Catholics can easily defend and explain their faith This is called Apologetics |
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| Frequently Catholics are challenged about points of their faith; they are told that their faith is not supported by the bible. Here are some good responses to these challenges based on the bible. | Not
Sola Scriptura (bible alone) Not Sola Fide (faith alone) Papacy - Primacy of Peter Church and Authority Salvation - how attained; can be lost; can be regained Justification Eucharist - True Presence Mary - Mother of God Lamb's Supper - Liturgy - The Mass Confession - Penance Celibacy Purgatory Communion of Saints Call Priests "Father" Baptism is Required |
| NOT
Sola Scriptura ("Bible Alone") The bible does not say that we should use the "bible alone" as the sole source of our faith. |
2 Thes 2:15 Therefore, brethren,
stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 1 Cor 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 2 Tim 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 1 Thes 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 2 Pet 3:16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. Acts 8:30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and
said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 2 John 1:12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 3 John 1:13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with
pen and ink; 1Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 2Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, see also |
| NOT Sola
Fide ("Faith Alone") The bible does not say that we are saved by "faith alone". It says that we must also follow God's instructions. |
Jas 2:17 Thus also faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead. Jas 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Jas 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? Rom 2:6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Rom 2:13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels
with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. Gal 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who
teaches. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 1 Jn 2:3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 Jn 3:24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. Luke 6:46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." Matt 19:16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good
thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who
are in the graves will hear His voice Jas 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Ps 62:12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
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| Papacy Primacy of Peter | Matt 16:18 "And I also say to
you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades
shall not prevail against it. 16:19 "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Is 22:22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. Peter always first Mt 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles
are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of
Zebedee, and John his brother; Mt 3:14 Then He appointed twelve, that they
might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, Luke 6:14 Simon, whom He also named Peter,
and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Acts 1:13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. Luke 9:32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Peter speaks for apostles Mark 8:29 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ." Luke 12:41 Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?" John 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve,
"Do you also want to go away?" Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. Peter - miracle Acts 3:6 Then Peter said,
"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." --------- Acts 10:44 While Peter was
still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. Acts 10:46 For they heard them
speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. |
Church
and Authority
Holy Spirit will lead the Church |
Matt 18:17 "And if he refuses
to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be
to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 18:18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Acts 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand
souls were added to them. 1 Tim 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Heb 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
1 Cor 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord
Jesus Christ, 1 Tim 1:19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having
rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, |
| Salvation - How it is attained | John 3:5 Jesus answered,
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he
cannot enter the kingdom of God. (baptism is required) Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. |
| Salvation - Once and always? It can be lost. | 1 Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who
thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Heb 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 1 Jn 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning
a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who
commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that
he should pray about that. Rom 11:21 For if God did not spare the
natural branches, He may not spare you either. |
| Salvation - It can be regained after losing it. | James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the
sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Mark 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Luke 13:3 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 15:7 "I say to you that likewise
there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just
persons who need no repentance. Luke 17:3 "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 2COR 12:21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. 2PT 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. |
| Justification - Legal(imputed) or Actual? | 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is
in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have
become new. 1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 2 Pet 1:9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer
often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has
appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Ps 50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. Ps 102:12 But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations. Is 43:25 "I, even I, am He who blots
out your transgressions for My own sake; Rom 2:13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. of Abraham Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: Rom 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by
works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Gen 22:1 Now it came to pass after these
things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said,
"Here I am." ------ 2Pet 1:1 Simon Peter, a
bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, |
| Eucharist
- True Presence
Note that the Jews are not confused. They know perfectly well that Jesus is speaking literally. Jesus had two opportunities to revise His statements, but he did not. He meant what he said, and He knew that the Jews understood Him properly (6:61); this is why He let them walk away. |
Matt 26:26 And as they were eating,
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take,
eat; this is My body." 26:27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Luke 22:19 And
He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My
body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor 11:23 For I received from the Lord
that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was
betrayed took bread; John 6:41 The Jews then
complained about Him, because He said, "I am the bread which came down from
heaven." 1 Cor 11:26 For as often as
you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. |
| Mary - Mother of God | Luke 1:43 "But why is this
granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1:42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! [Mary is pre-eminent of all women] Luke 1:28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" [holy and no sin] Luke 1:48 For He has regarded the lowly
state of His maidservant; Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said
to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many
in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against John 2:1 On the third day there was a
wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. The relationship of a queen to her son the king 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba
therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet
her and bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne and had a throne set for the king's
mother; so she sat at his right hand. ------ Assumptions in the bible Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 2 Kings 2:1 And it came to
pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that
Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. |
| The Lamb's
Supper - Liturgy in Revelations The Mass
The Gloria
The Lamb of God
|
Rev 8:3 Then another angel, having
a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne. Rev 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. Rev 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 4:8 The four living creatures, each having
six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
15:3 They sing the song of Moses, the
servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 1:13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen top see also |
| Sacrament of Penance Confession |
John 20:22 And when He had said
this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Matt 18:18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Jas 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, 2 Cor 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. |
| Celibacy of Priests | 1 Cor 7:32 But I want you to be
without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord-how he may please the
Lord. 7:33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world-how he may please his wife. 7:34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband. 7:35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. Matt 19:10 His disciples said to Him, "If such is the
case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry." |
| Purgatory
|
Rev 21:27 But there shall by no
means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those
who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke
12:58 "When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort
along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to
the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 1 Cor 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Hebrews 12:6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. Matt 12:32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. 2 Sam 12:14 "However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." 1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. |
| Communion of Saints | Mark 12:27 "He is not the God
of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken." John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is
the vinedresser. 1 Cor 12:25 that there should be no schism
in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- Rom 15:30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 1 Thes 2:11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, Rev 8:3 Then another angel, having a
golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne. |
| Call Priests Father Paul calls himself "Father" Paul calls Jewish leaders, "Father" Paul calls Abraham, "Father" Jesus did not intend his admonition literally |
1 Cor
4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have
many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Acts 7:2 And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran... Acts 22:3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all Philemon 1:10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains... 1 John 2:12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 2:13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. |
| Baptism |
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Mark 16:16"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. Ephesians 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 6:2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 10:47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. |
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Bible quotations: NKJV
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