Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

A recent issue of the Indianapolis Star contained an article entitled “Catholics’ faith and the Bible” by John F. Fink (July 26, 1998, D3). Fink wrote,

Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, but the Catholic faith is not based on the Bible. That’s because the Catholic Church existed before the Bible. In fact, it was the Catholic Church that determined what books would be in the New Testament — even what books would be in the Catholic version of the Old Testament.

This short paragraph pinpoints several differences between Roman Catholicism and the New Testament revelation. Consider these:

1. “Catholic faith is not based on the Bible.” We are agreed that is so. As a matter of fact, Fink’s article was the follow-up of another article in the May 24 issue of the Star which defended Catholics’ prayer through and worship of Mary. Fink candidly admitted, “Some Catholic beliefs are not based on the Bible.” That being so, what the Bible says about beliefs not based on God’s revealed word is pertinent. John, the Apostle of love, wrote, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). In Revelation, he said, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (22:18-19). Despite these grave warnings, Mr. Fink candidly admits that the Catholic faith is not based on the Bible.

Fink’s admission that the Catholic faith is not based on the Bible is an admission that the Catholic faith is an apostate faith. Catholic faith is based on four things: (1) The teachings of the Fathers as conveyed through the ecumenical councils; (2) The word of the pope as he speaks ex cathedra; (3) The teachings of the apocrypha; (4) The teachings of the Bible as it is translated from the Vulgate version. Much could be said about each of these, such as the contradictory teachings of the Fathers; an examination of the ex-cathedra statements of the papacy in comparison with the Bible; the errors and unique teachings of the apocryphal books; errors in the Latin Vulgate translation; etc.

2. “The Catholic Church existed before the Bible.” There is some truth in this statement, but it is mixed with enough error that it needs to be sorted out. The New Testament church began on the day of Pentecost following the crucifixion of Jesus. It existed after the Old Testament was completed and before any part of the New Testament was written. The church of the New Testament had no papacy, no cardinals, no archbishops, no bishops (in the Catholic sense), no separate priesthood, no clergy-laity distinction, or inter-congregational organization of any sort. It did not believe in purgatory, the worship of Mary, or any other uniquely Catholic doctrines. So, the Catholic Church is not the church in the Bible.

However, the New Testament did foretell an apostasy in the church (2 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3). This apostasy began before the New Testament was completely revealed and it culminated in about the sixth century with a universal pope and what is now recognized as the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church, in its incipient form of apostasy, did exist before the New Testament was completed, but it was not the church which Christ promised to build (Matt.

16:18). The Roman Catholic Church is the culmination of the apostasy that began to develop in the latter part of the first century, the incipient forms of which are condemned in the New Testament.

3. “The Catholic Church determined what books would be in the New Testament.” That simply is not so. From the time that the New Testament books were revealed, they were considered the revealed word of God. Paul wrote, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). They were received as the word of God (1 Thess. 2:13) and passed from one congregation to another (Col. 4:16). The books were received as “inspired” of God because they were written by an apostle or prophet. Those books whose origin was uncertain went through a period of uncertainty before they were universally recognized as inspired. However, even this was done long before the Council of Carthage met in A.D. 397, as Mr. Fink asserts. One can see the books of the New Testament quoted as Scripture, not only in the New Testament itself (Luke 10:7 is quoted as Scripture in 1 Tim. 5:17), but also in the apostolic fathers. For ex- ample, Clement quotes Acts 20:35 (2:1), Titus 3:1 (2:9), and 2 Corinthians 3:3 (2:10) in just one chapter. Clement’s letter to the Corinthians is dated A.D. 95-96 (Lightfoot, The Apostolic Epistles). This demonstrates that the New Testament was already recognized as the word of God two centuries before the Council of Carthage.

Mr. Fink alludes to the Catholic Church including the seven apocryphal books and minor additions to other books of the Old Testament in their Bibles. That the Jews rejected these books is clear from contemporary Jewish writings. The first century historian Flavius Josephus said, “We have not a multitude of books among us, disagreeing and contradicting one another, as the Greeks have, but are confined to twenty-two, that we are bound to believe, and these twenty-two books comprise the history of the world from the beginning to this day” (In Answer To Apion, Book I, 455). The 22 books of Josephus’ numbering correspond to our 39 books today because they combined some books which we separate today (for example, the 12 Minor Prophets were treated as one book; 1-2 Samuel was treated as one book, as were 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles). Furthermore, the New Testament alludes to the completed Old Testament canon in Matthew 23:35, where Jesus mentioned those who had died unjustly in the Old Testament from the blood of Abel (the first man in the Bible to die) to Zacharias (the last man to die as recorded in the Old Testament), based on the Jewish arrangement of the Scripture which places Genesis as the first book of the Old Testament and 2 Chronicles as the last. Hence, the canon of Old Testament Scripture existed in Jesus’ day and was mentioned with approval by him. Jesus and the writers of the New Testament never quoted from any apocryphal book as an authoritative word of God. Even the Roman Catholic Church did not officially recognize the apocryphal books as part of  the Old Testament until the Council of Trent in A.D. 1546.

Mr. Fink’s statements about the Catholic Church and the Bible are revealing, helping us to understand why the Catholics and Protestants form separate religious groups.

By Kenneth D. Sils

Not long ago, the Southern Baptist Convention had been meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah for their annual convention. It has been reported that they have amended their system of beliefs to reinstate the following statement, “A wife is to graciously submit to her husband.” Consider three observations concerning this ruling.

First of all, it was interesting to hear from the many liberal women pundants all over the television news shows speak about this archaic, narrow-minded, ridiculous, oppressive and Neanderthal type of mentality which would even dare think a wife should be in submission to her husband. You would think from their hysteria that these women have been projecting on television that Hitler had just invaded America to begin throwing all women into gas chambers. Oh, the panic of having to live the Bible way!

Secondly, missing in this discussion I have observed from anyone in the media is, “What does the Bible say about the issue of wives submitting to their husbands?” This is the reason why there is so much confusion on all subjects of morality. Without a standard of morality and ethics, what else can there be but confusion. The New Testament makes the answer of Jesus Christ quite clear. Ephesians 5:23-24 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” The husband is the head of the wife in the same light as Jesus is the head of the church. The wife is to submit to the husband in the same manner as the church is to submit to Christ, in everything! To reject these truths from the pen of the inspired apostle Paul is to reject the authority of Jesus Christ himself. This issue has no room for debate. This issue should not be controversial. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 3:4, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness and sin is lawlessness.” Women who refuse to submit to their husbands in everything are sinning against their husbands and against Jesus Christ.

Is there any surprise in our day of women’s liberation that the divorce rate is sky high? Is there any wonder why many congregations across America have been finding themselves in bitter divisions for the laws of God are cast aside by some who call themselves Christians in the name of equality, fairness, and womanhood?

There is a third observation I want you to consider about this ruling. Friends, you do not need a denominational church to determine which laws given in the New Testament apply to the church of Jesus Christ today. The Southern Baptist Convention does not have authority from God to repeal or reinstate this law or any other law of Christ in the New Testament. Actually, in their attempt to do so, they have usurped the authority of Christ unto themselves, granting themselves unlimited power to make laws for their congregations. In the New Testament, there was no such thing as a Southern Baptist Convention or any other earthly church headquarters. We read that Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 5:23). Since this is the truth, there is no room for the Southern Baptist Convention or any other governing religious authorities making laws, amendments or rules for believers in Jesus.

The church we read about in the Bible had no earthly governing theological body who dictated which laws that would be enforced religiously. Christians in the New Testament followed the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), and the apostles’ doctrine is the New Testament, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians understood the seriousness of John’s instruction when he wrote in 2 John 9, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” The doctrine of Christ is complete in the New Testament and real true Christians are satisfied with the doctrine of Christ.

Ladies, be content to accept the truths of Jesus Christ by submitting and respecting your husband in everything. Men, let’s remember that God has placed upon us the responsibility to be the head of our wife. When we consider the headship of Jesus towards his church, we observe a loving, caring and compassionate leader. If you will exercise this type of headship towards your wife, your marriage will blossom into the joy God designed marriage to be. Don’t try to change the truth that God has given concerning the roles of men and women in marriage. Try living like Christ would have us to live. You’ll discover that Jesus knew what was best all along.

The word “watch” is found in the Scriptures about 90 times. It suggests the idea of “caution, carefulness, giving close attention to.” Watching is essential to our spiritual welfare and our eternal salvation.

Moses missed Canaan because he failed to watch (Num. 20:1-12; Deut. 34:1-4). Samson’s failure to watch allowed the Philistines to overcome him (Judg. 16). David was ensnared by sin and gave the enemies of Jehovah an occasion to blaspheme because he failed to watch. Solomon was led into idolatry because of his failure to watch (1 Kings 11:3-4).

During his personal ministry on earth, Jesus told the apostles to watch! He admonished them saying: “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit in- deed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41; cf. 24:42-44).

Disciples are told to watch. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, but be strong.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Paul exhorted, saying: “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; let us watch and be sober.” Peter warned disciples, saying: “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).

Evangelists are told to watch! In 2 Timothy 4:5 Paul exhorted Timothy saying: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” It is absolutely essential that evangelists give close attention!

Elders are told to watch! To elders Paul warned, saying, “Take heed . . . therefore watch . . .” (Acts 20:28-31). Elders are to watch for the souls of others! A serious obligation. It must not be taken lightly!

Jesus said: “And what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch” (Mark 13:37).

By Mike Willis

Little remains of “the town of Jesus,” except for the ruins, enclosed within black basalt walls, excavated by Franciscan monks over the last 100 years. According to Matthew 4:11 Jesus moved to Capernaum from Nazareth to fulfill the words of Isaiah (9:1-2). Jesus performed numerous miracles in and around Capernaum. Enlarged by refugees from Jerusalem after A.D. 70, the town thrived until it was completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab conquest. Franciscans acquired the ruins in 1894 and began a program of excavation which continued into the 1960s. One of the buildings which has been reconstructed is a synagogue which dates from the 2nd century A.D. This synagogue stands on the same spot as the one where Jesus taught.

The village is called Kefer Nahum (village of Naham the prophet). The word kepher, from Myrpk  is a village in distinction from a Mykrk a city. The “city” was usually girt with walls whereas the village was not. Capernaum is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem. Located on the trade routes, it was also a place for tax collection and was the place where Matthew worked as a tax collector, for it was here where Matthew was called to be an apostle and entertained his former publicans (Mark

4:13; Matt. 9:1, 9-13).

Capernaum was an important part of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Here are some of the important things said about Capernaum:

• Jesus made Capernaum his home after he entered his ministry (Matt. 4:13; John 2:12) in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-2.
• The centurian who did not think himself worthy for Jesus to come into his home appealed for Jesus to heal his servant in Capernaum (Matt. 8:5; Luke 7:1ff).
• Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish, in whose mouth would be a coin for the temple tax, in Capernaum (Matt. 17:24).
• Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:21).
• He healed the paralytic borne of four here (Mark 2:1).
• The disciples argued about who would be greatest here (Mark 9:33).
• Jesus performed many miracles here (Luke 4:23). He cast out a demon from a man (Luke 4:31ff).
• While in Cana, he healed the son of royal official who lay ill in Capernaum (John 4:46f).
• After feeding the 5000, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee and came to Capernaum where he taught in the synagogue and gave his “bread of life” discourse (John 6:17, 24).
• Despite witnessing so many miracles, the people of Capernaum did not manifest great faith in Jesus (Matt. 11:23; Luke 10:15).

The ruins at Capernaum are impressive. The restored synagogue, dated from the second to the fourth century A.D., is built on the foundations of the first century synagogue. One can be fairly confident that he is standing in the place where Jesus worshiped on the Sabbath day when he is in the synagogue at Capernaum. Some of the carved stones there display the Jewish menorah (lampstand), transporting the ark of the covenant on a cart, a mile marker of the Via Maris, millstones, olive presses, etc.

At Capernaum, Jesus healed the man who was let down through the roof because the door to the house in which Jesus was teaching was too crowded (Mark 2:1ff). The little houses in front of the synagogue at Capernaum give us some picture of what happened that day.

The Roman Catholics have erected a monument at Capernaum over what they believe to be the house of Peter or his mother-in-law. The building is somewhat distracting from the simple little village at Capernaum.