciful Lord offers us an opportunity to pray for the repose of
the souls of our beloved departed. "And there shall in nowise enter into
it anything that defileth, neither
whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie, but they which are written in the Lord's book
of life" Revelation 21: 27.
IMAGES AND ICONS
The Bible teaches that our heavenly Father approves
the use and veneration of icons and images to stimulate religious fervor.
Exodus 25: 18 And thou shall make two cherubim
of gold, of beaten work shall thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy
seat.
Numbers 21: 8, 9 And the Lord said unto Moses. Make thee a fiery
serpent, and set it upon a pole, and it shall come to pass, that everyone that
is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
John 3: 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent
in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.
1 Kings 6: 29, 32 And he carved all the walls of the house round about
with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers within and
without ... and spread gold upon the cherubim...
Hebrews 1: 2, 3 Hath in these days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he
hath appointed heir of all things, by whom he also made the world; who being
the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person....
Observation: Since Christ in his human nature is the
express image of the Eternal and loving Father, and man himself is created in
the image of God, (Genesis 1: 26), man is not forbidden to "make to
thyself a graven image" (Exodus 20: 4), except when this is to be set up
and adored and worshipped as a god apart from the true Creator God.
VESTMENTS
The Bible teaches that special vestments are worn by
those exercising sacred functions.
Exodus 28: 4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breast
plate and an ephod, and a robe, and an embroidered coat, a mitre
and a girdle, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother and his
sons that he may minister unto me in the office of priest.
Observation: Vestments worn by the clergy at worship
are by no means "superstitious" but conformable to Biblical
precedent.
HOLY WATER
The Bible teaches that already in ancient times, our
God not only permitted but commanded the use of holy water.
Numbers 5: 17 And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel
and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take,
and put it into the water.
Observation: Orthodoxy should be commended that it
sanctifies, respects and venerates and promotes the value of holy water as is
shown from tradition in Scripture.
RELICS OF THE CROSS AND THE SAINTS
The Bible teaches it is proper, even beneficial to
recognize and venerate the relics of sacred people or things.
2 Kings
2: 8 - 14 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the
waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that the two went over on
dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said
unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.
And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said, thou has asked a hard thing, nevertheless,
it if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be unto thee, but if not
it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked, that
behold there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them
both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it
and he cried, my father, my father, the chariot of
Exodus 7: 10 ...and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharoah
and before his servants and it became a serpent.
Matthew 9: 20, 21 And behold, a woman which
was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him and touched
the hem of his garment.
Matthew 14: 36 And besought him that they
might only touch the hem of his garment; and as many as touched were made
perfectly whole.
Acts of the Apostles 19: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the
sick, handkerchiefs or aprons and the diseases departed from them, and the evil
spirits went out of them.
Acts of the Apostles 5: 15 - 16 Insomuch that they brought forth the
sick into the streets and laid them on beads and couches, that at least the
shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
2 Kings 13: 21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that,
behold they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha, and when the man was let down and
touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood upon his feet.
Observation: Hence, while the Church of Christ forbids
her children to pray to relics of Christ and the saints, or to act towards them
as if they had any power in themselves, she rightly teaches to honor relics for
what they represent. Just as the grace of the Holy Spirit literally inebriates
the soul of man in holiness so also the body which cooperated in achieving
sanctity is literally enveloped by God's holy grace and can become a vehicle or
medium through which God achieves the purpose of man's sanctification and
holiness. The same can be said of objects that come into close contact with a
holy person; they retain the gift of grace and can be approached in faith and
God can work through them to achieve man's salvation. Just as citizens rightly honor
the flag as the symbol of their nation, so believers look upon relics as the
symbols of God's holiness in their midst. The most sacred event which occurred
on the cross sanctified it along with the holy blood of the Redeemer, shed for
our salvation. Studying the events of the finding of the true cross identifies
how believers were healed in showing which was the actual
wood of the Lord's cross.
INCENSE
The Bible teaches that incense symbolizing prayer can
be used in church when offering praise and worship to God.
Revelations 8: 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having
a golden censer, and there was given unto him much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before
the throne.
Psalms 141: 2 Let my prayer ascend before you like incense and the
lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Exodus 30: 8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it,
a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.
HERESIES
The Bible teaches that those who willingly reject the
true faith of Christ are to be classified with heretics and lost souls.
Titus 3: 10 A man that is an heretic after the
first and second admonition reject.
Galatians 1: 8 But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1: 9 As we said before, so say I now
again, if any man preach another gospel unto you than that which ye have
received, let him be accursed.
Romans 16: 17 Now I beseech you, brethren,
mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye
have learned and avoid them.
2 John 10 If there come any unto you, and
bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God
speed.
Observation: Obviously then, according to the Bible,
one religion is not as good as another. There are no two different truths or
even variable truths. It is true religious expression that God established and
desires of man. Man is bound to practice what God expects if he but knows it.
Man is bound in conscience to seek after the truth.
NECESSITY OF GOOD WORKS
The Bible teaches that faith and corresponding good
works are necessary for salvation.
James 2: 22 - 26 Seest thou how
faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect?... so faith without good works is dead also.
1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 3 Though I speak with
tongues of men and of angels ... and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains and have not charity, it profiteth
me nothing.
Matthew 7: 21 Not everyone that saith unto
me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 16: 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned.
Observation: Hence it is futile to say "I am a
Christian, I am Orthodox," unless one earnestly strives to serve God. Thus
the egregious error of maintaining that the mere acceptance of Christ as one's
Saviour is all that is required. Christ is and will be our personal Saviour
only if we exercise that necessary faith and good works. Hence
also the folly of saying "It makes no difference what you believe as long
as you are a good person." We are involved in good works because we
firmly believe that Christ died and rose again to assure our salvation. Our
good works are the result of our faith conviction, not an attempt to secure,
earn or buy our salvation.
HONORING MARY
The Bible teaches that citizens of heaven take an
active interest and within limitations, intervene in the affairs of man.
Ephesians 2: 19 Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners
but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the
household of God.
Acts of the Apostles 12: 7 And behold the
angel of the Lord came upon him and light shined in the prison; and he smote
Peter on the side, and raised him up saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell
from his hands.
Hebrews 1: 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, set forth to
minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Luke 15: 10 Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of
the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Observation: Hence the Church of Jesus Christ is
consistent in enumerating angels among man's protectors, patrons and
well-wishers. The same may be said of God's glorified saints in heaven.
Orthodox Doctrine is Derived From These Sources
What the Bible both implicitly and explicitly teaches.
Available Biblical material is clarified or
complemented or confirmed by truths derived from historical records in
Tradition, such as the writings of the Fathers of the Church, inscriptions in
the catacombs, early rules and regulations of the Church.
The on-going guidance of the Holy
Spirit, whom Christ promised to his Church (John 14: 16, 26).
According to his specific promise, the Lord's own
presence in the Church (Matthew 28: 20).
"All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost; teaching them all things whatsoever I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world. Amen"
Matthew 28: 18 - 20.
"...the
church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth 1 Timothy 3: 15.
WHY THERE ARE SO MANY CHURCHES
Today there are so many Protestant churches because
there is so much different interpretation of what the message of the Bible
actually means. There is so much different interpretation and misunderstanding
of the Bible because among Protestants everyone has the right to individually
come to an understanding of what the Bible teaches, without any outside
coercion or influence.
There is so much wrong interpretation because the
system that promotes it is radically wrong and bereft of reason. You cannot maintain
the identity of the
In our day, there is no whim, fad or fancy that
someone does not claim to prove from the Bible. Almost any manor woman is
conceited enough to claim the role of a competent interpreter of the Word of
God. These men or women want it thoroughly understood that for some 1500 to
1900 years the Christian world was in inky darkness. It is only with them that
light returned to the world. And of course, against the present day backdrop of
their past in the contemporary Roman Church with all its recurring scandals,
more and more so-called Americans are espousing the independent dream.
Some, like the early heretics, will prove from their
interpretation of the Bible that Christ is only God and not man. Others, like
modern Unitarians, will prove from the same Bible that Christ is only a man and
certainly not God. Like the Jehovah Witnesses, some will show Christ to be only
a specially gifted and blessed by God person, worthy of following because of
his good example and exemplary life.
Some denominations will prove from the Bible that in
the New Law Christ shared his priesthood with no one. Others will prove from
the Bible that in the New Testament, even women are priests; hence the general
serious usage of the word presbyter or priest from which "Presbyterian is
derived.
Campbellites prove from the Bible that baptism is unnecessary for
children, but absolutely necessary for adults. Others prove from the Bible that
the whole thing is a ceremony, an initiation like when one joins a lodge or
special club. Others denounce the immersion in water and still others insist
the whole thing is a superstition and ought to be abandoned.
Certain fanatical groups prove from the Bible there is
going to be a millennium, a thousand years when everyone will get a second
trial. Calvinists prove from the Bible that a large part of mankind do not even
get a first trial, but are predestined to damnation irrespective of their
merits which the Jehovah Witnesses provide the concrete number of 144, 000 as
the final number of those invited to reign with Christ in heaven.
Some prove from the Bible that eternal punishment is
going to be meted out to nearly everyone. Only the little handful of their
particular sect is going to escape God's wrath. But others prove from the Bible
that everyone is going to be finally saved, that even murderers, adulterers,
and those who rob widows and orphaned children - and never repent - will Christ
hold out his arms and say: "Come blessed of my Father and possess the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Reduced to practice, their theory means this:
"Read your Bible and believe as you like; if you like Martin Luther's
theory, follow it; if you prefer that of John Calvin, become a Presbyterian. If
you think that Campbell or Dowie or Mrs. Eddy or
pastor Russell have 'discovered' the truth, have succeeded in doing what Christ
must have failed to do, then take them as your guide. If no one of their
theories, suits you, make up one yourself. After all, in respectable
Protestantism, this has all been done before!
Mrs. Eddy will prove from the Bible that man is
preponderantly all soul, that his body is practically a delusion, and does not
really exist. "Bible students" will prove from the Bible that the
soul is all a delusion because you really have none. When you die, your soul
knows not anything; the soul which God gave Adam was only air and nothing more.
In the Bible we are told to serve the Lord in fear and
trembling, and so we have the shakers and weepers. Again in the Bible we are
told to "rejoice in the Lord always; ...again I say rejoice," so we
have the jumpers and rollers and ecstatic dancers and swayers.
Surely you would think that there is a sufficient variety to suit everyone, but
it sees not, for new sects spring up constantly.
All these claim to prove their verbatim version of
Christianity from the Bible; all these are willing to swear that their little
handful of people are the only ones who are right and that everyone else is
wrong. Christ's Church for centuries was a complete failure because of what
they experienced in the Church of Rome. How fortunate the world is that they
appeared and finally set it aright.
Meanwhile the Bible warns us:
There shall come a time when men will not endure sound
doctrine, but as with itching ears, will run after their own desires. "
"As also, in all his epistles, speaking in them
of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which they that
are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other scriptures, unto
their own destruction " 2 Peter 3: 16.
Whoever preaches any other but the accepted historical
Christian faith of past centuries, by that very fact proves himself
to be a false teacher, a false prophet, who as Christ the Saviour says,
"Comes in the garb of a shepherd, but inwardly is a ravenous wolf."
The true faith must be necessarily believed. The saints of the Church have thus
described it: as always and everywhere believed and accepted. Thus communicants
of the Church can witness with
In the case of ten children in a particular group,
given the same simple problem in arithmetic, one would expect the same correct
answer if taught correctly. Imagine that each, however, gives you a different
answer. Of those ten answers, you know that at least nine are wrong, perhaps
even the tenth. All cannot be correct and at variance with each other.
Here you have thousands of sects. Ask them all to
solve the problem, "What does the Bible teach?" Each gives you a different
answer. Meanwhile, two and two still make four. There are thousands of wrong
answers to every problem, but only one correct reply.
