RECENT LETTERS

"Miles, if you have time, tell me how you normally deal with Church of Christ doctrine, and explain Acts 2:38, Acts 2:47, Acts 22:16, I Cor 12:13."
BG. Tennessee, USA  
 
Reply

The first thing I do with the conservative Church of Christ folk is to take them to 1 Cor 15:1 ff---There we discover that the gospel was preached in the Old Testament.  If our gospel is the real gospel it must be established in the OT.  The apostles, after all, only had the OT to preach from! There's not one passage about baptism by immersion in the OT to substantiate their claim.

Acts 2:38 "be baptized for the remission of sins"-------- If a man is given a medal for bravery does the medal make him brave or is it given because he was already brave?  Well the answer of course is that the medal makes no one brave, but is given because the bravery of the recipient.  Likewise with baptism---baptism for the remission of sins is a baptism which does not remit sins, but is given because the sins have been remitted.

Acts 2:47--not sure what this has to do with the debate

Acts 22:16  The C of C love this one!  but what is it really saying?  Is it saying that water really washes away sins?  If that is so then every Baptist must be saved---Why?--- Because they have all been 'dunked'  and for that matter so have all the Pentecostals!  But this is not good enough say the C of C---it has to be our water----yet they don't pretend to have any special ingredient they mix with the water to make it salvific----But their water they say, does the business--that's the way to get folks saved----talk about Holy Water!  They have outdone Rome in the quantity of Holy Water they use yet Rome has outdone them in the power of the Water for Rome only uses a sprinkle to get people "saved"

But back to this verse, if Ananias really meant that water not blood washes away sins then Paul is now, at long last ,being confronted by the gospel.  Why then in the name of thunder do we never find Paul preaching or teaching on this kind of salvation by water?

In Romans 10 we see what Paul preached  He says, "This is the word of faith which we preach."  This is good---I'd really like to hear the message-------- Paul has been sent to preach!  What have you got to say Paul?  And Paul says  "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be...saved."  What are you saying Paul?  Where's the water Paul?  Where's the baptismal regeneration Paul?

The C of C, you see, conveniently leave out the part in this verse that says "calling on the name of the Lord" But Paul doesn't. In Romans 10:13 Paul says "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" The New Testament never teaches that a man can be saved by water.  We are saved by grace through faith, ---------------we call on the name of the Lord---in other words we believe on Him. Ananias is saying Paul, since your sins are washed away arise and be baptized calling on the name of the Lord.
 
The Greek scholar A T Robertson says of this verse  " ----to take these words as teaching baptismal remission or salvation by means of baptism,------ is in my opinion a complete subversion of Paul's vivid and picturesque language. As in Romans 6:4-6 where baptism is the picture of death, burial and resurrection, so here baptism pictures the change that had already taken place when Paul surrendered to Jesus on the way (verse 10). Baptism here pictures the washing away of sins by the blood of Christ."

1 Cor 12:133---there is no water in this text!

Blessings

Miles

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Roman Catholic Priest responded to my piece on Christ, “The True High Priest”  (for article see HERE)

Below is his letter---I have removed his name and email address for the sake of his privacy.  Then comes my response.


From: —–––––-
To: "'Miles McKee'" <milesmckee@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 12:32 PM
Subject: RE: The True High Priest

In response to Hebrews 4:14 read Hebrews 5:1-2 for when we read scripture we  must read it in its entirety.

Also, in the Sacrifice of the Mass we are not redoing the sacrifice again, but through the beatific vision of God, which sees no bounds of time or  place, joining, at the very moment of the crucifixion our prayers and our  personal sacrifices to that of our eternal High Priest - Jesus Christ.

Read through-

Acts 14:23
1 Tim 3:1, 8; 5:17
1 Cor 12:28-29
Mt 28:18-20
1 Cor 11:23-24
Acts 15:28

Reply

Dear-------

Thanks for your comments.

I agree that we must read scripture in its entirety. Scripture is the interpreter of Scripture.  You cite Hebrews 5:1-2 to clarify Hebrews 4:14. Hebrews 5:1-2, speaking of the Old Covenant priesthood says, "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: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."

Evidently these verses in Chapter 5 refer to the Jewish priesthood and not to Christ since Christ, being sinless, did not offer any sacrifice for His own sins (see 5:3).  Nor can these verses be construed to refer to any supposed continuing priesthood.  The context will not allow this. The old Aaronic priesthood has been abolished in Christ

As you know, the book of Hebrews declares Christ's superiority over angels, Moses, the Old Testament Priesthood and the Old Covenant itself!

The Priesthood and its sacrifices have been abolished. This is taught in Hebrews 10 and I quote,

1: For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2: For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3: But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4: For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5: Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7: Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8: Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9: Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second.
10: By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11: And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13: From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14: For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15: Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had
said before,
16: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17: And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18: Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20: By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21: And having an high priest over the house of God;
22: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ------------------------------

The First Covenant is removed that the Second would be established.  In this New Covenant we have but one priest, the Lord Jesus (v21), whose sacrifice has already been made in His once for all, unrepeatable act at Calvary (v12, 14).  That Christ has sat down demonstrates that His work is finished.  All the sacrifices of the Old Testament are done away with.  They need not be repeated---ever!

In the Old Testament there was no real remission of sin (v 11).  Now, because of Christ's final sacrifice, there is no more remembrance of sin (v17).  Christ 's offering for sin is possessed of such perfection and unceasing efficacy that there is no need for further sacrifices for sin.  If no further sacrifices are needed then a sacrificing priesthood is made redundant.

The Aaronic priesthood of the Old Testament has been replaced by the order Melchizedek (Ps 110:4, Hebrews 5:6, Heb 5:10, Heb 6:20) of which there is but one priest, the Lord Jesus. We need no other priest.  We need pastors and teachers, but no sacrificing priests!

Regarding your comment on the beatific vision, it seems you stand contrary to your church's position.  The Roman Catholic Church teaches that,

"The Sacrifice of the Cross is continued on earth through the Sacrifice of the Mass.It is the Sacrifice in which Christ is offered under the species of bread and wine in an unbloody manner. The Sacrifice of the altar, then, is no mere empty commemoration of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, but a true and proper act of sacrifice.The Mass re-presents Christ's sacrifice of himself to his heavenly Father. In the Mass, no less than on Calvary, Jesus really offers his life to his heavenly Father.The Mass in no way detracts from the one, unique Sacrifice of the Cross because the Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross, to continue on earth until the end of time.The Mass, therefore, no less than the Cross, is expiatory for sins.'

(The Question and Answer Catholic Catechism, 1264, 1265, 1269, 1277).

According to the teaching of your Church, the priest does not merely commemorate the death and sacrifice of Christ, but actually continues his sacrifice through the true and proper sacrifice of the Mass.

Furthermore and with respect I would point out to you that, you differ from the official teaching of Trent.  You say "in the Sacrifice of the Mass we are not redoing the sacrifice again," But this is not the teaching of your church.  Let's hear what Trent says,

Session XXII: On the Sacrifice of the Mass

Canon I: If any one saith, that in the mass a true and proper sacrifice is not offered to God; or, that to be offered is nothing else but that Christ is given us to eat; let him be anathema.

Canon III. If any one saith, that the sacrifice of the mass is only a sacrifice of praise and of thanksgiving; or, that it is a bare commemoration of the sacrifice consummated on the cross, but not a propitiatory sacrifice; or, that it profits him only who receives; and that it ought not to be offered for the living and the dead for sins, pains, satisfactions, and other necessities: let him be anathema.

If the Mass is a propitiation and equally so with Calvary then we must conclude that Christ's propitiation on the cross was insufficient! The Father evidently failed when he set forth Christ as a propitiation for our sins!

But such teaching flatly contradicts the teaching of Hebrews 7:26-27

"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."

Also Heb 9:11-12

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

See also Heb 9;24-26,28 24: "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  --------”

Heb 9:28: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

According to the Church of Rome, Christ is indeed offered in the Mass as a propitiation.  But according to scriptures (as we have just read) redemption has already been accomplished.  He has already borne our sins, He has already put away sin, He doesn't need to offer up daily sacrifices for the people's sin for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

According to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass is a re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary. Since Christ died at Calvary, we must conclude that if the Mass is a true and proper sacrifice, then Christ must of a necessity die in every Mass.  However, I would draw your attention to a truth that Paul taught the first Church at Rome.  He says,

"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God" (Romans 6:9-10)

The Scriptures are unambiguous----now that Christ is raised from the dead, he dies no more.  This plainly contradicts and disproves the doctrine of the Mass.

On another subject you cite several scriptures.  I thank you for drawing these to my attention. They are as follows,

Acts 14:23  "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

I take it that you draw my attention to this scripture to establish the existence of a sacrificing priesthood.  But, where does this verse do this? Furthermore, if you could, please name me one elder or apostle who conducted a Mass and show me where they did so in scripture!  Beware of the traditions of men being taught as doctrine!

1 Tim 3:1, "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."

I notice that you exclude the next verse, which if this passage does indeed refer to the Roman priesthood (which it does not) does great disservice to your cause for v 2 says 'A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,

You list v8 "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;"

Again, this begs the question for you assume this to teach the priesthood when in actual fact it addresses the qualifications for a deacon.

You also cite 1 Tim 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine."

Again, you assume the thing that you are setting out to prove. There is not one mention here about a sacrificing priesthood.  The reason for this omission is that no sacrificing priesthood is needed!  We now have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way. We have a great high priest over the house of God.  All that stood against us has been removed by Him.  The way to heaven is open because Jesus Himself is the way!  There is no more offering for sin (Heb 10:18)

You cite Matt 28:18-20.

18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
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:
20: 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.

Again-nowhere does this teach the re-instating of a sacrificing priesthood!

Also you produce 1 Cor 11:23-24 for my consideration.

23: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Amen!  Stick with this, stay with the memorial---the remembrance of Him. Trust in Christ alone as the sufficient substitutionary sacrifice for sin and you will not perish!

You list Acts 15:28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"

I am not sure why you cited this verse.  I cannot see the relationship to anything we are discussing.  However, have you noticed the next verse (v29)? "That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well'.

Abstain from blood! Yet you say that each day in the Mass you drink blood---God's blood.  How strange in the light of this prohibition!

Again, thank you for taking time to read my piece on "Jesus, The True High Priest" and for your response.  I look forward to hearing from you anytime.

"In Peace let me resign my breath
And Thy Salvation see
My sins deserved eternal death
But Jesus died for me."

Grace alone,
Miles

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What is your teaching on Lent days?

From
P K
Hyderabad, India

Reply

Dear P--------,

There is no Bible command to observe Lent---Lent is a tradition of man.
 
The good news of Christ's victory in life and death should be kept central the entire year.  The cross and resurrection is to be kept at the heart of all we do, not merely at Easter.  Likewise, the incarnation should be preached all year---not merely at Christmas!

For people to go around giving up their favorite things and by doing so hoping to obtain divine favor, is to fly in the face of the gospel.  If divine favor can be gained by self-sacrifice, then Christ Jesus could have stayed in heaven and avoided the pain, rejection and wrath!

There is only one way only to God---it is not through self, good works or sacrifice, but rather through the doing and dying of Christ.  By faith, we believe that as He lived, he lived for us and as He died He died for us and as he arose and ascended into Heaven, He did this on our behalf.  "He that believeth on Him is not condemned" (John 3:18).

Grace alone,
Miles

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Dear Miles,

Since I have listened to you on the radio, you have constantly promoted the belief that the holy bible is truth and needs no sinners like us to mess it up. However, I noticed when you argue against another's position you make generalizations, jumps in logic, or change the translation to suit your agenda. The spirit of the vatican document is the belief that it's members have access to the necessary ingredient for salvation since it is centered on Christ's teachings. It does not state that other churches don't have this ingredient, will not be saved, or that the pope dispenses salvation. It states it can trace it's ancestry back to apostles and christ who were the "original true church." It does not state other churches do not count. Unlike several other churches, it holds the eucharist as an essential part of one's faith. If I am mistaken, please provide the page and line of the released document where it says otherwise.

You have twisted this document to state from your own words that "others do not count."

Did you ever take a class on logic? If I say my house has the necessary ingredient to make a cake, does this mean your house does not? Absolutely not. Shame on you for using the Fox network for your source of documentation. Tell me on what page of the vatican document does it state the others do not count or on what page does it claim the pope is the giver of salvation. We should all be careful not to propogate lies! You told me I should run as fast as I can away from the church. I responded that since childhood my church has promoted Christ as the focal point and savior. I asked you before and I ask you again to respond to me. What specific church teaching should I run from? Please be specific and do not generalize. It is dangerous when one extracts a phrase without considering the "spirit" of its meaning. A non-christian could use this tactic against us Christians claiming we worship a playful deity that "Leads us into temptation." Please respond...

KD USA

For my reply, click here

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Good Morning,

I just spent a little over 30 minutes going through your website. Very interesting. I'm wondering if I could ask you what you believe and would love some scripture to back it up.

I am 43 years old, born and raised Catholic. My family is very, very Catholic. But they are what I would call Italian Catholics. Very, very deep into Mary, the Pope, and all the Saints, especially Padre Pio. My family never reads the Bible, just takes the church's direction on life. Tons of statues in their homes of Mary.
I left the Catholic church three years ago. Jesus came into my life in a mighty and powerful way. I will never forget that day when I asked Him into my life, into my heart and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I felt as if the skies above ripped open and an unbelievable Love came pouring down. I haven't been the same since.

My parents just found out. I live in another state so they didn't know till I told them. They are furious. Freaking out. They believe I am brainwashed. They are detested that I don't pray to Mary or believe in her powers. They are furious that my children are not in catecism.

My question is this. Are they saved??? They believe in Jesus, that he died for us, but are they saved?? I know that God will judge them, but if we are to go out and witness, are we not to assess the person's beliefs? I just wonder, How could our Father even look at my mother, for instance, if she puts all her trust and faith in Mary and Padre Pio?? It's an abomination to Him. I pray for my family's Salvation and believe that they will be with me in heaven.

I will patiently wait for your response. Thank you for your work. I will definitely spend more time reading your work.

Thanks you. And have a blessed day!!!

F.V. USA

Thanks you for taking time to write to me.

You find yourself in a very difficult situation coming from such a background. For your family, your leaving of the Roman Church was perhaps not so much a theological problem as it was social treason. The only thing they have known in their culture is Romanism.

As to whether or not they are saved, that is not my call! God knows who are his. In saying that, I must also say that I don’t know how someone trusting Mary or Padre Pio or the Pope or the Church (any church) could be saved.

Salvation implies danger. We are saved from imminent danger and that danger is the wrath of God. How can Padre Pio do anything about the wrath of god or how can the Pope avert it. There was only one who intercepted it and he is our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ. He alone, therefore, is qualified as the savior from the coming wrath. How can Padre Pio contribute to this saving work which was completed 2000 years ago?

You must continue to pray that they will see that Christ is all their righteousness.
I look forward to hearing more about how you are growing in the Gospel----what you are studying etc etc.

By Grace Alone
Miles

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“I look forward to hearing your very short program on the radio station I listen too every morning (WIHS Middletown, CT USA ). Your programs are some of THE MOST Inspirational messages I have heard, plus I enjoy your Irish accent. It makes me smile to hear you and I thank Jesus Christ, our Savior, for letting you speak on the radio!!! On your webpage, the link to GETTING INTO HEAVEN is totally awesome!! Yes, I know only God is awesome, but your words, that I'm sure He gave you, are pretty much perfect! or very well put. I am a sinner, but I know Jesus Christ died for me. I thank you and WIHS for allowing us to hear your messages, though brief, every morning!! I don't know exactly the day I became SAVED, as some do, but I know Jesus is in my heart and I count on Him to help with my sinful life. If you ever come to Connecticut, please let us know.

R.A. USA

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Dear Mr. McKee,

I began listening to your radio broadcast about 2 years ago. I had not got an idea that Jesus was actually God. Now I rejoice to know that my God is my savior.

B H USA

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Hello Miles,

i am responding to your view on the R.Cs...

While i have expressed my views on the subject, and i agree somewhat on you points of view, lets look at scripture.

It is a well documented fact that the catholic church has been covering its behind for centuries, no argument from me there.

That scandals are rife among its rank and file, and that some people (maybe too many) folllow the so called vatican ideology blindly.

Now lets look at the world today and consider for a moment, who is leading people and even the faithful blindly.

Islam comes to mind, the Irish Republican movement, George W Bush and Hitler. Although these are not my personnal favourites.

Everyone has an opinion or an expression to make about all these folks.

Now when i find myself getting dejected with some expressions and opinions, and cannot find a common ground i turn to the BIBLE.

(HOPE) fully i will find something to inspire and most importantly strengthen my FAITH.

So as i always do, i in a random fashion opened the good book at
HOSEA 9:5-9

ah i thought this will do nicely

This totally goes with my thinking on the world.

GOD WILL REMEMBER OUR WICKEDNESS, AND PUNISH US FOR OUR SINS.

the judge and jury are out at he moment, and they are pondering the the evidence(and there is an awful lot of it)

I/we already know the verdict we thinks, but we dont get to make the final decision.(its that humans being thing)

God has a great memory, ——-and i wont make judgements on anyone or institution. NOT MY JOB.

Jesus is my shepherd and guides me away from trouble, but even the wisest goat eats the wrong berry's.

Lets watch, wait and pray for a favourable outcome for all off us when the LORD JESUS RETURNS.

Some kind of a catholic: Australia

Reply

Thanks for the note. It raised some issues which I am happy to address.

You say, “Now when i find myself getting dejected with some expressions and opinions, and cannot find a common ground i turn to the BIBLE.

(HOPE) fully i will find something to inspire and most importantly strengthen my FAITH. So as i always do, i in a random fashion opened the good book at ----”

This, if you don’t mind me saying so, is the exact opposite way in which we should read the Bible. You might, as the old adage goes, open up the Bible one day and read, Judas went and hanged himself’ then open it again and read, “Go and do likewise”.

Scripture is to be read one book at a time. It’s the only way to learn it and have it as a guide. Read it and meditate on what it is saying and you will gain much insight into how God thinks and thus you will begin to know his character.

But why read it? Jesus taught it like this, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Maybe you are too busy to read the Bible every day, this can happen but I’m reminded of when a man once made this excuse to a well known preacher and the preacher replied, "My friend, if you are too busy to read the Bible every day you are busier than Almighty God ever intended any human being should be, and you had better let some things go and take time to read the Word."

Again Jesus said, "The Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).

Consider also these scriptural testimonies to the Word

"The entrance of Thy Words gives light" (Psa. 119:130).

"Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17)

"To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20).

The Holy Scriptures ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).

I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

"Thy Words were found, and I did eat Them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy Name, O Lord God of hosts" (Jer. 15:16).

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16).

As for it not being your job to make judgments----this is incorrect! This is not what the scripture teaches!

Today we frequently hear the admonition not to "judge”. There is now a virtual gag order on those who would speak up against bad doctrine and evil workers. The word judge has been so perverted that to judge anything is now considered, by many, to be anti-Christian behavior, and anyone who judges is likely to be labeled as a hate monger who suffers from a bad spirit.

Well, what does God’s word have to say on this subject? Let’s weigh (judge this) by the word for as already quoted, "To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20).

If we are to think with God on this matter we must not be swayed by the prevailing wisdom of the age; we must rather hold to and agree with what the Lord has said in His Word. So then, is it true that Christians are told not to judge? The simple answer is no! In fact, according to Scripture those who do not judge are more likely to be led astray by false doctrines and to end in grave error.

So what does it mean to Judge? Webster's Dictionary defines the act of judging as "to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises." Simply stated, judging is the process of evaluation that people employ everyday to make determinations of what is true.

But nowadays, when we state clearly what the Word states and these statements involve a censure on the beliefs of others, we are usually inundated with the mantra---“you’re not allowed to judge you’re not allowed to judge.” This is silly, for of course I’m allowed to judge if I judge, that is, by the standard of the Word….I’m just not allowed to make up my own subjective standards and judge others by my pet theories. The "opinions" of man do not qualify as a standard for judgment.

But doesn’t God tell us not to judge? Of course He does, but let’s get the context of what he is saying straight! Matthew 7:1 says "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you give out, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the mote out of your eye; and, behold, a beam is in your own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)

To whom is Jesus speaking here? We discover this in verse 5 when he says, "Thou hypocrite." Jesus is not forbidding Christians to judge (unless He is calling every Christian a hypocrite). He is warning, however, that we will be held accountable for what we know. In other words, if we know enough about sinful behavior to tell others that it is wrong, then we have no excuse as to why that sin would be present in our lives. This simply means, by way of illustration, don’t lecture people on temperance if you yourself are a drunk etc.

This is consistent with Paul's advice in I Corinthians 11:31-32 that we judge ourselves first so that we will not be judged. As Jesus says in verse 5 of Matt 7, we should cast the beam out of our own eye and then we are in position to point out the fault to others.

We are no where commanded not to Judge according to the standards laid down in the Word. In fact it is quite the opposite: The Bible tells us, "But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." (I Corinthians 2:15). This is a far cry from the spirit of the age that tells us we can’t judge. Remember when we Judge we are to evaluate things by the Word. If the Word says it is wrong we must stand with the Word! But, to say we can’t judge is to fly in the face of direct scriptural teaching.

Far from being told not to Judge, we are in fact commanded to judge righteously, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24).

Christ Jesus expects his followers to exercise judgment. Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees for being unable to judge the spiritual things of God. Listen to some of these pro-judgment scriptures.

Matthew 16:3: O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern (Judge) the signs of the times?

John 7:24: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Acts 4:19: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

I Corinthians 2:15: But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

I Corinthians 6:2-5: Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

I Corinthians 10:15: I speak as to wise men; judge what I say.

I Corinthians 14:29: Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge

Hebrews 5:14: But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (judge) both good and evil.

Now this brings us to the important question of what a preacher preaches. Paul tells Timothy to, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:16)

Notice how that Timothy is not only to take heed to (judge) himself but also to judge the doctrine he is preaching because, and if we say this in its negative form, we see that bad doctrine can damn the soul.

Not all doctrine is sound doctrine. There are doctrines of Devils (I Timothy 4:1); There is the Doctrine of the Nicholatians which God hates (Revelation 2:14-15) We are even warned in Galatians 1:6-7 that there is another Gospel. Paul cautions "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Yes the worldly wise tell us we must not judge.

Then he states; “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.” (V 8) He then emphasizes it again by saying, “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed”. (V9)

These are words which demand we exercise judgment. If any one preaches another gospel be it an Angel an Apostle or even a Pope, let him be accursed! But, these verses are carefully avoided today by those who want to say that we are all one and that we are not to judge the doctrine that is held by others.

The jury is not out on the matter of salvation. Salvation was settled and accomplished by Christ alone 2000 years ago. He does not need the help of the Roman Church with its so called saving sacraments to accomplish His already completed mission. He accomplished it all 2000 years ago and declared it is finished. I, therefore, based on the Word of God, judge the Church of Rome to be the purveyor of doctrines which will damn men’s souls if believed and adhered to. This judgment is not based on subjective feelings but, rather, on God’s unchanging Word.

The Bible presents Christ alone as our only saviour: Rome presents itself as the only saviour.

The Bible presents Jesus as the only mediator between God and man: Rome presents us with a variety of mediators starting with Mary and going through all the saints.

The Bible presents us with ONE High Priest---our high priest Jesus: Rome presents us with its own High priest, the Supreme Pontiff.

The Bible presents us with a finished gospel, a salvation already obtained and accomplished: Rome presents us with an ongoing salvation, a continual offering of Jesus in the Mass as a bloodless sacrifice.

To say these things is not judgmental but it is, rather, to be obedient as a follower of the Christ who has commanded me to “judge righteous judgment!”

John warns us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits (Judge) whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (I John 4:1). We again read, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15).

With there being false doctrine, false prophets, deceiving spirits abroad in the world today we had better learn how to judge!

But this is enough for the moment! My concern is that millions are trapped in the Church of Rome, being fed the lie that they are in the True Church and being steadily poisoned by doctrines which will damn them to Hell. Who will rescue them? Who cares enough for their souls to bring them the pure Gospel of Christ alone, Grace alone and faith alone? Should we embrace the spirit of the age and ‘not judge’ and thus abandon them to their doom?

Blessings,
Miles

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Miles,

I enjoyed reading your article on Marcus Grodi.

When Catholic radio first became available in our area, I often listened to Grodi, Haan, Keeting, etal. A couple of things really struck me.

First, these programs regularly had former protestants explain why they left protestantism and came home to Catholicism. Often these people were former pastors.

Although they often claimed to know the Bible, they actually had very weak knowledge of the Scriptures. They look at it now as if they have the best of both worlds - their Bible upbringing and the Catholic Church. In fact, they had a poor Bible upbringing.

Second, Grodi once mentioned several difficult verses that caused him to turn from protestantism to Rome. When I heard the verses, I was stunned.

The Bible has some difficult passages, but these verses were not among them. I was shocked that a person would admit that their lack of understanding of these verses played a part in accepting the Roman Catholic Church.

At the same time I realize that the reasons people make these kinds of choices are not primarily academic or intellectual. They are spiritual.

Thanks again for the article.

In the care of His grace,
SH: USA

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Miles,

More than 80% of my neighbors are Catholic.

A priest in our area was murdered a few years ago, and the murder was never solved. Some people suggest that the murder was related to this Latin mass and Vatican II issue.

At a recent neighborhood graduation party I spoke to a Catholic who argues that the current pope is an antipope. As a result this man and his family attend a Latin mass and will not go to the Vatican II mass churches.

Are you familiar with Malachi Martin or Michael Dimond? Martin passed away a few years ago, but Dimond has a website mostholyfamilymonastery.com

When you boil it all down, the essential issue is not whether the priest holds up two fingers or three at some points of the mass. It is not about whether the Catholic priest has been given proper orders so he can do his hocus pocus with the bread.

The major issue is the matter of justification. Your website emphasizes that key word point.

Either Jesus died for all of our sins, or He didn't. Either God declared me righteous based on my faith in Jesus Christ who died in my place for my sins and rose on account of my justification or He didn't.

Many people can see how Jesus died for their past sins, but they have trouble accepting the truth that He also died for all of their future sins too. Here is a good question: "When Jesus died, how many of your sins were future?

S: USA

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Dear Mr. Mckee,

I was saddened to see your review of Marcus Grodi's conversion story. I myself am Catholic, and was disappointed in your mean-spirited comments on Mr. Grodi's personal conversion. You were very judgmental, "judge not" and did not show love as Christ commands as being one of the greatest commandments. I would be interested in knowing what has happened in your past that has brought you to such a hatred of the Catholic Church. I do have one question for you that I would like you to help me to understand. I keep hearing that we are "saved" by "faith alone" through God's grace. I understand that there are many passages in the Bible that speak of the importance of faith. But there are many passages in the Bible that also speak of the importance of what we do that help determine our salvation. For instance, how do you explain the passage, Matt 19:16-21 that speaks of the man who asks' Jesus what he must "do" to have eternal life. Jesus didn't say, "all you need is faith". Jesus said, "obey the commandments" and then to sell everything and follow him. Jesus was expecting him to "do" something in order to have eternal life. This of course is just one of many that I could quote, but I would like an explanation of this particular one so as to keep this fairly simple. I thank you for your time, and your assistance in helping me to understand this particular doctrine in light of the many scriptures that seem to contradict it. Thank you very much.

In Christ,
KG: USA

Reply

Thank you so much for taking time to write to me. I sorry that you think I am being mean spirited when I tell the truth. At the risk of being though to be hard-nosed, I must ask, would you also think that Jesus was mean spirited when he told the disseminators of false religion that they were hypocrites, snakes, descended from vipers and going to hell? After all it was Jesus who said,

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like white washed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful on the outside, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity( Matt 23:27-28). -------You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? (Matt 23:33).

I’m sure you’ll agree that my language regarding Mr. Grodi was much more temperate that that of the Master! Do you also think Jesus was judgmental, mean spirited and lacking in love when He said these things?

It is, we must observe, a sad commentary on the age in which we live when telling the truth and standing up for Jesus draws the criticism of being lacking in love and judgmental.

However, you say you would be interested in knowing what has happened in the past that has brought me to such a hatred of the Catholic Church. The only thing that has happened to me in the past to cause me to oppose the dogmas of Rome is that God, in His grace, showed me, through His word, that Christ alone is my hope, my mediator, my redemption, my Great High Priest, my shepherd, my savior and my life. Your Church, while it praises Jesus actually plunders Him! It does this by saying that He is of course all of those things I listed but He is, in reality, none of them because these saving benefits can only be dispensed by the Church of Rome! Christ, according to this position, has no real ministry or power to save outside of your church-----------I could be cheeky and ask, can love hold such an arrogant position? But I’ll pass on that and simply say that any church which takes away from the glory of Christ as savior and mediator and opposes Him by claiming these ministries for themselves is no friend to me.

It is my love for the Lord Jesus and His glory that causes me to be passionate in His defense and zealous in my opposition to those who would rob and plunder Him of the honor due to Him alone!

You bring up an interesting question about the place of good works and the place of faith. You ask me how I explain the passage, Matt 19:16-21 that speaks of the man who asks' Jesus what he must "do" to have eternal life. You correctly observe that Jesus didn't say, "all you need is faith". Jesus said, "obey the commandments" and then to sell everything and follow him. Jesus was, you say, expecting him to "do" something in order to have eternal life.

So let’s look at that. Did Jesus actually teach that the way to salvation was to sell everything we have? If He did, then if you own a car, a house, a bed or any possessions, you are going to hell. Is that the position you are asserting? I hope not!! But if the “do” in eternal life is selling everything and giving it away then you along with most of us are lost!

So what is happening here? Jesus, in this passage, has met a man who thinks he is righteous by his works. He thinks he is a law keeper; he thinks he is blameless when it comes to keeping the Ten Commandments. So Jesus, the physician of the soul, tells him to sell everything he has. The man refuses thus proving he is guilty of covetousness and thus a lawbreaker. He loves his possessions more than he loves Jesus. He has other Gods before the living and true God. His money is his God! He is the worst type of lawbreaker----one who breaks the law while all the while thinking he is righteous! The ‘do’ in this case revealed what was really in the man’s heart and exposed him as someone who badly need the savior.

Furthermore, the do’s of the law are good but they can not save. To get to heaven we need a perfect righteousness. We need to be as righteous as God Himself (Matt 5:48, 1 Peter 1:16). But remember, God is holy and uncompromising in His standards! So we are lost, stuck, undone and in trouble if we can not find a righteousness which will satisfy God. But where can we find such a thing? If we can keep the law, that will work! But how in the world do we keep the entire law? James 2:10 tells us “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” And never mind keeping the entire law----none of us can even keep the first commandment---to love God with all! Only the hypocrite claims to keep this one, for the truth is that no person has pure thoughts the whole time or loves God with his whole strength and soul the whole time.

So where can we find the righteousness which will satisfy God? The answer is it is found in Christ alone! Christ Jesus lived a perfect life. He was not only innocent but was also righteous. He lived, died and rose again as a substitute for His people. But what use is that to me---I need somehow for those works to become mine? He lived as my substitute and was perfectly righteous on my behalf but how do I make that righteousness my own? The answer is found in Jesus! His righteousness becomes ours by faith---not faith in ourselves or the church but in Christ Jesus. Nor do we need to supplement Christ’s work by adding our good works to the equation! His good works and character are sufficient to impress the Father. We are indeed saved by works, but the works which save are the works of the Lord Jesus Christ! We need add nothing to them! Faith embraces Him and makes all that He has our own!

Paul confirms this when he wrote; “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Phil 3:9)

This is no new idea for Paul tells the Galatians that in the Old Testament, “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” (Gal 3:6-7). He further states that “--- no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”(Gal 3:11)

Had we been able to keep the law then Christ would not have needed to go to the cross. Thus Paul writes, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Gal. 2:21).

Now, however, that we are saved by faith in Christ Jesus plus nothing we are free to do good works! We, in fact, should abound in good works, but these works are never seen as rivals to the works of Christ in this matter of obtaining right standing with God.

I’ll leave you with a quotation from one of my favorite Gospel ministers:

“Have I then no work to work in this great matter of my pardon? None! What work can you do? What work of yours can buy forgiveness or make you fit for the Divine favor? What work has God commanded you to do in order to obtain salvation? None! His Word is very plain and easy to be understood, "To him that works not, but believes in Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5). There is but one work by which a man can be saved. That work is not yours, but the work of the Son of God. That work is finished.”
Horatius Bonar

If you wish, I will send you a more detailed answer on the place of faith in receiving the righteousness that Christ has already obtained for us.

Miles

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Mr. Mckee,

I am a man born and raised as a Roman Catholic, yet "Born Again" by grace through Saving Faith given by God alone (Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus) at age 34. Though I had been through all the Catholic formalities: 1 year leading to first communion, 1 year leading to first confession, 1 year leading to confirmation, etc. I never truly knew about the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. I never really knew about the Pope's ability to speak "ex Cathedra". I never really knew about Mary as intercessor to God. Etc. When I discovered these doctrines in my mid to late 20's I left the Catholic Church. Later, God took my "head" knowledge of Jesus Christ and God's plan of salvation and put it in my heart with saving faith in Jesus. Interestingly, I came to "head" knowledge when I was on a 7 month military peacekeeping deployment to Israel and Egypt and had time to study the truth. I was an Army Infantry Captain at the time.

As an ex-Catholic evangelical, I have a passion for reaching Roman Catholics. The Catholic Church hierarchy does not encourage doctrinal study and stays away from the more ridiculous things like transubstantiation. Most Catholics are born into it and have no idea. Mr. Hahn really causes me anger, as he had the truth and yet traded it for a clear lie. Additionally, he is now going to lead so many astray by claiming his knowledge of Protestantism and the superiority of the Catholic Church.

I am finding many protestants going to catholism because their specific churches are so heavily infected with Liberalism. They see the Catholic Church as a "rock" and standing for something against the rising tide of secularism. If only more evangelical churches would understand the importance of truly following "Sola Scriptura". Not just the easy parts, but the whole counsel of God.

Sola Fide,
Solus Christus,
B. C. USA

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Dear Miles,

I just want to commend you on that excellent essay about Marcus Grodi. As a former Roman Catholic, I really appreciate someone standing up for the truth. I don't know why other Protestants aren't as informed or outspoken as you about him as you are. I believe that this man is leading thousands straight to Hell. How ironic that as a Presbyterian minister he was afraid of doing just that! I continually hear from Protestants, "Catholics are now studying the Bible you know". This is absurd. The only way they "study" is through the eyes of Rome or Marcus Grodi or the likes of him. Why is it that protestant denominations are so afraid of saying anything negative about the Roman Catholic Church? I do attend an Evangelical Presbyterian Church which teaches the truth but they just seem to ignore what's going on all around them. Thanks again for the encouragement. I'm glad to know someone who understands how dangerous this cult is, and I don't dare mention it's a cult or I'm being judgmental!

Blessings to you,
L H: USA

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My wife and I did our morning devotional using your page on the Solas. Thank you so much! It was inspiring.

FH:USA

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We Have been printing your writings on the deity of Christ and also the ones on his humanity and giving them to people we are working with. They are very helpful.

SB: England

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I read your article on what is the gospel? And you know something? I agree with you 100% even though I have been guilty of telling people to ask Jesus to come into their heart. But the power is in God's Word not in the preacher. (i.e. the efficacy of the Word is not dependent on the purity of the teacher). I will indeed in the future give it more thought when I present the gospel message. Thanks!

In His grip and service.
MP: USA


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