Exchange with a Baptist on Sola Scriptura, Part 3

St. Peter and the Apostles receives Authority from Jesus

Okay... Let's get down to the basics shall we, Father?

First off, Ephesians 1: 15-23 says:

Eph 1:15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

Eph 1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Eph 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Eph 1:19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Eph 1:20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Eph 1:22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

vv 21 is clear, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

Also, Colossians says further: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

So, who is the authority above all? God, right?

Next, if God is the authority above all, how do we know His will, His commandments, His statutes? God does not talk to us anymore, He no longer walks with us the way He did before the fall of man.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

Is there another way God communicates to us today other than Scriptures? None.

Now let's not digress from the subject of who is in authority so let's inch back a bit. Romans 13:1 exhorts us to "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." That is also clear, St. Paul admonishes everyone to submit to authorities that have been instituted by God, therefore, it still all boils down to the only authority above all, GOD.

Again, so if God is the authority above all, how do we know His statutes? Scripture, for it is the only link we have to God."

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. - Romans 15:4" Paul did not imply any other means to get instructions from or any other authority aside from Scriptures.

Yes, I will never find the words "sola scriptura" on the Bible, just as I would never find the word "Trinity" there, but it is clear, very clear, that the emphasis is greatly on the sole authority of the bible - it being the Word of God- above all.

Sola Scriptura. When my pastor speaks in front of us, I examine the bible and compare his teachings to what the Bible says. If I see something amiss, I approach my pastor and ask, who graciously in turn entertains my question and if he sees that something he said was indeed amiss, he apologizes and goes about correcting his mistake. Why? Because my pastor knows he is fallible. Because he knows that only the Word of God is inerrant. Why? Because it is what every Christian must do, to be like the Bereans meditating Scriptures day and night and examining to see if human teachings are in line with it. (Acts 17)

Jesus Christ in John 5 said this: "If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" Believing includes accepting that only the Word of God is the authority above all authorities.

The Bible, contrary to common beliefs is not subject to one's own interpretation. The bible is very straightforward and clear, it all speaks about the Savior Jesus Christ and how man died eternally because of his sins and how faith and belief in Jesus Christ alone saves. We are all condemned creatures, Father, and we are all indebted to the Christ who came to seek and save the sinners. You, me, my husband and everyone else are headed for eternal condemnation - hell - and the only way for us to be saved is we would have faith, repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Him alone. No other way but Him. Even Christ Himself said that He is the way, He did not say that He is one of the ways, He was specific, He is the way. Not Mary, not Paul, not the angels. Why would we want a broker when we could go directly to the one concerned? It just doesn't make sense. That is the main point of the issue and it is sad that you have all blown it out of proportions.

When we die, the Judge will never ask us what religion or denomination we belonged to when we were on earth, He will only search our hearts and see if we have been really faithful, repentant and obedient. It is useless to debate on who or what religion is better - that is a useless waste of time. No religion would grant us tickets to heaven, only repentance and faith in Christ Jesus alone can.

This will be my last email to you, I will no longer respond to your next emails and I do pray that the Lord would also open your eyes to the Truth with regards to this matter. I am saddened by the hostility and attitude, but I would like to graciously consider how these things might have upset you and your friends. As a sinner saved by grace, who am I not to accord the same grace to my fellowmen?

Jesus Christ admonished in John 5: 39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

______________________________

HERE IS MY ANSWER:

Okay... Let's get down to the basics shall we, Father?

****** OK LET’S GO DOWN TO THE BASIC. THANK YOU FOR LEADING OUR DISCUSSION TO THE BASIC.

First off, Ephesians 1: 15-23 says:

Eph 1:15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

**** FAITH and LOVE toward ALL THE SAINTS. It sounds very Catholic to me.

Eph 1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

**** St. Paul is praying for other people. He is interceding for them. It sounds very Catholic to me.

Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

**** The Spirit of Wisdom and of Revelation is given to ‘you’ to the believers... to the Church and NOT TO THE BIBLE ALONE.

Eph 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

**** Those who will know are the actual persons and not the Bible Alone. It sounds very Catholic once again.

Eph 1:19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

**** The might of God is working in the believers in the Church. NO SOLA SCRIPTURA here.

Eph 1:20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

*** Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. In Catholic Theology it means that Jesus is equal in Majesty and Power with the Father. IT IS STATED IN CATHOLIC CREED: “HE IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER.”

Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

**** JESUS IS ABOVE ALL AUTHORITY. THIS IS ALSO DECLARED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. EVERY MASS WE PROCLAIM: “YOU ALONE ARE THE HOLY ONE, YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD, YOU ALONE ARE THE MOST HIGH JESUS CHRIST!”

Eph 1:22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

*** JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. It is THE CHURCH mentioned here not the Bible. Of course the Bible is an authority being THE WORD OF GOD but IT IS NOT THE ONLY AUTHORITY. THE CHURCH IS ALSO AN AUTHORITY BECAUSE IT IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH.

INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING SOLA SCRIPTURA IT SUPPORTED OUR POSITION. IMAGINE, JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. TO REJECT THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH IS TO REJECT THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS THE HEAD. This passage backfired on you.

Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

**** THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST! THE SCRIPTURES IS THE WORD OF GOD! BOTH ARE AUTHORITIES. IT IS NOT BIBLE ALONE.

vv 21 is clear, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

**** YES, WE BELIEVE THAT. WE NEVER STATED THAT THERE IS AN AUTHORITY HIGHER THAN JESUS. SO, JUST LIKE THE USE OF SCRIPTURES OF YOUR HUSBAND IN THE FACEBOOK YOUR USE OF SCRIPTURES HERE IS ERRONEOUS AND OUT OF THE TOPIC.

DID WE CLAIM THAT THERE IS AN AUTHORITY HIGHER THAN JESUS? STOP PRESUPPOSING WHAT WE DO NOT TEACH. YOU ARE ATTACKING YOUR OWN IMAGINED DOCTRINE NOT WHAT WE ACTUALLY TEACH.

Also, Colossians says further: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

**** That is why we REJECT SOLA SCRIPTURA. IT IS AN EMPTY AND DECEITFUL DOCTRINE AND PHILOSOPHY INVENTED BY LUTHER. IT IS HUMAN TRADITION.

ALSO, READ AGAIN THAT TEXT FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS: "Jesus is the head of all rule and authority." WHAT IS THAT AUTHORITY? THE CHURCH.

THE AUTHORITY OF SOLA SCRIPTURA IS NOT FROM JESUS, NOT FROM THE APOSTLES, NOT FROM THE CHURCH AND NOT FROM THE BIBLE. Got it? IT’S FROM LUTHER!

So, who is the authority above all? God, right?

**** RIGHT! GOD IS ABOVE ALL.

JESUS IS GOD AND JESUS IS ABOVE ALL.

JESUS DIDN’T TEACH SOLA SCRIPTURA. JESUS BUILT THE CHURCH AND THROUGH THE APOSTLES JESUS GAVE US THE SCRIPTURES. SO BOTH THE CHURCH AND THE SCRIPTURES ARE GOD-GIVEN, BOTH ARE AUTHORITIES. THERE IS NO SOLA SCRIPTURA FROM JESUS OUR GOD.

Next, if God is the authority above all, how do we know His will, His commandments, His statutes? God does not talk to us anymore, He no longer walks with us the way He did before the fall of man.

**** THROUGH THE CHURCH THAT HE FOUNDED AND THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES HIS FOLLOWERS HAD LEFT US! THE CHURCH AND THE BIBLE! DUAL AUTHORITY! NOT BIBLE ALONE. BECAUSE AFTER JESUS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN THERE WAS NO NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES YET. THE WORD OF GOD WAS PREACHED ORALLY BY THE CHURCH FOR SEVERAL DECADES.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

**** WE ACCEPT THAT ALL SCRIPTURES ARE GOD-BREATHED BUT ST. PAUL DOESN’T SAY "BECAUSE IT IS GOD BREATHED THEREFORE THE SCRIPTURES IS THE ONLY AUTHORITY." THERE IS NO SOLA SCRIPTURA THERE. BESIDES, THE BREATH OF GOD IS GIVEN NOT TO THE SCRIPTURES ALONE. THE BREATH OF GOD IS ALSO GIVEN TO OTHERS IF YOU DON’T KNOW:

Genesis 2:7 (New International Version) "The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."

And,

John 20:21-23 (New International Version) "21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

IN GENESIS 2:7 ADAM WAS GOD-BREATHED. BUT NO PROPHET EVER INVENTED A DOGMA OF ‘ADAM ALONE’ OR 'MAN ALONE'. NO DOCTRINE OF SOLO HOMO. NEITHER PATRIARCHS NOR PROPHETS INVENTED SUCH A HERESY AS YOU ARE EMBRACING.

IN JOHN 20:21-23 JESUS BREATHED THE APOSTLES. SO THE APOSTLES ARE GOD-BREATHED. YET, THEY NEVER INVENTED A DOCTRINE OF ‘SOLI APOSTOLI’ OR ‘THE APOSTLES ALONE’. THE APOSTLES DIDN'T INVENT A HERESY AS YOU ARE UPHOLDING.

YOU SEE, PROVING SOLA SCRIPTURA ON A PASSAGE SAYING THAT THE SCRIPTURES ARE GOD-BREATHED IS A PATHETIC EFFORT TO PROVE THE OBVIOUS POINT THAT IT IS UNBIBLICAL AND UN-APOSTOLIC AND NOT TAUGHT BY GOD AT ALL.

Is there another way God communicates to us today other than Scriptures? None.

***** THERE IS! THROUGH THE CHURCH. THE CHURCH CAME FIRST BEFORE THE BIBLE, JUST LIKE THE PEOPLE OF GOD CAME FIRST BEFORE THE FIRST SCRIPTURES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. SO THE CHURCH IS PRIOR TO THE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES.

THE WORD OF GOD CAN BE PREACHED EVEN WITHOUT THE BIBLE. THE WORD OF GOD IS JESUS PER SE AND NOT THE PUBLISHED BIBLE.

THE ORACLE OF GOD WAS ENTRUSTED TO THE CHURCH AND NOT TO A BOOK. WHEN JESUS SAID “PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS... I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD” JESUS REFERRED TO CONCRETE HUMAN BEINGS COMPRISING THE CHURCH. THE ONE ENTRUSTED OF PREACHING AND TEACHING THE GOSPEL IS THE CHURCH: “YOU” [i.e., personal pronoun] AND NOT A BOOK.

WHERE IS THAT STATED IN THE BIBLE, THAT GOD COMMUNICATES TO US TODAY ‘ONLY’ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES? NONE! ONCE AGAIN YOU ARE MULTIPLYING YOUR INVENTED DOCTRINES.

Now let's not digress from the subject of who is in authority so let's inch back a bit. Romans 13:1 exhorts us to "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." That is also clear, St. Paul admonishes everyone to submit to authorities that have been instituted by God, therefore, it still all boils down to the only authority above all, GOD.

***** ROMANS 13:1 REFERS TO POLITICAL AUTHORITY OR TO ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY AND THEREFORE OUT OF THE TOPIC. And, this verse support us all the more: God being the highest authority also established other minor authorities that must be followed or respected. So, it destroys your claim that the Bible is the only authority. Besides the Bible there is the Authority of the State, of the Father of the Family, of the Head of the Business or Managers, etc.

Again, so if God is the authority above all, how do we know His statutes? Scripture, for it is the only link we have to God.

**** IF GOD IS THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY YOU WILL FOLLOW WHAT HE DECREED IN THE SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 16:18-19 (New International Version) "18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 18:18 (New International Version) 18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

THAT POWER AND AUTHORITY HAD BEEN HANDED BY GOD TO THE CHURCH AND NOT TO THE BIBLE ALONE. GOD DIDN’T SAY: “IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MY WILL READ THE BIBLE ALONE.” IT IS NOT WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE. YOU ARE ONLY RELYING ON YOUR OWN CLAIMS WHICH DOESN’T HAVE ANY FOUNDATION IN THE SCRIPTURES. YOU HAVE INVENTED SUPPOSITIONS THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE BIBLE. For example: “God is the highest authority therefore Bible Alone.” That is downright deceiving and illusory. There is no connection. IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW THE WILL OF GOD, THEN FOLLOW THE CHURCH AND THE BIBLE. NOT THE BIBLE ALONE WHICH IS A HERESY INVENTED BY LUTHER.

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. - Romans 15:4" Paul did not imply any other means to get instructions from or any other authority aside from Scriptures.

**** PAUL DIDN’T SAY ALSO THAT BIBLE ALONE MUST BE AUTHORITY IN FAITH. DON’T IMAGINE WHAT IS NOT THERE. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE TEXT AND DON’T IMAGINE WHAT IS NOT THERE. IT APPLIES TO US CATHOLICS BECAUSE WE ARE FOLLOWING THE SCRIPTURES, BUT WE DO NOT TEACH SOLA SCRIPTURA. THE BIBLE IS AN AUTHORITY BUT NOT THE ONLY AUTHORITY FOR BELIEVERS.

Yes, I will never find the words "sola scriptura" on the Bible, just as I would never find the word "Trinity" there, but it is clear, very clear, that the emphasis is greatly on the sole authority of the bible - it being the Word of God- above all.

***** NOW YOU CATEGORICALLY ADMITTED THAT SOLA SCRIPTURA IS NOT IN THE BIBLE.

THE WORD ‘TRINITY’ WAS COINED NOT BY LUTHER BUT BY EARLY CHRISTIANS. BY CATHOLIC BISHOPS DURING THE EARLY STRUGGLES AGAINST THE ARIAN, THE NESTORIAN, THE DOCETIST AND THE MANICHAEAN HERESIES AND OTHER HERESIES DURING THE 3RD TO 4TH CENTURIES OF THE CHURCH. THE UNIFIED CHRISTENDOM THEN APPROVED THAT TERMINOLOGY AS APPROPRIATE TO EXPRESS THE TRUTH OF FAITH ABOUT OUR ONE GOD WITH THREE DIVINE PERSONS.

THE FACT THAT THE WORD TRINITY IS NOT IN SCRIPTURE AS AGREED UPON BY THE EARLY CHRISTIANS IS THE HISTORICAL PROOF THAT THE EARLY CHRISTIANS ARE NOT SOLA SCRIPTURA PEOPLE. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH BEING THE CONTINUATION OF THAT CHURCH REJECTS SOLA SCRIPTURA BECAUSE OUR EARLY BISHOPS WHOM WE CALLED ‘FATHERS OF THE CHURCH’ NEVER TAUGHT SOLA SCRIPTURA IN THE MANNER GIVEN BY LUTHER AND THE TWO OF YOU.

Sola Scriptura. When my pastor speaks in front of us, I examine the bible and compare his teachings to what the Bible says. If I see something amiss, I approach my pastor and ask, who graciously in turn entertains my question and if he sees that something he said was indeed amiss, he apologizes and goes about correcting his mistake. Why? Because my pastor knows he is fallible. Because he knows that only the Word of God is inerrant. Why? Because it is what every Christian must do, to be like the Bereans meditating Scriptures day and night and examining to see if human teachings are in line with it. (Acts 17)

**** HA, HA, HA... YOU ARE ROMANTICIZING THE FACTS ON SOLA SCRIPTURA.

I KNOW OF TWO BAPTIST PASTORS WHO DISAGREED AMONG THEMSELVES. SINCE THEY CANNOT AGREE THE SECOND PASTOR SEPARATED HIMSELF AND HIS FOLLOWERS AND FORMED A ‘REFORMED’ GROUP. THAT IS WHY THERE IS A MENNONITE BAPTISTS, REFORMED BAPTISTS, CALVINIST BAPTISTS, NEW ERA BAPTISTS. THE BAPTIST CHURCHES AND THE BORN AGAIN CHURCHES ARE DIVIDING AND DIVIDING INTO FACTIONS AS BIBLE INTERPRETATIONS VARY.

AND NOW YOU ARE DEODORIZING IT BY SIMPLY SAYING THAT YOU READ THE BIBLE WHILE YOUR PASTOR IS SPEAKING AND YOU CORRECT HIM AND HE APOLOGIZES IF HE IS MISTAKEN. HA, HA, HA... YOU CAN TELL THAT TO THE MARINES MADAM BUT YOU ARE NOT CREDIBLE ON THAT BECAUSE REALITY IS SELF EVIDENT HOW DIVIDED YOU ARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE PRACTICING SOLA SCRIPTURA.

Jesus Christ in John 5 said this: "If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" Believing includes accepting that only the Word of God is the authority above all authorities.

**** ONCE AGAIN DON’T FORGET THAT BESIDES THE SCRIPTURES THERE IS ALSO THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH UNDER THE GUIDE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

John 16:13 (New International Version) "13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

Matthew 10:40 (New International Version) 40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me."

John 13:20 (New International Version) "20I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

THE LORD JESUS SPEAKS NOT ONLY OF SCRIPTURES BUT ALSO OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH. THE TRUTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT EXCLUSIVELY CONFINED TO THE SCRIPTURES. THE FULLNESS OF TRUTH IS ALSO ENTRUSTED BY JESUS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH, HIS BODY.

THE PROBLEM WITH YOU IS THAT YOU KEEP ON SAYING: WORD OF GOD! BUT YOU ARE NEGLECTING THE BODY OF CHRIST. THE WORD OF THE LORD FLOWS FROM THE BODY OF THE LORD. ONE CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT THE OTHER.

The Bible, contrary to common beliefs is not subject to one's own interpretation. The bible is very straightforward and clear, it all speaks about the Savior Jesus Christ and how man died eternally because of his sins and how faith and belief in Jesus Christ alone saves.

**** THE BIBLE IS NOT SUBJECT TO ONE’S OWN INTERPRETATION. SO WHY DO YOU INTERPRET IT? THE BIBLE DOESN’T TEACH SOLA SCRIPTURA, WHY DID YOU INTERPRET THE PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURES AS TEACHING SOLA SCRIPTURA? You are condemning yourself with your claims, don’t you know that.

YOU ADMITTED TO ME THAT THE BIBLE DOESN’T TEACH SOLA SCRIPTURA. SO WHERE DID YOU GET IT? YOU GOT IT FROM THE PERSONAL INTERPRETATION OF MARTIN LUTHER. LUTHER GOT ANGRY WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SO HE REJECTED CHURCH AUTHORITY AND INVENTED SOLA SCRIPTURA AND NOW YOU ARE ADVOCATING HIS OWN INVENTION.

We are all condemned creatures, Father, and we are all indebted to the Christ who came to seek and save the sinners.

**** I AGREE WITH THAT. WE ARE SINNERS AND ONLY CHRIST CAN SAVE US AND HE DID.

You, me, my husband and everyone else are headed for eternal condemnation - hell - and the only way for us to be saved is we would have faith, repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

**** I AGREE, WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND BY REPENTANCE.

Him alone. No other way but Him.

****** INDEED, JESUS IS THE ONLY LORD AND SAVIOR. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. BUT THE CHURCH IS NOT ANOTHER WAY. IT IS THE BODY OF JESUS SO DON’T SEPARATE IT FROM THE PICTURE.

TO SAY THAT JESUS IS THE ONLY LORD IS TO ACCEPT THE BIBLE AND TO ACCEPT THE CHURCH. THE WORD AND THE BODY OF CHRIST TOGETHER. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS.

Even Christ Himself said that He is the way, He did not say that He is one of the ways, He was specific, He is the way.

**** JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY. HE IS THE WAY, YEAH RIGHT.

Not Mary, not Paul, not the angels.

**** JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR BUT JESUS GAVE US REAL PERSONS WHICH HE HAD PARTICULARLY CHOSEN IN FULFILLING HIS PLAN OF SALVATION. MARY, PAUL AND THE ANGELS ARE PART OF THEM. IF YOU DON’T KNOW THAT IT MEANS YOU ARE IGNORANT OF THE BIBLE.

REJECTING MARY, PAUL AND THE ANGELS BECAUSE JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR IS SATANIC. BECAUSE JESUS GAVE MARY TO US. THE BIBLE CONTAINS MARY AND PAUL AND THE ANGELS. MARY IS NOT INVENTED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, GOD CHOSE HER NOT US. HOW DARE YOU TO REMOVE MARY FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD! YOU AND I ARE NOT IN THE BIBLE BUT MARY IS THERE. IF YOU ARE TRULY SOLA SCRIPTURA FOLLOWER YOU SHOULD HONOR MARY AS SHE IS HONORED IN THE BIBLE.

ABOUT PAUL, YOU KEPT ON QUOTING PAUL AND NOW YOU WILL REJECT PAUL. AFTER USING HIM YOU DISCARD HIM LIKE A JUNK. YOU’VE SAID THAT YOU DON’T LIKE DECEIT AND POLITICS, THAT ACTION IS DECEPTIVE. ONE TIME, YOU ARE LEANING ON PAUL TO SUPPORT YOU AND THEN YOU WILL KICK HIM AS IF A USELESS BEING. THAT IS NOT THE WAY TO TREAT THE BELOVED OF GOD.

AS FOR THE ANGELS, HERE IS FOR YOU:

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. [Psalm 91:11-12]

THAT IS THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION OF ‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’. AS YOU CAN SEE THERE ‘WORD FOR WORD’: GOD GAVE ANGELS TO HIS BELOVED. FOR WHAT? TO GUARD! THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED GUARDIAN ANGEL. YOU SEE. THAT IS WORD FOR WORD. THAT IS WHAT A BIBLICAL DOCTRINE IS ALL ABOUT. UNLIKE YOUR SOLA SCRIPTURA THAT DOESN’T HAVE AN IOTA OF SUPPORT FROM THE BIBLE.

That passage is not exclusive of Jesus the Son of God because others have been protected by Angels:

Daniel 6:22 (New International Version) 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."

Matthew 18:10 (New International Version) 10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

YOU CAN SAY THAT THEY ARE MERELY SENT BY GOD AND THEREFORE NOT WORTHY OF HUMAN HONOR. EXCUSE ME BUT THAT IS VERY INHUMAN ATTITUDE ON YOUR PART. IF YOU ARE AN ONDOY VICTIM SAVED BY THE SOLDIERS SENT BY AFP. YOU WILL GIVE THANKS NOT ONLY THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF BUT ALSO THE SIMPLE SOLDIER SENT TO HELP YOU.

HUMAN SERVANTS DESERVE GRATITUDE AND THE SPIRITUAL SERVANTS AS WELL.

IF WE WILL REJECT MARY AND PAUL AND THE ANGELS, WE HAVE TO REJECT SEVERAL CHAPTERS AND VERSES IN THE BIBLE.

Why would we want a broker when we could go directly to the one concerned? It just doesn't make sense. That is the main point of the issue and it is sad that you have all blown it out of proportions.

***** BECAUSE THE ONE AND ONLY LORD GAVE US OTHER PERSONS TO LOOK UP TOO. HE GAVE US MARY, PAUL AND THE ANGELS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT JUST LIKE HE GAVE US ABRAHAM, MOSES AND ELIJAH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. TO REJECT THESE GIFTS OF GOD IS AN ACT OF INGRATITUDE.

I BELIEVE GOD MORE THAN YOU AND I BELIEVE THE BIBLE MORE THAN YOU. THAT IS WHY WE FOLLOW THE BIBLE MORE THAN YOU. IF MARY AND PAUL AND THE ANGELS ARE NOT NEEDED WHY DID GOD GIVE THEM TO US IN THE BIBLE?

YOU SEE, YOU ARE TRYING TO BE BIBLICAL BUT IN ACTUALITY YOU ARE PROVING TO ME THAT YOUR POSITION IS UNBIBLICAL.

When we die, the Judge will never ask us what religion or denomination we belonged to when we were on earth,

**** YES. THE SUPREME JUDGE WILL ASK US IF WE GIVE FOOD TO THE HUNGRY AND DRINK TO THE THIRSTY AND CLOTHE TO THE NAKED AND VISITED PRISONERS [cf. Matthew 25:30-25]. THAT IS THE QUESTION. IF RELIGION IS NOT NECESSARY SO THERE IS NO NEED FOR ME TO ABANDON MY CATHOLIC FAITH TO TRANSFER TO YOUR CHURCH INVENTED RECENTLY BY YOUR PASTORS.

He will only search our hearts and see if we have been really faithful, repentant and obedient. It is useless to debate on who or what religion is better - that is a useless waste of time. No religion would grant us tickets to heaven, only repentance and faith in Christ Jesus alone can.

***** THAT IS WHY CATHOLICS MUST NOT BE FOOLS IN JOINING YOUR NEWLY INVENTED RELIGIONS. THEY MUST REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE CHURCH BUILT BY JESUS. AND WE SHOULD REJECT THE HERESY OF SOLA SCRIPTURA.

This will be my last email to you, I will no longer respond to your next emails and I do pray that the Lord would also open your eyes to the Truth with regards to this matter. I am saddened by the hostility and attitude, but I would like to graciously consider how these things might have upset you and your friends. As a sinner saved by grace, who am I not to accord the same grace to my fellowmen?

**** RESPECT IS EARNED MADAM. IF ONE SOWS HOSTILITY, HE WILL REAP HOSTILITY. CATHOLICS ARE PEACE LOVING PEOPLE AND FOR YEARS WE REFUSE TO DEBATE OR ARGUE WITH THOSE WHO INSULT OUR FAITH. NOW, IT IS TIME FOR US TO RISE AND FACE THE CHALLENGE FAIRLY AND SQUARELY.

SINCE THE BORN AGAIN HAVE CHALLENGED US TO READ THE SCRIPTURES WE READ IT AND NOW WE ARE READY TO SQUARE IT OFF WITH YOUR KIND, CHAPTER BY CHAPTER, VERSE BY VERSE. THE AGE OF BIBLICALLY IGNORANT CATHOLICS ARE OVER.

Jesus Christ admonished in John 5: 39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

**** DEFINITELY WE DO NOT REFUSE TO COME TO JESUS. INSTEAD, YOU REFUSE TO ABANDON THE HERETICAL DOCTRINE OF LUTHER. SOLA SCRIPTURA IS UNBIBLICAL AND UN-APOSTOLIC. FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR SOULS RETURN TO THE TRUE FAITH; ABANDON THE HERESY OF LUTHER.

HAVEN'T YOU NOTICE, THE NAME LUTHER IS ACTUALLY SHORT OF 'LUCIFER'! HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOULS.

AND SO I END THIS EXCHANGE.

In Christ Jesus the Lord,

Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS

Exchange with a Baptist on Sola Scriptura, Part 2

Jesus built the Church and entrust its authority to St. Peter

H. C. September 30 at 7:46am

WHO IS THE HUMAN PERSON WHO INVENTED THE PROTESTANT DOGMA OF SOLA SCRIPTURA?

Luther did not "invent" it, FATHER, he studied Scripture and saw that only the Bible is infallible, thus sola scriptura which means "for Luther, the sola of Sola Scriptura was inseparably related to the Scriptures’ unique inerrancy. It was because popes could and did err and because councils could and did err that Luther came to realize the supremacy of Scripture. Luther did not despise church authority nor did he repudiate church councils as having no value. His praise of the Council of Nicea is noteworthy. Luther and the Reformers did not mean by Sola Scriptura that the Bible is the only authority in the church. Rather, they meant that the Bible is the only infallible authority in the church. Paul Althaus summarizes the train of Luther’s thought by saying:

We may trust unconditionally only in the Word of God and not in the teaching of the fathers; for the teachers of the Church can err."

You are taking it all out of context, Father. Luther's sola scriptura is very clear, would you say that the "authorities in the church" are infallible? You, as a priest, would you claim infallibility? Only the Word of God is inerrant therefore, whatever you or the Pope or the Council says must be according to Scriptures. I will not even begin to question the many, many other unbiblical practices of the Catholic church, I will just leave that all to you and pray that the Lord would be merciful and gracious even more to those who are disobedient and unbelieving.

When W. corrected Ms. N.'s statement regarding the angels, he was presenting to her the Scriptures. He showed all of you verses from the Bible that would back up his claim that we can not pray to angels because only Jesus Christ is the mediator, but what did you and your friends do? You all ganged up on him and when he left the thread you all gloated, is that "Christ-like", Father? You throw insults around just as easily as any other individual on the streets would do and I am aghast. I grew up in the Catholic Church, my uncle has been serving as a priest for decades (even before you were born, I assume), my whole family are devout, I dined with priests and laymen many times over, I have discussed theology with parish priests and asked them good, honest theological questions which led to light debates, BUT NEVER, never have I experienced the same treatment you accorded my husband ever before. What was it that you said again, "is unworthy of a Christian"? Yeah, I may also say the same to you, Father, may I not?

I'm sorry that I had to write you privately, I do not belong to Ms. N.'s circle of friends on FaceBook so there is no way I could join in your "fun adventure" on that thread. I would have loved to ask more questions, exchange ideas and be friends Father, but then, your above letter only shows that my efforts to reach out are in vain.

In Christ,

Mrs. C.

_____________________________________

Mrs. C.,

LET ME RESPOND TO YOUR LETTER PIECE BY PIECE BECAUSE I’VE NOTICED THAT YOU ANSWERED ONLY THE LAST PORTION OF MY LETTER AND THE REST YOU COMPLETELY IGNORED.

[Luther did not "invent" it, FATHER, he studied Scripture and saw that only the Bible is infallible, thus sola scriptura which means "for Luther, the sola of Sola Scriptura was inseparably related to the Scriptures’ unique inerrancy.]

Who says that Luther did not ‘INVENT’ Sola Scriptura? You, Mrs. C.? If that doctrine is not taught explicitly, categorically and clearly in the Bible by Sola Scriptura standard that doctrine is humanly invented. And you already gave the INVENTOR: MARTIN LUTHER who is like you a former Catholic. By Church standard he is a heretic.

So, you cannot give a direct teaching of Jesus and the Apostles to support Sola Scriptura and then you are relying on the teaching of Luther. Imagine, for 1500 years no Christian upheld Sola Scriptura suddenly there is this person who presented a Dogma which is not given by the Bible itself and yet you believe him. Amazing. A Bible Alone teaching that is not in the Bible. Very nice. That is an example of what the Bible say: “Be careful of another gospel not coming from us.” It fits there exactly.

[It was because popes could and did err and because councils could and did err that Luther came to realize the supremacy of Scripture.]

Good Lord... what kind of reasoning is that. How about Luther? Did Luther commit errors? How sure are you that his INVENTED DOGMA SOLA SCRIPTURA is not in error when you cannot give a Biblical citation for it? If you are using the capacity to err of the Church leaders why did you transfer your belief to someone who is also capable of the same error. How about you and W. are you free of errors? Why do I have to leave the Church founded by Jesus to join a newly established fellowship like the one you have?

WHY DID THE REFORMED BAPTIST REFORMED? BECAUSE THERE WERE ERRORS IN THE PREVIOUS. IS THE REFORMED BAPTIST FREE FROM ERROR? NO. PROOF: SOLA SCRIPTURA IS UNBIBLICAL!

The Lord Jesus didn’t say: “Because you can commit mistakes I WILL NOT BUILD THE CHURCH. And the gates of hell shall prevail over it.” O no, that is not the Biblical teaching. St. Paul knows that St. Peter and he, himself, can commit mistakes and had lots of errors but he still declared: THE CHURCH AS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF TRUTH.

St. Paul didn’t say: “Because we can err therefore we follow Bible Alone... We must practice Sola Scriptura.” Excuse me Madam, such kind of reasoning and conclusion is UNBIBLICAL AND NON APOSTOLIC AND UN CHRISTOLOGICAL.

[ Luther did not despise church authority nor did he repudiate church councils as having no value.]

He did! Virtually and practically he rejected the Church Authority. By teaching Sola Scriptura he declared himself his own Pope and Bishop. He INVENTED A NEW DOGMA so he is equal to an Apostle or even Christ Himself. That is unacceptable. The authority of a Church Council is no longer necessary because it is Me and the Bible Alone.

In Sola Scriptura, the Authority is not the Bible BUT THE PERSON WHO READS IT. It is becoming ME and the Bible Alone. Every person who reads the Bible becomes an Independent Authority, a Pope of himself. That is the reason why Protestants are multiplying into various sects and fellowships with so many Pastors founding their own churches and religions. Each is becoming a ‘Christ’ of his own congregation.

Every one of them claims Sola Scriptura yet their Bibles failed to unite them in One Church and in One Faith.

What is striking is the claim that: .“Religion is not necessary for Salvation.” Even though we agree on the statement, with the Protestants it appears self-deceiving because they have religion and they keep on inventing one. After establishing one they record it at the Security and Exchage Commission as a Corporation and then they will preach: “Religion is not necessary for Salvation... so leave your Catholic Church and transfer to the one I founded.” Very clever, isn’t?

[His praise of the Council of Nicea is noteworthy.]

The Council of Nicaea is the gathering of Catholic Bishops in order to teach the truth of faith against heresy – the heresy of Arius. The Catholic Church is calling for a Church Council, which is the gathering of Bishops from all over the world, in order to decide on matters of faith and morals and to protect the faith from heresies. Just like what the Apostles did in Jerusalem as narrated in Acts 15.

Did you ever ask yourself why your churches failed to call a Church council? You haven’t called one and you never had one. Only the Catholic Church practices a Universal Council of Bishops that can teach with definite authority on matters of faith and morals.

[Luther and the Reformers did not mean by Sola Scriptura that the Bible is the only authority in the church. Rather, they meant that the Bible is the only infallible authority in the church.]

WHERE IS THAT IN THE BIBLE? IT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE? That is the point.

When St. Paul was not believed by the Judaizers he went to the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem and they gathered in a Council. They didn’t employ Sola Scriptura to settle the election for the replacement of Judas Iscariot, the election of Deacons, the Baptism of Pagans, the declaration of Non-Necessity of Circumcision for Gentile Christians, etc.

Sola Scriptura is NOT given in Scripture. Why do you have to impose Sola Scriptura on yourselves, your faithful and on us when the Bible, the Lord Jesus, the Apostles and the early Christians didn’t believe and practice it? YOU ARE IMPOSING LUTHER’S HERESY ON US. And that is foul. You want us to accept an invented heresy.

[Paul Althaus summarizes the train of Luther’s thought by saying:We may trust unconditionally only in the Word of God and not in the teaching of the fathers; for the teachers of the Church can err."]

If you are upholding Sola Scriptura YOU MUST QUOTE THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE. Not Luther! And definitely NOT PAUL ALTHAUS. Where is Sola Scriptura in the Bible? Where, where, where???

[You are taking it all out of context, Father.]

I have taken your position in full context: SOLA SCRIPTURA = BIBLE ALONE IS THE INFALLIBLE AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH.

That is the context and that is what you mean. Is that right or wrong? Did I get it right or wrong? If it is right, Where is Sola Scriptura in the Bible?

[Luther's sola scriptura is very clear, would you say that the "authorities in the church" are infallible?]

Where can you find in the Bible that “Authorities in the Church” are NOT Infallible? Where?

Matthew 18:18 (New International Version) 18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be[a]bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

The authority has been given to the Church ALSO and NOT TO THE BIBLE ALONE. The personal pronoun ‘You’ there refers to human persons and not to King James Version or to New International Version or the English Standard Version of the Bible that your husband quoted in the Facebook.

Your mistake is rooted in the fact that you erroneously interpret Infalliblity with incapacity to commit mistakes. Paul committed mistakes but God gave him the authority to preach correctly and even to write his New Testament Epistles with grace of Infallibility. And so did for Peter, James, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Jude and all Biblical authors.

[You, as a priest, would you claim infallibility? ]

I am not referring to myself but to the CHURCH AUTHORITY. And, it is not me who says it but the Bible: THE CHURCH IS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF TRUTH. That is not my statement. This is the testimony of THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD. Your Sola Scriptura, on the other hand, is based only on the Invention of Luther as interpreted by Paul Athaus and preached by you and your husband.

I believe St. Paul of Tarsus rather than Luther and Paul Althaus combined.

[Only the Word of God is inerrant therefore, whatever you or the Pope or the Council says must be according to Scriptures.]

Where is that in the Bible? Where is it stated in the Bible that ONLY THE BIBLE IS INERRANT? Where? Where? Where? You are multiplying your claims without Biblical support.

[ I will not even begin to question the many, many other unbiblical practices of the Catholic church, I will just leave that all to you and pray that the Lord would be merciful and gracious even more to those who are disobedient and unbelieving.]

We are ready to questions your Unbiblical practices and pray to the Benevolent Lord to have mercy on your souls for falling into the heresy of Luther and his kind.

Speaking of disobedient, it is obvious in this discussion who among us is following the Bible and who is following a HUMAN TRADITION. You are at the side of a humanly invented doctrine. If you have Biblical support for your claim you should have thrown it on us right from the start. You have nothing to bank on and then you will turn the table on us. What kind of Christianity is that? A Bible Alone that doesn’t have a Bible support.

[When W. corrected Ms. N.'s statement regarding the angels, he was presenting to her the Scriptures. ]

Really? I asked W. to give me a Bible passage prohibiting communications with Angels and he didn’t give one. Instead these are what the Bible gave us about Angels-Humans encounters:

Zechariah talked to Angel Gabriel and so did Mary of Nazareth.

The parents of Samson did, Abraham did, Jacob even wrestled with an angel.

The Angels communicated with the Shepherds in announcing the Birth of Jesus and they communicated again to the women during the Resurrection of Jesus.

Then another commenter sent this:

If you don't talk to angels, then you forgot this verse from your dearly loved Bible:"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."(Hebrew 13:2) Beware of accepting strangers, you might be talking to angels. ;-)" How will you answer that?

Where is it in the Bible? Where is it in the Bible that it is prohibited to communicate with Angels?

[He showed all of you verses from the Bible that would back up his claim that we can not pray to angels because only Jesus Christ is the mediator, but what did you and your friends do? You all ganged up on him and when he left the thread you all gloated, is that "Christ-like", Father?]

Gloated? Bro. R. simply said: “Good defense of the faith, father.” And I answered with: “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Is that gloating for you? What do you want us to do, to bow to the personal opinion of your husband which is a distortion of Sacred Scriptures?

Jesus is the Only Mediator! That is right! DID MS. N. CLAIM THAT ANGELS ARE MEDIATORS? NO! So, his use of Scripture is out of touch with reality. He was using a verse that is not denied and now you claim that we deny or violate that passage of Scripture.

[You throw insults around just as easily as any other individual on the streets would do and I am aghast.]

What insults? I simply questioned your husband’s use of Biblical passages and examined his claims with logical reasoning. I didn’t attack the person of your husband. I refuted his claims and the doctrines that he was presenting and dismantled his interpretations of the Bible verses he used.

[I grew up in the Catholic Church, my uncle has been serving as a priest for decades (even before you were born, I assume), my whole family are devout, I dined with priests and laymen many times over, I have discussed theology with parish priests and asked them good, honest theological questions which led to light debates, BUT NEVER, never have I experienced the same treatment you accorded my husband ever before. What was it that you said again, "is unworthy of a Christian"? Yeah, I may also say the same to you, Father, may I not?]

Your relative and friend priests just like the ordinary Catholics for years prefer to deal with Born Again and the anti-Catholic tirades with kid gloves. We usually say, “O let’s not debate. We are brothers.” Instead of treating us with respect, the anti-Catholics intensified their attacks on our faith and successfully deceived and lured into heresies some of us who are not solid in Faith. Now, it’s time for us Catholics to respond to anti-Catholic tirades in a language understandable to them. It is time for Catholics to question the claims of these Born Again and anti-Catholics. “Unworthy of a Christian”. Why did I use that? Because Ms. N. doesn’t attack your faith and your husband suddenly ganged on her. Ms. N. didn’t attack your faith. She didn’t post a statement that is offensive to people of other faith. If your husband doesn’t like what she posted he could have let it pass. Instead he bombarded her with comments to the point that she is already being accused of presenting another Gospel, etc. Every knowledgeable Catholics must defend the faith when it is attack. It is a moral responsibility on our part.

[I'm sorry that I had to write you privately, I do not belong to Ms. N.'s circle of friends on FaceBook so there is no way I could join in your "fun adventure" on that thread.]

Do you think this is ‘fun adventure’ for us? We were busy helping in the relief efforts for the victims of the floods when your husband fired his tirades on Ms. N.’s account. We would have been happier focusing on that; instead of finding time answering anti-Catholic remarks on Facebook.

[I would have loved to ask more questions, exchange ideas and be friends Father, but then, your above letter only shows that my efforts to reach out are in vain.]

If you mean by friendship I will just bow my head to you and say yes to your claims I’m sorry for that. But, if you mean by friendship we will have an honest exchange of ideas wherein you can question me and I will answer and I will question you as well then we can have a fruitful and meaningful friendship.

If your friends and relatives priests do not answer you directly this way then you should find more time with the one who respond to you fairly and squarely.

In Christ the Lord,

Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS

Exchange with a Baptist on Sola Scriptura, Part 1

The Gutenberg Bible

Hello Father,

I am Mr. W.C.'s wife, I saw your tirade on facebook and I am shocked to see a Catholic priest behave in such a way. I understand your anger, I too was once a Catholic who defended the Catholic faith with burning passion. I thought I would kill for my religion if needed. But I was blinded by the lies, deceit and politics of Catholicism.

I have many questions for you, but for now may I just ask you one? If Sola Scriptura is unbiblical, what gives you the authority to such claim? If the Bible is not the only authority, what makes you say that the other authorities you claim to be authorities too alongside the bible are indeed authorities? Who gave them the authority to become authorities?I think that is a fairly simple question and I hope to receive a fairly simple and polite response from you as well.

Sincerely,

Mrs. H.C.

Hello Mrs. C.,

I think before you refer to my refutation of your husband's comments you should also look at the tirades he made on a very simple devotional statement made by Ms. C.N. He claimed that the lady presents a different Gospel. His attacks on the Catholic Faith on that Facebook account especially uncalled for is unworthy of a Christian. I simply refuted his claims.

Now, if you thought you would kill for your religion then you were not properly immersed yourself in the Catholic Faith. Because it is never the teaching of the Church to kill for our faith unless it is for a just war or for self-defence or for last resort.

“I understand your anger...” You do not understand it at all because I’m not angry at your husband but I am angry at the way he treated a lady, Ms. N., who meant no harm and suddenly accused of presenting a different Gospel which she never did.

“But I was blinded by the lies, deceit and politics of Catholicism.” I think this is a product of your own delusions rather than the truth of what the Catholic Church really is. Please give me the name of your affiliated religion and I can easily list down their own laundry of so-called lies, deceit and politics.... for instance of the Baptist Churches.

Now to answer your questions:

If Sola Scriptura is unbiblical, what gives you the authority to such claim?

1. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS WHO NEVER TAUGHT AND PRACTICE SOLA SCRIPTURA. Will you please give me a chapter and verse where Jesus teach and practice Sola Scriptura. Explicit and Categorical citation please.

2. THE AUTHORITY OF THE APOSTLES WHO NEVER TAUGHT SOLA SCRIPTURA. Please be so kind to tell me who among the Apostles taught and practice Sola Scriptura.

3. THE CONTRADICTION OF YOUR CLAIM FOR SOLA SCRIPTURA. If the Bible Alone is the sole authority then the Bible must state it Clearly, Categorically, Explicitly. But none of that sort. It means your position is self-defeating. The Bible itself crushes Sola Scriptura.

If the Bible is not the only authority, what makes you say that the other authorities you claim to be authorities too alongside the bible are indeed authorities?

It is indeed an authority because:

1. JESUS ESTABLISHED AND FOUNDED IT: THE CHURCH and

2. ST. PAUL CLEARLY, CATEGORICALLY AND EXPLICITLY REFERRED TO IT AS “THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF TRUTH” [1 Timothy 3:15]. If Sola Scriptura is a truth of faith St. Paul should have stated: “THE BIBLE ALONE IS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF TRUTH”.

Who gave them the authority to become authorities?

1. The One who gave the Authority to the CHURCH is JESUS. The Lord Jesus founded the Church. Will you deny that Authority?

2. St. Paul says that the Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth. Will you deny that statement?

3. St. Paul says that the Church is THE BODY OF CHRIST. So, the Bible is the Word of God while the Church is the Body of the Lord. If the Word of Jesus is an Authority, is His Body also an Authority or not?

Now, I have an additional question for you. WHO IS THE HUMAN PERSON WHO INVENTED THE PROTESTANT DOGMA OF SOLA SCRIPTURA?

Indeed, your questions are simple and I have given simple answers to your simple questions. I hope you will also give me simple answers to my simple questions.

I hope this letter will not appear impolite for you. Because if non Catholics feel it their obligation to question the Catholic faith, it is also our pleasure to answer and to question your faith as well. It would have been better if you posted on that same link so that the readers will see if you can really prove from the Bible your Dogma of Sola Scriptura.

In Christ Jesus,

Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS