Reaction to the Vatican's definition of Church
The Vatican released a document stating that any church apart from the Roman Catholic Church is not a true church. Protestants everywhere are outraged. Story here...
Why?
All that the Vatican has done is restate the tautology that they have always held. If Protestants look to the Roman Catholic Church for assurances that we are the Body and Bride of Christ, then there are bigger problems here than mere perception and theological ego.
The Word says that there is but one Mediator between me and God, and that is Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), not the Pope. And as the bride of that Mediator, my assurances come from Him. He gave those assurances in John 3:16 without ever mentioning the Vatican's approval. Paul defines our standing with no mention of the Vatican's approval.
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
I have the testimony of my Mediator and the Holy Spirit, independent of the Vatican:
John 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.
Of this testimony:
1Jo 5:7 For there are three witnesses-
1Jo 5:8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood-and these three are one.
1Jo 5:9 If we accept human testimony, God's testimony is greater, because it is the testimony of God and because he has testified about his Son.
1Jo 5:10 The person who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in himself. The person who does not believe God has made him a liar by not believing the testimony that God has given about his Son.
1Jo 5:11 This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in his Son.
1Jo 5:12 The person who has the Son has this life. The person who does not have the Son of God does not have this life.
There are only three witnesses, and the Vatican isn't one of them. I accept the witness of the Spirit above that of any man. So, who cares? Let the Vatican make all of the definitions and distinctions they want. I still have the blood of my Savior, His mediation, the Gospel and the Testimony.
I am my Father's son.
Be blessed...
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Syndicate
Did you see Greg Peter's
Did you see Greg Peter's article on this topic at Scriptorium Daily?
I hadn't seen that
Thanks for the link. That was pretty entertaining. I personally don't think this whole ordeal is a big (or?)deal. :) Aside from having to tip-toe in heaven so the Catholics don't know I'm there, I think it has little impact on any person-of-faith's life. But then again, judging from the amount of traffic this blog post, and the similar post at my other blog, have generated... I'm seeing a lot of google hits on the subject, so it must still be a flash-point.
As to apostolic succession, I rest in Hebrews...
Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,
Heb 3:2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.
Jesus Christ is the only apostolic succession any of us need. I defy anyone to succeed Him.
It is so very good to see that you dropped in. I was excited to find your blog, and I hope to see you adding input of such obvious worth here as much as you are able to.
I'll definitely "see" you over there, and hope to see you here often.